Crafting the Perfect Wedding Invitation Wording

When to Purchase Wedding Invitations

Begin your invitation journey by securing your ceremony and reception venues. Once these details are confirmed, you can proceed with purchasing your invitations. It's crucial to include the reception start time, especially if there's a significant gap after the ceremony, to accommodate guests' travel plans between locations.

Pricing for invitations varies based on style and vendor, so it's wise to shop around. A typical practice is to pay a 50% deposit upon ordering, with the balance due upon delivery. To cover any last-minute additions or errors, order an extra 5% of invites.

The Art of Invitation Wording

The wording of your wedding invitations formally acknowledges the hosts of the event. Traditionally, this includes the full names of the couple, along with the date, time, and address of the ceremony site. Here are some examples of how to word your invitations based on different hosting scenarios:

If the Wedding is Hosted by the Bride's Parents:

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy K. Gregor
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Sarah Gregor
to
Jeffery Scott Bradley

If the Couple is Hosting:

Sarah Gregor
and Jeffery Scott Bradley
request the honor of your presence
at their marriage

If the Bride's Mother is Hosting and the Father is Deceased:

Mrs. Timothy K. Gregor
requests the honor of your presence
at the marriage of her daughter
Sarah Gregor

If the Bride's Mother has Remarried:

Mr. and Mrs. James C. Fountain
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of her daughter
Sarah Gregor

If the Wedding is Hosted by Divorced Parents:

Mrs. Bethany Cravin Gregor
requests the honor of your presence
at the marriage of her daughter
Sarah Gregor

If the Wedding is Hosted by the Bride's Father:

Mr. Timothy K. Gregor
requests the honor of your presence
at the marriage of his daughter
Sarah Gregor

If the Wedding is Hosted by Divorced and Remarried Parents:

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy K. Gregor
and
Mr. and Mrs. Albert S. Price
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Sarah Gregor

Formality and Military Titles

The phrase "the honor of your presence" typically indicates a formal or religious service, while "the pleasure of your company" suggests a civil or casual event. For military weddings, rank and service are important:

• For Army and Marine Corps officers of captain rank or higher, and Navy officers of commodore rank or higher, the rank precedes the name, followed by the service designation on the next line.
• For officers below these ranks, list their name on one line, with their rank and service designation on the next.
• For military personnel without rank, list their name followed by their service designation.

A bride in the service may choose to include or omit her rank and military designation, depending on whether she wishes to be married in uniform.

Addressing and Assembling Invitations

Addresses should be handwritten in black ink, matching the invitation's print color. Invitations typically come with two envelopes. When addressing:

• Do not abbreviate formal titles (e.g., Doctor, Captain, Reverend).
• Semi-formal titles (e.g., Ms., Mr., Mrs.) can be abbreviated.
• Do not abbreviate address elements (e.g., Avenue, Street, Road).

On the inner envelope, include the titles and last names of the invited adults. For children under 18, list their first names below their parents. Children over 18 should receive their own invitations. Avoid using "and family" as it may seem impersonal.

Assemble your invitations by placing all cards, RSVPs, and maps inside, with a tissue over the printed words to prevent smudging. Ensure the inner envelope's wording faces the outer envelope's flap.

Before purchasing postage, weigh a fully assembled invitation to determine the correct stamp cost. Mail your invitations using first-class stamps and include a stamp on the response card envelope for convenience.

Response Cards and Additional Stationery

Response cards should be clear to minimize miscommunication:

The favor of a reply
is requested before
March first.

M_____________________________
will _________ will not _______ attend.
Number of persons: _______________

Also consider ordering reception cards, RSVP cards with reply envelopes, thank-you notes, engraved napkins or matches, announcements, pew cards, and wedding programs. Programs can be engraved, printed, or produced with a computer and laser printer, with calligraphy added later.

Thank You Cards and Cancellations

Keep thank-you cards concise and personalize each message. If the engagement is called off after mailing invitations, send a printed announcement or call guests directly. Return any gifts received.

For more detailed advice on wedding invitation etiquette, consult with a wedding stationer or visit authoritative sources like The Knot or Brides.

Remember, your wedding invitations set the tone for your special day, so take the time to craft them with care and attention to detail.