What is Proper Etiquette for Sending Wedding Invitations?
Following the proper etiquette for sending invitations will help you navigate the labyrinth of wedding planning. You should keep two things in mind regarding wedding invitations: the details and the timing.
Why It’s Important to Know the Etiquette
Your guests will have the information they need when you follow proper etiquette for addressing wedding invitations. They need sufficient time to make plans. Some might need to find a babysitter. Others will have to arrange travel.
It’s best to send invites out around two months before the date to ensure your guests are able to make suitable accommodations. The proper etiquette is three months in advance if you are having a destination wedding.
Clear Instructions
Your RSVP instructions should be clear regardless of how you send the invitations. Include a card for the guest’s reply and a stamped and addressed envelope with each invite. If you can’t find someone’s address, don’t fret – there are easy ways to look up an address.
The card should list a response deadline, usually two or three weeks before the wedding date. This is the sufficient lead time to give an accurate guest number to your catering service.
If you send invites online, include an email, phone number, or a URL where your guests can reply. List the name of the person in charge of managing responses if it’s not going to be you.
Avoid Misinformation
The information must be provided in a clear and succinct manner. If the invites contain misinformation, even the most beautiful layouts will go to waste. As a bare minimum, include the names of the bride and groom, the time and date of the wedding, the place of the ceremony and reception, and the dress code.
If you want to share information about accommodations, parking, or directions, it also belongs on the invite. It helps avoid questions from guests as the big day approaches. This information can be included on an additional card insert. You can even create a website for your wedding.
Your wedding’s details are more likely to be remembered if the invitation is clear and concise. What’s more, simplicity keeps it from appearing cluttered and crammed with information.
Avoid Abbreviations
In the formal invitation, spell each word out. Directions and words like apartment, street, road, boulevard, and avenue should be spelled out. So should state names. This simple rule should be followed even for informal weddings.
Dress Code
Your guests should know what to expect regarding dress code and attire. You could provide this information at or near the bottom of the wedding invitation. The guests will assume the formality level based on how formal your invite looks if you do not mention the requested attire. Common dress codes at weddings include a white or black tie, optional black tie, semi-formal, cocktail attire, or casual attire.
Add a link to your wedding website if you prefer not to include the requested attire on the invite. This way, you can let guests know about additional details of the wedding venue or location.
The Proper Address
The approach to addressing invites is an integral part of etiquette. The address is the first thing they will see. For example, address single women under 21 as Miss and single women over 21 as Ms.
Addresses are among the most commonly mistaken factors, although they seem simple to manage. Use people’s full names if possible. If you don’t know someone’s middle name, don’t abbreviate it; simply omit it.
Children at the Wedding?
If you don’t want children to attend, mention it in the invite. If you only address the parents, it will suggest children aren’t invited. You can also mention “adults-only” somewhere.
If anyone includes their children’s names in the reply, tell them the event is adults-only. Do this as soon as possible.
Adding Registry Details
Avoid including these if your wedding is formal. You can send a separate note. If it’s more casual, include a registry link to your invitation.
Attendance Should be an Honor
When it comes to the proper invitation etiquette, it’s all about details and timing. Your guests will appreciate your efforts and feel their attendance of your wedding is desired.