Invitation Wording: Wedding Invitations

by Emily Post

Wedding Invitations

The invitation to the ceremony is engraved on the front sheet of white note-paper. The smartest, at present, is that with a raised margin—or plate mark. At the top of the sheet the crest (if the family of the bride has the right to use one) is embossed without color. Otherwise the invitation bears no device. The engraving may be in script, block, shaded block, or old English. The invitation to the ceremony should always request "the honour" of your "presence," and never the "pleasure" of your "company." (Honour is spelled in the old-fashioned way, with a "u" instead of "honor.")

Enclosed in Two Envelopes

Two envelopes are never used except for wedding invitations or announcements; but wedding invitations and all accompanying cards are always enclosed first in an inner envelope that has no mucilage on the flap, and is superscribed "Mr. and Mrs. Jameson Greatlake," without address. This is enclosed in an outer envelope which is sealed and addressed:

To those who are only "asked to the church" no house invitation is enclosed.

A wedding is not only a big deal for the bride and groom, but the attendees also need do to some preparation. Therefore, a wedding invitation should be sent out at least six weeks in advance. This gives the guests time to plan their attire, buy a gift, and book travel arrangements, if necessary.

The parents of the bride usually pay for the wedding, and the invitations will come from that part of the family. They will “desire” the attendance of their guests, and they will inform them of the date, time, and a brief word about attire. It could be casual, semi-formal, or formal, which is also sometimes called Black Tie.

The who, what, where and when are also important. If the guest is single, the invitation might include the option of bringing another guest along, whether it is a date or a friend. The wedding invitation should include the address of the church or other facility in which the wedding is to take place, and directions should always be included, even if it is local.

Often, wedding invitations are in two parts. They may include the reception invitation separately, or they may be all in one, if all the guests are invited to both events. Directions should be included for he reception, as well, whether it is going to take place in a hall, at a restaurant, or at someone’s home.

And since it is important to have a head count, as far as how many will be present for appetizers, dinner, and cocktails, it is important to include in the invitation an RSVP phone number, so that the guests can let the bride’s family know if they will be coming.
Special thanks to Emily Post on her wonderful tips on etiquette and invites.
Wedding Invitations

Immediate Invites