Wedding Invitations Addressing Etiquette, Part 2

As promised last week in Part 1 of wedding invitation addressing etiquette, read on as we discuss further formatting issues; from noting to your guests that you would prefer they donate to a charity instead of buying gifts to how to properly notate that one of your parent is a doctor!

If you or one of your parents is a doctor, it is perfectly acceptable for medical doctors to use their titles on wedding invitations – but academic doctors should not use theirs. If your mother is a doctor but your father is not, place her name, preceded by “Doctor,” on the invitation above your father’s. If your father is a doctor, it should read “Doctor and Mrs. John Smith” on the same line. Note that using the word “and” in between the names indicates that they are still married.

If your parents are still married, but your mom uses her maiden name, list your parents on separate lines – mom first, separated by the word “and” (to indicate that they are still married).

If the groom’s parents are issuing the invitation, list your fiancé’s parents on the invitation as you would your parents (see Part 1), and include your last name:

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Lee Johnson
request the honor of your presence at the marriage of
Miss Elizabeth Marie Smith and Mr. Gerald Joseph Johnson

It was noted briefly in Part 1, but it’s a common issue, so – if you, as the bride, are paying for your own wedding, and have a good relationship with your parents, honor them by mentioning them in your invitation, especially if this is your first marriage and you are holding a traditional ceremony. If you prefer, or if the wedding is informal, list your name alone – as shown in Part 1.

Together with their parents
Miss Elizabeth Marie Smith and Mr. Gerald Joseph Johnson…

If you don’t want your guests to bring their children, you first need to realize that not everyone knows that the only people invited to an event are the ones to whom the invitation is addressed. While you can print “No children, please” on your wedding invitation or response card, I suggest making a personal phone call to let them know that your reception isn’t set up for children.

If you are looking for guests to contribute to a charity rather than give gifts, remember that it isn’t considered appropriate to place a reference to gifts on a wedding invitation – even if it’s just asking for charity contributions. Instead, let your wedding party help get the word out.

Looking for further wedding inspiration, soon-to-be Mrs.? Follow my Pinterest and WedAlert’s Pinterest for wedding ideas ranging from seasonal wedding flowers to what dress designer can help you refurbish an old wedding gown!

View the original article here