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© 2011 JDK INVITATIONS Cleveland, Ohio PHONE: 216.401.2861 EMAIL: SALES@JDKINVITATIONS.COM
ETIQUETTE FAQ
FAQ BY CATEGORY
Q: Is it proper to state that children are not invited?
A: It is improper to state that children are not invited -- the invitees are addressed on the envelope, so simply excluding the names of children should make it clear that they are not invited. A couple of other ways to approach this are to write "adult reception" on your reception card, and adding "number of adults attending" on your RSVP card, without adding "number of children attending".
Q: Is it proper to refer to gifts on the invitation?
A: It is not proper to refer to gifts in any way on a wedding invitation, regardless of whether it is registry information or a statement that you do not want gifts. The only place that this wouldn't be considered taboo is on your bridal shower invitations, which can list what stores you are registered with.
Q: How do I communicate the formality of the wedding?
A: If your wedding will be a black-tie affair (traditionally reserved for events after 6 p.m.), the words "Black Tie" may appear as a footnote in the right-hand corner of the reception card or invitation. If having a Casual wedding, you may also add "casual Attire Welcomed" in the same position.
Q: Do I have to Provide Postage On My RSVP Cards?
A: With the popularity of wedding websites, some couples are choosing to have their guests RSVP online. However, a traditional bride should still include a stamped reply card in a formal wedding invitation. It is proper etiquette and common courtesy to provide postage, and your guests will probably reply sooner if everything is taken care of. If you have a long guest list and are looking to lower your postage costs, consider a postcard RSVP instead of a card with an outer envelope. Postcards cost less to mail, plus you’ll be able to forego the extra envelope.
Q: Should I use "...request the honour of your presence..." or "...request the pleasure of your company..." on the invitation?
A: "Request the honour of your presence is traditionally used for a wedding ceremony in a house of worship and "request the pleasure of your company" is traditionally used for a wedding ceremony outside of a house of worship. Either the Anglican spelling "honour" or "honor" can be used, it is a personal preference.
Q: How Should the Ceremony Date & Time be written out?
A: Date Example: Saturday, the second of June
two thousand and nine
Time Example: at Three o'clock in the afternoon
or
at half past three o'clock
If the ceremony starts at five o'clock, use "afternoon"
If the ceremony starts at six o'clock or after, use "evening"
Half hours are written as “half after four o’clock” - not as “half past four” or as “four-thirty.”
Q: Does the ceremony time have to be spelled out or can I use AM or PM?
A: All dates and times should be spelled out and no AM's or PM's should ever be used.
Q: Should the zip code be included on the printed invitation?
A: No, city and state should be used only.
Q: Can I put our parents names on the wedding invitation even if they aren't paying for the wedding?
A: A standard rule is the party who pays for the wedding is mentioned on the invitation. However, many couples like to honor their parents and add their names even if they are not contributing financially, and this is perfectly fine.
A: It is improper to state that children are not invited -- the invitees are addressed on the envelope, so simply excluding the names of children should make it clear that they are not invited. A couple of other ways to approach this are to write "adult reception" on your reception card, and adding "number of adults attending" on your RSVP card, without adding "number of children attending".
Q: Is it proper to refer to gifts on the invitation?
A: It is not proper to refer to gifts in any way on a wedding invitation, regardless of whether it is registry information or a statement that you do not want gifts. The only place that this wouldn't be considered taboo is on your bridal shower invitations, which can list what stores you are registered with.
Q: How do I communicate the formality of the wedding?
A: If your wedding will be a black-tie affair (traditionally reserved for events after 6 p.m.), the words "Black Tie" may appear as a footnote in the right-hand corner of the reception card or invitation. If having a Casual wedding, you may also add "casual Attire Welcomed" in the same position.
Q: Do I have to Provide Postage On My RSVP Cards?
A: With the popularity of wedding websites, some couples are choosing to have their guests RSVP online. However, a traditional bride should still include a stamped reply card in a formal wedding invitation. It is proper etiquette and common courtesy to provide postage, and your guests will probably reply sooner if everything is taken care of. If you have a long guest list and are looking to lower your postage costs, consider a postcard RSVP instead of a card with an outer envelope. Postcards cost less to mail, plus you’ll be able to forego the extra envelope.
Q: Should I use "...request the honour of your presence..." or "...request the pleasure of your company..." on the invitation?
A: "Request the honour of your presence is traditionally used for a wedding ceremony in a house of worship and "request the pleasure of your company" is traditionally used for a wedding ceremony outside of a house of worship. Either the Anglican spelling "honour" or "honor" can be used, it is a personal preference.
Q: How Should the Ceremony Date & Time be written out?
A: Date Example: Saturday, the second of June
two thousand and nine
Time Example: at Three o'clock in the afternoon
or
at half past three o'clock
If the ceremony starts at five o'clock, use "afternoon"
If the ceremony starts at six o'clock or after, use "evening"
Half hours are written as “half after four o’clock” - not as “half past four” or as “four-thirty.”
Q: Does the ceremony time have to be spelled out or can I use AM or PM?
A: All dates and times should be spelled out and no AM's or PM's should ever be used.
Q: Should the zip code be included on the printed invitation?
A: No, city and state should be used only.
Q: Can I put our parents names on the wedding invitation even if they aren't paying for the wedding?
A: A standard rule is the party who pays for the wedding is mentioned on the invitation. However, many couples like to honor their parents and add their names even if they are not contributing financially, and this is perfectly fine.