There are so many things that you have to know about wedding etiquette. And it’s not just about pleasing the conservative members of both sides’ families but about giving respect to all the people that you’re inviting to your special day. Here are the top seven rules that you should know about wedding invitation etiquette.
1. Invitational Line
Tradition dictates that the parents of the bride issue the wedding invitations, as they are the ones paying for and hosting the event. Since this is the case, the names of the bride’s parents should appear on the first line in the wedding invite. Mr. and Mrs. is staple for the names of the brides’ parents. But in some situations, they can be written down in separate lines like if the mother chose to keep her maiden name or the parents are divorced. For these cases, the mother’s name should come first, followed by the father’s name. Also, if the bride and groom are getting married for the second time, they should be the ones issuing the invite. This means their names go on the first line.
2. Request Line
For ceremonies to be held in a house of worship such as a church, temple or synagogue, the recommended line to use is “request the honor of your presence.” Something less formal such as “request the pleasure of your company” or “invites you to be part of this joyous occasion” are appropriate for ceremonies outside religious settings.
3. Date, Year and Time
If you want to go with tradition, you need to have the date line written out in full (e.g. fifth of February, two thousands and twelve, five in the afternoon). Skip out numerals and abbreviations. The year line is optional but it’s not improper if you prefer to include it.
4. Location Lines
Common sense and not etiquette dictates that the location be included in the invitation. Where do people go if you don’t tell them where the wedding is, right? Address is necessary if the wedding location is not common knowledge. Don’t use any abbreviations. Zip code may be added but it’s not required.
5. No Children
Are you thinking of not allowing children in your wedding? If yes, remember that it’s not proper to say in the invitation that children are not welcome. It’s better to have this shared by word of mouth before your big day comes. However, modern wedding invitations can include the phrase “adult only reception” in the reception card.
6. Attire
The assumption is that if the event is taking place in a house of worship or in the evening, then it’s a Black Tie affair. If it’s not going to be held under these circumstances or if you wish to have another type of attire, then be sure to indicate that in the wedding invite.
7. Gift Registry
Conservative guests will frown upon the inclusion of gift registry information in your wedding invitation. It’s like you’re asking something in return for their attendance. It’s best to spread the info about this through word of mouth.
These etiquette rules help ensure that you get everything right when it comes to the wedding invitation.