Wedding Invitation Wording Etiquette

Wedding invitations speak volumes of your creativity and the honest effort put in the inviting of family and friends. It also establishes an impression in the invitees mind, about the style and functionality, and an idea about how the atmosphere would be like on the occasion. Therefore, you must be definitely looking forward to send all the right signals and make your guests feel welcome. Most of this is achieved in the use or selection of the words for a wedding card. While every wedding is different and special for the concerned people, there is a certain etiquette for invitation wordings, that can help you convey your feelings in the best possible manner. Before making and sending out wedding cards and invitations, one should know about wedding etiquette. This will help in sending that 'perfect' invitation every couple dreams about!

Wording Etiquette

Use complete forms of date, names and titles, for instance, a doctor must be addressed as a 'doctor' followed by his or her last name in complete letters. The host's name should be mentioned in the beginning. Mention the parents just below the name of the bride and the groom, if the marrying couple is hosting the wedding. Mention the names of the parents in the beginning if they are hosting the ceremony, starting with the bride's parents. Avoid using R.S.V.P. or P.S. and similar such abbreviations. Make a list of all the general guidelines you wish to include in your invitation.

Addressing Etiquette

The most essential thing to understand is not to fret too much about getting the exact words. If you have a collection of wedding cards or you get a chance to browse through many of these, you will notice the most pleasing ones are not necessarily the most articulate ones. The idea of an invitation is to make a personalized request or an invitation to share a momentous occasion. In your quest to make a perfect card, the originality shouldn't be compromised. Humans usually accept others and cherish their company only if they accept others limitations. In fact, that adds an element of sincerity to your card. Therefore, present words with a hint of originality.

It is a good practice to include a separate invitation card if the venue for the reception and the wedding ceremony are different. You can enclose a small card along with the invitation for the ceremony, stating the venue and the time of the reception. Be precise in your wedding reception invitations, and tag them along with the ceremony invitations. Finally, if your guest list varies for both these occasions, ensure right cards are mailed to the concerned people or you might end up embarrassing yourself and the guests!

If the person is a really close relative or a best friend, it is okay if you address them by their pet name or the way you always refer to them. Granny or sissy is acceptable usage, provided they are really close to you and would love the personalization.

If you want the guests to dress formally for the occasion, include a black tie sign in the corner on the lower side. Never have preconceived notions that since your party is in the evening, or in the presence of dignitaries, your guests will all turn up wearing formal attire.

'Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Family', is not a desirable way of addressing a family. If the children are not living with their parents or over eighteen years of age, make an effort to send them individually addressed cards. If the family has children less than eighteen years, make a cheerful mention like, 'Little Miss Smith'.

Always send invitations 7-8 weeks before the wedding day and avoid any last moment forgetting and omissions or unnecessary fuss.

The most important tip is to remember that a wedding card is a card for a personal occasion and when it comes to personal events, the host knows the best. While these etiquette are important, don't forget to be simple, original, and creative. This will ensure that you end up with the perfect wedding invitation.