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Wedding Invitation Wording 101

Today we have Wedding Paper Divas style & trend expert, Amber Harrison on our wedding blog with one of her most asked wedding to-do’s, wedding invitation wording. Amber is our resident authority on the latest wedding trends and etiquette guidelines. She combines tradition, personal style and the hottest trends to help each couple celebrate their unique love story on their big day. Amber is going to help us figure out just the right wording for even the most complicated situation.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_9E5zT_2sc]

Hey, it’s Amber!

I get asked about invitation wording more than anything else. So today on Small Talk Big Day, I’m going to help you figure out just the right wording for even the most complicated situation.

Scenario one: Hosted by the couple

There are a few ways to do this. First, use your own names to request the presence of your guests.

Alana & Scott

Request Your Presence

Or if you are hosting the wedding yourselves, which means paying for it by the way, but still want to honor your families on your invitation, you could try starting with, “With the love of their families,” followed by your names.

With the Love of Their Families

Alana & Scott

Request Your Presence

Wedding Invitation Wording 101

Scenario two: Hosted by someone other than the couple

If you have multiple hosts, try starting with, “Together with their families,” followed by your names. This is one of my favorites. It’s like in a little black dress of wording options, and it works for almost everything.

Together With Their Families

Michelle Young

&

Christopher Ryan

Request the Honor of Your Presence

If you want to get specific and list host names on the invite, here is a traditional way to list both sets of parents.

Together With Their Parents

Mr. and Mrs. William Langston and

Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Ferguson

Taryn Langston

&

Logan Ferguson

Request the Pleasure of Your Company

Wedding Invitation Wording 101

I know these examples won’t hold the answer for everyone. And if you’re still stuck, there are tons of resources available – books, websites. You can even ask your stationer to lend an expert hand.

For more inspiration and tips, visit www.smalltalkbigday.com

I want to hear from you! Fill me in on all your secrets for looking great in photos and don’t forget to post a comment to me below with your questions and I may answer them (anonymously, of course!) in an upcoming episode.

Don’t forget to follow along and show me all *your* favorite wedding inspiration. #SmallTalkBigDay

Follow on Instagram: @weddingpaperdivas | @amberkharrison

See more Wedding Paper Divas Inspiration

  • How to Find The Best Wedding Videographer
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Ask Etta: Wedding Gift Registry

While we dish about the hottest trends and latest designs, we also know how stressful prepping for the big day can be. Meet Etta, our expert in all things etiquette. She’s ready to delve into your every dilemma.

Melissa Asks…

I am not sure which route to go for my wedding registry. Should I do a gift registry or cash registry? And can I list this information on my wedding invitation?

Ask Etta: Wedding Gift Registry

Etta Says…

It is definitely up to you on what type of wedding gift registry you should choose and what your situation is with your hubby-to-be. We find that most people who are already living together before the wedding have most of the household items they need, such as the toaster and espresso machine, and prefer cash instead. Asking for a cash via a registry is very practical and many couples enjoy this option because they can use the money for the honeymoon, paying off the wedding bills, or even towards a house payment. Many cash registries also give you the chance to ask for specific items such as activities on your honeymoon (couples massage on the beach) or down payment for the new condo. Most guests feel happy to contribute to a certain activity or event (not to mention it is more meaningful) and like the ease of sending the cash online.

We also recommend you still include a gift registry for the guests who still do not feel comfortable gifting cash. This allows them to still purchase some household options or other items you might need.

Ask Etta: Wedding Gift Registry

Another advantage of the online cash registry is the worry free aspect of losing the cash at the wedding.  Everyone knows how hard it is to guard the card box at the wedding and in some very sad cases these boxes have gone missing due to theft. Using an online cash registry solves this problem for sure.

Your other option is of course the traditional gift registry (Bed Bath & Beyond, Macy’s, Crate & Barrel, etc). This is a great option if you are not living together yet and will be moving in after the wedding or purchasing a home soon. You can definitely register at more than one place but do not register at more than three.

Once you decide on your registry you will need to follow etiquette on how to tell your guests. It can be a little tricky so here it is!

Emily Post Etiquette: Do not include your wedding registry information on your wedding invitations-it is considered tacky.

You should use good old fashioned word of mouth and let the bridal party and parents inform your guests of your registry. You could even email the registry information to your maid of honor so she has it handy. The bridal party is often the first people your guests will approach for information, and having it available via email means they can forward it along on your behalf.

Another great option is to include your registry information on your wedding website as many guests come here for helpful information anyways-such as travel info and hotel options.

One other option (which is not highly recommended) is including your wedding website on your enclosure card for guests to learn more.

After chatting with your fiance (and mother) and deciding what is the best the decision for your wedding and the type of guests that are attending (younger guests or more conservative) you can decide which route you want to take. The last thing you want to do of course is offend anyone at the wedding. Hopefully this helps with deciding where to register and how to tell your guests. Good luck with your wedding planning!

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Have an etiquette question for Etta? Email us at etta@wordpress.com and she’ll post an answer for you.

Posted by Brittany Welby

See more Wedding Paper Divas Inspiration

  • Ask Etta: Engagement Party Registry?
  • Ask Etta: Wedding Gift Ideas
  • Ask Etta: How Long Do I Have to Send Thank You Cards?

Ask Etta: Multi-Faith Weddings

Elaine asks…

I come from a traditional Catholic background and my fiancé is Indian. How do we find an invite that melds both of our cultures and what is the best way to word our invitation to tell guests that we will be celebrating both our faiths?

Ask Etta: Multi-Faith Weddings

Etta says…

Wording your invitation can definitely be tricky depending on who is hosting the wedding and what kind of ceremony you will be having. For multi-faith wedding invites, I have three suggestions depending on how traditional each family is and how the wedding day events will be organized.

1. When in doubt keep it simple.

When two families are coming together, find wedding invitations that represents the two of you, your style and your story. Use the enclosure cards to let guests know the details of your wedding events (i.e. what time of the day you might be having a Sangeet or Mehndi or if you are planning on blending both traditions in one ceremony).

Ask Etta: Multi-Faith Weddings

2. Send separate invitations for separate ceremonies.

If you are holding two separate ceremonies on your wedding day or weekend, it is best to send out two invites that represent those events. For instance, send a traditional Indian wedding invitation to those attending your Indian Ceremony and a Catholic invite for those attending your Catholic Ceremony. This solution eliminates the possibility of offending either side of the family and gives you an opportunity to celebrate and unite both cultures.

Ask Etta: Multi-Faith Weddings

3. Ask our Professional Design Team for help.

Our design consultants work one-on-one with brides every day. They are here to help you customize your invitation so that you can have the wedding of your dreams. One solution they can offer is to forego the back design for an identical front design. This way you can use the traditional wording for each faith on either side of your invitation. *The double-sided invitation is by special request only and cannot be done on every invitation design.

I hope this helps, Elaine!

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Have an etiquette question for Etta? Email us at blog@wordpress.com and she’ll post an answer for you.

See more Wedding Paper Divas Inspiration

  • Real Wedding: Kari & Jay
  • Etiquette Chat with Martha Stewart Weddings
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Ask Etta: Revoking a Save the Date

While we dish about the hottest trends and latest designs, we also know how stressful prepping for the big day can be. Meet Etta, our expert in all things etiquette. She’s ready to delve into your every dilemma.

Tiffany Asks…

Is it okay to un-invite someone after sending them a save the date?  We haven’t sent out the invites, but we’re afraid we’ll run out on invitations and capacity. Especially when some of these people we sent save the dates to no longer hang out with us. I recently switched jobs and I thought I’d keep in touch with my old co-workers, but they’ve been distant. Please help!

Ask Etta: Revoking a Save the Date

Etta Says…

This is a pretty common question with a pretty steadfast answer. Save the dates (like wedding invitations) cannot be revoked. Once they’re out, they’re out—so be sure to meticulously comb your guest list before stamping and sending those pretty papers off. If you’ve lost touch with some of the people who received one, chances are they will decline the wedding invitation anyway, which is the best you can hope for. If they happen to accept, your wedding could be the perfect time and place to reconnect.

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Have an etiquette question for Etta? Email us at blog@wordpress.com and she’ll post an answer for you.

See more Wedding Paper Divas Inspiration

  • Ask Etta: What to Get, Send and When
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Ask Etta: Engagement Party Registry?

While we dish about the hottest trends and latest designs (aka the fun parts of wedding planning!) we also know how stressful prepping for the big day can be. So, we would like to formally introduce you to Etta, our new etiquette expert. She’s ready and happy to delve into your every etiquette dilemma.

Grace Asks…

I’m recently engaged and my friends are throwing an engagement bash for us. Should we register gifts for the engagement party?

Ask Etta: Engagement Party Registry?

Etta Says…

Picking out your future home necessities is certainly one of the highlights of wedding planning… and it’s definitely acceptable to register as soon as you get engaged. However, it’s considered poor form to include registry information on any wedding correspondence other than your bridal shower invitation. If guests do bring gifts to the engagement soiree, as always, don’t forget to send thanks!

See more Wedding Paper Divas Inspiration

  • Ask Etta: Engagement Party Etiquette
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Small Talk. Big Day: Wedding Advice Video Series

Today we have Wedding Paper Divas style & trend expert, Amber Harrison on the blog sharing a fun announcement with us! Amber Harrison is our resident authority on the latest wedding trends and etiquette guidelines. She combines tradition, personal style and the hottest trends to help each couple celebrate their unique love story on their big day.

Small Talk. Big Day: Wedding Advice Video Series

You GUYS! I have been bursting to share this fun new project with you all and today is finally the day!

We have been hard at work for months to bring you our new video series, Small Talk. Big Day . We will be bringing you a new video every week on #WeddingWednesday covering a huge range of topics to help you tackle all your wedding planning tasks. The videos are only about a minute long, so you can totally watch them on the go (ahem, Starbucks line anyone?) and share them with friends and, of course, your wedding party.

Small Talk. Big Day: Wedding Advice Video Series

As the style & trend expert for Wedding Paper Divas, I love nothing more than to help you tell your love story in a way that only you can. Whether it is offering inspiration, practical tips or helping to navigate a sticky situation, my goal is to take some of the pressure off and help you have fun preparing for the best day of your life!

I want to hear from you!

Post a comment to me below with your questions, conundrums and concerns and I may address your concerns (anonymously, of course!) in an upcoming episode.

Thank you all for trusting me and Wedding Paper Divas with your special day – I am honored to lend a hand!

xo
Amber

Don’t forget to follow along and show me all *your* favorite wedding inspiration. #SmallTalkBigDay

Follow on Instagram: @weddingpaperdivas OR @amberkharrison

See more Wedding Paper Divas Inspiration

  • Mailing Wedding Invitations – Tips & Advice
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Ask Etta: Wedding Day Details to Include for Guests

Angie asks…

I am ready to order my wedding invitations, but I am not sure what details to include for my guests. Other than the date, time, and place, what other information should be on the invitation? Our wedding venue is a little tricky to find so I would like to give detailed directions to my guests, but I don’t want the invitation to look cluttered.

Etta says…

I’m going to let you in on a little secret that will help to keep your wedding invitation chic and stylish, and still get all of the information to your guests: Enclosure cards! Enclosure cards are the perfect way to share wedding day details like directions, special requests, and your wedding website with guests. While much of this information should be listed on your wedding website, it should be remembered that not all guests will be internet-savvy. Here are a few ways you can use this handy stationery trick.

Ask Etta: Wedding Day Details to Include for Guests

Directions

Including directions with your wedding invitation is absolutely necessary if you have a difficult-to-find location. After all, you invited your guests – you want to make sure they can find the venue! However, your wedding invitation is not the place to include these directions. Simply list the directions on an enclosure card that accompanies the wedding invitation. Enclosure cards can even be customized to include a map of your location.

Ask Etta: Wedding Day Details to Include for Guests

Special Instructions and Details

Listing nearby accommodation options is also helpful for out-of-town guests. Be sure to note if you have reserved a block of rooms for your wedding. Sometimes a bride will want to share useful information with her guests, like “The reception will be outdoors, so please bring something warm”, or “Shuttles will provided to and from the reception venue.” An enclosure card is the perfect place to convey these messages, and will save you multiple calls or emails to your guests.

Wedding Website and Social Media

Include your wedding website information on an enclosure card, so that guests know where to find these details, and more. For couples who are encouraging guests to use Instagram or Twitter to share photos during their wedding, including a personalized hashtag on your enclosure card is a fun touch. Alternately, you could include a request for no sharing of photos on social media sites. Our new Mini Enclosure Cards are the perfect size for any extra-special details!

Gift Preferences

Your wedding registry should never be listed on your invitation. Instead, an enclosure card can be a simple way to announce your registry, or to direct guests to your wedding website for more information. You may prefer that guests do not send or bring gifts, but instead send a donation to a chosen charity. Use an enclosure card to be specific about your preferences.

Ask Etta: Wedding Day Details to Include for Guests

I hope this helps, Angie! There are so many fun ways to customize enclosure cards, and to share the details of your wedding day.

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Have an etiquette question for Etta? Email us at blog@wordpress.com and she’ll post an answer for you.

See more Wedding Paper Divas Inspiration

  • Ask Etta: Guest List Etiquette
  • Enclosure Card Etiquette: Today’s Diva Dish
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Addressing Wedding Invitations for Widows: Ask Etta

Judy Asks…

What is the appropriate way to address an invitation to a widow?  Do you use the husband’s name?  One of my guests has been widowed several years and is now dating—the other is VERY recently widowed.

Addressing Wedding Invitations for Widows: Ask Etta

Etta Says…

Thanks for writing in, as we know this can be a difficult topic to address. The most important thing to take into consideration is that this really comes down to your relationship with the widow. It is a difficult topic and you might feel worried about either offending or saddening the recipient, which is understandable.

Here’s what we recommend…

Addressing the Outer Envelope:

Proper etiquette holds that on formal correspondence, like wedding invitations , widows must be addressed with their deceased husband’s full name—regardless of the amount of time that has elapsed from his death. The name on the outer envelope should read, “Mrs. John Smith.” However, these days, many feel that addressing this way is dated. If you agree and feel more comfortable addressing it only to her, it’s appropriate etiquette to address the outer envelope with just the widow’s first name, “Mrs. Becky Smith.”

Addressing the Inner Envelope:

When addressing the inner envelope, etiquette says to leave off first names. Therefore, it should read “Mrs. Smith.” If you are allowing her a guest to the ceremony and/or reception, you can address it as “Mrs. Smith and Guest.”

To recap, when addressing invites to a widow, take your relationship with her and the length of time she has been a widow into account. If you’re close with her and she’s recently widowed, it may be appropriate for you to use her husband’s name. If a lot of time has passed and she’s now dating again, it probably makes more sense to address it to her single name.

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Have an etiquette question for Etta? Email us at etta@wordpress.com and she’ll post an answer for you.

See more Wedding Paper Divas Inspiration

  • Ask Etta: Joint Hosting Etiquette
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