Invitation Etiquette and Issues
<b>Q</b>: How do I assemble my invitations?
<b>A</b>: Depending on the style you've chosen, you'll leave them flat or fold them in half or in fourths. The text should be on the front, the fold on the left. Tuck enclosure cards inside, or set them on top of the larger card. Put the pile in an ungummed (inner) envelope, with the print visible upon opening the flap. Leave the inner envelope unsealed. Once you've written the guests’ names on the inner envelope, place it inside the outer envelope, with the names facing the flap. Address the outer envelope, seal, and stamp; you're done!
<b>Q</b>: What are the guidelines for inner-envelope addressing?
<b>A</b>: The formal way is with titles only: Mr. and Mrs. Smith; Ms. Adams and Mr. Zorn (alphabetically, if a couple has different last names); Dr. and Mrs. Jones (if you need to use a professional title). If your wedding is more casual and intimate, you can just use first names or familiar titles (Aunt Emma).
<b>Q</b>: What about the outer envelope?
<b>A</b>: Guests’ names and mailing addresses should be written out in full on the outer envelope- Mr. and Mrs. Paul Daly, Ms. Jacqueline Underberg, and so on. Spell out Street, Lane, and Apartment. Your stationer will probably have a booklet all about titles and addressing that will help you with other specific questions you
have.
<b>Q</b>: Do you have to put a return address on the wedding invitations?
<b>A</b>: A return address is a good idea, but you don't necessarily have to have it printed on the envelopes. To save money, handwrite a return address on the back flap. The address should be that of the person whom you've designated to receive response cards-be it the bride's mother, the groom's mother, or the bride and/or groom themselves. The response card envelopes (or the postcards, if you're using them) should be printed with this address.
<b>Q</b>: How are announcements different from invitations, and when are they sent?
<b>A</b>: Announcements are sent to family, friends, and colleagues whom you aren't inviting to the wedding but still want to inform about your marriage. Send them when you've had a very small wedding, or when you want business associate and far away relatives to be aware that you're now married. Announcements are worded similarly to invitations and are sent on your wedding day. Some recipients may choose to send you a wedding gift; graciously send a thank-you note immediately.
Courtesy of <a class='navitem2' href='http://theknot.com'>The Knot </a> via <a class='navitem2' href='http://scrippsmedia.com'>Scripps Media</a>
