Crowning Inspiration: Wedding Invitation Wording

The invitation can be one of the most difficult tasks a bride can do. So if you have already ordered yours, take a sigh of relief. But if its still on your to-do list, then this is for you.

The invitation sets the tone of the wedding. You don't have to break the bank on expensive letterpress or exquisite papers. But you don't want to go chipper-cheap (as I call it). Your paper shouldn't be anything less than 100lb. But my rule of thumb is 110lb at least. It should hold well in the hand, nice and firm. And if it doesn't, it will not hold up well in the mail and your guests will receive it with damaged edges or worse yet, creases.

I love the creations from Alicia Foehl of Sophie a Design Boutique.

The wording of your invitation is still very much rooted in etiquette. Its probably the most etiquette-binding formality left of the wedding.

Here are some proper ways to word your invite.

IF THE PARENTS ARE SPLITTING THE COST, VERSION 1

Mark and Mary McDonald & John and Judy Jones

request the honour of your presence

at the marriage of their children

Elizabeth Denise

and

George Michael ...

IF THE PARENTS ARE SPLITTING THE COST, VERSION 2

The families of

Elizabeth Denise McDonald

and

George Michael Jones

request honour of your presence ...

IF THE BRIDE AND GROOM ARE PAYING, VERSION 1

Elizabeth Denise McDonald

daughter of Mark and Mary McDonald

and

George Michael Jones

son of John and Judy Jones

request the honour of your presence ...

IF THE BRIDE AND GROOM ARE PAYING, VERSION 2

Elizabeth Denise McDonald

and

George Michael Jones

together with their families

request the honour of your presence ...

 

IF THE BRIDE’S PARENTS ARE PAYING

Mark and Mary McDonald

request the honor of your presence

at the marriage of their daughter

Elizabeth Denise
to

George Michael Jones

son of John and Judy Jones ...

IF THE GROOM’S PARENTS ARE PAYING

John and Judy Jones

request the honour of your presence

at the marriage of their son

George Michael

to

Elizabeth Denise McDonald
daughter of Mark and Mary McDonald ...

 

IF THE BRIDE AND GROOM AND BOTH SETS OF PARENTS ARE SPLITTING THE COST

Together with their families

Elizabeth Denise McDonald

and

George Michael Jones

request the honour of your presence ...

 

These versions are taking into account that there are no divorces, deceased parents, etc. If that is the case, then a few more rules apply. Also notice that I spelled "honour" in the traditional old English, which is preferred for formal invitations.

For questions about your wedding invitations, feel free to email me!

Crowning Inspiration

It used to be that anything other than white or ecru for your

Wedding Invitation was nouvelle vague.

Here's a twist on the traditional...

and here's something a bit BOLDER.....

 

invitations via

Invitation tips:

· 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."
· For ceremonies taking place in a house of worship, use "request the honour of your presence." Ceremonies taking place in a non-religious setting should say, "request the pleasure of your company."

Outer Envelope:
This is the envelope that you address. It should include the guest’s full name and proper title. For example:
Miss (or Ms.) Elizabeth Jones
123 Water Street
Bliss, Ohio 45678
Do not put “and guest” on the outer envelope. Save this for the inside.

Inner Envelope:
This envelope should be written in the same pen and ink as the outer. But only include the names of those invited. For example:
Miss Elizabeth Jones and Guest

Assembling your invitation:
· First, start with your ceremony invitation with a protective tissue on-top if needed.
· On top of that, lay your reception invitation, facing up. Add a protective tissue if needed.
· Then, put your response card envelope, addressed side down, with the response card facing up, tucked under the flap of it’s envelope.
· Any other insertions, such as maps, itineraries or directions should go to the very back, under the ceremony invite. Generally, insertions should go out with Save-the-Dates. But if it’s too late, send them separately so that they don’t take away from the presentation of the Wedding Invitation. Once you’ve received the RSVP from your guests, send additional information to only those who have RSVPed yes. This will save you on postage as well.
· The invitation and its components should go into the “inner envelope”.
· Mail invitations at least six to eight weeks in advance.
· Take invitation to the post office and request they be “hand cancelled” to minimize marks or tears caused by machines.

Need more info? Here are two experts to guide you:
Letter Perfect
Penny Stalin
(419) 535-1745

Brittani Frankowiak
Studio 1700
www.studio1700.com