Is It Still Appropriate to Send Wedding Announcements?

Q: My mom wants me to send announcements to relatives who weren't invited to our wedding, but I've never gotten one? Is it appropriate to do so?

A: "It's less common in this age of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, but popping announcements in the mail after the fact is still the polite way to let people know that you got hitched," says senior editor Julie Vadnal. It's more personal than an e-mail blast and a nice idea to reach out to those relatives and acquaintances who weren't on the guest list but would want to be informed of your marriage. Mailed announcements, which can be as simple as a handwritten note or as formal as a printed card, are also a great way to spread the word if you eloped or had a very small gathering. And in case you were wondering, anyone who gets one is in no way obligated to send a gift.

Ideally, you'd mail these the day after your wedding; if you're leaving for your honeymoon right away, have them stamped and ready to go, and ask a pal to drop them in the postbox for you. If that's not possible, send them out within three months of the red-letter date, before the happy news becomes old news.