The wedding invitation etiquette rules aren’t that complicated. The rules are much simpler and straightforward. The most important rule is that you should create a beautiful wedding invitation that represents you, your love and your big day.
All wedding invitations should include the following elements:
- Name of the host
- The request to come to the wedding
- The names of the bride and groom
- The date and time
- Venue
- Wedding/Reception information
- Dress code
- Separate RSVP card
WEDDING INVITATION DOS
- Do be consistent with wording. If you want to use the formal wedding invitation wording, then be consistent throughout all the pieces of your invitation, response card, reception card, etc..
- Do list the bride’s name first. Etiquette states that the bride’s name should appear first in the wedding invitation wording.
- Try to choose invitation colors that match your wedding colors. The wording on most wedding invitations can be customized to fit your specific color choices.
- Try something different. There are so many invitation styles to choose from such as foil wedding invitations and seal and send invitations.
- You can include map cards or offer directions on your wedding website.
- Use online RSVPs. You can also include a phone number. Please feel free to use both an online RSVP service and response cards.
- You need to be diligent about recording responses. Please make sure to record the responses right away or have a safe place to set all response cards until you have time to record them.
- Keep an invitation as a keepsake.
WEDDING INVITATION DON’TS
- Don’t mention registry info.
- Don’t list “no children” on the invitation.
- Don’t use more than two fonts.
- Don’t mention pre- or post-wedding events.
- Don’t forget to verify addresses in Google Maps.
- Don’t forget to stamp the response cards. It is a simple courtesy to your guests. It makes responding easier, which means you may receive more responses in a more timely fashion.
- Don’t forget to include meal choices. The caterer needs this information if you’re having a plated meal at your reception. If you’re offering a buffet meal, this wording is not necessary.
- Don’t set the RSVP Date too close to the wedding date. It needs at least three weeks between the RSVP date and the wedding date to contact late responders and give vendors a final guest count.
- Don’t be vague about who is invited.
- Don’t skip ordering extra invitations and envelopes.