Wedding Invitation Etiquette Washington DC

As one of the biggest and most potentially stressful events of your life, getting engaged and subsequently planning a wedding brings with it an onslaught of questions. As times change and weddings evolve, traditional rules of etiquette have followed suit, only adding to the confusion.

To gain perspective, first understand that "etiquette" is above all about treating people with courtesy and making them feel comfortable. When an etiquette question arises, consider the feelings of those who will be affected.

This list of invitation etiquette dos and don'ts will help steer you through the most common wedding etiquette dilemma and get it right.

Don't print "no children" on the invite if you're planning an adult's only reception. Simply address each invitation explicitly to your intended guests (i.e. Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, not "The Smiths").

Do invite the partners of guests who are married, engaged, or living with a significant other. Try to find the name of your guest's intended date (if you don't already know it), and include that person's name on the invitation.

Do spell out all dates and times (half after four o'clock in the evening, not 4:30 pm; and the twenty-second of April, not April 22)

Don't use punctuation on the invitation, except after abbreviations and between the city and state

Do put return postage on your response cards.

Do send wedding invitations at least six weeks before the big day. Try to order invitations three to four months in advance to ensure they go out on time.

Don't forget to invite your officiant and his/her spouse to the reception

Do send a separate invitation to children over the age of 18 still living with their parents.

Don't print registry information on the invitation.

Do publicize your registry information by word of mouth only

This complete guide to wedding etiquette answers even more of your etiquette questions, such as introducing your parents, gift-giving and receiving, attire, and cash bars.

Author Bio:
Cori Russell is editor for Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine. Elegala.com is a comprehensive wedding planning resource with a national directory of wedding venues and services, along with articles, expert advice, checklists and photo galleries to lead brides through every step of the planning process.

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