American Wedding Invites: What To Type And Include

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but the right wedding invitation is a great place to start. American wedding invitations come in a variety of styles, from rustic to traditional, and can be customized to fit the theme of your special day. The wording of your invitation is important, and there are many ways to ask for the pleasure of your guests' company. Whether you're looking for something classic and traditional or creative and whimsical, there are some basic elements that should be included. This includes a request to come to the wedding, the names of the couple, and reception information.

Wording and etiquette

The wording of your wedding invitation is important, but it needn't be stressful. There are some basic elements that should be included, and the rules of wedding invitation etiquette are actually much simpler and more straightforward than you may think. The most important rule is that you create a beautiful wedding invitation that represents you, your love, and the big day to come. Here is a breakdown of what each line means and what it typically includes.

The Host Line

The host line traditionally includes the names of those hosting the wedding, which is usually the bride's parents. However, including the names of both sets of parents as hosts is a gracious option, no matter who is paying for the wedding. If the couple is hosting, you can skip the host line altogether or start with a warm and welcoming introduction, such as "Together with full hearts"

The Request to Attend

There are many ways to ask for the pleasure of your guests' company. Here are a few options:

• "The pleasure of your company"
• "At the marriage of their children"
• "Would love for you to join them"
• "Invite you to celebrate with them"
• "The honour of your presence" (the British spelling of "honour" indicates the ceremony will be held in a church or another house of worship)

The Names of the Couple

If the names of the couple haven't been included in the host line, they should still take centre stage a few lines down. Traditionally, the name of the bride always precedes the groom's name. For same-sex couples, the traditional rule of the woman's name first and man's second isn't applicable. Alphabetical order or what sounds better are both good options.

The Date and Time

For formal weddings, everything is written out in full (no numerals). The year is optional, and the time of day is usually spelled out using "o'clock" or "half after five o'clock". For casual weddings, numerals are fine.

The Venue

The street address of a venue is not usually needed unless omitting it would lead to confusion or if the wedding is taking place at the host's home. The city and state should be written out in full.

Reception Information

Very formal invitations include this information on a separate card. Otherwise, it can be printed on the wedding invitation itself if there is room. When the reception is at a different location, include it on a separate line or on a separate reception card.

Dress Code

The dress code is usually included in the lower right-hand corner of the invitation. If you don't include a note on attire, the invitation itself will indicate the dress code. For example, if the invitation is very fancy, guests will likely anticipate a formal, black-tie affair.

RSVP Card

Most couples choose to include a separate response card for guests to fill out and return. You also have the option of having people RSVP via your wedding website.

Outer envelope

The outer envelope is the first thing your guests will see when they receive your wedding invitation, so it's important to get it right. Here are some tips and guidelines for addressing your outer envelopes:

Format and Style:

• Outer envelopes are usually large, thick, and square.
• They typically match the colour and paper type of the invitation and inner envelope.
• Always spell out the full name and address. Do not use abbreviations except for the titles Mister (Mr.), Misses (Mrs.), and Junior (Jr.).
• Street names and directions should be spelled out in full: for example, "216 Ninth Street South, San Diego, CA 92101".

Addressing by Recipient Type:

• Married Couple (same last name): Mr. and Mrs. [Full Name].
• Married Couple (different last names): Ms. [Full Name] and Mr. [Full Name].
• Single Woman: Miss [Full Name].
• Single Man: Mr. [Full Name].
• Unmarried Couple (at the same address): Address the outer envelope to the person you are closer with, and include the other guest's name on the inner envelope.
• Married Couple with children under 18: Include the children's names on the inner envelope.
• Judge: If single, address as "The Honorable [Full Name]". If married, address as "The Honorable and Mrs. [Full Name]".
• Doctor (Medical): If single, address as "Doctor [Full Name]". If married, address as "Doctor and Mrs. [Full Name]".
• Doctor (PhD): If single, address as "Dr. [Full Name]". If married, address as "Dr. and Mrs. [Full Name]".
• Clergy: Address as "The Reverend [Full Name]".
• Officer (Male, active or retired): Address as "Captain [Full Name] and Mrs. [Full Name]".
• Officer (Female, active or retired): Address as "Captain [Full Name], U.S. Army, [Full Name]".

Additional Tips:

• Review your guest list and confirm that all addresses are current and names are spelled correctly.
• If no inner envelope is used, include the names of all invited guests on the outer envelope.
• If you are sending formal invitations with both outer and inner envelopes, list only the names of invited adult guests on both envelopes.

Inner envelope

The inner envelope is placed inside the outer envelope and contains the invitation itself. This envelope is typically smaller and more decorative than the outer envelope. It is addressed using the names of the specific invitees from each household, such as the names of children in a family.

If you are inviting a married couple with the same last name, the inner envelope can be addressed to "Mr. and Mrs. James Baldwin". For a married couple with different last names, address it to "Ms. Reese Cooper and Mr. James Baldwin". For a single woman, the inner envelope can be addressed to "Miss Melissa Cartwright". For a single man, address it to "Mr. Benjamin Anderson".

If you are inviting an unmarried couple at the same address, the outer envelope can be addressed to the person you are closest with, and the inner envelope can include the other guest's name, for example: "Miss (or Ms.) Colleen Smith and Mr. John Miller".

For a married couple with children under 18, the outer envelope can be addressed to the parents, with the children's names included on the inner envelope, for example: "Mr. and Mrs. Collin Green" on the outer, and "Collin, Ava and Liam Green" on the inner.

If you are inviting a judge, the outer envelope can be addressed to "The Honorable John Brown", or "The Honorable and Mrs. John Brown" if they are married. For a single doctor, the outer envelope can be addressed to "Doctor Bob Grimes", or "Doctor and Mrs. Bob Grimes" if they are married. For a PhD, the outer envelope can be addressed to "Dr. Henry Skinner", or "Dr. and Mrs. Henry Skinner" if they are married.

If the married woman you are inviting is a doctor, the outer envelope can be addressed to "Doctor Lisa Strokes and Mr. George Miller".

If you are inviting a clergy member, the outer envelope can be addressed to "The Reverend Paul White". To invite an active-duty or retired male officer, address the outer envelope to "Captain and Mrs. Leonard Greene". To invite an active-duty or retired female officer, address the outer envelope to "Captain Samantha Hart, U.S. Army and Mr. Carl Waters".

If you are not using an inner envelope, be sure to include the names of all invited guests on the outer envelope.

RSVP card

What to Include on an RSVP Card

• A clear RSVP deadline, usually around one month before the wedding.
• A way for guests to indicate whether they will be attending or not, usually in the form of checkboxes or fill-in-the-blank lines.
• Space for guests to write their names, with an "M" at the start of the line to indicate that guests should include their proper honorific (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss).
• Space for guests to indicate any dietary requirements or food preferences, especially if the wedding reception includes a plated dinner.
• Additional information such as contact details, dress code, and the wedding website URL.
• A special request line, such as for song requests or drink preferences.

Wording Your RSVP Card

The traditional wording for an RSVP is "Accepts With Pleasure/Regretfully Declines", but couples are increasingly choosing to add a creative or quirky twist to their RSVP cards. Here are some examples of RSVP card wording:

• Répondez S'il Vous Plaît (RSVP). Your response is requested before [date]. Name(s) :__________________ ▢ accept(s) with pleasure ▢ decline(s) with regret.
• Kindly Respond. We ask you to reply before [date]. Name(s) :__________________ ▢ will be there to celebrate ▢ will be toasting from afar.
• Will You Be Joining Us? We kindly request your reply before [date]. Name(s) of our fabulous guests:__________________ ▢ will be there with bells on ▢ will be there in spirit.
• Yay or Nay? When we say ‘I do’, will we be seeing you? Reply before [date]. Name(s) :__________________ ▢ Yes, you will see our/my face(s) ▢ Sorry, we’re/I’m busy that day!

Practical Considerations

When creating your RSVP cards, consider the following:

• Matching stationery: Ensure that your RSVP cards match the rest of your wedding stationery for an elegant effect.
• Pre-addressed and stamped envelopes: Include pre-addressed and stamped envelopes with your RSVP cards for your guests' convenience.
• Spreadsheet: Create a spreadsheet to keep track of your RSVPs, with each invite corresponding to a number subtly pencilled on the back of the RSVP card.
• Online RSVPs: If you are collecting RSVPs through your wedding website, include an enclosure card in your invitations with the website URL and RSVP deadline.

Reception card

The reception card is an important part of your wedding invitation suite. It provides guests with essential details about the celebration following the ceremony. Here are four to six paragraphs with instructive and focused content on what to include in your reception card:

Location and Time:

If your wedding ceremony and reception are held at different venues, it is essential to include a separate reception card with clear information about the reception location. This can be in the form of a separate insert card that matches the style of your invitation suite. Include the full address of the reception venue, and if it is a private residence, you may also include the street address for guests' convenience. If the reception is at the same location as the ceremony, you can simply state, "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow."

Timing:

When the reception follows immediately after the ceremony, you can indicate this with phrases such as "Reception immediately following the ceremony." If there is a break between the two events, provide the time for the reception. For example, "Reception at 6:00 pm" or "Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at 7:00 pm."

Directions and Transportation:

Consider including a separate information card within your invitation suite to provide guests with directions to the reception venue, especially if it is at a different location from the ceremony. You may also include transportation information, such as a shuttle service between the ceremony and reception sites. This ensures that guests can easily navigate their way to the celebration.

Dress Code:

The reception card is an appropriate place to include dress code information if you are opting to specify attire guidelines for your wedding. For example, "Black-tie optional" or "Cocktail attire suggested." This gives guests a clear understanding of the expected dress code for the reception.

Additional Details:

If there are any unique aspects to the reception, you may want to include them on the reception card or an additional information card. For instance, if you are having a themed wedding or if there will be specific entertainment, activities, or performances during the reception that guests should be aware of. This ensures that guests are well-informed and can actively participate in the festivities.

Format and Design:

The format and design of your reception card should complement the overall style of your wedding invitation suite. Maintain a consistent colour scheme, font style, and paper choice to create a cohesive look. You may also choose to include embellishments such as ribbons or bows that match your wedding theme. Whether you opt for a simple or elaborate design, ensure that the card is easy to read and that the essential information stands out.

Frequently asked questions