A Guide to Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Do's and Don'ts
Congratulations! You're engaged and embarking on the exciting journey of planning your dream wedding. One of the first and most crucial tasks on your to-do list is sending out those all-important wedding invitations. While it may seem like a straightforward process, there are a number of etiquette guidelines to consider to ensure your invitations are both beautiful and thoughtful.
At The Dryden, our mission is to bring joy, stimulate minds, and inspire creativity through our diverse range of publications. Whether you're seeking a challenging puzzle, help with motivation, or a space to jot down your thoughts, we believe in the power of words and the joy of discovering creativity and motivation. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide to wedding invitation etiquette, covering everything from the basics of invitation wording to addressing your envelopes and beyond.
The Basics of Invitation Wording
The wording on your wedding invitations sets the tone for your entire event, so it's important to get it right. Here are some key guidelines to follow:
Who's Hosting?
Traditionally, the invitation is issued in the name of the bride's parents, even if the couple is paying for the wedding themselves. However, modern etiquette allows for a variety of options, including:
- The couple's names only
- The couple's names along with the parents' names
- The parents' names with a line stating "together with their families"
Requesting the Pleasure of Someone's Company
The classic phrasing is "request the honour of your presence," but you can also use "request the pleasure of your company" or simply "invite you to celebrate their marriage."
Ceremony and Reception Details
Be sure to clearly state the date, time, and location of both the ceremony and the reception. If the reception is at a different venue, make that distinction clear.
Dress Code
If you have a specific dress code in mind, such as black tie or cocktail attire, include that information on the invitation.
RSVP Details
Provide clear instructions for guests to RSVP, including a phone number, email address, or website. Include the RSVP deadline as well.
Additional Enclosures
You may also want to include additional enclosures, such as a wedding website card, accommodation information, or a reception card.
Addressing Your Envelopes
The way you address your wedding invitation envelopes is another important etiquette consideration. Here are some tips:
Addressing Couples
For married couples, address the envelope to "Mr. and Mrs. John Doe." For unmarried couples living together, address the envelope to "Ms. Jane Smith and Mr. John Doe."
Addressing Families
For families with children, address the envelope to "The Smith Family." If you're only inviting the parents, address it to "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith."
Addressing Single Guests
For single guests, address the envelope to "Ms. Jane Doe" or "Mr. John Doe."
Addressing Guests with Titles
If a guest has a professional title, such as "Dr." or "The Honorable," be sure to include that on the envelope.
Addressing Envelopes to Guests with the Same Last Name
If two guests with the same last name live at the same address, you can address the envelope to "The Smith Family" or "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith."
Etiquette for Plus-Ones and Children
Deciding who to invite to your wedding can be tricky, especially when it comes to plus-ones and children. Here are some guidelines to follow:
Plus-Ones
If you're able to accommodate plus-ones, be sure to address the envelope accordingly, such as "Mr. John Doe and Guest." If you're not able to offer plus-ones, you can simply address the envelope to the individual guest.
Children
If you're inviting children, address the envelope to "The Smith Family" or "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith and Family." If you're not inviting children, you can address the envelope to the parents only, such as "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith."
Timing and Delivery
The timing of when you send your wedding invitations is also an important etiquette consideration. Here's what you need to know:
When to Send Invitations
Traditionally, wedding invitations are sent out 6-8 weeks before the wedding date. For destination weddings or holiday weekends, you may want to send them out 8-12 weeks in advance.
How to Deliver Invitations
You have a few options for delivering your wedding invitations:
- Mail them through the postal service
- Hand-deliver them to local guests
- Email them for a digital RSVP process
Whichever method you choose, be sure to follow up with guests who haven't RSVP'd by the deadline.
Etiquette for Addressing Envelopes
Addressing your wedding invitation envelopes can be a time-consuming task, but it's an important one. Here are some tips to ensure you're doing it correctly:
Use Formal Titles
When addressing your envelopes, use formal titles like "Mr.," "Mrs.," "Ms.," "Dr.," etc. Avoid using nicknames or informal titles.
Spell Out Names and Addresses
Write out the full names and addresses on your envelopes, rather than using abbreviations or initials.
Use Proper Formatting
Format the address lines correctly, with the recipient's name on the first line, the street address on the second line, and the city, state, and zip code on the third line.
Double-Check for Accuracy
Before sealing and sending your invitations, double-check the spelling of names and addresses to ensure everything is correct.
Etiquette for RSVPs and Follow-Ups
The RSVP process is an important part of wedding invitation etiquette. Here's what you need to know:
RSVP Deadlines
Set a clear RSVP deadline, typically 2-4 weeks before the wedding date. This gives you time to finalize your headcount and seating arrangements.
Follow-Up with Non-Responders
If you don't receive an RSVP from a guest by the deadline, follow up with them politely to get a response.
Handling Late RSVPs
If you do receive late RSVPs, try to accommodate them if possible, but don't feel obligated to do so.
Conclusion
Navigating the etiquette of wedding invitations can be a daunting task, but with these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to sending out invitations that are both beautiful and thoughtful. Remember, the key is to be considerate of your guests and to communicate clearly and effectively throughout the process.
At The Dryden, we're here to support you every step of the way, whether you're seeking inspiration for your invitations or need help with any other aspect of your wedding planning. We believe in the power of words and the joy of discovering creativity, and we're excited to be a part of your special day.
Happy planning!