As your wedding day approaches, you'll need to think about wedding invitation etiquette and what is most appropriate for the tone of your wedding. Below you'll find some examples for formal and casual invitations and how to implement the correct timing in order to receive the most responses. On average, invitations should be sent three months prior to your wedding date. Perhaps the best way to establish this time is to look at your reception and/or caterer final confirmation requirements. Typically, six weeks beforehand is a good estimate. Allowing four weeks for guests to respond is good etiquette both for your wedding vendors and for your guests.
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FORMAL WEDDING INVITATION ETIQUETTE |
-Write full names, including middle names. Omit middle name in lieu of an initial. |
- Spell out all wording on the invitation such as hour, date and year. |
- Use black ink and a script type font. |
- Envelope writing is typically typed or a calligraphist is used. |
The outer envelope is addressed to the household recipient. Single guests should have their full name spelled, such as Ms. or Miss Jane Doe. Couples should read Mr. and Mrs. John Doe. The same applies for Doctors, Judges, Clergy, or Military guests. |
Inner envelopes define who is invited. A singles' name is spelled Miss Jane Doe and Guest. If you do not wish for them to bring a guest, simply write Miss Jane Doe. A couple spelling omits the first name and read Mr. and Mrs. Doe. If any children living under the same household are over the age of eighteen, they should receive their own invitation. If any children are minors, their names can be listed individually on the inner envelope.
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Formal weddings should always include response cards with adequate pre-paid postage. This ensures the likelihood that your guests will respond. Consider putting an RSVP date to gently remind them that there are people involved in your wedding who need to receive a head count on time.
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CASUAL WEDDING INVITATION ETIQUETTE |
- Use the same outline as above for addressing invitations. |
- Okay to abbreviate hour, date and year. |
- Choose fun colours or funky fonts consistent with your theme. |
- Handwrite your invitations or use a similar fontto address the envelopes. |
- Put an RSVP email address and phone number.
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Maintain two ongoing lists as your response cards come in. This will help you to keep track of who is coming and give you an easy reference for your vendors. |
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