The Etiquette of Wedding Stationery: Dos and Don'ts for Invitation Wording
How's the planning going? At this point, I assume you have all the major things booked - venue, photographer, florist, caterer, yes?
This, friend is where the picture starts to come together.
But you actually need to invite those people right? Planning your wedding is an exciting journey, and choosing the right wording for your invitations is an essential part of that process. It's not just about announcing the date and venue—it's about setting the tone for your special day and making your guests feel truly included in your celebration.
Choosing the Right Words
If your wedding is traditional and timeless, opt for a blend of formal language with a touch of personalization to make your invitations truly yours.
If your wedding is a loud party, show that with the words, colors and fonts that you choose. All of these things convey emotion and tone!
If you're having a more traditional wedding - 'the honor of your presence' is typically used if your ceremony will take place in a house of worship.
On the other hand, 'the pleasure of your company' is used for other wedding venues.
Inclusive Language
In navigating family dynamics, opt for wording that respects and includes everyone. Talk to both of your parents and get a feel for how they want to be addressed (or if they even want to be addressed on the invitation). Pay particular attention to parents that are divorced - who is listed first and if spouses are included may matter a lot to both you and your parents.
Traditionally, anyone who is paying for the wedding is listed by name on the invitation. Generally the more they contribute, the higher up they go. If it's messy and complicated "together with their families' is the safest route to go.
Avoid any potential familial conflicts by being mindful of how you address each of your guests on the mailing envelope including children. Your wedding is a celebration of love and unity, and your invitations should reflect that.
Be Clear and Concise
Clear information about the date, time, and venue is a must. My general thought is to include as little as possible on a details card - the main highlights and then keep most of that on your website. If you give them too much on the card itself, they may not even GO to the website, so you want to dangle that out there so they check everything out.
Also, don't forget to include RSVP information, so your guests know exactly how and when to respond. If you are doing online RSVPs, make sure that is clear:
Kindly respond via our website by
Kindly respond via our website by
October 1, 2024
website
so each of those pieces stands.
Honoring Traditions
If there are particular cultural elements or religious references that are important to you, it's absolutely appropriate to incorporate those in your invitations. Just remember, authenticity is key.
*yes, I can add in Hebrew text!
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!
Get as many eyes on that design as possible! Yes, I've had groom's names spelled incorrectly. Yes, I've had parents insist on a reprint because one parent was listed above another.
But I've also got your back! I have a professional proofreader on staff. She looks through every invitation before it goes to print. She checks to make sure your wedding date is on a Saturday, not Friday . She verifies your url is correct. She googles the venue addresses.
Remember
Remember, your invitations are the first impression your guests will have of your wedding, so ensure they're not just visually stunning, but also a true reflection of you and your partner. If you're feeling overwhelmed, I am here to help. I offer personalized consultation and design services to assist you in creating wedding stationery that is a perfect reflection of your style and story.
When I was planning my own wedding I couldn't find anything that was just right. A lot were almost right, but not quite.
That's where I come in. Semi-custom suites are your friend.
Find one design that speaks to you the most.
Then together we'll make edits to make it uniquely you. That might be adding in a colored envelope or your favorite envelope liner. It could be switching to a new script font or changing the text from all caps to all lower case.
I don't have a limit to the number of revisions I offer, so we'll keep working at it until it's just right. So what are you waiting for? Find your inspo today.
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