Tying the Knot: Inviting Invitations

Invitations can be an etiquette minefield for even the most mannerly bride. To ensure yours are faux pas-free, graphic designer and etiquette expert Martha Robbins of The Lettered Olive shares her formula for success below. But before you jump in, she’s got one key caveat for many modern families: In the case of divorced or separated parents, know that on paper, the mother always comes first (along with her spouse, if she’s remarried), followed by the father (with his spouse, if he’s remarried) on the next line. This rule trumps all others, and stands no matter who funds the wedding.

Invitation Wording: A Fool-Proof Formula

Section 1: List names of who is issuing the invitations (likely the bride’s parents).

Section 2: Invite the guest(s).
For a house of worship: “Request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter.”
Other venues: “Request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter.”

Section 3: List the bride’s first and middle name, then on a separate line write “to,” then list the groom’s full name on the next line.

Section 4: List the date, spelling out each element, including the exact day of the month.

Section 5: List the year, spelling it out.

Section 6: Spell out the ceremony time followed by “o’clock” and the time of day (morning, afternoon, evening).

Section 7: List the name of the location.

Section 8: List the city and state.

Section 9: Include reception details, but only if there is no separate invitation for that event.

Section 10: Either list RSVP information at the bottom, or include separate RSVP card with stamped envelope.