Wedding Wednesday: Invitation Etiquette & Tips

Wedding invitations do not always have to be traditional, but when it comes to etiquette, there are a few items we think must stay classic!

Here are a few helpful tips to invite etiquette...The AE WAY!

What to include:
The hosts.

Your names.

The date, time, and location of the ceremony.

 Reception information.

RSVP information.

Photo Courtesy of Paper Petal

Who receives invitations and how many do I send?

Married couples & couples living at the same address:
Receive one invitation

Families:
Receive one invitation (however, children 18+, should receive their own invitation)

Singles Guests:
Each receive their own invitation

"Plus-Ones":
Should be included with the invitation for the guest receiving the "plus-one"

When do I send my invitations out?
Invitations should hit mailboxes about 2 months before your wedding date.
RSVPs should be due 1 month before your wedding date.
This gives you plenty of time to finalize planning and loose ends.  


Wording Guidelines:
Wording wedding invitations should be as much about your personal style as anything.  Not all invitations need to be formal.  Some invitations can be modern, but traditionally worded.
 When in doubt go with your gut.  

Photo Courtesy of Kleinfeld Paper 

One more AE Tip:
Wedding invitations should only include the critical, basic, information.  Any items regarding registry, accommodations, directions, etc. should be included on a wedding website or a separate card. 

Ask Ady: Many guests have yet to RSVP!

Image & Design Courtesy of our Talented Friends at Ink and Ivory Design Studio 

Dear Ady,

My RSVP date for my wedding has recently come and gone.  Of 275 guests invited, only 175 have RSVP'd.  I don't understand what's holding the RSVP's up and I need to know final numbers.  I am getting quite frustrated with this rudeness and I don't know what to do?

Please help,

Losing It In Louisiana

Dear LIIL, 

Oh!  You poor thing...you are experiencing one of the most unnecessary frustrations of wedding planning, but take heart, your guests are not the only 'less than prompt' responders.  This is an extremely common (although, AHEM GUESTS, unacceptable) phenomenon.   

Here's what to do...
Since your RSVP date has now come and gone, it's time to start personally contacting guests to ask for their RSVP.  Do not do this alone!  Recruit your family and fiance to reach out, as well.  Divide the list and assign your helpers their contacts and a date you would like them to have the answer by.  

Now, here is the hard part, try your very best to put on your gracious host hat and stay calm and lovely when making your calls/sending your emails.  These folks are your dearly beloved and even though they have not followed proper RSVP etiquette, it is not your job to remind them of this.  A simple, sweet email/phone call is all you need to get your answer and move on to the next.  

Word to Guests - please take RSVP's seriously.  For weddings or any events.  Knowing whether or not you will attend is very important to these final, stressful, stages of planning.  Take heart and do your part - don't make that poor bride call you!  

xoxo, 

Ady