Wedding Invitation Etiquette

When should I order wedding invitations?

Invitations should be ordered at least four months before the wedding. Engraved and letterpress invitations should be ordered four to five months in advance.

When should we mail out wedding invitations?

Invitations should be mailed 8-10 weeks before the wedding.

Whose names should be included on the invitation?

Traditionally, only the bride's parents' names are listed at the top of the invitation if they are hosting, and paying for, the entire event. In these more modern times, if the groom's parents are paying for almost half of the wedding, you may honor their help and the fact that they are co-hosting the wedding by also putting their names at the top of the invitation. If they are only paying for a few minor (expected) things you may want to honor the groom and his parents by including them on the invitation as "son of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Smith".

Are response cards necessary?

Reply sets are a necessary evil for any first-time wedding for over 50 people or more. There are ways to lessen the "fill-in-the-blank" look of the r.sv.p. card while still providing a practical means of response. You can also tell your guests to reply by email or phone.