The Basics of Wedding Invitation Etiquette

There is so much tradition and etiquette that surrounds weddings that even with the most informal affair it can sometimes feel difficult to know what to do, when to do it, and how it should be done. All to often in the rush to get everything planned for the perfect wedding the wedding invitation etiquette falls by the way. However, in many cases these invitations are going to be the first many of your potential wedding guests will hear of your plans so getting at least the basics of wedding etiquette right may be a pretty big deal.

So if you will follow these basic rules you will be ok.

When To Send The Invitations?

Wedding invitations should be sent 6 weeks before the impending nuptials. This allows your guests time to make travel plans, arrange for baby sitters and shop for a gift or a new outfit without feeling rushed.

Keep in mind that out of town guests may need to make arrangements for a day or two off work in order to attend your wedding and oftentimes they need to ask for these days off at least a couple of weeks in advance. By sending your wedding invitations 6 weeks in advance it gives all those guests you want to be there more of a chance of making the arrangements they need to in order to attended.

What Date Should You Ask Guests To RSVP By?

It is customary and proper to ask guest to RSVP two or three weeks before the wedding. This will give you and those helping with the wedding make out the seating chart (if you have one) and allow you to give a final head count to the caterer to ensure that there is enough food for everyone that is attending. If you are having a large wedding add 10 to 12 to the number that RSVP because there are always a few surprise guests.

Making Out The Wedding Invitation Envelops

Wedding invitations come with two envelopes, the outer envelope bears a more formalized address and the inner envelop less so. However, you do need to make out most envelops and here are some tips that will help you know what to write on which envelop.

・ No matter how close you are with the invitee, The outer envelope should be addressed formally with Mr. and Mrs. Doctor and Mrs. Miss, and so forth. Always put the person who has the professional title first whether it is the husband or the wife.
・ When inviting a couple that has different last names, each persons name should go on a separate line on the outer envelop then on the inside envelop you can put Mark and Teri or their first names.
・ If you are inviting a single friend and want them to feel free to bring a guest, just their name should appear on the outer envelop and then on inside you can include the words “and guest.”
・ When inviting a family with children place just the parents name on the outside of the envelope and then on the inside list the parents name and each child by name on the inner envelop.

Following these few rules will help you to abide by the basic wedding invitation etiquette and impress your guests right from the start.