Martha Stewart's Guide To Stuffing Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations are the first glimpse your guests will have of your big day, and Martha Stewart has plenty of ideas and advice to help you get them just right. From addressing guests correctly and choosing the right stationery to deciding on a colour palette and the all-important wording, there's a lot to consider. Luckily, Martha Stewart's guides are on hand to help you navigate the process and avoid any etiquette faux pas.

How to word wedding invitations

Wedding invitations are the first glimpse your guests will have of your big day. They are meant to inform your attendees of the event's details, but they are also a good way to get everyone excited about your celebration.

Include all the necessary details:

The invitation should include the full names of the couple getting married, the names of the hosts (if different), and the place and time of the ceremony. It is also important to include the date, time, and venue or location of the wedding.

Be creative but clear:

Feel free to add creative touches to your invitations, such as custom wax seals, calligraphed addresses, or illustrations. However, ensure that all pertinent information is clearly included.

Address your guests properly:

On the outer envelopes, write the full names of your guests. Address married couples as "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the husband's first and last name, or list both full names in alphabetical order if the wife has kept her maiden name. For unmarried couples living together, write their names on separate lines.

Avoid including certain phrases:

Phrases like "no children" or "adults only" should not be included on the invitation card. Instead, imply who is invited by the names on the envelope. Similarly, avoid including registry information on the invitation; family and wedding party members can spread the word when asked.

Pay attention to small details:

When writing out addresses, "Street," "Post Office Box," and "Apartment" should be spelled out in full. The same is true for city and state names and house numbers smaller than 20. Abbreviate "Mr." and "Mrs." but spell out "Street" and other similar words.

Send invitations with plenty of notice:

Send invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding and request an RSVP two to three weeks prior to the event to give yourself enough time to finalize the guest list and plan accordingly.

When to send wedding invitations

Wedding invitations should be sent six to eight weeks before the wedding, with an RSVP request of two to three weeks prior to the event so that you can get a final headcount. This is also a good time to send out thank-you notes to express your appreciation for any gifts received.

Save-the-date notices are typically sent out three to four months in advance. However, if your wedding is a destination wedding or your guests are spread out across the globe, it is advisable to give them more time to plan their attendance.

It is important to be clear and creative with your invitations. While it is fun to experiment with different styles, such as telegrams or invisible ink, ensure that all pertinent information is included. This includes the full names of the couple, the hosts, the place, and the time of the ceremony.

When addressing your guests, it is considered polite to write their entire names on the outer envelopes. For married couples, the traditional format of "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the husband's first and last name is acceptable. However, listing both full names or writing the names in alphabetical order for couples where the wife has kept her maiden name is also appropriate.

How to address wedding invitation envelopes

Wedding invitations are the first glimpse your guests will have of your big day, so it's important to get them right. Here's a guide on how to address wedding invitation envelopes:

Be Clear and Creative

It's important to include all the pertinent information on your invitations. This includes the full names of the couple getting married, the hosts' names (if different), and the place and time of the ceremony. You can include the venue's URL on the save-the-date, but avoid writing phrases like "no children" or "adults only" on the invitation card. Instead, imply who is invited by the names on the envelope.

Addressing Married Couples

When addressing married couples, use "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the husband's first and last name. You can also list both full names, either in alphabetical order or with the husband's name first. For example, "Ms. Susan Jones and Mr. John Smith" or "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith."

Addressing a Woman Who Keeps Her Maiden Name

When addressing a woman who has kept her maiden name, write the names in alphabetical order, for example, "Ms. Susan Jones and Mr. John Smith."

Addressing an Unmarried Couple

When addressing an unmarried couple who live together, write their names on two separate lines.

Addressing a Couple Where the Wife Is a Doctor

If the wife is a doctor, her full name comes first, followed by "and Mr." and the husband's first and last name. For example, "Doctor Aharon and Mr. Gary Lawrence."

Addressing a Couple Where the Husband Is a Doctor

When addressing a couple where the husband is a doctor, use the titles "Doctor and Mrs." followed by the husband's first and last name.

Addressing a Couple Where Both Are Doctors

If both the husband and wife are doctors, the envelope should say "Drs." followed by their full names in alphabetical order.

Addressing a Single Woman

A single woman (unless she's a doctor) should be addressed as "Ms." If she's under 21, use "Miss."

Other Tips:

• Write out addresses in full: "Street," "Post Office Box," "Apartment," city and state names, and house numbers smaller than 20.
• Abbreviate "Mr." and "Mrs."
• Send save-the-dates three to four months before the wedding, and invitations six to eight weeks before.
• Request RSVPs two to three weeks before the event to get a final headcount.

How to assemble wedding invitations

Wedding invitations are one of the first ways your guests experience your celebration. They are meant to inform your guests about the event details, but they also get everyone excited about your big day by previewing your colour palette, destination, season, or theme. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to assemble your wedding invitations:

Step 1: Finalise the design and text of your invitations

Choose classic, elegant designs with calligraphy, elegant typefaces, tried-and-true printing methods, and subdued colours. You can also add modern touches like monograms, custom wax seals, and calligraphed addresses. Finalise the text, including the full names of the couple, the hosts, the place, and the time of the ceremony.

Step 2: Prepare the envelopes

Write your guests' entire names on the outer envelopes. Address married couples as "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the husband's first and last name, or list both full names. For a woman who has kept her maiden name, write the names in alphabetical order: "Ms. Susan Jones and Mr. John Smith". For unmarried couples living together, write the names on two lines.

Step 3: Assemble the invitation suite

Place the invitation card, any additional cards (such as RSVP or details cards), and any other inserts (like maps or accommodation information) inside the envelope. You can also add envelope liners, wax seals, or silk ribbons for a creative touch. Ensure that all pertinent information is included and clearly presented.

Step 4: Seal and address the envelopes

Seal the envelopes and address them with calligraphed or handwritten names and addresses. You can also use printed labels for a more modern look. Consider adding return addresses to the back flap, especially if you are using custom or coloured envelopes.

Step 5: Mail your invitations

Send your invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding, with an RSVP request of two to three weeks prior to the event so you can get a final headcount.

How to get wedding guests to RSVP

When it comes to wedding invitations, you want to make sure that you give your guests plenty of notice. Save-the-date notices should be sent out three to four months before the wedding, and invitations should be sent six to eight weeks in advance. This will give your guests enough time to plan, especially if they need to travel or make accommodations.

To ensure that you get timely responses from your guests, it is recommended that you request RSVPs two to three weeks before the wedding. This will allow you to finalise the guest list and make any necessary arrangements. Here are some tips to encourage your wedding guests to RSVP:

• Include all pertinent information on the invitation: full names of the couple, hosts (if different), place, time, and date of the ceremony.
• Provide clear instructions on how to RSVP, including the deadline and any specific details you need from guests (such as meal preferences or plus-one information).
• Consider including an RSVP card with a stamped and addressed envelope to make it as convenient as possible for your guests to respond.
• For a more modern approach, you can include your wedding website URL on the save-the-date notices or invitations, allowing guests to RSVP online.
• If you haven't received a response from a guest by your deadline, it is appropriate to follow up with a phone call or email. This will help you get a more accurate headcount and show your guests that their presence is important to you.

Remember, your wedding invitations are one of the first impressions your guests will have of your special day, so take the time to make them personalised and exciting!

Frequently asked questions