Who Should Send Wedding Invites: The Couple Or Parents?

Wedding invitation etiquette can be a complex and confusing topic, especially when it comes to who should send out the invitations. In the past, formal invitations were often addressed and sent by the parents of the bride. However, modern couples often take on this task themselves, especially when they are hosting and paying for the wedding. While it is not necessary to send invitations to the parents of the couple, as they are obviously aware of the wedding details, many choose to do so as a keepsake. Ultimately, the decision of who sends out wedding invitations depends on the couple's preferences and the level of formality they want to convey.

Formal invitations are often addressed from the parents of the bride

Wedding invitation etiquette can be a tricky business, especially when it comes to formal invitations. In this case, tradition often dictates that the parents of the bride are the hosts and, as such, the formal invitations are addressed from them. This is a long-standing tradition, but one that is still often followed today.

The formal invitation is usually a two-envelope affair. The outer envelope is more formal and includes the mailing address, postage, and return address. The inner envelope is printed with only the recipients' names and contains the invitation, RSVP card, and any other relevant information. When two envelopes are used, the outer envelope is addressed more formally, with the inner envelope taking a slightly more casual tone and often incorporating first names.

For example, the outer envelope might be addressed to "Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham", with the inner envelope listing "Mr. and Mrs. Abraham, Daniel, Jeffrey, Miss Brittany, and Mx. Kelly". This format is used to indicate that the parents and their children are invited.

If the bride's parents are hosting the wedding, their names will be on the invitations, along with their return address for any RSVPs. This is the traditional way of addressing wedding invitations, indicating that the bride's parents are hosting a celebration in honour of the couple.

However, modern weddings often see the couple sending out invitations themselves, especially if they are hosting and/or paying for the wedding.

The bride and groom may send invites even if the wedding is hosted by the parents

Wedding invitation etiquette can be confusing, especially when it comes to formal weddings. While formal invitations are often addressed from the parents of the bride, the bride and groom may still choose to send out the invites themselves, even if the wedding is hosted by the parents. This is becoming an increasingly common practice.

In this case, the bride and groom can choose to include their parents' names on the invites, for example, "Mr. and Mrs. [Bride's Parents' Names] and Mr. and Mrs. [Groom's Parents' Names] invite you to celebrate the marriage of their children [Bride] and [Groom]" or a similar variation. This way, it is clear that the parents are hosting the wedding, but the bride and groom are still sending out the invitations.

The bride and groom can also opt to send the invitations on their own, without mentioning their parents, even if the parents are hosting the wedding. This approach may be more suitable for less formal weddings or if the couple prefers a more modern and independent approach.

It is worth noting that some traditional or conservative guests may expect a certain level of formality in the invitations, especially if the wedding itself will be a formal affair. In such cases, it may be more appropriate to follow the traditional etiquette of having the invitations sent out by the parents.

Ultimately, the decision of who sends out the wedding invitations is a personal one, and there is no right or wrong answer as long as the guests receive their invitations.

It is common to send invites to parents as keepsakes

It is common for parents to be sent wedding invitations as keepsakes. While it may seem odd to send an invite to your parents, as they are obviously aware of the wedding details, it is a nice gesture to give them all the information in one place. This is especially true if your parents are helping with the wedding planning, as they can then easily refer to the invite for any details.

Sending an invitation to your parents also ensures they have a memento of the day, which they can keep and cherish. Many parents will want to keep their wedding invite as a reminder of the special occasion, perhaps putting it in a scrapbook or memory box. It is a thoughtful way to include your parents in the wedding process and can be a lovely way to make them feel involved.

In addition, sending an invite to your parents can be a way to formally include them in the guest list. While it may be assumed that immediate family members are invited, sending an invitation ensures there is no confusion. This is particularly important if your parents are helping with the planning, as they can then be sure of their role in the wedding.

Some couples choose to include their parents' names on the invitations as a way of formally inviting guests. This is a traditional way of addressing wedding invites and can be a nice way to honour your parents' role in the wedding. Whether or not the parents are helping with the planning or financing of the wedding, including their names on the invite can be a thoughtful gesture.

Overall, sending wedding invitations to your parents is a common and thoughtful tradition. It ensures your parents have all the wedding details, includes them in the guest list, and provides them with a special keepsake of the day.

Wedding invites should be addressed to both parents and step-parents

When it comes to wedding invites, there are many nuances to consider, from names to titles and even envelope etiquette. While the world of wedding invitation etiquette can be tricky to navigate, inviting both parents and step-parents is a thoughtful choice that acknowledges and honours their role in your life. Here are some tips to help you address your wedding invitations to include both parents and step-parents:

Know the Basics

Start by understanding the basic format of a wedding invitation. Traditionally, the outer envelope is more formal, listing the full name(s) and personal title(s) of the invitee(s). The inner envelope is more informal, giving you the option to use a more casual tone. For example, you can use just the first and last names or even first names only.

Include Step-Parents

If you want to include both parents and step-parents, the key is to ensure they are not on the same line. For example, you can list your mother and stepfather on one line and your father and stepmother on the following line. Here's an example:

"Along with [Mother's name] and [Stepfather's name]

[Father's name] and [Stepmother's name]

Request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their children

[Date]

[Time]

[Venue address]"

Be Mindful of Titles and Names

When addressing step-parents, it is essential to use their preferred titles and names. If your step-parent has a different last name, ensure you include it. For example:

"Mr. [Father's name] and Mrs. [Stepmother's name]"

Or

"Mr. [Father's name] and Mrs. [Stepmother's first name] [Stepmother's last name]"

Consider Envelope Etiquette

When addressing the envelopes, be mindful of the different etiquette for outer and inner envelopes. The outer envelope should be more formal, listing the full names and titles. The inner envelope can be more casual, allowing for first names or even just the titles and last names.

Seek Input and Proofread

Before finalising the invitations, ask your parents and step-parents for their input and ensure that you have correctly spelled out their names and titles. It is also a good idea to double-check the addresses and other details to avoid any last-minute surprises.

In conclusion, addressing wedding invitations to include both parents and step-parents is a thoughtful way to honour their role in your life. By following the tips provided, you can navigate the nuances of wedding invitation etiquette and create invitations that feel right for your unique family situation. Remember to be flexible, as every family is different, and ultimately, the choice is yours.

It is proper etiquette to address guests by their preferred titles

Wedding invitation etiquette can be a tricky business, and it's important to get it right to ensure your guests feel welcome and respected. One key aspect is addressing guests by their preferred titles. This is especially important when it comes to gender identity and expression. The traditional titles of "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Miss", and "Ms." may not be appropriate or preferred by all your guests. It is therefore good etiquette to check with your guests beforehand to ensure you are using their preferred titles.

For example, a non-binary guest may prefer to be addressed as "Mx." rather than a gendered title. It is also worth noting that not all married couples will take the same approach to their titles and surnames. Some may choose to take each other's surnames, while others may keep their own. In the case of unmarried couples, it is customary to list their names separately, each on their own line.

If you are inviting guests with distinguished titles, such as doctors, lawyers, judges, or military personnel, it is proper etiquette to address them by those titles. When sending an invitation to a couple, list the guest with the distinguished title first, or alphabetically if both guests hold equal rank.

When addressing a family with young children, the outer envelope is reserved for the parent(s) or guardian(s). Each child's name should be listed on the inner envelope. Girls under 18 can be addressed as "Miss" if desired, while boys do not need a title until they are 16, at which point they can be addressed as "Mr.".

In the case of older children, those 18 and over should receive their own invitations, unless they live at home with their parents. In this case, you have the option to include or omit titles, but be sure to use the correct identifiers.

Finally, if you are unsure about a guest's preferred title, it is best to play it safe and forgo a title altogether, using only their first and last name. This approach can also be taken if you feel that personal titles may be restrictive or exclusive for some guests.

Frequently asked questions