Who first, and when
Elders and close family first, and by phone or in person where that is the custom. Then the wider list on WhatsApp. For a large wedding send three to four weeks before; for a Mehndi or Dholki a week or two is enough. Send a short reminder to the people who have not replied about a week before your deadline.
Write a short message of your own
A line with the guest’s name and the link feels like an invitation; a bare forward feels like an advert. For example:
Example message
Assalam o Alaikum Aunty,
We would love to have you with us at Ayesha and Hamza’s wedding. The invitation is here: [link]. Please open it and tell us if you can come.
Use one link, not many attachments
One link means one place for the date, venue, map, programme and RSVP. If a venue changes, fix it once. For guests who will not open a link, a picture of the card with a QR code works in family groups and status.
Do not spam groups
- Send to people, not to a giant group where it will be buried.
- Use personal links so each family sees their own name and functions.
- Follow up once, kindly, and then call the people who matter.
Questions people ask
Can I see who has opened the invitation?
With personal guest links you can see when each family opened their invitation and what they replied.
Is it rude to invite on WhatsApp?
For close elders, a call or a visit is still best. For most guests, a personal WhatsApp message with a good invitation link is now the normal way.
See it on your own phone
Build your card, preview it privately and decide afterwards. Nothing goes online and nobody else can see it during the free trial.