 Wedding Etiquette has an expansive range and the language that you use when communicating with your guests sets the tone for your event. What was once a set of rules based on tradition and formality has shifted in the best possible way. It's your event and your day-- so whether your style is formal and fancy, or your tan toes will be settled in the sand, invitation etiquette and the wording has whittled down to one simple truth-- what is best for you is best for your guests. You set the tone! Here are some guidelines to get you started... Wedding invitations should include the following elements: -Who will be hosting -The request to come to the wedding -The names of bride and groom/couple -The date and time -The location of the ceremony -Reception (the mention of this to follow) -Dress code (if applicable)  Who Will Be Hosting There are a few options for the host that have become more popular: -The married couple on their own -Hosting together with parents -Parents of bride or groom who host the event Also, including the names of both sets of parents whether as hosts or the mention of the groom’s parents below the groom’s name, is an inclusive option regardless of who is paying. The Request Line There are many ways to ask for your guests to attend! “request the honor of your presence” “request the pleasure of your company" "invite you to celebrate/attend” "would love for you to join them in celebrating" are just a few. The Names of The Couple Traditionally the name of the bride comes before the groom. In a more formal invitation, middle names are often used. In some fun, casual settings even just first names can be used. For a same-sex marriage, you can choose to go in alphabetical order or choose what sounds better. The Date and Time Everything is written out in full for more formal and most weddings. Time of day is spelled out using "o'clock" or "half after five o’clock in the evening” For casual weddings, using numbers is perfectly fine, and adds a fun flare. The Location The street address of the church/ceremony is what is listed directly on your invitation. The city and state should be written out in full in either case. Reception Information If the ceremony and reception are held in the same location, you can just note "reception immediately following,” or “reception to follow”. Formal invitations generally include this information on a separate card with the full address and time of the cocktail hour/reception, especially if the reception is at a different location from the ceremony. Dress Code If you choose to specify a dress code on your invitation, it is often placed on the lower righthand corner. As a guideline, if your invitation is very formal, guests will anticipate a formal or black-tie event. Conversely, if the invitation is on the simple side, that lets people know it's a more casual dress code   No matter which style or phrasing you choose, your wedding should be an event to remember. I look forward to guiding you through the process and creating the perfect Wedding Invitation for your wedding! Cheers, Mary Photography Credit: Shannon Cronin Photography Venue: The Beauport Hotel  setting the tone for your weddingI have no doubt that most brides-to-be have been planning their stroll down the aisle since forever! Planning an event, a style, a lifetime together-- and the possibilities are endless! Of all of the choices to make from engagement to happily-ever-after, the wedding invitation suite has a critical role. It sets the tone for your once-in-a-lifetime event and conveys important information to ensure that you and your guests have the most seamless and spectacular experience. Allow me to walk you down the aisle of a well-detailed Invitation Suite...  Wedding Invitation Wedding invitations should be sent approximately 8-12 weeks prior to your wedding date and include key details such as time, date, ceremony location and/or reception location. It's also a fine place to include information about attire and/or an adult only reception.
Outer Envelope This gets addressed to the guests (be sure to address it specifically, but that’s a whole other blog post!) Double envelopes are intended to protect the invitation in the mail from weather and damage. Inner Envelope This acts as a decorative inner "shell" to the invitation and may often involve a gorgeous, custom envelope liner. As another layer, this also helps protect the invitation and it's components from potentially being damaged in transit. Envelopes cropped, original photos by: Freebird Photography The components you select within your wedding suite greatly assist your guests on your big day. These along with the colors, style, formal flare or casual vibe…all set the tone for your guests to get a clear sense of the experience you're planning for this most important day! I'd love to walk you through the process and design your perfect wedding invitation suite. Please contact me at mary@simplybprints.com to book your complimentary personal consultation. Cheers! Mary |
Mary BarnhartOwner/designer + Sole Proprietor of Simply b. Lover of ice-coffee, pretty packages, coastal living & of course all things paper! Mom to Ellie & Henry & wife to best friend, Jeff <3 
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