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Invitation Etiquette
Wording
Standard wedding invitation wording is easy enough - you can find
hundreds of samples on the internet, in your local stationary
store, and in wedding books. The wording can get tricky in blended
families and for non-traditional weddings!
Here are some samples to get you started
(click on the link to view):
Standard Formal Invitation
Bride and Groom Hosted Wedding
Invitation Considerations
* Never assume you know how much the postage will be - take
an invitation to the post office and have it weighed.
* All invitations should be mailed at the same time to avoid hurt
feelings.
* Mail invitations four to six weeks before the event to ensure
your guests have time to reply.
* Exception: If you have the majority of your family coming from
out of town and most of your local friends are in town, you might
consider two mailings. Mail earlier to your out of town guests
to allow them time to plan the trip, then send your local invitations
the typical 4-6 week prior.
Guest Etiquette
RSVP promptly and according to the instructions on the invitation,
then live up to your RSVP.
Since most receptions are a cost per head or table, once the final
count is given (typically a few days before the event) the cost
is set. This means the host will pay for food and drink even if
you decide not to attend at the last minute! If you show up after
declining the invitation, there may not be enough food. While
you may think this is no problem, the bride and/or the host will
probably feel guilty for not accounting for you.
Finally, if your children are not explicitly invited, please do
not bring them to the wedding. You are likely to cost the host
of the reception an average of $20-$100 extra, especially if a
full meal is served. Most families and couples are on tight wedding
budgets - imagine the additional cost if all the guests brought
their uninvited children! |