Are Your Guests Talking Behind Your Back? Get Smart About Invitations BEFORE You Order Anything!
Monday, October 1, 2012
What color font or size font should you use to make sure your guests can clearly read your invitation?
What information should you include?
Can you send one to an entire family even though the members live in different homes?
Is using a mailing label (vs. hand addressing) appropriate?
Can you include your registry information on your invitations?
Will guests be willing to RSVP online?
What's the best way to communicate an "adult only" wedding?
Should single guests be allowed a guest or what's the best way to approach?
Should you include your parents' names, if one of them is inactive or deceased or if they are not paying for the wedding?
There are so many things that you don't know, and suddenly, it's midnight and you are up desperately placing your invitation order or addressing envelopes.
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If you are anything like I was when I planned my wedding, I simply didn't know what I didn't know. And while you might think these things do not matter, they do. If you cut corners, your guests will be misinformed (and calling you all the time) or will feel disrespected because you didn't think enough of them to send a personal invitation, properly addressed, to their home.
Luckily, Jen of Something Detailed is teaching a workshop on invitation etiquette. Believe me, this girl knows her stuff! And, she's willing to help you learn. There's no reason not to soak up her wisdom, especially when it's practically free. (Your registration free is applied to your stationery order.) Plus, Jen is giving away some great goodies to all attendees!
The fun yet entertaining workshop takes place this Satuday (October 6) at Wedding 101. Find details and a link to register below. But before you head off to register, check out the 5 common wedding invitation mistakes provided by Jen below. It will give you a taste of what to expect at the workshop.
5 Common Wedding Invitation Mistakes
1. Correctly listing the hosts names
Did you know that the wording of your invitation implies who is paying for the wedding? There are many ways to choose to include all the loved ones who are contributing to your big day, especially when dealing with multiple sets of parents. How the bride's parents, step-parents, and groom's parents are listed is all based on the wedding hosts, but sometimes it is also a nod to recognize loved ones.
2. Requesting their presence
Did you know that "requests the honor of your presence" is reserved for a wedding held in a house of worship only? I've seen many brides make this mistake when getting married outside of a church setting.
3. Misspelling a guest’s name
Starting your guest list is one of the most stressful parts of planning a wedding. The guest list impacts everything, especially your budget. As you start your invitation list, use an excel spreadsheet to stay organized and make sure to proof read from the get-go so as not to misspell a guest’s name. There is nothing more impersonal than sending an invitation to someone with his or her name spelled incorrectly! Have your fiancé or mom proofread your list as well.
4. Putting gift registry on the invitation
Traditionally, it is improper to include registry information or registry inserts in a wedding invitation. It implies that you expect a gift. It is also not in good taste to include “no gifts please”, “please make donations to…”, or “cash gifts only”.
Many couples are creating personal wedding websites with all their registry details included. Include your wedding website on enclosures and Save the Dates to ensure guests are properly informed. But, no matter what: do not include it on your formal invitation.
5. Not using “and guest” correctly
Allowing unmarried guests to bring a significant other is always a nice offer, especially if they don’t know anyone else at the wedding. If you have a lot of unmarried friends, allowing all of them to bring a guest can make your budget skyrocket. Make sure to use “and guest” when inviting a single guest to your wedding, but try your best to find out if they have a steady specific significant other and include his or her name on the envelope. Be sure to never use “+1”, it’s too informal, and “guest” should always be lower case.
Wedding Invitation Etiquette Workshop for Brides
Your invitations are the first thing guests will see – it sets the tone of your entire wedding. It’s also one of the most stressful parts of the wedding planning process. Our goal is to make it easy and fun by sending you home with the confidence that you can make etiquette choices that best fit your style, and to learn how to overcome the pressure of doing it right.
We’d like to invite you to an intimate event this fall:
Wedding Invitation Essentials: The Modern Details of Wedding Invitation Etiquette
A workshop answering all the real questions you have about one of the most stressful parts of the wedding planning process.
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
October 6, 2012
Wedding 101 at the Factory
230 Franklin Road, Bldg. 11, Ste. MM
Franklin, Tennessee
You’ll walk away with:
~ personalized attention and one-on-one consulting about your wedding invitations
~ the exact wording for your wedding invitation and enclosures
~ a template and ideas to help you write the perfect thank you note
~ all the etiquette knowledge you’ll need to send invitations with panache and class
~ a checklist of things you need to do before starting your wedding invitations like knowing your budget, securing your venue, and having a clear vision of your style.
~ a checklist of the enclosures you need for your wedding invitation suite such as an accommodations card
~ a complete guide on how to address your envelopes appropriately
We’re making this event something fun you can do with your mom or maid of honor. You’ll receive a workbook to guide you in answering your etiquette questions, a light snack, mimosa’s, personalized swag, and more.
Brides who attend will get their registration fee back to put toward a wedding invitation order with Something Detailed!
Reserve Your Seat
Visit weddinginvitationessentials.com for full details and tickets or visit somethingdetailed.com to learn more about Something Detailed's custom invitation service.
If you don't respect your guests or want them at your wedding, don't invite them. But if you do, make them feel special, from invitation to reception. Your invitation will be their first impression of how they will be treated at your celebration. Attend this Saturday's workshop and learn how to create a delightful first impression of your wedding using your invitation.
About the Author:
Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide
Hey - I'm Ashley! I started AshleysBrideGuide.com to give Nashville brides, or folks planning a Nashville wedding, a local resource for inspiration and resources. Hope to see you at a bridal show soon! Happy Planning.
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Posted on October 1, 2012 |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Bridal Shows & Events, Invitations & Paper Goods
