Are you one of those brides or grooms who have not the faintest idea on how to begin wording your wedding invitations? I’ve been asked on many occasions to assist with putting together wording for an invitation and I’ve also responded by sending links of some I’ve found on the web or from samples we’ve done. I just have a problem with using one standard template because I’ve found that things have changed so much these days that you just have to kraft your wording to suit your situation so as not to offend any “FAMILY MEMBERS”..Lol! Now, some of you know, that I am speaking the truth…..
I’ve selected some of my favorite wedding invitation etiquette advise from a post on Martha Stewart Weddings. You can read the entire post here - http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/invitation-wording#slide_2
- Host Line: Start with the names of those issuing the invitation, traditionally the bride’s parents. Evolving family structures and financial dynamics often make this the trickiest part of the process, so follow the format that best fits your situation.
- Divorced Parents: Names are listed on separate lines without an “and” between them, and remember that Mom always comes first. If mom is remarried, use her married name; the oldest etiquette omits all stepparents, though you can add them if you like. If a remarried parent has a different surname from his or her spouse, put the birth parent first. If you must break the line, do it before the “and.”
- Deceased Parent(s): It’s not traditional to include a deceased parent, but many people feel strongly about doing so. This wording should make it clear that the deceased parent is not issuing the invitation. (Courtesy titles would be awkward and are omitted.)
The pleasure of your company is requested
at the marriage of
Elizabeth Marie Williams
daughter of John Williams and the late Jane Williams
to
Douglas Arthur Sawyer
- Social Titles: You don’t have to use courtesy titles (Mr., Mrs., etc.) and middle names, but it’s most traditional and formal. When titles other than Mr. and Mrs. are used, spell them out. The parent who has such a title is listed first: Doctor and Mrs., or Doctor Jane Marie Williams and Mr. John Michael Williams. If you’re looking for a little less formality — and a chance to list the first name of a married woman — omit courtesy titles entirely. In some instances, as with the example for a deceased parent, using this format will avoid some grammatical awkwardness; if you choose this option, it’s best to omit middle names too.
- Date & Time: Don’t worry about using a.m. or p.m., or a phrase such as “in the evening,” unless the wedding will be held at 8, 9, or 10 o’clock. The year is traditionally omitted as well, but it is sometimes included for the invitation’s keepsake value.
Traditional
Spell out numbers and capitalize proper nouns only; you can begin the line with the preposition “on” if you’d like.
Contemporary
Though using numerals is a more modern practice, it is not necessarily more casual.
Hope this post has helped one or two engaged couples’ out there….
