Wedding Invitations—Wording, Timing & Details
Bridal Invitation Ideas, Suggestions, Trends and Information
The wedding invitations not only let guest know where to be and when to be there, they set the tone of the event. The more traditional and formal the wedding, the more conventional the invitation should be. For a contemporary event, a less formal style is appropriate.
Formal vs. Informal Wedding and Reception Invitations
A formal invitation is typically engraved, with black ink on white, ecru or gray card stock. The dates and times are often spelled out rather than in numeral form. Generally, formal invitations include two envelopes, with the return card and single layers of tissue separating the enclosed materials.
An informal invitation may be printed in a more modern font with card stock in bridal colors. They may be engraved or embossed. Sometimes the less formal invitations include photography. They may also have the traditional return card or a request for an electronic RSVP.
Wedding and Reception Invitation Wording
Most stationary vendors have samples of wording. If the bride and groom choose to make their own invitations, there are templates available online. Here is an example of the information to look for:
(Names of hosts—typically parents)
request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter
(Name of bride)
to
(Name of groom)
(Day of the week and date)
at
(Time)
(Place—no street address)
(City and state)
Reception immediately following the ceremony at
(Location)
Proofreading the Sample Invitations
Request a printed sample before the full batch of invitations is printed. Look for the following items:
- Color and card stock are what you ordered
- Lettering is the correct style and color
- Everything is properly centered and aligned
- Everything is spelled correctly
- Cards and envelopes fit properly
Addressing the Bridal Invitations
Most conventions call for hand-writing the addresses on the wedding invitations. If more than one person is addressing them, use the same person or calligrapher to print the outside and inside envelopes. The inside envelope may be less formal. The proper place to put the return address is on the back, outer envelope flap.
When addressing the invitations, use full names of the guests. Traditionally, the only acceptable abbreviations are Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr. or Jr. For less traditional weddings consider the sensibilities of the bride, groom, host families and guests.
Postage for Wedding Invitations
Purchase enough postage to put on all outer envelopes and return reply envelopes if they’re being used. However, for those going out of the country, don’t include postage on the reply envelope. Make sure there is adequate postage on all envelopes.
Wedding Invitation Timeframe
- Order the invitations as soon as the venues are contracted—at least 3 months before the wedding.
- Mail invitations to guests coming from other countries at least 10 weeks in advance.
- Mail invitations to other guests 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding.
- Give the guests until a week before the wedding to reply. If anyone has failed to RSVP, have a family member tactfully call before giving the final number to the venue managers or coordinators.
Modern Trends in Wedding and Reception Invitations
Brides and grooms are using a wide variety of colors, graphics and fonts on their invitations. Mixing classic with contemporary is also very popular. Nothing is off limits anymore, including requesting the RSVP via phone or email.
Wedding and Reception Wedding Invitation Details
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Invitations Should Reflect Tone of the Wedding and
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