Simple Wedding Etiquette Advice

Simplifying Wedding Etiquette Rules

Wedding etiquette advice is important in the planning of any special event. It includes everything from addressing invites to deciding what to do about wedding favors.

All of the etiquette rules for weddings helps you determine what to do when planning a destination wedding, traditional wedding, and weddings with several parents. Keeping it simple isn't easy, but, here is our advice for simplifying wedding and etiquette details, while still respecting the importance of this special day.

Wedding Etiquette Advice 101

Bridal Party

You don't have to pay for their dresses, hair, accessories, etc. You should pay for their bouquet though. Plus, it is also appropriate to find out what they can afford and work around that. If yo

Addressing Invitations

It doesn't matter if it's a casual wedding or not, you must always include first name and last name of all parties on the outer envelope. Including Mr. and Mrs./Ms./Miss prior to the name is an option See more details and samples here!

When Family Helps To Pay

First, be greatful. Second, accept that they should have a word. Before accepting money, always sit down and talk about what everyone wants. Decide on compromises. And, if compromises can't be made, don't accept their money.

Invitation Wording

It is a special day and your invites should reflect that. If parents are paying for all or part of the wedding say "Joanne and Fred With Their/Our Parents Invite You To... " No need to include all the parents name. Geesh, what if both of you has two moms and two dads!

Saying Thank You

Always say thank you! Prepare envelopes and buy cards prior to the wedding so you can get them out ASAP. Soonest would be 1 week after the wedding. Latest, 1 week after returning from your honeymoon.

Response Card Wording and Responde Timing

You can opt to include just the first name on the response card. It's more friendly and a good way to let them know exactly who's invited (i.e., kids). Use Guest in place of + 1.

Inviting Kids

K.I.S.S says, invite the kids! You don't want to exclude people without babysitters! Parents probably won't bring them if it's a very fancy wedding that will last late in the night or affects nap-time anyways.

Seating Arrangements

People get it, this is hard! Ask in advance. Make it clear that people can switch. AND, remember, people only have to sit at their assigned table during dinner. If it's too complicated opt for an H'ors D'oevres meal service!

When To Send Out Invites

Invites should be sent out at least 2 months prior to the wedding. If a lot of visitors are coming in from out of town and you haven't sent out save the dates, or contacted them to let them know, it would be appropriate to send out invites up to 6 months in advance.

When to Request Response Cards

It is acceptable to request response cards up to 6 weeks prior to the actual wedding date. People understand that you need the time to set up table arrangements. If you are serving H'ors D'oevers, 2 weeks prior to the wedding should be fine.