Invitation Etiquette

Photography: Chike Photography

You chose the perfect date, now what? Invitations are the personalized formal announcement and first piece of keepsakes. Choosing the stationary, theme, and message will spark your guests’ excitement from the moment they open the envelope. The journey of the invitation is just as important as RSVPs start arriving back on your doorstep.

Set The Stage:

An invitation is the first opportunity to present a theme to suit your personality. Selecting a color that will be featured, or a notable image you would like to display will set the tone for your big day. Consider a clean, simple font bordered by the main theme color of your decor. A specialist in stationary and invitations can guide you in the design by choosing fonts, accents, and details.

Make sure you are including:

-RSVP by date

-Selection of accept or decline

-Option of plus one & line for name (if you are offering)

-Choice of dinner (if serving)

wedding invitation

Photographer: Desmond Boateng Photography

The Right Direction:

How you send your invites is often overlooked, but just as important! Addressing the envelope to both invitees if married or living together is an acknowledgement of their own relationship. You can always do a little internet research! Make sure you are writing in the appropriate last names on the envelope, and following suit on the invitation if you wish to remain formal. Modern invitations address the stationary with first and last name.

Unmarried Couple or Roommates: Mr. Joe Smith and Ms. Jane Hayes

Married Couple with the Same Last Name: 

envelopeaddressed

Family With Children: addressedenvelope

Make sure you are also researching the title of the invitees, such as the professional title of Dr.
envelopeexample

Return to Sender:

Don’t forget the return envelope! Take the guesswork out of your numbers by making sure you receive all RSVP cards back. Include a return envelope to one address so they all make it back to the same location and can be easily collected and counted. Having lost invitations may be a great excuse to keep your awkward Aunt away, but will only lead to more confusion when assigning table seating!

lauren o couple

Melani Lust Photography

Be Our Guest:

Congratulations on your.. invitation! Consider your response quickly as the couple waits to finalize all the details on their big day. Checking all options and sticking to your RSVP is already a huge gift to the soon-to-be newlyweds! They wanted you to be part of their wedding for a reason, so making sure you return your RSVP card with a handwritten response will show them your appreciation and extend your excitement until you can celebrate.

eolia mansion invitation set

Melani Lust Photography

Brushing up on your invitation etiquette will keep your wedding formal and organized from start to finish. Make sure you take another look before sealing your envelopes!

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring a clean invitation suite with you on your wedding day for your photographer to style and photograph.

Read about Save the Dates here & Thank you cards here.

Until next time!

The Co.