Wedding Invitation Etiquette

Wedding invitation etiquette is a set of guidelines that will assist in addressing and managing your wedding invitations. They are only indicative and not always hard and fast rules that must be followed.

Emily Post, the queen of etiquette, wrote the following in his 1922 book, Etiquette:

"It 's difficult to say why the word" etiquette "is so inevitably considered merely a synonym for the word" right "as if it were no longer responding to a fixed sum arithmetic. In fact, it might be well to take out the word" correct "from the roots and replace" common sense "instead. In short, I hope that those whose minds are focused on precise obedience to every precept which they ask, instead," What is the purpose of this rule? It helps to make life more pleasant? Makes the social machine run more smoothly? It does add to the beauty? E 'key to the code of ethics or good taste? If you need any of these purposes, it is a rule to be loved, but if no use is essential, is certainly not worth taking very seriously. "

In other words, when planning your sense of common wedding! Do not spend all your time rubbing on the "correct" way to do it all, just trying to think through the decisions you make and how they will make your guest. An example is when you design a seating chart, be aware of the relationship between the guest seating for six at each table. It is probably not a good idea to include a couple who recently separated at the same table.

In regards to your wedding invitations, you want to give your guests all the information they need to attend your wedding the way you want. You want to send items such as dress code and the inclusion or not of children in a way that is both informative and respectful, not offensive. With today's changing families, you may have a question about including or not including step-parents or both parents in your wedding invitation wording. We've included below many examples of socially acceptable text for many different family situations.

While reading through all the information wedding etiquette invitation, remember what Emily Post says: "... if you need any of these purposes, it is a rule to be loved, but if no use is essential, is certainly not worth taking very seriously ... "Here are some important questions to consider wedding invitation etiquette:

1. When I include a separate invitation to the reception?

When the ceremony and reception will be held in different locations it is advisable to enclose a reception card with your wedding invitation. The card is equipped with a reception open the envelope and give specific information such as location and time of receipt. In addition, if the guest list for the ceremony is larger than that for the reception, you want to enclose a reception card only for those who are invited to both the wedding and reception.

2. How do I properly address the envelope to guest with children?

It is not just etiquette wedding invitation to address envelopes as Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Evans and family. Children over the age of eighteen or living away from home should receive their own invitation. If you do not want to send every child under the age of eighteen years of a race apart, we can write, Miss Annette Evans under the name of the parent. On the inner envelope you can simply write the name of each child under the name of the parent. If you do not want children are invited to the wedding, do not put their names on the invitation. All parents who receive an invitation to them exclusively, not including the name of their children should understand and respect your wishes.

3. Addressing the inner envelope to a close relative.

When addressing the inner envelope of your wedding invitation to relatives who are very dear, feel free to use the name you've always called them as "Aunt Peggy and Uncle Jim" or "Grandma." Although it might be planning an elegant affair, you still want to show your affection for those closest to you.

4. How far in advance of the date are invitations sent to guests?

In general, the rule is to mail an invitation from six to eight weeks before the wedding date. However, if you are inviting many guests who live out of state or are planning your wedding in a season of celebration, like Christmas, you should mail out a couple of weeks ago. This time more will ensure that your guests have plenty of time to organize their travel plans. Now that many airlines and travel agencies offer special travel arrangements to those booking in advance, you might consider sending a "save the date" for your ad on state guests and provide them with the date of Wedding and hotel information three months or more before the wedding.

5. How do I know that my guests that the reception is "black tie"?

In the past, most customers understand that a formal event after six o'clock required the guest to wear formal clothes. However, the standards of today are a bit 'more relaxed and you may need to specify "black tie" on your invitation, if you want your guests to dress accordingly. We suggest inserting the words "Black Tie" in the bottom right of your invitation or wedding reception. Use only the phrase "Black Tie Optional" if you want to give your guests the opportunity to dress formal or smart casual.