Proper Announcement Order for Wedding Invitations
Sure you know your magical date and where you’ll say “I do”, but do you know the proper announcement order for wedding invitations? Here are a few tips to make sure you don’t miss a thing!
Name the Hosts
Traditional wedding invitations start by naming the host(s) for the event. Usually, the bride or groom’s family will be named here. If the two families are throwing the party, include them both. Or, if the bride and groom are financially responsible for the event, keep this line simple and direct by using a “we” statement.
⦁ Sarah and Ron Betts & Catherine and Josh Jones request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their children,
⦁ Sarah and Ron Betts request the honor of your presence at the marriage of,
⦁ We request the honor of your presence on our special day.
⦁ Please join our families and friends to celebrate our marriage.
Identify the Couple
Next, name the two people being married. Use full names: first, middle and last. Since wedding invitations are generally formal, forego nicknames and always name the bride first. If the marriage is celebrating the union of two men or two women, place the names in alphabetical order by last name.
⦁ Alice Ann Copeland and Michael Lee Moore
⦁ George Lee Abbott and Kenneth Joseph Cromwell
Tell the Date
Under the names, let guests know when the big event will be held. Name the day of the week and full calendar date. Feel free to play with the wording so it fits your tone and personal style.
⦁ Saturday, June 11, 2016 at 3pm
⦁ Saturday, the 11th of June 2016 at 3:00pm
⦁ Saturday, the Eleventh of June, 2016 at Three O’clock in the Afternoon
Explain the Location
Finally, let guests know where to go. Include the full name of the venue and the street address to make it easier for out-of-town guests to look up the address. If the location is difficult to find, include additional information such as a cross street, or a more common name for the location.
LaFleur Botanical Gardens
1457 Crimson Avenue
Springdale, Illinois
(Located inside the North entrance of Central Park)
Include Reception Details
If there will be a dinner, dance or party following the wedding ceremony include this information. Start by saying, “Please join us for” and then let guests know what they can expect. Ideas include dinner, hors d’oeuvres, dancing, cocktail hour, light appetizers or a combination of a few of these activities. Conclude with where and when this reception will take place.
⦁ Please join us for dinner and dancing at the Starlight Ballroom, 1256 Jefferson Street, Springdale, Illinois at 5:00pm.
⦁ Please join us for hors d’oeuvres and cocktails on the venue’s outdoor patio immediately following the ceremony.
If you’re eagerly planning a summer or fall wedding, now is the time to order invitations. Above all, make sure the wording reflects your wedding style, whether it’s casual and informal, or elegant and poetic.
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