Writing Wedding Invitations: Malta-Style Etiquette And Tips

Wedding invitations are formal and should be written with care. They are the first impression of your wedding, so it's important to start early and not rush. When addressing wedding invitations, it's important to use the correct titles and full names. For example, a married couple with the same last name could be written as 'Mr. and Mrs. Borg' or 'Mr. Paul and Mrs. Maria Borg'. If the couple has different last names, list the person you are closest with first, for example, 'Mr. Borg and Mrs. Abela'. When addressing a same-gender couple, list their names alphabetically by last name, for example, 'Mr. Fenech and Mr. Zerafa'.

Addressing couples and families

When addressing couples and families, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, always use the correct titles when addressing your guests, such as Mr., Miss, Mrs., or Ms. The use of "Ms." is ideal when addressing a widow or divorcee, or when a woman's marriage status does not need to be disclosed.

For a married couple with the same last name, you can use their first names followed by their last name, or simply use their last name. If children are invited, they should be listed from oldest to youngest, or you can just add "and family" at the end. Here's an example:

"Mr. & Mrs. Borg" or "Mr. Paul & Mrs. Maria Borg"

Envelope: "Mr. & Mrs. Paul Borg"

If the married couple has different last names, list the person you are closest with first. Here's an example:

'Mr. Borg & Mrs. Abela'

Envelope: 'Mr. Paul Borg & Mrs. Maria Abela'

For an unmarried couple living together, both names should be included on the invite. The envelope should be listed alphabetically according to the last name. Here's an example:

"Mr. Borg & Ms. Abela"

Envelope: "Mrs. Maria Abela & Mr. Paul Borg"

When addressing a same-gender couple, list their names alphabetically by their last name, both on the invite and the envelope. Here's an example:

"Mr. Fenech & Mr. Zerafa"

Envelope: "Mr. Gary Fenech & Mr. Joseph Zerafa"

If one or both members of the couple are doctors, you can address them as such. For example:

"The Doctors Borg (and Family)"

Envelope: "Doctors Paul & Maria Borg"

"Doctor Karl & Mrs. Saliba"

Envelope: "Doctor Karl & Mrs. Saliba"

"Mr. Philip & Doctor Sarah Grech"

Envelope: "Mr. Philip & Doctor Sarah Grech"

When inviting children to the wedding, remember that children under 18 should not be mentioned on the envelope but should be listed on the invite, from oldest to youngest. Children over 18 should be given a separate invite from their parents.

Including children

When it comes to including children on your wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to note that in British tradition, children over the age of 13 should receive their own invitation. If you are inviting children to your wedding, they should be listed on the invitation from oldest to youngest, or you can simply add "and family" at the end. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Borg and Family".

Children under the age of 18 should not be mentioned on the envelope, but should be included on the invitation itself. If there are children over the age of 18 in the family, they should be sent a separate invitation, even if they still live with their parents. This is also true for unmarried couples living together with children; the invitation should be addressed to both parents, with the children listed on the invitation.

If you prefer not to have children at your wedding, it is considered impolite to write "No children" or "Adults Only" on the invitation. Instead, simply do not include children's names on the invitation, and emphasise your preference by word of mouth. However, keep in mind that this should be an "all or nothing" situation, with the exception of the ring bearer and flower girl, if applicable.

Correct titles

It is important to address persons by their correct title. For example, Mr., Miss, or Mrs.

Ms. is the correct title when a woman's marital status does not need to be disclosed. It is ideal for addressing a widow or divorcee. Nicknames and abbreviations should be avoided.

• Married Couple and their Children: "Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Borg and Family" or "Mr. Paul and Mrs. Maria Borg and Family"
• Married Couple, Wife kept her maiden surname: "Mr. Kevin Borg and Mrs. Mary Falzon"
• Husband is a doctor (MD): "Doctor Kevin Borg & Mrs. Borg"
• Wife is a doctor (MD): "Mr. Kevin Borg and Doctor Mary Borg"
• Wife is a doctor (MD) and kept her maiden surname: "Mr. Kevin Borg and Doctor Mary Falzon"
• Married couple, both Doctors: The Doctors Borg (and Family)" or Drs. Kevin and Mary Borg
• Married couple, both Doctors, Wife kept her maiden surname: "Dr. Kevin Borg and Dr. Mary Falzon"
• Husband is a Lieutenant: "Lieutenant Kevin Borg and Mrs. Borg" or "Lieutenant and Mrs. Kevin Borg"
• Wife is a Lieutenant: "Mr. Kevin Borg and Lieutenant Mary Borg" or "Lieutenant Mary Falzon if she kept her maiden name"
• Unmarried couple living together: "Miss Mary Falzon, Mr. Kevin Borg"
• Divorced female (kept maiden surname): "Ms. Mary Borg"
• Divorced female (reclaimed maiden surname): "Ms. Mary Falzon"
• Unmarried female (with a boyfriend/guest): "Miss Mary Falzon", "Miss Mary Falzon and boyfriend", or "Miss Mary Falzon and guest"
• Sisters living together: "Ms. Mary Falzon and Ms. Anna Falzon"
• Sisters living together, one is a widow: "Mrs Mary Borg and Ms Anna Falzon"
• Friends living together: "Miss Mary Borg and Miss Anna Falzon"
• Teenage girl under 18 years: "Mary Falzon" or "Miss Mary Falzon"
• Teenage boy under 18 years: "Kevin Borg" or "Master Kevin Borg"
• Children over 18 years: "Mr. Kevin Borg" or "Miss Mary Falzon" (a separate invitation should be sent to children over 18 even if they still live with their parents)

Creative wording

Your wedding invitations are a formal introduction to your wedding and should be written with great care. They are also a chance to showcase your creativity. Here are some ideas for wording your invitations in a creative way:

Sample No.1

The eternal summer of our love will not fade… Please join us as we, [bride's name], daughter of [parents' names] and [groom's name], son of [parents' names] begin our new life together on [date].

Sample No.2

Two lives, two hearts joined together in friendship, united forever in love. It is with joy that we, [bride's name], daughter of [parents' names] and [groom's name], son of [parents' names] invite you to share in a celebration of love as we exchange our marriage vows on [date].

Sample No.3

The most joyous of occasions is the union of a man and woman in celebration of life… [bride's name] and [groom's name] will vow their lives to one another forever on [date]. [bride's parents' names] and [groom's parents' names] invite you to join with them in asking God’s blessing upon this holy union at [time of day].

Sample No.4

As our marriage brings new meaning to love, so our love brings new meaning to life. This day I will marry my friend, the one I laugh with, live for, dream with, love.

Sample No.5

Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust. Love still stands when all else has fallen.

Feel free to add your own verses and personal touches to make your invitations unique and special. Remember, your invitations are a reflection of your wedding, so take the time to make them elegant and memorable.

Sending 'save the dates'

Save-the-date cards are a fun and simple way to let your guests know that your wedding is on the horizon and that they should keep their calendar clear. They are usually sent out four to six months before the wedding, but for destination weddings, you may want to send them even earlier—up to 12 months in advance—so that guests have ample time to make travel arrangements. It's important to note that you should only send save-the-dates to those who will definitely be receiving a formal invitation.

When creating your save-the-date cards, you can personalize them to match your wedding theme and express your style as a couple. You can include your engagement photos, fun designs, or a personal message like "We can't wait to celebrate with you!". Traditionally, save-the-date cards include the names of the couple, the date of the wedding, and the city or state where the ceremony will take place. You can also include your wedding website if you have one at the time of sending.

While it's not necessary to match your save-the-date cards and your formal invitations, they should give off the same general feel. You can choose from various designs, such as vintage postcards with rustic details, greenery themes with watercolour accents, or formal designs that echo an elegant wedding. You can also customize your cards with your favourite photos, fonts, or templates.

Remember, your wedding invitations are formal and must be written with great care. They create the first impression of your wedding, so take your time and don't rush the process.

Frequently asked questions