Wedding Etiquette: Whom To Invite?

Sending wedding invitations to your parents and in-laws is a topic that often comes up when planning a wedding. While it may seem redundant since they are obviously invited and are closely involved in the planning, it is still recommended to send them an invitation. Many parents will want to keep the invitation as a memento, and it helps to have all the information in one place. Sending an invitation is a lovely gesture and will be appreciated by your parents and in-laws.

It's a nice gesture

Sending wedding invitations to your parents is a lovely gesture, and there are several reasons why you might want to do so. Firstly, it is a thoughtful way to make your parents feel included and valued. Even if they are closely involved in the wedding planning process, receiving a formal invitation can make them feel truly part of the celebration.

Secondly, it is a chance for your parents to have a keepsake or memento of the special day. Many people like to keep wedding invitations as a reminder of the happy occasion, and your parents may especially appreciate having an invitation as a sentimental token. It can become a cherished part of their scrapbook or memory box.

Additionally, sending an invitation ensures that your parents have all the necessary details about the wedding in one place. While they may already know the date, time, and location, an invitation provides a handy reference for them and can help them feel more organised and prepared for the event.

Lastly, sending wedding invitations to your parents sets a good precedent for maintaining open communication and ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and informed. It is a way to honour your parents' role in your life and to express your gratitude for their support and presence on your special day.

They can keep it as a memento

Sending wedding invitations to parents might seem redundant, especially if they are closely involved in the wedding planning process. However, it is a thoughtful gesture that serves as a keepsake for them to cherish. Here are some reasons why sending wedding invitations to parents is a meaningful tradition:

A Sentimental Memento

It is common for parents to want to keep their child's wedding invitation as a memento. They may want to display it proudly in their home or carefully preserve it in a scrapbook. This physical reminder of the wedding day allows them to relive the memories and emotions associated with the occasion. The invitation becomes a tangible connection to the joy and happiness of the event, making it a cherished keepsake for years to come.

A Symbol of Inclusion

Sending wedding invitations to parents is a way to make them feel included and valued. Even if they are actively involved in the planning process, receiving a formal invitation reinforces their role in the wedding. It shows that their presence is not only expected but also eagerly anticipated. This gesture can strengthen the bond between the couple and their parents, making them feel like an integral part of the celebration.

A Timeless Tradition

The tradition of sending wedding invitations to parents has endured for generations. It is a timeless custom that adds a touch of sentimentality to the wedding preparations. By following this tradition, couples pay homage to the long-standing rituals associated with weddings. It is a way to honour the past and create a sense of continuity between generations, connecting the couple to the rich history of wedding customs.

A Practical Reference

While parents are likely to be well aware of the wedding details, having a physical invitation can be helpful. It serves as a quick reference for important information such as dates, times, and locations. This is especially useful for parents who are heavily involved in the planning process, as it provides a concise summary of the key event details. It also ensures that they have all the necessary information in one place, reducing the chances of confusion or oversight.

A Heartfelt Gesture

Sending wedding invitations to parents is an expression of love and gratitude. It conveys a sense of appreciation for their support and presence in the couple's life. The invitation symbolises the couple's desire to share their special day with their parents, recognising the important role they play in their lives. This simple gesture can deepen family bonds and create lasting memories.

In conclusion, sending wedding invitations to parents is a thoughtful tradition that serves multiple purposes. It not only provides a memento for parents to cherish but also symbolises inclusion, honours tradition, offers practical reference, and conveys heartfelt sentiments. By following this custom, couples can create lasting memories and strengthen their relationships with their parents.

They can use it to remember the details

It is important to send wedding invitations to your parents and in-laws. While it may seem redundant, as they are closely involved in the planning process, it is still a thoughtful gesture. Many brides even send invitations to themselves to keep as a memento.

Sending an invitation to your parents and in-laws ensures they have all the information in one place. It is also a nice way to make them feel included and valued. They can use the invitation to remember the details of the wedding, such as the date, time, and location. This is especially helpful if they are not heavily involved in the planning process and may not have all the details.

Additionally, your parents and in-laws may want to keep the invitation as a memento or include it in a scrapbook. It can be a special keepsake for them to look back on and remember your wedding day. It is a small but meaningful way to show your parents and in-laws that you value their presence and contribution to your special day.

It is also a good idea to send invitations to anyone else who is invited to the wedding, even if they are closely involved in the planning. This includes your wedding party and other close family members or friends. It is a way to make them feel appreciated and excited about the upcoming celebration.

So, while it may seem unnecessary to send wedding invitations to your parents and in-laws, it is a thoughtful gesture that can help them remember the details of your big day and provide them with a special keepsake.

They can use it for a scrapbook

Wedding invitations are often kept as mementos, with many people choosing to include them in a scrapbook. This can be a lovely way to remember the special day and can be a great way to showcase your creativity.

If you're thinking of making a wedding scrapbook, there are lots of options to choose from. You can go for a traditional photo album-style scrapbook, or you could get creative and include 3D elements such as dried flowers, ribbons, or even a small paper gift bag to keep notes and other small items. If you're feeling extra crafty, you could even make your own scrapbook paper frames using a Cricut machine.

There are also digital options available, such as designing a professionally printed wedding photo book. This gives you the opportunity to choose from a variety of page layouts, book styles, and cover designs to fit your theme and taste.

If you're looking for some inspiration, here are some ideas for what to include in your wedding scrapbook:

• Wedding quotes or passages from your favourite books
• Designs and photos of your reception centrepieces
• Photo booth images and props
• Your wedding stationery, such as invitations and place cards
• A camera at your guest book, inviting guests to glue in their image with a handwritten message
• Photos, invitations, and cards from your bridal shower
• Honeymoon memories, such as maps, photos, and postcards
• Your wedding schedule or program
• Dried flowers from your bouquet

It's proper etiquette

It is proper etiquette to send wedding invitations to your parents and the groom's parents, even if they are closely involved in the planning process. While it may seem redundant, sending an invitation is a lovely gesture and will give them something to remember the day by. Many brides even send an invitation to themselves to keep as a memento.

The proper etiquette for wedding invitation wording depends on who is hosting (and paying for) the wedding. If the parents are hosting, they should be named on the invite. If multiple people are contributing, it is appropriate to write "together with their parents" or "together with their families" on the invites.

It is also important to follow certain protocols when addressing and sending the invitations. For example, it is considered a nice touch to handwrite the addresses on the envelopes, rather than using pre-printed labels. Additionally, separate invitations should be sent to adult children, even if they live in the family home.

When it comes to timing, wedding invitations are typically sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding, giving guests enough time to make travel arrangements if needed. It is also common to send out save-the-date cards in advance, especially for destination weddings.

Frequently asked questions