Your guide to Invitation etiquette:

Addressing the Wedding Invitations

The wedding invitation envelope should have the title and the invitee's name and address printed or Penned. You can compose the invitation to be formal or casual. When sending formal wedding invitations to a married couple, the title Mr. and Mrs. should be used before the full name of the husband. Even if they are close relatives, don't forget your correctness. You should not address them with your relation to them or a nickname. Terms like aunt and uncle are inappropriate for use on formal wedding invitations.

When inviting a couple along with their children on the wedding invitation the title and full name of their parents then the first names of their kids could be included below. The envelope however should only be addressed to the parents. It is appropriate to state only the first names of the children on wedding invitations but please don't use the reference 'and family'.

You should be polite when inviting single guests. When sending a wedding invitation to a single female, you should use the title Miss before her name. When inviting a single male use Mr. and then their name. If you want the person to bring the guest of their choice, you can add 'and Guest' after their name.

When inviting professional guests, who are a Doctor, Judge, or in the Armed forces; you must state their proper title on the wedding invitation and envelope.

What is the wedding invitation etiquette for our dress code?

Dress code should be included in the body of the wedding invitation. Even if you have no preference to your guests dress, please include the dress code in the invitation or you will receive lots of phone calls with the question.

Is it etiquette to ask for money instead of gifts?

Today it is very common to ask for money instead of gifts; however how you ask for it is where etiquette is important. You may use a wishing well but please don't include anything about gifts in the body of the invitation. Place your wishing well on the back of the invitation or on a separate insert.

We have registered a Wedding Gift List but don't know how to let our friends know. Is it okay to enclose a card in the wedding invitation?

You may enclose a card in your wedding invitation, or have the details printed on the back. Please do not include these details in the body of the invitation, as this is really bad etiquette.

My parents are divorced, and my father has remarried. Whose names go on the wedding invitations?

This is a tricky one and needs to be discussed with both parties to avoid offence. If your parents agree, list both names on the invitation. If they don't want their names to appear together, the name of whoever is hosting and / or necessarily paying for - the wedding should be on the invitation.

Can I include a poem or verse with the wedding invitation?

Certainly, it may go in the body of the wedding invitation if it is only 2-3 lines maximum. It is important not to make your invitation text cluttered. If the poem or verse is longer it will need to go on the back or inside cover of the invitation or even on a separate insert.

How do I work out the RSVP date?

Response deadlines should be no later than two weeks before the special day, or the date your caterer needs a final count. If after two weeks you haven't heard from some people, phone calls can be made to those who have not replied. RSVP cards included with your wedding invitation are a great way to make sure your guests reply quickly.

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