Etiquette Guide: Capitalizing 'And' In Wedding Invites For Families

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few rules to follow regarding capitalization. While it may seem like a minor detail, capitalization can actually impact the tone of your invitation and adhere to certain etiquette rules. So, do you capitalize and Family on wedding invitations?

'Guest' and 'family' are not proper nouns, so they don't need to be capitalised

When it comes to wedding invitation etiquette, there are a few differing opinions and some grey areas. However, when it comes to the question of capitalising "and guest" and "and family", the consensus is that these phrases should not be capitalised. This is because "guest" and "family" are not proper nouns and therefore do not need to be capitalised.

In general, only proper nouns, such as names, places, and things, are capitalised. "Guest" and "family" are not specific names and are therefore not considered proper nouns. They are simply placeholders in case the couple does not know the guest's name or if they are inviting a family and do not know all the individual names.

For example, if a couple is inviting Mr Robert Smith and they know he is bringing his partner, Sally, it would be appropriate to write "Mr Robert Smith and Ms Sally Parker". In this case, both names are capitalised because they are the names of the guests. However, if the couple does not know who Mr Robert Smith is bringing as their plus-one, they can write "Mr Robert Smith and guest". In this case, "guest" is not capitalised because it is not a name, but simply a placeholder.

The same rule applies to the phrase "and family". If a couple is inviting the Jones family, but they don't know all the individual names of the family members attending, they can write "The Jones Family". In this case, "family" is not capitalised because it is not a proper noun.

It's worth noting that some sources mention that "Guest" is often mistakenly capitalised on wedding invitations. This may be because people are taught from a young age to capitalise nouns, and "Guest" seems like it should be a noun in this context. However, it is important to remember that "Guest" is not a name and is therefore not a proper noun that needs to be capitalised.

'Guest' is a placeholder name, not an actual name, so it should be lowercase

When it comes to wedding invitation etiquette, there are a few differing opinions and considerations. While some people stick to traditional rules, others may prefer a more modern approach. Here are some insights into why "Guest" should be lowercase when used in wedding invitations:

Firstly, it is essential to understand that "Guest" is not a proper noun or a person's name. It is simply a placeholder used when you don't know the name of the individual who will be attending as someone's plus-one. For example, if you invite "Mr. Robert Smith and Guest" and he brings his partner, Sally, you would then use Sally's full name on place cards and thank-you notes. Using "and Guest" on the envelope is just a way to account for a potential unknown attendee. Therefore, "Guest" should be lowercase because it is not a name but rather a temporary designation.

Additionally, when addressing envelopes, it's important to remember that only proper nouns need to be capitalized. "Guest" falls outside of this category and, thus, should be written in lowercase. This is consistent with other phrases like "and family," which is also not capitalized.

It is worth noting that some people may still choose to capitalize "Guest" due to their understanding of standard grammar rules or personal preferences. However, the consensus among wedding invitation etiquette guides is to keep it lowercase.

To make your invitations even more elegant and modern, you could consider using all lowercase letters throughout. This approach ensures that all words are treated uniformly and creates a visually appealing design. However, some people may find reading all lowercase letters challenging, so it's essential to choose a legible font.

Only use 'and guest' for single guests whose plus-ones you don't know

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few rules of etiquette to follow, especially when addressing your guests. While it is your special day, and you can ultimately decide how to word your invitations, there are some traditional guidelines that may be useful to know.

Firstly, when it comes to the question of whether to capitalise "and Guest" or "and Family", opinions differ. Some sources state that only proper nouns should be capitalised, which would exclude "guest" and "family". However, others argue that when addressing an envelope, "Guest" should be capitalised, treating it as a title, similar to an address label. In this case, "and" would not be capitalised. For "and Family", opinions differ, with some choosing to capitalise "Family" and others not.

Now, for your specific request, here is some advice on when to use "and Guest" for single guests:

When creating your guest list, it is important to consider your budget and venue size. If you are inviting single guests, you may want to only include "and Guest" for those with a long-term partner or spouse. This is considered good etiquette, as you are inviting their partner or spouse, not a stranger. However, if you have the budget and space, you can give your guests the option to bring a plus-one by adding "and Guest" to their invitation. This is especially considerate for destination weddings, as travelling alone to an unfamiliar place can be daunting.

On the other hand, if you are working with a tight budget and a limited guest list, you can choose to only invite people you know. In this case, you would not need to include "and Guest" for single guests, as you are only inviting the person named on the invitation. This is perfectly acceptable, and it is not considered rude or unusual.

Remember, your wedding day is about celebrating your love and surrounding yourself with people who bring you joy. So, while it is essential to be mindful of etiquette, ultimately, the decision is yours, and you can choose what works best for you and your partner.

If you know the guest's name, use it instead of 'and guest'

When addressing wedding invitations, it is important to be clear about who is invited. If you know the name of your guest's plus one, it is always preferable to include their name on the invitation, rather than writing "and guest". This avoids any confusion, especially if your guest is part of a household with several people, including children.

If you are inviting a couple, it is customary to include both names on the invitation. Traditionally, for a married couple, the man's name is listed first, followed by his full formal name and the title, "Mr." The woman's name would then be listed on the next line, with her full, formal name and the title, "Mrs." or "Ms.". For unmarried couples, the same format can be followed, with the woman's name first and the title "Miss" or "Ms.".

If you are inviting a family with children, you can address the invitation to the whole family, such as "The Smith Family". Alternatively, you can list the parents' names on one line, followed by the children's names on the next line(s), omitting the last name if they share the same one as their parents.

It is worth noting that including guest names on the wedding invitations adds a personal touch and helps to ensure there is no ambiguity about who is invited. This is particularly important if you are having a formal wedding or if there are specific age restrictions for guests.

In summary, taking the time to address your wedding invitations with your guests' names, rather than simply writing "and guest", is a thoughtful gesture that will be appreciated by your invitees and help them feel valued.

The first letter of the year is sometimes capitalised, but it's not a proper noun

When it comes to wedding invitation etiquette, there are a few conflicting opinions on whether certain words should be capitalised or not. One of the main points of contention is whether to capitalise the first letter of the year. While some sources state that traditionally only proper nouns are capitalised, there is a growing trend to capitalise the first letter of the year, even though it is not a proper noun. This is mentioned in one source as being done in wedding invitations.

So, why the discrepancy? Well, it seems that the capitalisation of the first letter of the year is a matter of style and personal preference. Some couples choose to follow traditional rules, where only proper nouns, the day of the week, and the month are capitalised. In this traditional style, the first letter of the year is lowercase.

However, modern couples might prefer to add a touch of creativity and style to their invitations by capitalising certain letters that are not traditionally capitalised. This includes the first letter of the year, which can be capitalised to create a visually appealing and slightly more formal look.

It's important to note that while some sources mention capitalising the first letter of the year, other wedding invitation elements take precedence when it comes to traditional capitalisation rules. For example, the day of the week and the month are always capitalised, while the year is not. This is because days of the week and months are considered proper nouns, and proper nouns are the only words that should be capitalised according to traditional rules.

In conclusion, while the first letter of the year is sometimes capitalised on wedding invitations, it is not a proper noun. Couples can choose to follow traditional capitalisation rules or add their own creative flair by capitalising certain letters, such as the first letter of the year. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the desired style of the invitation.

Frequently asked questions