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Words, Words, Words
The invitation you chose is beautiful, but what should it say? At this point,
you feel confident about wedding stationery. Then proper wording comes along,
and you panic. Apparently, wording, or verse, has more rules and guidelines than
a proper tango. Most questions concern different hosts, divorced parents, and
strange spellings like "honour," but proper wording follows a basic formula and,
in most cases, is surprisingly simple. Invitations are typically written without
punctuation. Line breaks take the place of commas (except for city - comma -
state). The "u" in "honour" and "favour" is the British spelling, used in formal
and/or religious ceremonies.
The basic line order is as follows:
Host line
Request line
Bride and Groom line
Date and Time line
Location line
Reception and RSVP line (optional)
Each line is a section of the wording and can take up multiple lines on the
invitation. For example, the bride and groom line usually takes three lines: one
for the bride's name, another for "and" or "to," and a final line for the
groom's name.
The host line lists the names of those hosting (paying for) the ceremony,
traditionally the parents of the bride. It should come first on the invitation
and is reserved only for the hosts, whoever they maybe. If the couple hosts,
their names are listed first and "at their wedding" follows the request line.
More and more commonly, the couple wishes to have each parent's name on the
invitation, no matter the host. In these cases, as the host line is still
reserved for the ones paying, a "son of" or "daughter of" line appropriately
follows the groom or bride's name. If both families host, the bride's parents
are listed first.
The request line, on the other hand, is very simple. For religious ceremonies,
"request the honour of your presence" is standard (with the British spelling).
Informal or non-religious ceremonies should be worded, "request the pleasure of
your company." The bride and groom lines have your names. The date and time line
should be spelled out (i.e., the first of April and Two thousand and one),
though you may use a numeral for the year. When stating time, only write the
hour (half past two or ten o'clock). Do not include "am" or "pm." If time of day
is unclear, write, "in the evening," or "in the morning." The location line
gives the name, street address, if necessary, and city and state (no
abbreviations) of your venue. If your celebration requires a reception or RSVP
line, it is traditionally printed as corner copy (in the lower left-hand corner
and in a smaller font). Never include corner copy or an enclosure indicating
where the couple is registered.
Ensuring proper wording is easy at Birchcraft Studios. Choose a wording option
and simply fill in names, date, time, and location. Or, you can create your own
wording start to finish.
Know everything? Great. Stop reading now and have a great wedding. Of course
your last question will NOT go unanswered, "Where do I get all this wonderful
stationery?"
Simple. Birchcraft Studios.
Birchcraft Studios is everyone's local store with beautiful invitations for
every style and budget. We are located at your fingertips, 24 hours a day, 7
days a week. When you're running from the caterer to the photographer and the
dressmaker is holding on the phone, avoid more appointments and follow-ups with,
samples in the mail, and proofs weeks later. In three easy steps, you can have
perfect wedding stationery.
Selection: Shop our selection, from manufacturers you know to designers you
haven't yet discovered. With our SmartSearch, enter specific criteria, from
printing method to keywords. We'll find the options to suit your needs.
Customize: Experiment with wording, typestyles and ink colors. You can even save
your work and finish up later or email a friend, fiancee or mother for a second
(or third and fourth) opinion.
Preview: See a proof before you order. We display all your customizations
on-screen in seconds. Payment is secure, and orders ship directly to your door.
Birchcraft Studios all stationary for all occasions is the premier source for
customized stationery, announcements, invitations and holiday cards for every
style and budget. Birchcraft Studios is always available to answer any questions
you may have. No appointments, no hassles, and no worries.
TOP three questions and answers
Q: Do I need to have Bridesmaids?
A: No, but most couples, at the very least, select a Maid/Matron of Honor and a
Best Man. These are the two official witnesses at the ceremony, and will sign
the marriage license as such. Because of this, they should be of legal age to
sign an official document. However, California offers a confidential marriage
license (there are other requirements for that) where only the bride, groom, and
Officiant are required to sign.
Q: Do I need ushers and how many do I need?
A: As a general rule, there should be at least one usher for every fifty people.
Depending on the size of the wedding, you may also need to select additional
ushers. Groomsmen, with the exception of the Best Man, may act as ushers, or
ushers can be additional positions. If you must select additional ushers, they
need not stand with you at the ceremony. They should however, be recognized in
the wedding program, or with a small token of your appreciation. Depending on
the formality of your wedding, ushers may wear a tuxedo or an appropriate suit.
Q: Who should be a part of the wedding party?
A: The members of the wedding party can include close friends, family members,
or family members of your fiancé. The size of the wedding party should reflect
the size of the wedding. For instance, a twenty person wedding party at a
wedding with seventy-five guests would seem out of place.
Etiquette Questions
Other than friends, the groom’s family and my family, who should receive wedding
invitations?
Send invitations to the members of the wedding party, their husbands, wives and
parents. It is also appropriate to include clergy member and his/her spouse. All
children over the age of 18 should receive their own invitations too.
Should I have a return address on the back flap of the invitation’s outer
envelope?
Yes! The U.S postal Sevic
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