Designing Wedding Invitations: Handling Divorced Parents' Addresses

Creating wedding invitations can be a tricky task, especially when dealing with divorced parents. The process becomes even more complex when considering traditional etiquette, financial contributions, and step-parents. Ultimately, the decision on how to word invitations rests with the couple, but some standard guidelines and options can help navigate this delicate situation.

Traditionally, the bride's parents are listed as hosts at the top of the invitation, even in formal settings. However, modern practices allow for flexibility, including listing both sets of parents or even the couple themselves as hosts. When including divorced parents, a general rule is to list them on separate lines, with the mother's name first, followed by the father's, regardless of financial contributions. Step-parents can be included on the same line as their spouses if they have played a significant role in the couple's life.

Include both parents' names, but on separate lines

If you want to include both of your divorced parents' names on your wedding invitation, it's best to put them on separate lines. This is true whether your parents are remarried or not. Here's an example:

"Ms. Sarah Smith

Mr. John Smith

Request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of their daughter

Michael Alan Timmons"

If your mother is remarried, you can include her new last name to prevent confusion:

"Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jones

Mr. John Smith

Request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of their daughter

Michael Alan Timmons"

The same goes for if your father is remarried:

"Ms. Sarah Smith

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

Request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of their daughter

Michael Alan Timmons"

If both of your parents are remarried, include both new last names:

"Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jones

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

Request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of their daughter

Michael Alan Timmons"

Remember to list your mother's name first, and always omit the "and" between your parents' names.

List mother's name first

When creating wedding invitations for divorced parents, it's important to be mindful of etiquette and sensitive to family dynamics. Here are some guidelines to help you navigate this situation gracefully, focusing on listing the mother's name first:

Listing Mothers Name First:

• The basic rule of thumb is to tread lightly and avoid causing any unnecessary tension or reopening old wounds.
• When listing divorced parents on wedding invitations, it is customary to list the mother's name first. This applies regardless of whether the mother is remarried or not.
• The mother's name and the father's name should appear on separate lines with no "and" between them. This format is used to signify that the parents are not married to each other.
• You can use "Ms." or "Mrs." for the mother's title, but using "Ms." is generally preferred to avoid any confusion, especially if she has resumed using her maiden name.
• If the mother has remarried, include her new married name, followed by the father's name on the next line. This format helps to clarify the relationship and prevent confusion, especially if the parents have different last names.
• If the mother has primary custody or is contributing financially to the wedding, it is generally appropriate to list her name first. However, traditional etiquette dictates that the mother's name goes first unless she is not contributing financially, in which case the father's name would take precedence.
• When including step-parents, list them on the same line as their spouse, such as "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jones."

Divorced Parents, Mother Remarried:

"Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jones

Mr. John Smith

Request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of their daughter

Michael Alan Timmons"

Remember, the key is to be respectful and considerate of everyone involved while also ensuring that the invitation accurately represents your family situation.

Include step-parents' names

When it comes to wedding invitations, every family is unique and should do what feels right. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, especially when it comes to divorced parents and step-parents. Here are some guidelines and examples to help you navigate this potentially tricky situation:

Etiquette Rules for Including Step-Parents

If you want to follow traditional wedding invitation etiquette, here are some rules to consider:

• Divorced parents' names never appear on the same line, even if they are both unmarried.
• The mother's name goes first unless she is not contributing financially to the wedding. In this case, the father's name can go first.
• Traditionally, only the parents' names appear on the invitation, but it is completely acceptable to include step-parents.
• If you want to include a step-parent, write their name on the same line as their spouse (your mother or father).
• Always list the mother and her spouse first, followed by the father and his spouse on a separate line.
• If both sets of parents are remarried and hosting, you can list each couple on their own line or use the phrase "together with their families".

Invitation Wording Examples Including Step-Parents

Now, let's look at some examples of how to word wedding invitations when including step-parents:

• Including your stepdad:
• "Neena and Kenneth Peterson invite you to the marriage of Neena's daughter, Hunter Walter Franke, on Saturday, August 25th, two thousand twenty-seven, at one o'clock in the afternoon, Sunflower Hills Farm, 19 East Forrest Heights."
• "Along with Neena and Kenneth Peterson, invite you to the marriage of their daughter, Hunter Walter Franke, on Saturday, August 25th, two thousand twenty-seven, at one o'clock in the afternoon, Sunflower Hills Farm, 19 East Forrest Heights."
• Including your stepmom:
• "Brandon and Amber Radcliffe request the honor of your presence at the marriage of Brandon's daughter on Saturday, the tenth of November, two thousand twenty-seven, at two o'clock in the afternoon."
• "Brandon and Amber Radcliffe, along with Reyna Marie and John and Patricia Smith, request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their children on Saturday, the tenth of November, two thousand twenty-seven, at two o'clock in the afternoon."
• Including multiple step-parents:
• "Along with Elise & Christine Hanley and Olivia & Addison Martin, request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their children on Saturday, the twenty-sixth of December, two thousand twenty-seven, at five o'clock in the evening, 1304 East Harbor Avenue, Greenwood, North Carolina."
• "Charlotte Melissa Hudson requests the honor of your presence at the marriage of their children on Saturday, the twenty-sixth of December, two thousand twenty-seven, at five o'clock in the evening, 1304 East Harbor Avenue, Greenwood, North Carolina."

Include both parents' names if they're covering expenses

When it comes to wedding invitation wording, including both parents' names when they are covering expenses, there are a few etiquette guidelines to follow, especially when dealing with divorced parents. Here are some detailed instructions to help you navigate this delicate situation:

Listing Divorced Parents' Names

If the couple's parents are divorced and contributing financially to the wedding, it is appropriate to include both parents' names on the invitation. The key is to keep each parent on a separate line, and there should be no "and" between the names. The mother's name is always listed first. Here's an example:

> Ms. Sarah Smith

> Mr. John Smith

> together with

> Mr. and Mrs. Alan Timmons

> request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of their children

> Michael Alan Timmons

Including Stepparents' Names

If one or both of your parents have remarried, you can include the name of a stepparent on the same line as their partner. Here's an example:

> Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jones

> Mr. John Smith

> together with

> Mr. and Mrs. Alan Timmons

> request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of their children

> Michael Alan Timmons

Professional Titles

When including parents' names, you may also want to consider professional titles. While it is not mandatory, it can add a touch of formality to the invitation. However, remember that a title should not be used with "Mr.," "Mrs.," or "Ms." Here's an example:

> Dr. Michelle Wright and Timothy Wright

> Mr. John Monroe

> request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter

> Elizabeth Ann Monroe

Honoring a Deceased Parent

If one of your parents has passed away, you can still honour them on the invitation. Since a deceased person cannot serve as a host, you'll need to rearrange the wording. Here's an example:

> Mrs. Sarah Smith, daughter of the late Mr. John Smith

> together with

> Mr. and Mrs. Alan Timmons

> request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of

> Avery June Smith

Keeping it Simple

If you're unsure or want to avoid any potential complications, you can always opt for a simpler approach. List your natural parents' names only, and on separate lines. Here's an example:

> Ms. Sarah Smith

> Mr. John Smith

> request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of their daughter

> Michael Alan Timmons

Remember, when it comes to wedding invitations, the most important rule is to create something that represents you and your love. These guidelines are meant to help you navigate tricky situations, but ultimately, you can adapt them to suit your personal preferences and family dynamics.

Include only one parent's name if they're the only host

When it comes to wedding invitations, divorced parents can make for a tricky situation. Here are some tips and examples to help you navigate this scenario, focusing on the situation where only one parent's name is included as they are the sole host:

If only one of your parents is hosting the wedding, it is appropriate to list them by themselves on the invitation. The key rule to remember is to list the mother first, regardless of other factors. Here are some examples to illustrate this:

If your mother is the sole host and you have taken your partner's last name:

> Ms. Sarah Smith requests the pleasure of your company at the wedding of her daughter Michael Alan Timmons

If your mother is the sole host and you have kept your father's last name or share a last name with your mother:

> Ms. Sarah Jones requests the pleasure of your company at the wedding of her daughter Michael Alan Jones

If your father is the sole host and you have taken your partner's last name:

> Mr. John Smith requests the pleasure of your company at the wedding of his daughter Michael Alan Timmons

If your father is the sole host and you have kept your father's last name or share a last name with your father:

> Mr. John Jones requests the pleasure of your company at the wedding of his daughter Michael Alan Jones

Remember, these examples assume your mother or father is hosting alone and you want to include only one parent's name. If you wish to include step-parents or other family members, different wording may be more appropriate.

Additionally, it is worth noting that traditional etiquette dictates that divorced parents' names never appear on the same line, even if neither is remarried. However, modern couples may choose to disregard this rule and do what feels right for their unique family situation.

Frequently asked questions