Dos and Dont’s of Wedding Invitation Etiquette
This list of invitation etiquette dos and don’ts will help steer you through the most common wedding etiquette dilemma and get it right.
* Don’t print “no children” on the invite if you’re planning an adult’s only reception. Simply address each invitation explicitly to your intended guests (i.e. Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, not “The Smiths”).
* Do invite the partners of guests who are married, engaged, or living with a significant other. Try to find the name of your guest’s intended date (if you don’t already know it), and include that person’s name on the invitation.
* Do spell out all dates and times (half after four o’clock in the evening, not 4:30 pm; and the twenty-second of April, not April 22)
* Don’t use punctuation on the invitation, except after abbreviations and between the city and state
* Do put return postage on your response cards.
* Do send wedding invitations at least six weeks before the big day. Try to order invitations three to four months in advance to ensure they go out on time.
* Don’t forget to invite your officiant and his/her spouse to the reception
* Do send a separate invitation to children over the age of 18 still living with their parents.
* Don’t print registry information on the invitation.
* Do publicize your registry information by word of mouth only
This complete guide to wedding etiquette answers even more of your etiquette questions, such as introducing your parents, gift-giving and receiving, attire, and cash bars.