Announcing Your Lds Wedding: Choosing The Right Words

Planning an LDS wedding ceremony involves several considerations, such as guest lists, hosts, location, and dates. However, the complexity increases when addressing issues like attire for the temple versus the reception, managing guests waiting outside the temple, and coordinating the sealing ceremony with the reception timing. One crucial aspect is sending out carefully crafted wedding invitations. The invitation wording for an LDS wedding differs from a typical wedding invitation. It should include the names of both parents, the couple's full names, the temple where the sealing will take place, and the date of the sealing. It is also essential to include an invitation to the reception or open house, especially if multiple events will be hosted.

Wording for LDS wedding invitations

Planning an LDS wedding ceremony involves several considerations, such as guest lists, hosts, location, and dates. However, the wording of the wedding invitations is a crucial aspect that requires careful thought. Here are some guidelines and examples to help you craft the perfect invitation for your special day:

Key Elements to Include:

• Parents' Names: Traditionally, the names of both parents of the bride and groom are included in the invitation.
• Couple's Full Names: Ensure you spell out the full names of the couple getting married.
• Temple Information: Mention the temple where the sealing ceremony will take place and the date of the sealing.
• Reception or Open House Details: Invite guests to the reception or open house and provide all relevant information, especially if you're hosting multiple events.
• Separate Cards for Sealing Guests: As the sealing ceremony is usually reserved for close family and friends, include a separate card or insert with sealing details for those specifically invited.

Sample LDS Wedding Invitation Wording:

Formal Invitation for Ceremony and Reception:

"The honor 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, LDS North Kent ward building, 86 North Shore Drive, Salem, Oregon. Reception to follow immediately afterward."

Casual Invitation for Ceremony and Reception:

"We're getting married! Please join the celebration as Heather Lindquist and Stephen Jahnle say 'I do' on September 21, 2012, at 11:30 in the morning, Audubon Society Botanical Garden, 1132 Lynn Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin. Dinner and dancing to follow."

Formal Invitation to Reception Only:

"Madelynn Carissa Evans and Nathan Bradley Monson will be sealed together for time and all eternity on Saturday, the second of March two thousand thirteen, in the Salt Lake City Utah Temple. We joyfully ask you to share in this celebration at a reception held that evening from six until eight o'clock, Lion House, 63 East South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah."

Casual Invitation to 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."

Open House Invitation:

"Dr. and Mrs. Raymond Zimmerman invite you to share in their joy at an open house honouring the marriage of Rebecca Raye Zimmerman and Eric William Hutchinson on Friday, October twenty-sixth two thousand twelve, at half past eleven in the morning, Holiday Inn and Suites, 413 Iris Court, Phoenix, Arizona."

Invitation to Reception and Open House:

"Melissa Joan Thompson and Brent Nephi Harris joyfully announce their marriage on Saturday, the thirty-first of August two thousand thirteen, in the Las Vegas Nevada LDS temple. You are cordially invited to attend a reception or open house held in their honour. Reception Open House: Saturday, August 31st, Exeter LDS Chapel, 397 Avalon Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Saturday, September 14th, Callahan home, 424 Sandy Way Trail, Redondo Beach, California."

Temple Sealing Invitation with Reception Card Insert:

"Forever begins when we, Anna Linette Gilbert and Douglas Jonathan Dorsey, are sealed for time and eternity on Friday, the fourth of April at eleven o'clock in the morning, in the Orlando Florida temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Please be present 30 minutes prior.) A reception will be held immediately afterward at the Turtle Bay Country Club, 646 Davidson Road, Windermere, Florida."

Remember, these are just examples, and you can personalise the wording to match your wedding style and theme. Be creative, and don't be afraid to dig a little deeper to find the right wording that reflects the joy of your special day!

What to include on the invitation

The invitation is the first glimpse your guests will have of your wedding day, so it's important to get it right! Here are some things to include when sending out invitations for an LDS wedding ceremony:

The Basics

First, cover the essentials: the names of the hosts, the couple's full names, the date, time, and location of the wedding and/or reception. If your LDS temple is part of your wedding plans, you may 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.

Temple Sealing Information

LDS marriages take place in the sealing rooms of temples, which often have a maximum occupancy limit. The sealing information is not generally included on the wedding invitation. Instead, include a separate card or insert for those invited to the sealing ceremony and place it in the envelope alongside the invitation.

Other Important Information

There is a lot of other information you may want your guests to know, but it's not always appropriate for a formal wedding invitation. Here are some suggestions for additional cards and inserts:

• Wedding Registry: It is generally considered a faux pas to place your wedding registry on the invitation. Most couples will include a small card with their registry information or their wedding website, where guests can find more information.
• Dress Code: Include any dress code information, such as "Formal Dress Requested," to help your guests know what to wear.
• Directions: If you're concerned about guests finding your reception location, include a small, printed map with specific parking directions or limitations.
• RSVP: Include an RSVP card for guests to fill out and return, preferably with a stamp to make it easier for them to send back. You can also request an electronic RSVP.

Remember to send out your invitations at least eight weeks before the wedding, and consider sending "Save the Date" cards 4-6 weeks before that, especially if your wedding is during a busy time of year.

Style and Design

Your invitations should reflect the joy of your big day and incorporate your wedding colour and theme. Feel free to use funky fonts or personalise the invitation with a picture. The colours and style of the invitation should match the ceremony and reception, giving your guests their first impression of your special day.

Sending out two sets of invitations

If you're planning on being sealed in the temple, you'll need to send out two sets of invitations. The first set is for close friends and family invited to both the sealing and the reception. The second set is for all other guests who are invited to the reception or open house only.

The information about the temple sealing is one of the most important parts of the invitation. However, most of the guests will not be invited to the sealing, so it's best to include a separate invitation slip with the sealing information for those specific guests.

The invitation slip can include an RSVP request for the sealing ceremony. This way, if someone is unable to come, you can invite others. They may also wish to bring their spouse with them for the ceremony.

The invitation for guests who are not invited to the sealing should include all the information about the reception or open house. If you are hosting multiple occasions, include all the possibilities and dates on the invitation.

The importance of inserts

Inserts are a great way to include extra information with your wedding invitations without crowding the main invitation with logistics. They are especially useful for LDS weddings, which often involve multiple events and guest lists. Here are some reasons why inserts are important:

• Provide Additional Information: Inserts allow you to share extra details about your wedding, such as the temple location, reception information, dress code, directions, and any pre-or post-wedding events. This helps keep your main invitation concise and elegant.
• Accommodate Different Guest Lists: LDS weddings typically involve separate guest lists for the sealing ceremony and the reception. Inserts enable you to provide specific information to each group of guests, such as requesting an RSVP for the sealing ceremony or including a map and parking instructions for the reception venue.
• Customisation and Creativity: Inserts give you the opportunity to get creative and personalise your invitations. For example, you can include a custom map with your favourite locations or a colour palette with swatches for your attire.
• Clarity and Convenience: Inserts ensure that your guests have all the necessary information in one place. This reduces confusion and helps them plan their attendance, especially if they are travelling from out of town.
• Adherence to Etiquette: Including certain details directly on the main invitation may be considered a faux pas. Inserts allow you to provide information about your wedding registry, accommodation options, and other practical details in a more subtle and elegant manner.
• Flexibility: Inserts give you the flexibility to tailor your invitations to your specific needs. You can choose which inserts to include based on the unique aspects of your wedding, such as multiple events, specific dress codes, or destination locations.

Remember, the more cards you include, the higher your printing and design costs will be. However, inserts can enhance the overall presentation of your invitations and ensure that your guests have a clear understanding of your wedding festivities.

RSVP and other information cards

When it comes to your LDS wedding, you'll want to send out invitations that reflect the joy of your big day and give your guests a sense of the style and personality of the event. But with so many considerations, such as guest lists, locations, and dates, it can be tricky to know where to start. Here are some tips and suggestions for your RSVP and other information cards to make your life easier:

RSVP Cards:

Requesting an RSVP from your guests is essential, whether you're having a formal seated dinner or a more casual gathering. It helps you keep track of attendance and plan accordingly for food and seating. Here are some tips for your RSVP cards:

• Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope to make it convenient for your guests to respond.
• Consider offering an electronic RSVP option as well, especially if you have tech-savvy guests or want to make it even easier for people to respond.
• Send out your invitations at least eight weeks before the wedding to give your guests ample time to respond and make any necessary travel arrangements.

Other Information Cards:

There's a lot of additional information you may want to convey to your guests, and including separate cards or inserts along with the invitation is a great way to do that. Here are some ideas for other information cards:

• Wedding Registry: While it's considered a faux pas to put your wedding registry on the invitation itself, you can include a small card with your registry details. Alternatively, direct guests to your wedding website if you have one.
• Dress Code: Specify any dress code expectations, such as "Formal Dress Requested," to help your guests know what to wear.
• Directions: Include a small, printed map if you're concerned about guests finding the reception venue, especially if there are specific parking instructions or limitations.
• Timeline: Let guests know about the day's timeline, including when and where to meet after the temple ceremony.
• Sealing Ceremony: If you're having a sealing ceremony, create a separate card or insert for those invited. Request an RSVP for this part of the event and consider any guidelines you want to communicate, such as the number of guests each invitee can bring.
• Reception Details: Share details about the reception, including any unique aspects, such as a non-alcoholic bar or specific themes.

Remember, your invitations are the first impression your guests will have of your special day, so take the time to make them reflect your style and personality. Don't be afraid to get creative and include all the necessary details to ensure your guests have a clear understanding of your wedding festivities!

Frequently asked questions