So, the time has come to send out your save the dates, letting guests know when your big day will take place. Perhaps you’ve done your research and know exactly what to write on your save the dates. But have you considered designing save the dates with a QR code? Wedding QR codes are becoming an increasingly popular addition to wedding stationery, offering an easy way to share information with guests, improve their experience and streamline the RSVP process.
These small scannable barcodes offer a modern twist on traditional paper save the date cards, invitations and RSVPs, directing guests to the wedding website, registry or calendar, where they can fulfill whichever action you need them to. So whether you’re a soon-to-be-married couple or a wedding planner, here’s how to create a save the date with a QR code.
What is a wedding QR code?
A QR code (short for Quick Response code) is a barcode that can be scanned using a smartphone camera. Once scanned, the QR code directs users to a specific destination, such as a website, digital survey, map location or social media account. You can use a QR code generator to create a customized code that takes guests to whichever digital destination you need them to visit.
QR codes are especially useful for weddings. They direct guests to a wedding website, where they can find all the essential details about your big day. RSVP QR codes are also a popular tool for collecting attendance responses. Wedding QR codes can also link to a gift registry or video message.
Benefits of using QR codes on wedding stationery
Adding a QR code to your save the date is an easy and practical way to provide guests with quick access to important wedding information without overcrowding the card design. But why stop at save the dates? QR codes can also be added to wedding invitations and RSVP cards, making the entire process more efficient and convenient for you and your guests.
Source: Wedding RSVP card with a QR code via VistaPrint
Incorporating a QR code into your wedding stationery offers several benefits:
- Access to information: QR codes on save the dates give guests important information via the wedding website before the main invitations are sent out.
- Combine physical with digital: QR codes are the perfect way to balance traditional printed wedding stationery with a wedding website and other digital tools.
- Convenience: Guests can easily scan the QR code to complete actions, making it more likely that they’ll visit your wedding website, browse your registry and RSVP on time.
- Eco-friendly: Directing guests to online resources reduces the need for extra printed materials, making your wedding more sustainable.
- Space efficiency: QR codes allow you to provide wedding details in one place that don’t fit on paper stationery, such as travel information, accommodation options or a schedule of events.
Source: Wedding invitation suite that includes an RSVP card with a QR code via VistaPrint
How to create a wedding QR code step-by-step
Follow these three easy steps to create a save the date with a QR code, which you can apply to other wedding stationery.
Step 1: Design your stationery
First, choose a save the date template that fits your wedding theme and color palette. Then make sure that your designs can easily accommodate a QR code without disrupting the overall aesthetic.
Source: Floral-themed save the date card via VistaPrint
Source: Beach-themed save the date card via VistaPrint
Step 2: Generate your QR code
Next, generate your QR code using a free tool like VistaPrint’s QR code generator. All you need to do is paste the URL you want the code to direct guests to—this could be a website, location or social media page—then click “Generate QR code.” When generating your code, carefully consider the web page or content it will link to. Popular options include a wedding website, RSVP page, map pin and video message to guests.
Source: Generate a QR code via VistaPrint
Step 3: Incorporate the QR code into your design
Once you have created your QR code, it’s time to integrate it into your wedding stationery design. Consider the color, size and placement carefully. The code should be large enough that it’s easy to scan but not so large that it completely overshadows the other design elements.
Source: Wedding RSVP card with a QR code via VistaPrint
Additional uses for wedding QR codes
QR codes aren’t just for save the date cards. They can be used throughout your wedding journey to make the process easier for you and your guests and to streamline communications. Consider using them on:
- Wedding invitations: Direct guests to your wedding website, where they can find all the details about your big day.
- Enclosure cards: Help guests to book accommodation or find the venue location on a map.
- RSVP cards: Link the QR code directly to your RSVP form, making it quick and easy for guests to digitally confirm their attendance.
- Wedding programs: Provide guests with access to the ceremony schedule, readings or song lyrics.
- Itineraries: Provide detailed information for multi-day events or destination weddings.
- Menu cards: Allow guests to view the menu or learn more about the dishes being served.
- Thank you cards: Share a video from your wedding day or a message of gratitude.
- Seating plans: Help guests find where they’re sitting with a quick scan.
- Signage: Direct guests to where they need to go at the ceremony and reception with a QR code.
Source: Wedding signage via VistaPrint
Creative ideas for using QR codes on wedding stationery
Because QR codes are so versatile, you can get creative with how you use them on your wedding stationery. Here are a few ideas:
- Calendar link: A QR code on a save the date can direct guests to their iCal or Google calendar, allowing them to quickly save your wedding date digitally in their calendar.
- Gift registry: Include a link to your gift registry, making it simple for guests to browse your thoughtfully selected gift ideas.
- Video message: Surprise your guests with a personalized video message they can view by scanning the QR code. One way to do this is to link a private social media post.
- Mood board: Direct guests to a mood board with the wedding theme so they know what the vibe of the day will be.
- Dress code: Similarly, a QR code can provide visual inspiration for how guests should dress.
- Map location pin: Help guests find your wedding venue with a QR code on the wedding invitation.
- Digital wishing well: Create a digital wishing well where guests can leave messages or contribute to your honeymoon fund.
- Charity donation: If you’d like guests to contribute to a cause instead of giving gifts, use the QR code to link to a charity donation page.
- Virtual photo album: Direct guests to a virtual photo album where they can share and view photos from the wedding.
Source: Add a QR code to your custom wedding invitation via VistaPrint
Tips for using wedding QR codes
To make the most of your wedding QR code, here are some best practices to keep in mind.
Design considerations
Make sure that the QR code is clearly visible and doesn’t clash with other design elements. Choose a contrasting color for the barcode that stands out from the background to make scanning easier.
Size and placement
The QR code should be at least 1 x 1 inch to be easily scannable. Place it in a spot where guests are likely to see it. However, if you don’t want the QR code to dominate, position it in the corner or on the back of the card.
Source: Wedding RSVP card with a QR code via VistaPrint
Testing
Before printing your wedding stationery, test the QR code with different smartphones to make sure that it scans easily and directs to the correct URL. This step is important as it will help you to avoid any issues when guests use it.
Guest experience
Consider how familiar your guests are likely to be with technology. For those less tech-savvy, include clear instructions on how to use the QR code, and type out your wedding website address as a backup in case anyone would prefer to access it manually.
Source: Wedding RSVP card with a QR code via VistaPrint
Want to add a QR code to your wedding stationery?
When planning your wedding, adding a QR code to your save the date cards and other wedding stationery is a modern and efficient way to share important information with your guests. Not only does it streamline the RSVP process, but it also allows you to provide extra details without overcrowding the card design.
Wedding QR code FAQs
Where can I generate a QR code?
VistaPrint’s free QR generator allows you to create a unique QR code in seconds.
Can I customize the look of my QR code to match my wedding theme?
Yes, when you generate your QR code, you can customize the color and design to match your wedding theme. Just check that the code is still scannable by testing it before printing. You can always order a free sample kit to see and test the physical QR in situ.
What type of information can I link to with a QR code?
You can link to different types of web and social media pages using a URL, including wedding websites, gift registries, map locations, video messages and digital wishing wells.
How do I make sure my QR code is scannable?
To guarantee that your QR code is scannable, keep it at an appropriate size (at least 1 x 1 inch), avoid placing it on textured or highly patterned backgrounds and test it with different devices before you make a print order.
What if some of my guests aren’t familiar with QR codes?
For guests who may not be familiar with QR codes, consider including a brief explanation or instructions for how to scan the code. You can also provide an alternative option, such as a direct URL, to make sure that everyone can access the information—especially guests who might not have a smartphone.
