Handwritten invitations sent by the hosts are always correct. For an informal wedding, a personal note may be sent. Telephone calls are also permissible for small, informal weddings.
The phrasing for formal invitations is always in the third person, black ink is used for engraving, and good quality ivory/white paper (usually linen) folded at the side is used. "The honour of your presence" is generally used for religious ceremonies and "The pleasure of your company" for civil ceremonies and receptions. The bride's last name is not used unless it differs from the sponsor's last name. Abbreviations are not used. Examples: Bride's parents are sponsors Mr. and Mrs. John Thomas Doe Bride's parent who is a widow/widower
Mrs. (Mr.) John Thomas Doe Bride's mother who is divorced
Mrs. Alice Ann Johnson Bride's mother divorced and remarried
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith Bride's parents divorced, remarried and both sponsors of the wedding
Mr. and Mrs. John Thomas Doe Bride's parents divorced, not remarried
Martha Ann Smith Groom's parents as sponsors
Mrs. And Mrs. Alan Smith Bride and groom as sponsors
Robert Alan William These are but a few examples of traditional wording. Your printer will be able to assist you with correct wording to suit special needs.
Raised printing, and brightly colored papers and inks are available for couples wishing to express themselves less formally.
Invitations should be mailed about four to six weeks before the wedding. In order to allow yourself time to address the invitations, they should be ordered approximately three months prior to the wedding.
Worksheets available (click on the blue arrow to the right of the file to download it below)
Invites.xls = Ordering invitations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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=Both
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= Worksheet