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WORDING YOUR INVITATION
Weddings: For truly formal events, there are certain rules of etiquette that are observed when wording an invitation. For less formal situations you can be
more creative. Here are some details to remember when you’re composing a formal wedding invitation:
- 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."
- Be as gracious as possible. Do not write "no children please" on the invitation. Only those guests whose names appear on the envelope are invited.
- Do not make any mention of gifts.
With so many different types of families out there, wedding invitation wording can get complicated. Please click here to download wedding wording examples.
Parties and other social occasions: If you're composing a formal party invitation, include the names of those giving the party and the invitation phrase
"request the pleasure of your company" or "you are cordially invited" in lieu of "request the honor of your presence." Also note the type of party, the purpose of
the party, and most importantly the date, hour, place and RSVP information.
For less formal celebrations, think outside of the box with poems, charming verses or fun phrasing. Please click here to download wording suggestions.
PARTS OF A WEDDING INVITATION
A basic invitation usually consists of the invitation and a response card with a stamped self-addressed envelope. For more formal events, an outer mailing
envelope is used along with an inner envelope. An inner envelope can come lined and unsealed. It is inserted into the outer mailing envelope with the printing
facing the flap. Depending on the event, other items for consideration include:
- Reception card (if reception is being held at a different site from the ceremony)
- Hotel Accommodations
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- Maps and directions
- "The Wedding Weekend," an itinerary of events
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THE GUEST LIST
How many wedding invitations should I order? To determine the number of invitations you will need, count one invitation for each of the following:
- couple (married/partnered or living together)
- single guest
- officiant and his/her spouse
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- family with children under 18
- escort of the single guest (specific named person)
- each attendant or member of the bridal party
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After estimating the number of invitations from above, add in extras, for mistakes, last minute guests and a few for mementoes.
ADDRESSING THE ENVELOPE
It is traditional to use the complete, formal name and address of your invited guests on the outer mailing envelope of a double envelope set and on the outside
of a single envelope. Do not use abbreviations other than "Mr." or "Mrs." Spell out Avenue, Road, Street and State name. Include zip codes on the same line
with the city and state.
The inner envelope of a double envelope set should list only the titled last name (Mr., Mrs., Doctor) of the primary person or couple being invited. There are no
addresses on the inner envelope. As contemporary invitations and new styles are becoming increasingly popular, many do not include an inner envelope, but
rather just one outer envelope.
Please click here to download detailed examples of inner and outer envelope formatting, including information about inviting children and dates.
POSTAGE AND MAILING
How much will mailing my wedding invitations cost? Please never assume you know how much mailing an invitation will cost. If the invitations are an odd size or shape, they will require extra postage. Take a completed invitation (including all your enclosures) to your local post office. They will weigh it and tell you the exact price for a first-class mailing.
What is hand cancelling? Hand canceling means your invitations will be postmarked by hand and should bypass the automated cancelling machines, avoiding some damage. However, this does not mean your invitation will avoid the machines that sort mail by zip code. If your invitation will fit through this machine, it will be sorted automatically regardless of hand cancelling. Please note that not every post office will allow hand cancelling of your envelopes and additional fees may apply. Always check with your local post office to learn their policy.
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