One of the topics that we’re asked most about is invitation etiquette. This is such a delicate subject and so hard to navigate these roads without upsetting Emily Post. Though technology has absolutely changed the etiquette trends and has updated what is now considered socially acceptable. We thought we’d give you some pointers as you prepare to design and address your invites!
Composing the Invites:
Traditional wedding invitations are issued by the brides’ parents based on the old tradition of “giving away” the bride. Often couples now host their own nuptials.
Formal:
Mr. and Mrs. Harold James Phillips
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Julia Helen
to
Mr. John Christopher Haysworth
Saturday, the twenty-second of June
at seven o’clock
Delille Cellars
Woodinville, Washington
Less Formal:
Together with their families
Julia Helen
and
John Christopher Haysworth
invite you to celebrate their marriage….
Photo: Sarah Carpenter Photography // Stationery: Letter Love Studio
Addressing the Invites:
Married Couple:
Mr. and Mrs. Conrad J. King
Married Couple with Different Last Names (alphabetically)
Ms. Sarah L. Achenbach
Mr. Conrad King
Unmarried Couple Living Together (alphabetically)
Mrs. Sarah L. Achenbach
Mr. Conrad King
Other tips:
- Always write legibly. Consider hiring a calligrapher.
- Names are written in full on the outer envelope.
- Do not use nicknames or initials.
- Include middle names if known.
- Write out the word “and”.
- The complete address is spelled out including the state.
- RSVP is not included on invitation to ceremony only.
- Messages are never handwritten on an invitation.
- An Officer’s rank precedes the name; branch of service on line below.
- Dr. is an academic title and is only used in academic settings. The use of Doctor on wedding invitations is reserved for medical doctors and ministers.
- It is not considered proper to exclude children on your invitation by printing “no children” or “adults only”; if the invitation is not addressed to them, they are not invited.
- Children over 18 receive their own invitation.
- Kids names go on a second line and use only their first names.
Photo: Meggie Taylor Photography // Stationery: Sarah Ann Designs
Wedding Suite includes:
- Invite
- Reply card with a pre-stamped envelope
- Outer envelope
- For more formal weddings an inner envelope is included.
Save the Dates:
- Great way to communicate as much information as possible to guests.
- Include “Formal Invitation to Follow”
- Include wedding website
- Send these 6-9 months before the wedding.
Photo: Kerry Jeanne Photography // Stationery: Seniman Calligraphy
Don’t forget to mail your invitations 6-8 weeks prior to your wedding! We also always encourage couples to bring a copy of their invitation to their wedding so you can get a beautiful photo of all your hard work!
Have more questions? Feel free to contact us or your local stationer/calligrapher.
