Understanding 'Merriment To Follow' On Wedding Invitations

The phrase merriment to follow on a wedding invitation is used to indicate that refreshments, drinks, snacks, and entertainment will be provided after the ceremony. It is often used as a more whimsical alternative to the standard reception to follow and is meant to convey a sense of celebration, conviviality, and joy. Some couples opt for this phrase to add a touch of personality and excitement to their wedding invitations.

What does 'merriment to follow' mean on a wedding invitation?

"Merriment to follow" on a wedding invitation is a fun and whimsical way of letting guests know that there will be food, drink, and entertainment after the ceremony. It is often used as a more creative alternative to the standard "reception to follow" and is meant to convey a sense of celebration, conviviality, and gaiety.

The phrase "merriment to follow" is not as commonly seen on wedding invitations as "reception to follow" but has been gaining popularity in recent years. Some couples choose to use this phrase to add a touch of personality and creativity to their invitations, while others prefer to stick with more traditional wording.

There are a few different opinions on what "merriment to follow" actually entails. Some people interpret it as a promise of ""food, drink, and fun", while others see it as an indication of a more casual event with cocktails, snacks, and music. It is important to note that the phrase does not necessarily indicate a full meal will be served, so couples may want to clarify this in their invitation if they are planning on serving a sit-down dinner.

When deciding whether to use "merriment to follow" on a wedding invitation, couples should consider their guest list and the formality of the event. Some guests may be confused by the phrase and may prefer more clear wording, especially if the event is more formal. In general, it is a good idea to include additional details about the reception, such as the time and location, to ensure guests have all the information they need.

For couples who want to add a touch of whimsy to their wedding invitations, "merriment to follow" can be a great choice. It sets the tone for a fun and joyful celebration while still conveying the necessary information about the post-ceremony plans.

Is 'merriment to follow' a standard phrase on wedding invites?

"Merriment to follow" is not a standard phrase on wedding invites. The standard phrase used on wedding invites to indicate that the reception will follow the ceremony in the same location is "reception to follow".

However, some couples choose to use more creative or personalised wording on their invites, such as "dinner and merriment to follow", "cake, punch, and merriment to follow", or "food, drink and fun". These variations are not as commonly used as "reception to follow" but are also understood to mean that the reception will take place at the same location as the ceremony.

Some couples may also choose to include more detailed information about the reception, such as the type of food and entertainment that will be provided. This can be done to add a personal touch or to give guests a better idea of what to expect, especially if the reception is less formal or does not include a full meal.

Ultimately, the choice of wording on a wedding invitation is up to the couple and can be used to reflect their style and personality.

Is 'merriment' clear enough for guests?

The word "merriment" on a wedding invitation is meant to convey fun, joyous celebration. It is often used as a more whimsical alternative to the standard "reception to follow" and is meant to indicate that food, drink, and entertainment will be provided.

However, the use of the word "merriment" in wedding invitations has sparked some debate. Some people find it charming and fun, while others find it confusing or "too cute." Some guests may not be familiar with the word and may be unsure of what to expect at the reception. There is also a risk that guests may not realise that a meal will be served, especially if the reception is more formal.

To ensure that your guests have a clear understanding of what to expect, it may be helpful to provide additional context or details along with the word "merriment." For example, you could say "Dinner and merriment to follow" or "Join us for food, drinks, and merriment after the ceremony." This will make it clear that a meal will be served and that there will be a festive and celebratory atmosphere.

Ultimately, the decision to use the word "merriment" on your wedding invitation depends on your personal style and the tone you want to set for your wedding. If you feel that "merriment" represents you and your partner and you want to add a touch of whimsy to your invitation, then go for it! However, if you are concerned about clarity or prefer a more traditional approach, you may want to stick with "reception to follow" or another similar phrase.

What are some alternatives to 'merriment to follow'?

"Merriment to follow" on a wedding invitation is a fun way of saying that the reception will follow the ceremony. It is a more whimsical way of saying "reception to follow" and is a cute way to indicate that there will be food, drink, music, and dancing to come.

However, some people may be confused by the term "merriment" and it may be unclear if dinner is included. So, if you are looking for alternatives to this phrase, here are some suggestions:

• "Dinner and celebrations to follow"
• "Dinner and dancing to follow"
• "Food and fun to follow"
• "Good food and good times to follow"
• "An evening of celebration and merriment to follow"
• "Dinner, drinks, and merriment to follow"
• "Reception details on the reverse"
• "Reception to follow"

These alternatives maintain the playful tone of "merriment to follow" while providing a little more clarity about what guests can expect. Ultimately, the choice of wording should reflect the style and personality of the couple and the tone they wish to set for their wedding day.

What if the wedding is in a different language?

If you're planning a wedding with guests who speak a different language, you may be wondering how to ensure your invitations are understood by everyone. Here are some tips and suggestions to navigate this:

• Bilingual or Multilingual Invitations: Consider creating bilingual or multilingual invitations. Depending on the languages involved, you could have the invitation written in two or more languages side by side. This ensures that all guests can read and understand the details of the wedding in their native language.
• Translation Services: If you're primarily using one language for the invitations, it's a thoughtful gesture to provide translation services for guests who may not be fluent in that language. Include a small note on the invitation, indicating that translation will be available upon request. You can offer this service through a professional translator or a trusted bilingual friend or family member.
• Key Information in Both Languages: As a middle ground, you could include all the essential information in both languages. For instance, the names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the wedding, and the reception details can be provided in multiple languages. This way, guests can understand the critical details, even if they don't speak the primary language of the invitation.
• Symbolic and Visual Elements: Weddings are often filled with symbolic and visual elements that transcend language barriers. Consider incorporating these into your invitations as well. For example, you could use illustrations or icons to indicate the type of celebration, dress code, or any cultural traditions that will be part of the wedding.
• Online Translation Tools: These days, there are many online translation tools and websites that can provide quick and relatively accurate translations. You could use these tools to translate your invitation into the desired language(s). However, it's always a good idea to have a native speaker review the translation to ensure accuracy and cultural sensitivity.
• Personal Outreach: If your guest list is relatively small and manageable, consider personally reaching out to guests who speak a different language. This could be a phone call, email, or even a video call, where you share the details of the wedding and answer any questions they may have. This approach adds a personal touch and ensures clear communication.
• Bilingual Family Members or Friends: If you or your partner has bilingual family members or friends, don't hesitate to enlist their help. They can assist in translating the invitations, ensuring that the tone and nuances of the original text are preserved. It's a collaborative effort that brings people together!
• Translation Apps: There are many translation apps available for smartphones that can be extremely helpful. These apps often provide instant translations and can be useful for guests who want to quickly understand the invitation. However, as with online tools, it's best to double-check with a native speaker to ensure accuracy.
• Simplified Language: When creating your invitations, try to use straightforward and simplified language. Avoid overly complex sentences or jargon that may be challenging to translate. This makes it easier for guests to understand the invitation, regardless of their primary language.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Always be mindful of cultural sensitivity when translating wedding invitations. Some phrases, idioms, or expressions may not translate directly, and it's important to ensure that the tone and intent of your invitation are preserved in the translated version.

By considering these suggestions, you can ensure that your wedding invitations are inclusive and understandable for guests who speak a different language. It's a wonderful way to make everyone feel welcomed and valued as part of your special day.

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