Invitation: Etiquette

THE DO's AND DONT's

If you are planning to have a personalized (Do-it-yourself) wedding invitation, this may also you guide on how to do proper addressing, use the right wordings and create a one-of-a-kind paper ensemble for your awaited event.

Wedding invitations follow certain etiquettes. However, there is no definitive rule.

Wedding invitations may be very formal. They can also be bold, daring and unique. In the end, it is the couple that chooses what the style of their invitation will be.

For truly formal events, there are certain rules of etiquette that are observed when writing an invitation. For less formal situations you can be more creative. Here are some things to remember when you're composing a formal invitation:

• Write out names in full, including middle names. Omit a middle name if necessary, rather than using an initial.
• It's appropriate to use the British spelling for "honour" and "favour", unless you prefer to use the American spelling of these words.
• Spell out all words, including the hour, the date and the year. Spell out all words in the address, including Street, Road and Avenue. The two exceptions to this rule in an address are Saint (St.) and Mount (Mt.)
• Use Roman numerals in names, rather than "the third" or "3rd."
• According to wedding etiquette, you should send your invitations six weeks prior to your wedding. For oversees guests, you might want to consider sending invitations earlier to allow for time to make travel arrangements etc.
• Spend time compiling your guest list to ensure that you have not overlooked anyone. It is courtesy to include those you know cannot attend the wedding on your invitation list.
• Although it is not necessary to send reply cards with your invites, it is becoming increasingly common to do so. It is not tradition to stamp your RSVP cards, although it can have the advantage that you will receive replies faster.
• Always ensure that invites sent to widows and widowers give the person the option of bringing along a guest to your wedding.
• If you are inviting children below 18 years to your wedding, their names should not be written on the envelope. It is best to put “Mr. and Mrs. [Husbands name] and Family” on the envelope and include first names on the invite.
• When addressing an invite envelope, use the formal option e.g. “Mr. and Mrs. [Husbands name] and address the invite inside to your guest’s first names if appropriate to do so.
• To word your invitation, generally the invite is issued by those paying for the wedding e.g. “[Brides name & Grooms name] request the pleasure of the company of…” if the Bride and Groom are paying for the wedding themselves, or “Mr. & Mrs. [Husbands name] request the pleasure of the company of…” if the Bride’s parents are paying for the wedding, and so on.
• In situations where Brides or Grooms parents are separated or divorced, there are various wording options available, depending on particular circumstances.