Writing Invitations Made Easy - Don't Fear the Wording

Are you having trouble figuring out how to word your invitations?

Like anything, you'll have much less anxiety if you break it down into steps.

Let's look at the easy stuff first. Make sure to include the important information that your guests need.

Include this information at least:

Required:

Who: Is it a birthday? For who? Or the names of the couple that are getting married, or the name of the bride that the shower is being held for.

What: Birthday, Anniversary, Graduation, First Communion, Baby Shower. Is it a wedding? Mention "the marriage of " in your wording

When: Date and Time. Informal invitations usually use the format 4:30. Formal invitations should spell out the time, as in, "half after four o'clock"

Where: Name of location of your celebration. The church or the place where the shower/rehearsal will be held. Include address and possibly zip code if you think your guests will use a GPS(Garmin) to drive there. Don't include a zip code on a formal invitation.

RSVP: How should the guests let you know they are coming? Via phone, email, text, or other? Do you just want to know who is not coming? - say "regrets only". Is a separate RSVP card in order? Do your guests need to indicate how many will attend and a food choice? Weigh all of these when determining whether a separate RSVP card is needed.

Optionally include:

Hosted By: Mention who is hosting (see below for more ideas)

Reception Address: If there is a reception or afterparty, let your guests know about it at the bottom of the invitation.

List Stores Where the Person or Couple is Registered: if included, this is normally the last thing on the invitation.

Order of Things

You can arrange your invitation information in many ways. It depends on what you like, the style of your event, and what makes you feel good. A traditional arrangement may not fit your style.

Formal Invitation Considerations

Request the Honor

If your formal invitation is for a wedding that is being held at a church or synagogue, requesting the honor of your guest's presence is usually asked for to note the importance of the ceremony.

The Pleasure of Your Company

If your wedding celebration is being held at a home or business, the pleasure of your guest's company is asked in the introduction of your invitation.

A Delicate Subject

With today's mixed families it can be a delicate subject deciding who should be listed as hosting a formal event, especially weddings. Should you include the new step father? Should financial assistance determine the order of names listed? Will anyone be hurt if they are not included? Any of these that apply should be considered. But the final decision is up to you.

Together with their Families

You may consider the phrase "together with their families" if you are having a difficult time deciding who to name or how to order the names you mention. This also may save some space on the invitation. Be careful, but consider this wording if you are having a difficult time with naming your hosts.



Reviewing your Wording

Let a friend or two review it. Ask your invitation provider to review your wording. If, after all the reviewing, you still mess something up it'll (hopefully) be something to laugh at later.

General Rule

If you include the required information about your event then your guests will have everything they need. Are you worried that your wording is not correct? Concerned that you are committing a breach of etiquette? Relax. There are no "wrongs". You are in charge. If it looks good and you didn't leave anything out - go for it!

Get Them There

If you give your guests enough information so that they can attend, your invitation has done its job. That is your goal with your invitations. Showing graphically what the event will be like, how stylish it will be, and what colors will be prominent are all wonderful things to add to your invitations.


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