Wedding Etiquette: 10 Invitation DOs and DON'Ts

Invitation Wedding Etiquette 

The first impression guests get of your wedding day is when they open up the envelopes and get a peek at your invitations. Not only do the invites set the tone and feel of the day to come, but it also lets guests know if your affair will be casual or formal. It's important to project the proper feeling to your guests and the first step to doing that is using proper wedding etiquette.

We've got 10 tips to help get your invites right:

Do:

Invitation by East Six 

1. Send a separate invite to anyone over the age of 18. You may consider your little cousin a kid but if they are over 18 (even if they live with their parents) they are in fact an adult. This means they earn the right of having their own invitation, addressed solely to them.

2. Allow guests for single friends. All adults should receive a plus one, regardless of whether they are not dating someone, living with someone or otherwise. This is a courtesy that should not be overlooked, even if you have budget concerns. If you do not have the room or spending flexibility for additional guests, consider cutting elsewhere.

3. Use formal titles & full names on the outer envelope.  You might not go around calling your newly married friends Mr. and Mrs. or your brother Dr. Michael Smith, but the fact is those are their formal titles and when it comes to formal events, their invitations should reflect the titles they have earned.

4. Include as much information as possible. The more information you provide your guests with, the less questions you will be receiving in the weeks and days before your wedding. Including info such as hotel blocks, directions, and any other necessary info will keep your guests knowledgable and happy.

5. Get creative. This is your chance to give your guests a preview of your wedding. Show them personal style by designing your invitations to include a touch of your wedding decor. Incorporate your wedding colors, monograms and fonts that will be present on the big day, to give them a glimpse of what to expect.

Invitation by Papeterie

Don't:

6. Have an A and B list. Not only is it in poor taste to categorize your friends and family by putting them on a priority and non-priority list, but this system can create chaos when managing your guest list. Waiting on replies to send out additional invitations can be confusing and the delay in receiving invitations may offend some who realize they are on your B list. Instead, create one list with as many guests as you can afford and if there are people you wish to invite still not on the list, then consider these other ways to cut wedding costs, so you can invite them.

7. List registries on wedding invitations. Wedding invitations are not a time to ask for gifts, it is strictly for inviting friends and family to your event. Instead, have your close family and friends spread the word to guests who inquire. If you are having a bridal shower this is the place where can include your registry information. Or, you can create a wedding website to also share this information.

8. Forget to put stamps on the RSVP envelopes. The response of guests is required by you and therefore the expense of the replies becomes the responsibility of the bride and groom. Make sure you include a stamp already affixed to the RSVP envelope before closing up your outer envelopes. Also, be sure to have your return address printed on it so guests do not have to scramble to find your address which may delay their reply.

9. Don't forget to send out Save-The-Date cards. If you want to give your guests extra time to plan to attend your wedding you will want to send out save-the-dates at least 3 to 4 months in advance. If you are having a destination wedding or getting married on a holiday weekend, you will want to give guests 6-8 months notice prior. All of your guests will appreciate the extra time to plan and it will increase the number of guests likely to attend your event.

10. Get overwhelmed. Invites should go out 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding, so give yourself plenty of time for ordering and organizing. You will need time to address, compile, and stamp everything before putting them in the mail. Also, make sure to set your RSVP deadline at least 2 weeks in advance of the wedding or according to any timelines your caterer gives you for ordering food.

For more wedding etiquette and bridal trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com

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