Today we're sharing wedding invitation ettiquette tips from the wise and talented Amy Morelli of 2U Collection, a luxury invitation designer based in Orlando, FL. This super helpful post will assist every bride in wording her invitations, addressing them properly, and calling everyone by the right name!
Over the years I have had many brides ask me specific questions about Wedding Stationary Etiquette. So today is all about etiquette, keep in mind some of the information below is how I do things here at The 2u Collection and Paper Couture Stationery. Some of these "rules" have been modified to what I've found works best over the years, so in researching etiquette you may find different rules. What I've found over the years is that it is mostly personal preference how you handle some of these things. And I could write on etiquette for pages and pages, so with that in mind I tried to create a brief overview of the main items and the questions I get asked the most.
With the current days of online invitations, eblasts, wedding websites, etc. it is easy to understand why there would be so many questions. Well instead of having to thumb through Emily Post’s Etiquette, I would like to help clear up some of the do’s and don’t’s of the world of wedding invitations.
The main goal of the wedding invitation is to let your guests know the who, what, when, and where of the event. It will also serve to express the formality and tone of the event through the complexity, color, fonts, and design of the invitation. Once the invitation has successfully accomplished the 4 W’s the last step is to ensure that they are addressed and delivered with the proper courtesy! Keep in mind the Save the Date or Invitation is the first introduction your guests have to your spectacular event. It's a window into the Tone and Design of the event, and a great opportunity to start a BUZZ about your wedding. So, it's always best to WOW them, so they are excited and looking forward to the unveiling to come.
When to send the invitation:
Typically 2 months before your wedding date. The standard is 6 weeks before, but depending on travel, location of wedding and whether or not Save the Dates were sent is what will determine just how many weeks before your event you send your invitations.
What are the proper Formal Social Titles?
Mr. - Formal Male Title
Ms. - Formal Female Title, for divorcée or over 40 single woman
Mrs. - Formal Title for Married Females
Miss - Formal Title for Unmarried Females under 40 years old
How to address your invitations:
Standard - Mr. And Mrs. John Smith
One has a Professional Title - Doctor Jane Smith and Mr. John Smith
Both have a Professional Title - Doctor Jane Smith and Doctor John Smith or The Drs. John and Jane Smith
Miss Jane Smith
Unmarried Female - Miss Jane Smith or Ms. Jane Smith
Divorced Female - Ms. Jane Jones
Widowed Female - Mrs. Jane Smith or Mrs. John Smith
Under 16 - Only list parents name on the outer envelope and list the children's name on the inner envelope. For example: Jason and Brittany.
Over 16 - Get their own invitation! Addressed: Miss Brittany Smith or Mr. Jason Smith
When to use an Inner and Outer Envelope:
Typically, we usually only use an outer mailing envelope, but if you are having a very formal or traditional event, then you will want to have both an inner and outer envelope, it gives an heir of sophistication and implies formality.
How to word the invitation depending on who is paying for the wedding:
Example when Brides Parents are paying:
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the honor of your presence at the marriage of
their daughter Jennifer Michelle to
Mr. James Joseph Clark
on Saturday, the sixth of November Two Thousand Eleven
at two o’clock in the afternoon
at Little Chapel
Example when Groom’s Parents are paying:
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Clark request the honor of your presence at the marriage of Miss Jennifer Michelle Smith to their son Mr. James Joseph Smith
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the honor of your presence at the marriage of
their daughter Jennifer Michelle to Mr. James Clark son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Clark
When the Bride and Groom are paying:
The honor of your presence is requested at the marriage of Miss Jennifer Michelle Smith and Mr. James Joseph Clark
Miss Jennifer Michelle and Mr. James Joseph Clark together with their parents request the honor of your presence
Tomorrow's post is all about wedding websites. See you then!
are easy to find and create a beautiful ambiance. Place them on your guest tables, in lounge areas, or hang them inside of tents. 