Incorporating Lds Sealing Into Wedding Announcements: A Guide

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to sending out invitations. For those planning an LDS wedding, the process can be even more complex, as it often involves sending out two sets of invitations. The first set is for close friends and family invited to both the sealing and the reception, while the second set is for guests who are only invited to the reception or open house. Here are some tips and suggestions for navigating the process of attaching an LDS sealing invitation to a regular wedding announcement.

Two sets of invites: one for the sealing and reception, one for the reception only

If you're planning an LDS wedding, you'll need to send out two sets of invitations: one for close friends and family invited to both the sealing and the reception, and one for all other guests who are invited to the reception or open house only.

Include the Basics

Make sure to include the basics such as the names of the host(s), the bride and groom's full names, the date, time, and location of the wedding and/or reception. If you are being sealed in an LDS temple, include the temple name and the date of the sealing.

Use Separate Cards for Sealing Guests

The sealing ceremony is typically reserved for the couple's closest family and friends. Include a separate card or insert for those invited to the sealing ceremony, and include it in the envelope with the invitation. You may want to request that guests RSVP for the sealing, as space may be limited.

Provide Additional Information on Inserts

It is considered inappropriate to include certain details on a formal wedding invitation. Use separate cards or inserts to provide information such as wedding registry details, dress code, directions to the reception location, and RSVP information.

Send Invitations Early

It is recommended to send out wedding invitations at least eight weeks before the wedding. If you are planning a wedding during a busy time of year, consider giving guests more time to make travel arrangements.

Match Your Invitations to Your Wedding Style

Your invitations should reflect the joy of your big day and give guests a sense of the personality and style of your wedding. Incorporate your wedding colours and theme to create a cohesive look from your invitations to your wedding day.

Invitation for Ceremony and Reception (Formal)

The honour of your presence is requested at the marriage of [Bride] to [Groom]

[Date] at [Time] in the afternoon

[Temple Name and Address]

Reception to follow immediately afterward.

Invitation for Ceremony and Reception (Casual)

We're getting married! Please join the celebration as [Bride] and [Groom] say "I do."

[Date] at [Time] in the morning/afternoon

[Ceremony Location]

Dinner and dancing to follow.

Invitation to Reception Only (Formal)

[Bride] and [Groom] will be sealed together for time and all eternity on [Date] at [Temple Name and Address]. We joyfully ask you to share in this celebration at a reception held that evening from [Time] at [Reception Location].

Invitation to Reception Only (Casual)

Come join us in an evening of food and dancing to celebrate the marriage of [Bride] and [Groom]

[Date] at [Time] in the evening

[Reception Location]

Include the temple name and sealing date

When including the temple name and sealing date in your wedding invitations, it's important to follow certain etiquette and guidelines. Here are some key points to consider:

• Two Sets of Invitations: If you are having a temple sealing, it is customary to send out two sets of invitations. One set is for close friends and family invited to both the sealing and the reception. The other set is for guests who are invited only to the reception or open house.
• Invitation Wording: When inviting guests to the sealing ceremony, be sure to include the temple name and sealing date. For example, "Forever begins when we, [Bride] and [Groom], are sealed for time and eternity, [Date] at [Time] in the [Temple Name] temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
• Timing: Send out your invitations as early as possible, especially if you are having a destination wedding or if guests need to make travel arrangements. It is considered polite to give your guests ample time to plan their attendance.
• Clarity: Ensure that the temple name and sealing date are clearly stated on the invitation. You may also include additional details such as requesting guests to arrive 30 minutes prior to the sealing ceremony.
• Consistency: The style and design of your invitations should be consistent with the theme and colours of your wedding. This helps create a cohesive look and feel for your special day.
• RSVP and Contact Information: It is common to include an RSVP request and provide contact information on your invitations. This helps you keep track of attendance and allows guests to reach out to you if they have any questions.
• Inserts and Additional Information: If you wish to share logistical information, such as registry details, directions to the temple, or other relevant details, consider including inserts with your invitations. This keeps the main invitation focused on the sealing ceremony while providing guests with additional practical information.

RSVP requests for the sealing

When sending out your LDS sealing invitations, it is important to include an RSVP request. This will allow you to keep track of who will be attending the sealing and plan accordingly. Here are some detailed instructions and examples to help you with the RSVP requests for your LDS sealing invitations:

Instructions for Guests:

It is important to include clear and direct instructions for your guests on how to RSVP. Here are some suggestions:

• Include a specific date by which guests should RSVP. For example, "Please RSVP by [date]."
• Provide multiple options for guests to RSVP, such as by phone, email, or mail. For example, "Please RSVP by phone, email, or mail."
• If you prefer a certain method of RSVP, you can specify that. For example, "Please RSVP by email to [email address]."
• Include any additional information guests may need, such as the names of the couple or a contact person. For example, "Please RSVP to [name and phone number or email address]."

Wording Examples:

• "Your presence at the sealing is requested. Please RSVP by [date]."
• "We kindly request your presence at the sealing. Please RSVP to [name and contact information] by [date]."
• "You are invited to join us for the sealing. Please RSVP online at [website URL] or by phone at [phone number] by [date]."
• "We would be honored by your presence at the sealing. Kindly RSVP by [date] to [name and contact information]."

Managing Responses:

Once you have sent out your invitations and requested RSVPs, it is important to keep track of the responses. Here are some suggestions:

• Create a system to record responses, such as a spreadsheet or a guest list with checkboxes.
• Confirm receipt of RSVPs, especially if they are sent by mail or email.
• Follow up with guests who have not responded by the requested date.
• Keep a running total of the number of guests attending to help with seating arrangements or other planning.

Remember to include a separate card for the sealing invitation and RSVP request, as mentioned earlier. This will ensure that your guests have clear information and can respond accordingly.

Registry, dress code, and directions on separate cards

When it comes to your wedding, you want to ensure that your guests have all the information they need to enjoy your special day. While it's important to include the basics on your wedding invitation—the names of the hosts, the couple's names, the date, time, and location of the wedding and/or reception—there are other details that require separate cards for clarity and elegance. Here are some tips for creating separate cards for your registry, dress code, and directions:

Registry Card:

It is generally considered improper etiquette to include registry information on your wedding invitation. However, if you have guests travelling from far or want to provide an easy way for loved ones to find your registry, you can include a separate registry card. On this card, list only 2-3 stores where you are registered. Avoid including any additional information, such as requesting monetary gifts or specific items. This card can also be replaced by a wedding website card with a link to your wedding website, where guests can find all the necessary details.

Dress Code Card:

Informing your guests about the expected attire for your wedding is essential, especially if you have a specific dress code in mind. The most common wedding dress codes range from white-tie (the most formal) to casual. If your wedding falls into one of these standard categories, you can simply include the dress code in the bottom right corner of your invitation, e.g., "black-tie" or "cocktail attire." However, if your wedding venue requires a unique dress code, such as a military base with strict admittance requirements, a separate attire card may be necessary. On this card, provide brief attire suggestions, such as "lawn-appropriate shoes" or "beach casual." Keep the details concise and direct, and consider including this information on your wedding website instead to save on costs.

Directions Card:

If your wedding venue is challenging to find or doesn't show up properly on GPS, consider including a separate directions card or map insert. A hand-drawn map can add a fun and colourful element to your stationery suite. If you opt for a text-based directions card, ensure it is easy to read and includes only the information necessary to get to the venue. You can skip this card if your venue is simple to locate.

By providing separate cards for your registry, dress code, and directions, you can ensure that your guests have clear and concise information to enhance their celebration of your special day.

Send invites 8 weeks before

Sending out your wedding invitations about two months in advance is a good rule of thumb. This gives your guests ample time to plan, especially if they need to make travel arrangements. If you're getting married during a busy time of year, like a major holiday, consider sending out your invites even earlier.

Finalise Wedding Details

Before ordering your invitations, confirm the date, time, and location of both the wedding and reception. Consult with your immediate family, wedding party members, and, most importantly, the wedding venue to ensure the date works for everyone. Also, decide whether you want a morning, afternoon, or evening wedding.

Prepare the Invitation Wording

The invitation wording can be formal or casual, depending on your preference. Include the names of the hosts, the bride and groom, the date, time, and location of the wedding and/or reception. If you're being sealed in the temple, you'll need to send out two sets of invitations: one for close friends and family invited to the sealing and reception, and one for guests invited to the reception or open house only.

Here's an example of a formal invitation for the ceremony and reception:

> The honour of your presence is requested at the marriage of Lily Jane Thomas to Evan Franklin Rothwell on Saturday, the twenty-third of February two thousand thirteen at three o'clock in the afternoon at the LDS North Kent ward building, 86 North Shore Drive, Salem, Oregon. Reception to follow immediately afterward.

And here's an example of a casual invitation for the reception only:

> Come join us in an evening of food and dancing to celebrate the marriage of Delilah and Derek Cofax on Saturday, July 20, 2013, at Hibbert Farms, 1197 249th St, Lexington, Kentucky.

Include Necessary Inserts

Along with the invitation, you may want to include separate cards or inserts with additional information. This can include details about the sealing ceremony for those invited, wedding registry information, dress code, directions to the reception location, and an RSVP card.

Send the Invitations

About eight weeks before your wedding day, send out the invitations. Don't forget to include self-addressed, stamped envelopes or provide an electronic RSVP option to make it convenient for your guests to respond.

Frequently asked questions