Who Gets Wedding Invites: Include Parents Or Not?

Sending wedding invitations to your parents is a topic that has sparked some debate. While it may seem odd to send an invite to your parents as they are already aware of the wedding details, many people choose to do so as a keepsake. It is a lovely gesture and a way to ensure your parents have all the information in front of them. It is also a chance for them to receive a formal invitation and feel included in the celebrations. However, some people opt not to send invitations to their parents, especially if they have been closely involved in the planning process and have spare invitations left over. The decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and your relationship with your parents.

Wedding invites as keepsakes

Wedding invitations are often kept as mementos, so it's a good idea to send them to your parents. They will probably be the only ones, besides yourself, to keep them. Many brides even choose to send one to themselves, so they have a stamped, addressed invite for their own scrapbooks.

Your wedding invitation is one of the only tangible things you get to keep from your wedding day. After the flowers have wilted, the music has played, and the cake has been eaten, you’re left with your dress, photographs, and a piece of paper reminding you of all the memories of one of your most special days.

• Framing: The most straightforward option is to frame your invitation. You can do it yourself, register for a double invitation frame, or have it professionally framed. If you choose the latter, consider including a petal from your bouquet for a special touch.
• Decoupage Plate: You can turn your invitation into a decoupage plate, either as a gift for your parents and in-laws or as a keepsake for yourself.
• Engraved Tray: Celebrate your new life together with an engraved sterling silver or pewter wedding invitation tray. This can be displayed in your dining room or kitchen and may even become a keepsake for your future children.
• Keepsake Box: Create a glass wedding invitation keepsake box to permanently display your invitation and other special items, such as maps, reception cards, or photos.
• Eco-Friendly Display: You can have your invitation mounted on a piece of eco-friendly wood or printed and mounted on sustainable materials.
• Christmas Ornament: Transform your invitation into a special ornament for your first Christmas as a married couple. Cut the invitation into strips, curl them around a pen, and insert them into a clear globe ornament. Add some glitter for extra sparkle!

Invites to parents paying for the wedding

When it comes to wedding invitations, the short answer is yes, you should send invites to your parents, even if they are paying for the wedding. While it may seem redundant, especially if they are closely involved in the planning, it is still a lovely gesture and they will likely want an invite as a keepsake to remember the day.

If your parents are contributing financially to your wedding, they will likely want to be involved in the planning and may have specific expectations for the event. It is important to communicate clearly and set boundaries with your parents, particularly if you have different visions for the wedding. Be sure to discuss and agree on the guest list, including any plus-ones for your parents, as well as their level of involvement in the planning process.

When it comes to invitation wording, there are a few options to consider. Traditionally, the bride's parents are listed as the hosts on the invitation, even if both sets of parents are contributing financially. However, it is becoming increasingly common to include both sets of parents on the invitation, especially if they are significantly contributing to the wedding. Here are a few wording suggestions:

• "Mr. and Mrs. [Bride's Parents] request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter [Bride] to [Groom], son of Mr. and Mrs. [Groom's Parents]."
• "Together with their parents, [Bride] and [Groom] request the honour of your presence at their marriage."
• "Mr. and Mrs. [Bride's Parents] & Mrs. [Groom's Mother] request your presence at the marriage of their children [Bride] and [Groom]."

Remember, the invitation wording is ultimately your decision, and you can choose to include or exclude parents' names as you see fit. Some couples prefer to keep the wording simple and traditional, while others may want to acknowledge both sets of parents, regardless of their financial contribution.

Finally, don't forget to send your parents a wedding invitation! Even if they are closely involved in the planning, an invitation is a special keepsake that they will likely want to cherish for years to come.

Informality in addressing parents

While it may seem odd to send wedding invitations to your parents, it is still a nice gesture to do so. Even though they are closely involved in the planning and know all the details, it is helpful for them to have all the information in one place. Plus, they will likely want to keep the invitation as a memento.

When addressing the parents in the invitation, there are a few ways to go about it. If you want to stick to tradition, you can use titles and last names, such as "Mr. and Mrs. William Lewis". However, for a more informal approach, you can simply use their first and last names, for example, "Cheryl and William Lewis". This style is especially suitable if you want to avoid separating the man's first name from his last name.

• "Cheryl and William Lewis request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter, Jessica Marie, to Kevin Paul Harris."
• "Samuel and Mindy Peters, the families and friends of Matthew John Masterson, invite you to the ceremony and celebration on Saturday, the twelfth of September, two thousand twenty-seven, at three o'clock in the afternoon at Northern Lights Garden."
• "Our joy will be more complete if you can share in the marriage of our daughter, Sara Marie, to Troy Higgins Clark, on Saturday, the twelfth of September, two thousand twenty-seven, at six o'clock in the evening. Jonathan and Emma Neilson."

Invites to parents involved in planning

When it comes to wedding planning, it's natural to wonder if you should send invitations to your parents and in-laws. After all, they are closely involved in the planning process and already know all the details of the wedding. However, sending them formal invitations is still a thoughtful gesture and a common practice. Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider sending invites to your parents, even if they are actively involved in planning your wedding:

A Special Keepsake

One of the main reasons to send wedding invitations to your parents is that they often cherish these invites as special keepsakes. They may want to hold onto the invitation as a memento of your big day and include it in a scrapbook or memory box. It's a way for them to feel included and valued, even if they already know the wedding details.

Consistency and Courtesy

Consistency is key when it comes to wedding invitations. It is generally recommended to send invitations to everyone who is invited to the wedding, including your parents and in-laws. This ensures that no one feels left out and that everyone receives the same warm invitation to share in your special day. Sending invitations is also a matter of courtesy and can make your parents feel appreciated and respected.

A Formal Announcement

Even though your parents are aware of the wedding plans, a formal invitation can serve as an official announcement. It confirms their attendance and marks the occasion as a significant event in your life. The invitation also sets the tone for the wedding and gives them all the necessary details in one place, making it easier for them to plan and prepare.

Personalisation

When addressing the invitations to your parents, you can get creative and use the names or nicknames you usually call them. This adds a personal touch to the invitation and makes it unique to your relationship with them. Whether it's "Mum and Dad" or a nickname like "Pops" or "Mumma", personalisation makes the invitation feel more intimate and special.

A Memorable Memento

Just like your parents, you may also want to keep a wedding invitation as a memento. Sending an invitation to yourself and your parents ensures that you all have a stamped and addressed memento to cherish and look back on. It's a beautiful way to remember the joy and excitement leading up to your wedding day.

In conclusion, while it may seem redundant to send wedding invitations to your parents when they are closely involved in the planning process, it is still a thoughtful and meaningful gesture. It shows your parents that you value their presence and want them to be a part of every aspect of your wedding journey. So, go ahead and include them in your invitation list – it's a decision you're unlikely to regret!

Invites to parents not involved in planning

Even if your parents are not involved in the wedding planning, it is still customary to send them a formal wedding invitation. While it may seem redundant, especially if they are helping you with the invites, it is a thoughtful gesture and they will likely want to keep it as a memento.

If your parents are divorced, you may want to send separate invitations to each household. In this case, it is important to be mindful of your parents' feelings and set clear boundaries. If one parent has a new partner, you may consider inviting them as well, especially if your parent wishes to see them at the wedding.

When addressing the invitations to your parents, it is generally best to use the names you normally call them. For example, if you usually call your parents "Mum" and "Dad", this is what you should use on the invites. However, if you prefer a more formal approach, you can use "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by their surname.

If your parents are not hosting or contributing financially to the wedding, you may choose to use your and your partner's names on the invitation instead. This way, you can avoid awkward phrasing, such as "Mr. and Mrs. Nguyen request the pleasure of Mr. and Mrs. Nguyen's company...".

In conclusion, even if your parents are not involved in the planning process, sending them a wedding invitation is a thoughtful gesture and a way to include them in your special day.

Frequently asked questions