Wedding Etiquette: Addressing Doctors On Invites

There are differing opinions on whether it is appropriate to include Dr. on a wedding invitation. Some sources state that medical doctors should use their professional titles on wedding invitations, while Ph.D. holders should not. Others suggest that it is a matter of personal preference and that there are no clear rules. Some people may view including a title as boasting or bragging, while others may see it as a sign of respect or formality. Ultimately, the decision comes down to the couple's preference and the tone they want to set for their wedding.

Bride and groom titles on invites

The bride's name typically comes first on wedding invitations, followed by the groom's name. However, this tradition is not set in stone, and some couples choose to list the names alphabetically or based on what looks best with the invitation design. For same-sex couples, the traditional rule of the woman's name first does not apply, so feel free to go with what sounds better.

If the bride's parents' names are listed at the top, the bride's name can be just her first and middle name, without the last name. In this case, the groom's name is usually written in full or with his first and middle names followed by "Son of Mr. & Mrs." and their surname.

Including titles like "Dr." on wedding invitations is a matter of personal preference. While some people view it as a way to honour their achievements, others consider it inappropriate or boasting. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what you and your partner are comfortable with.

If you are hosting the wedding yourselves, you can omit titles altogether or include them as you wish. However, if your parents are hosting, it is generally recommended to skip the titles.

• "Dr. Bride Name and Mr. Groom Name request the honour of your presence at their wedding..."
• "Together with full hearts, Bride Name and Groom Name invite you to their wedding..."
• "Bride Name and Groom Name, together with their families, invite you to join them in celebration..."

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wedding invitation wording. Feel free to personalise and customise your invites to represent you, your partner, and your special day.

Paying for invites yourself

If you're paying for your wedding invitations yourself, you can decide whether or not to include your title on the invites. While there are certain conventions and expectations surrounding wedding invitation etiquette, it's ultimately up to you and your partner to decide how you want to address yourselves and your guests. Here are some things to consider when making your decision:

Formality

If you're having a formal wedding, it might be appropriate to include titles on the invitations. This can include titles like "Dr.", "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Miss", or "Ms.". However, it's worth noting that the use of "Dr." on wedding invitations is a matter of debate. While some sources indicate that medical doctors can use their professional title on wedding invitations, others suggest that medical degrees, such as M.D. or D.D.S., are not mentioned as they are considered professional designations. On the other hand, academic doctors (Ph.D.) are generally advised to use the "Dr." abbreviation. Ultimately, it's your decision whether to include the title or not, especially if you're paying for the invitations yourself.

Consistency

If you decide to include titles on your wedding invitations, it's important to be consistent. This means using titles for all guests who have them, not just the bride or groom. For example, if you're inviting doctors, lawyers, judges, or military personnel, it's proper etiquette to address them by their titles on the invitation envelope.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the decision to include "Dr." on your wedding invitations comes down to personal preference. Some people may feel proud of their academic or professional achievements and want to include their title, while others may find it boastful or unnecessary. If you're uncomfortable with the idea of including your title, you can simply use your first and last name or another form of address that feels more comfortable for you.

Feedback from Family and Friends

It can be helpful to get feedback from your family and friends when deciding whether or not to include "Dr." on your wedding invitations. They may offer a different perspective or point out considerations you haven't thought of. However, remember that it's your wedding, and you should make the decision that feels right for you and your partner.

Other Considerations

When deciding whether or not to include "Dr." on your wedding invitations, you might also want to think about the following:

• The formality of your wedding: If you're having a casual wedding, you may choose to omit titles altogether.
• The design of your invitations: Consider whether including titles will affect the layout and design of your invitations.
• The tone you want to set: Including titles can set a more formal tone for your wedding, while omitting them can create a more relaxed and intimate feel.

In conclusion, if you're paying for your wedding invitations yourself, you have the freedom to decide whether or not to include "Dr." on the invites. Consider the formality of your wedding, consistency in addressing guests, your personal preferences, and feedback from loved ones to make a decision that feels right for you and your celebration.

Boasting or bragging

There are differing opinions on whether it is appropriate to include "Dr." on wedding invitations. Some people may view this as boasting or bragging, while others see it as a legitimate way to acknowledge the couple's academic achievements.

On one hand, a wedding invitation is a personal matter, separate from one's professional accomplishments. Including "Dr." on the invite could be seen as unnecessary and off-putting, shifting the focus away from the celebration of the couple's relationship. It may also be perceived as an attempt to impress or showcase one's status, which could make guests uncomfortable.

However, others argue that including academic titles is a matter of personal preference and formality. Some couples, especially those who have attained advanced degrees, may feel proud of their achievements and want to acknowledge them on their special day. It is essential to consider the level of formality desired for the wedding. If a couple chooses a highly formal affair, including titles like "Dr." may align with the tone they wish to set.

To avoid any potential negative perceptions, there are alternative ways to handle this situation. One option is to include academic titles only on the return address, keeping the actual invitation focused on the couple's names without titles. Another suggestion is to consider the level of formality desired for the wedding. If a couple opts for a more casual and intimate celebration, omitting titles may better reflect the relaxed atmosphere they wish to create.

Ultimately, the decision rests with the couple, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. It is worth noting that while some guests may view the inclusion of "Dr." as boasting, others may simply see it as an accurate representation of the couple's achievements. It is a matter of personal preference, and the couple should feel empowered to make a choice that aligns with their values and the vision for their wedding day.

To ensure a well-informed decision, the couple could consider the opinions of their guests and family members, as well as the overall tone they wish to set for their wedding. By weighing these factors, they can navigate this delicate issue and determine whether including "Dr." on their wedding invitations is the right choice for them.

Formal vs. informal invites

The tone of a wedding invitation is largely dependent on whether it is a formal or informal invite. Formal invitations follow strict rules and are used for formal events such as weddings and cocktails. They should be written in the third person and include the full name of the organiser(s). A neutral tone should be used, and the invitation should explain why the event is being held. Dates must be written out in letters, and the address, time, and venue of the event should be included. Formal invitations are usually sent by post.

Informal invitations, on the other hand, do not require the same level of pomp and ceremony. They can be written by hand and in a warmer, more personal tone. Informal invitations can be sent by email or over the internet.

When it comes to including titles such as "Dr." on wedding invitations, there is no clear-cut rule. Some people choose to include their title, especially if they have worked hard to earn it, while others feel that a wedding is a personal event not tied to their profession and choose to omit it. It is worth noting that medical doctors often use their professional titles on wedding invitations, whereas PhD holders do not. Ultimately, the decision of whether to include "Dr." on a wedding invitation is a matter of personal preference.

Professional vs. social titles

When it comes to wedding invitations, the names and titles of the happy couple and their families are an important consideration. While there is no definitive rule on whether to include professional titles such as "Dr.", it is essential to understand the nuances and the impact of your choices.

In traditional etiquette, the use of professional titles on wedding invitations has been advised against, especially for individuals with Ph.D. degrees. The reasoning is that professional designations like "M.D." or "D.D.S." are considered too formal for a social invitation and are more suitable for business cards and professional letterheads. However, some sources suggest that medical doctors can use their professional titles on wedding invitations.

On the other hand, social titles like "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Ms.", and "Miss" are commonly used in wedding invitations and are considered appropriate for both formal and informal invitations. These titles are generally used to address guests and indicate their relationship status. For example, "Mr. and Mrs." is used for married couples with the same last name, while "Ms." and "Mr." are used for unmarried couples living at the same address.

When addressing a married couple with one doctor, opinions vary. Some sources suggest that the spouse with the professional title, in this case, "Dr.", should be listed first, such as "Dr. and Mrs." or "Dr. and Mr.". However, others argue that using "Dr." on a wedding invitation might be seen as boasting or bragging, especially if the degree holder typically introduces themselves without the title in social settings.

Ultimately, the decision to include professional titles like "Dr." on wedding invitations is a matter of personal preference. If you are proud of your academic achievements and want to be addressed formally, including the title may be appropriate. However, if you prefer a more relaxed and intimate tone for your wedding, you might choose to omit it. It is worth noting that some guests may not be comfortable with the formality of professional titles at a social event, especially if they are close friends or family.

In conclusion, while there are traditional etiquette guidelines, you should feel empowered to make the choice that feels right for you and your partner. After all, your wedding invitations should reflect your personalities and the style of celebration you wish to host.

Frequently asked questions