Announcing Your Wedding: Inviting Without Obligating

Wedding announcements are a great way to spread the news of a recent or upcoming marriage. They are typically sent to those who were not invited to the wedding but may want to hear about it, such as distant relatives, business associates, or friends who didn't make the guest list due to a small ceremony. It is generally considered rude to send announcements before the wedding, as this may be confused with an invitation and may come across as gift-grabby. Instead, they should be sent on or after the wedding day to avoid any confusion and to promptly inform those who weren't invited.

Wedding announcements are typically sent after the wedding

Wedding announcements are often sent after the wedding to inform people of your nuptials. They are typically used when a couple has a small, intimate ceremony and wants to share the news with loved ones who were not invited. This could include distant relatives, friends, or colleagues.

It is important to note that wedding announcements should not be sent before the wedding, as this may be confused with an invitation or a save-the-date card. Sending them after the wedding is a way to avoid hurt feelings and ensure that your guests know they are not expected to attend or send gifts. When sending announcements, it is best to use specific wording to make it clear that the wedding has already taken place. This could include phrases such as "are happy to announce their marriage" or "were married in a private ceremony".

Some couples choose to include additional information in their wedding announcements, such as the location and date of the wedding, a description of the wedding dress, or their honeymoon plans. Others prefer to keep it simple and just share the news of their marriage. It is also common to send announcements to local newspapers, especially in the couple's hometowns and the town where they currently reside.

Wedding announcements are a great way to spread the news of your marriage to those who were not able to attend the ceremony. By sending them after the wedding, you can avoid any confusion or hurt feelings and simply share your happiness with your loved ones.

Announcements are a good way to inform professional colleagues, casual acquaintances, or extended family members of your nuptials

Wedding announcements are a great way to spread the news of your marriage to professional colleagues, casual acquaintances, or extended family members who were not invited to the wedding. This is especially useful if you have a small, intimate ceremony with a limited guest list but still want to share your happy news with a wider circle. Announcements are also a good option if you want to inform people of a name change after marriage.

When sending wedding announcements, timing is crucial. Ideally, the announcements should be mailed the day after the wedding to ensure that your loved ones find out about your nuptials promptly. However, it is also acceptable to send them up to several months after your wedding. Sending them before the wedding, on the other hand, can cause confusion and might be perceived as a save-the-date or an invitation, leading to hurt feelings if no invitation follows.

When creating your wedding announcements, it's important to use clear wording to avoid any misunderstanding. Specify that you are announcing your marriage, and include details such as the date and location of the wedding. Avoid mentioning gifts or registries, as this can come across as gift-grabby. If people want to send you a gift, they will ask about your registry or send something of their own accord.

The design of your wedding announcements can vary depending on your preference and the formality of the occasion. You can choose a printed option from a stationer, or handwrite the announcements in a letter format. Either way, make sure the wording and design clearly distinguish the announcement from an invitation to avoid any confusion.

Announcements can be sent via mail or published in a local newspaper

Wedding announcements are a great way to spread the news of your recent nuptials to those who weren't invited or couldn't make it to your special day. Announcements can be sent via mail or published in a local newspaper, and they are typically sent after the wedding to avoid any confusion with invitations.

Mailed wedding announcements are a lovely, traditional way to share your happy news with friends and family who weren't able to attend your wedding. They are usually sent to distant relatives, business associates, or friends who weren't on the guest list due to space constraints. When sending mailed announcements, it's important to use specific wording to make it clear that this is an announcement, not an invitation. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. James Welch are honoured to announce the marriage of their daughter Ashley Michelle to Mr. Derek Scott Jamison on Saturday, the twenty-sixth of September two thousand and twenty in Petaluma, California". This format is similar to a wedding invitation but makes it clear that the wedding has already taken place.

Newspaper wedding announcements are another option for sharing your news with your community. Most couples choose to announce their wedding in local newspapers, including the couple's hometown papers and the town where they currently reside. You may need to pay a fee to publish your announcement, so it's a good idea to check with the newspaper about their submission requirements and fees. Be sure to submit your announcement a few weeks before your wedding date so that it can be published soon after your big day.

Whether you choose to send mailed announcements, publish in a local newspaper, or both, it's important to follow certain etiquette guidelines. Firstly, announcements should be sent after the wedding, not before, to avoid any confusion with invitations. Secondly, do not include any mention of gifts or registries. If people would like to send a gift, they will ask about your registry or send something of their choosing. Finally, be mindful of your guest list when sending announcements to friends; if you had a large wedding and simply didn't invite everyone you know, it's best to avoid sending announcements to those friends as it could be perceived as a reminder that they weren't invited.

It's best to avoid mentioning gifts or registries in your announcement

Wedding announcements are a great way to spread the news of your marriage to those who weren't invited or couldn't make it to the wedding. However, it is important to avoid mentioning gifts or registries in your announcement to prevent it from appearing gift-grabby. Here are some reasons why it's best to avoid mentioning gifts or registries:

• Tradition and Etiquette: Wedding announcements are traditionally sent without any mention of gifts or registries. This is considered proper etiquette, and including such information may be seen as a breach of wedding etiquette.
• No Obligation for Gifts: By not mentioning gifts or registries, you are respecting the recipient's choice. The purpose of a wedding announcement is to share your happy news, not to solicit gifts. The recipient is under no obligation to send a gift, and including such information may put them in an awkward position.
• Avoiding Misinterpretation: Mentioning gifts or registries in your announcement may be misinterpreted as an expectation of a gift. This could create confusion and make your guests feel pressured to send a gift, even if they are not invited to the wedding.
• Maintaining Relationships: Sending a wedding announcement without mentioning gifts or registries is a thoughtful way to inform your loved ones about your marriage. It shows that you value their well-being and want to share your joy with them, regardless of whether they can attend the wedding or send a gift.
• Respecting Different Perspectives: Everyone has different perspectives on gift-giving. Some people may find it inappropriate to include gift-related information in a wedding announcement. Respecting these differing viewpoints will help you maintain positive relationships with your loved ones.

• Send announcements after the wedding: It is considered more appropriate to send announcements after your wedding day. This helps to avoid any confusion with invitations and ensures that your guests know the wedding has already taken place.
• Focus on sharing your joy: Craft your announcement around the celebration of your marriage. Share details about the wedding, your future plans, and your happiness. This will create a positive impression and make your guests feel included in your special moment.
• Be mindful of your wording: Choose your words carefully to convey your message effectively. Avoid phrases like "we'd love to receive a well-wish from you" or anything that hints at expecting gifts. Instead, opt for phrases like "we are thrilled to announce our marriage" or "we are happy to share our joy with you."
• Personalize your message: Consider handwriting your announcements or including a personal note. This adds a thoughtful touch and makes your announcement feel more sincere. You can express your excitement and gratitude while making each recipient feel valued.

Remember, the key is to focus on sharing your happiness and celebrating your marriage. By avoiding any mention of gifts or registries, you respect your guests' choices and maintain the elegance and sincerity of your wedding announcement.

Announcements are ideal for couples who want to share their happy news but had a small, intimate wedding

Wedding announcements are a great way for couples to share their happy news with their loved ones, especially if they had a small, intimate wedding ceremony. Announcements are typically sent to those who were not invited to the wedding but may want to hear about the marriage, such as distant relatives, friends, or colleagues. This is a thoughtful way to include those who couldn't be a part of the celebration due to a limited guest list or other circumstances.

When sending wedding announcements, it is essential to follow certain etiquette. Firstly, they should be sent after the wedding, preferably the day after, to ensure the news is shared promptly. Sending them before the wedding could cause confusion and might be perceived as a save-the-date or an invitation, leading to hurt feelings if no invitation follows. Secondly, it is important not to mention gifts or registries in the announcement. If recipients wish to send a gift, they will inquire about it.

The wording of the announcement should also be carefully considered. It should be clear and explicit about the fact that the couple is already married. Here's an example:

> "Mr. and Mrs. James Welch are honoured to announce the marriage of their daughter Ashley Michelle to Mr. Derek Scott Jamison on Saturday, the twenty-sixth of September two thousand and twenty in Petaluma, California."

Alternatively, the couple themselves can announce their marriage:

> "Sarah Michelle Thompson and Michael Dean Slater happily announce their marriage on Friday, the fifteenth of December in St. Mary's Cathedral, Bellingham, Washington."

When it comes to the design of the announcement, couples can opt for a printed option from a stationer, choosing a style that matches their wedding theme or something more celebratory. Formal announcements usually take the form of a card in an envelope, while a postcard is a good option for a more casual approach.

In conclusion, wedding announcements are ideal for couples who want to share their joy with a wider circle after a small, intimate wedding. By following the appropriate etiquette and considering the timing, wording, and design, couples can effectively spread their happy news without causing confusion or appearing gift-grabby.

Frequently asked questions