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Spring is officially here. Woot! Most couples like you are deep into wedding planning, and our wedding team here is just as busy printing and producing wedding invites. Wedding invite season is upon us! There's no better time than now for a refresh on wedding invitation etiquette.
Engaged couples like you are have a lot of much creative freedom to infuse any and all types of unique flair into wedding day planning. From save the dates to wedding invites and reception items, there are so many ways to add your custom touch and showcase your personality in your wedding stationery. It's the era of Pinterest and Insty weddings, which we so love! But we all like to be polite, right? Here are 5 of the most popular wedding invitation etiquette topics our wedding team overhears from couples like you.
1. What is the basic wording that my invitation must have?
Every invitation should have: who {is hosting} and who is {getting married}, when {time & date}, and where {ceremony location}. Traditionally, if a couple marries in a house of worship, wording reads: "request the honor" and "favor of a reply" on the RSVP card. Words, dates and numbers are typically spelled out, and the only abbreviations are for titles like "Mr." and "Mrs." Punctuation is typically found only in the time, date, or in the location. See more wording examples here.
Bride's parents host:
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Frank Johnson
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Anna Evelyn
to
Mr. Jacob Michael Lund
Saturday, the twenty-third of July two thousand twenty
at five o'clock
Grace Fellowship Church
Osceola, Wisconsin
Dinner and dancing to follow
Both families host:
Together with their families
Anna Evelyn
&
Jacob Michael
invite you to celebrate
their wedding
Saturday, the twenty-third of July two thousand twenty
at five o'clock
Grace Fellowship Church
Osceola, Wisconsin
Dinner and dancing to follow
Couple hosts:
Anna
&
Jacob
request the pleasure of your
company as they celebrate
their marriage
No host noted:
Please join us for the wedding of
Anna
&
Jacob
2. Is it okay to print "No Children" or "Adults Only" on my Wedding Invitations?
That exact wording, the quick answer is no. Deciding whether to invite children to your wedding is one of the most difficult guest list questions! If the numbers are climbing beyond your budget or your style of event just isn’t fit for little ones, it's okay to say so on your invite in a polite and tactful manner. It is becoming more and more mainstream to have adults-only receptions, and more than likely your friends and family will understand. The exact wording "No Children" or "Adults Only" can come off a bit abrasive and could offend recipients. Here are a few tactful ways to let your guests know:
- “Please join us for an adult reception at seven o’clock.”
- “Please note this will be an adults-only celebration.”
- “Adult (18 and older) reception to follow.”
- “We respectfully request no children under 16 at the reception.”
You can also communicate your wishes for an "adult only" event by properly addressing your invitation envelope to those who are specifically invited or pre-writing the number of attendees invited on the RSVPs.
If your wedding website is receiving online RSVPs, you can also pre-type in the names of adult guests invited as a way to note the "Adults Only" celebration.
3. Can I include my registry or gift information on my printed wedding invitations?
No. Even though most guests bring gifts, it is considered poor etiquette to include that on your invitation—even if the gifts are intended for charity or if you're requesting no presents at all. And definitely do not ask for cash in place of gifts! Have your family and wedding party spread the word rather, or include a link to your registry on the wedding website you note in your invites. Remember, gifts are never to be required. Including gift "directions" on your invite could send the wrong message to your guests and make them think you’re expecting them to bring a present beyond their presence. Keep it classy.
4. Should I take the time to find out the titles, relationships, and names of all my guests?
Absolutely, yes! Details matter. When an envelope arrives properly addressed and correctly spelled, it speaks volumes about your attention to detail. Not only that, it's thoughtful and respectful to try to include the professional titles and learn the full names of all your guests. Keep all this information on a spreadsheet to keep yourself organized {and to use if you want address printing services!}. Here are some other great guidelines to follow as you address your envelopes.
5. Should I print out sticky labels to guest address my Wedding InvitationsPlease, no! While sticky labels are tempting and seem like the easy thing to do, an envelope with a handwritten or neatly printed address lends a special touch and is still considered proper etiquette.
MagnetStreet actually offers recipient and return address printing services, with dozens of full-color envelope designs to pick from. Just upload your information and your guests' contact information, and we'll print the addresses for you. {Additional fee applies.}
Or if you have a friend with stellar calligraphy skills, by all means invite her/him over or a few hours of addressing and stuffing envelopes! Just say "no" to sticky guest address labels. Might we add, return address labels (and seals) tastefully printed to match your Wedding Invitations are definitely okay to use.
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