The Etiquette of Wedding Invitations
Wedding invitations can set the tone and style of a wedding. The wedding invitations also indicate how formal the occasion will be. Selecting just the right wording and stationery for the wedding invitation are important decisions. Wedding invitation etiquette helps to clarify what the wedding invitation should include. A wedding invitation should state the following:
- Who is getting married
- Who is hosting or giving the wedding
- The date
- The time
- The location
Wedding etiquette should not be thought of as a list of rigid rules. A knowledge of wedding etiquette is simply knowing, or being aware of, how to deal with different situations in a practical and useful manner.
Examples of Wedding Invitations
Below are examples of the traditional wording for wedding invitations. There are also examples of wording for different types of situations or circumstances that a bride and groom any encounter. Your stationer or printer can help with the wording of the wedding invitation.
Traditional – Formal Wedding Invitations
Sample wedding invitation where bride's parents are hosting the wedding
Mr. And Mrs. Ethan Robertson
Request The Honour Of Your Presence
At The Marriage Of Their Daughter
Elizabeth Ann
To
Jason Anderson
Saturday, The Third Of March
Two Thousand And Seven
At Six O'Clock
St. Marks Church
1201 Grant Avenue
Jackson, Tennessee
Reception Afterward At
The Fair Oaks Club
3300 East Springs Road
Jackson, Tennessee
Information concerning the reception can be included in the wedding invitation or may be a separate reception enclosure card. The reception invitation may ask for a reply using one of the following: The favour of a reply is requested, RSVP, R.S.V.P. or R.s.v.P.
Wedding invitation when bridegroom's family hosts the wedding
Mr. And Mrs. Michael David Anderson
Request The Honor Of Your Presence
At The Marriage Of
Elizabeth Ann Robertson
To Their Son
Jason Anderson
Saturday, The Third Of May
( etc. – see above example)
Wedding invitation sample when both sets of parents are hosting the wedding
Mr. And Mrs. Jorge Hernandez
And
Mr. And Mrs. Blake Harrison
Request The Pleasure Of Your Company
At The Marriage Of Their Children
Rosa Marie
And
Steven Patrick
Friday, The Eighth Of August
(etc.)
Wedding invitation when divorced parents host the wedding together
Mr. And Mrs. Thomas Henderson
And
Mr. And Mrs. Alfred Gardener
Request the Honor Of Your Presence
At The Marriage Of Their Daughter
Kimberly Gardener
(etc.)
Wedding invitation for couples hosting their own wedding
Ms. Sarah Jane Simpson
And
Mr. Phillip Andrew Parker
Request The Honor Of Your Presence
At Their Marriage
Friday, The Second Of February
(etc.)
Unique Wedding Invitations
Same Sex Wedding Invitations
Wedding invitation sample for same sex unions hosted by couples
The Honor Of Your Presence
Is Requested
At The Commitment Ceremony Of
Jackson Talbot
And
Robert Brandon
Saturday, The First Of February
Wedding invitation sample for same sex unions hosted by both sets of parents
Mr. And Mrs. Marvin Wilson
And
Mr. And Mrs. Charles Gaines
Request The Honor Of Your Presence
At The Affirmation Ceremony Of Their Daughters
Stephanie Catherine Wilson
And
Janet Gaines
Friday, The Fifteenth Of June
(etc.)
Informal Wedding Invitations
Informal wedding invitation sample when bride's parents host wedding
Mr. And Mrs. Andre St. Clair
Would Be Honored
To Have You Share In The Joy
Of The Marriage Of Our Daughter
Michele Elizabeth
To
Charles Edward Adams
(etc.)
Informal wedding invitation when hosted by couple
Amanda Kramer and Steven Myer
Invite You To Join In The celebration Of Their Union
(etc.)
Whether you decide upon traditional wedding invitations or unique wedding invitations, many experts recommend, if possible, selecting your wedding invitations five to six months in advance. This allows plenty of time to review the many options of invitations, decide upon the wording, have them printed and check for mistakes. You may want to visit a few stationery stores to see the different styles and the price ranges of the invitations. After you have selected the style for your wedding invitations and are ready to place an order, be certain to:
- Get the sales contract in writing.
- Proof-read the invitation before placing the order.
- Proof-read the invitation upon the arrival of the order.
- Make sure to get in writing, the vendor's liability for any type of printing mistake.
- Ascertain a price for any extra orders.
Wedding invitations are traditionally sent four to six weeks before the wedding, and in some cases, six to eight weeks.
Do you need invitations for your wedding? Vendors in Wedding and Party Network's Invitations and Stationery department will help you find just the right wedding invitations.
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Tags: Contemporary Wedding, Invitation Wording, Same Sex Marriage, Traditional Wedding, Wedding Etiquette, Wedding Invitations