INVITATION ETIQUETTE

By now you probably already know how complicated planning a wedding can be.   However, you may be surprised to find that writing and addressing your invitations is one of the most difficult tasks.  Invitation etiquette is serious business (especially if you are planning a traditional wedding).  There are strict rules that must be adhered to.  The following list contains some of the most important considerations.  Your invitation supplier can be of further assistance to you.

• Traditionally, invitations are issued in the name of the bride's parents.  If the bride's parents are divorced, typically the name of only one parent will appear on the invitation.  If the divorced parent who is sponsoring the wedding is remarried, the step-parents name can go on the first line followed by his/her daughter's to indicate relationship.  When only one parent is living, the invitations are usually issued in his or her name alone.  If both parents are deceased, the bride's guardian, a close relative, or a family friend can sponsor the wedding.   These situations, and others not mentioned here, all call for special attention.   For more information visit our invitation example page or contact your invitation supplier.

• EVERY guest should receive an invitation.  Even siblings living in the same house as the bride or the groom.

• Names should be written in full - no initials, nicknames, or abbreviations (except Mr./ Mrs. / Ms. / Dr.)

• Invitations can be addressed by hand using black ink.  However. use of computer generated address labels is becoming a more frequent option. They can be printed out on a using the same type font and size for each guest.  Besides, it saves a lot of time if you save the file and go back later to print out the names and addresses for the Thank You cards.

• Reply request cards should always be pre-stamped for your guests.

• For a religious ceremony the phrase "the honour of your presence is requested" is appropriate.

• For a non-religious ceremony it is customary to use "the pleasure of your company"

• You can use formal spellings for certain words, such as honour and favour, but remember to use these spellings consistently (don't use honor in one place and favour in another - pick one style or the other).

• You may show the reception information in the lower left corner of the invitation, rather than using a separate reception card.

• The outside envelope should display the full names of the guests.  For example, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Alan Parker for a married couple or Ms. Jennifer Amy Bradshaw for a single female.

• When sending an invitation to an unmarried couple living together, you may address one invitation to both people, or send two separate invitations.

• The phrase "and family" should not be used.   Children's names should be listed below their parents names on the inside envelope.

• The inside envelope should only display the last name.   For example, Mr. and Mrs. Parker.

• Numbers, including the ceremony date, time, and any numbers in short addresses, should be written out such as June, Twenty Sixth Two Thousand and Four.

• Invitations should be mailed six weeks in advance.

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