Wedding Invitation Wording: How Not to Get Grief

Wedding invitations are often saved by guests in scrapbooks and memory boxes, not to mention thoroughly read by every member of the family.  Keeping a few rules in mind when writing your wedding invitations will help you avoid hearing about ‘what you did wrong’ in years to come.  There are many rules regarding the etiquette of the wedding invitation, so many, in fact that it often becomes confusing.  A simple rule is to keep the invitation simple and only put what guests really need to know:  the date, time and place of the wedding ceremony. 

Because there are many people who are wondering about all the “what ifs” and situations they may encounter, a few rules about writing your wedding invitations will help you keep from making an etiquette faux pas you might regret later. 

The general rule is not to include stores where you and your fiance are registered on the wedding invitation.  This information is more appropriately put on the bridal shower invitations or spread by word of mouth.  The invitation is simply that, an ‘invite’ to your wedding, and not a ‘request for gifts’. 

Secondly, do not mention on your wedding invitation that you are accepting cash, as this can seem as though you are soliciting donations.  This is also knowledge can, however, be given to those who ask for it.  You’re not a charity soliciting for cash donations.  Again, the invititation is just an invite to get people to show up.  

Sure, it might be your wedding, but putting ‘no smoking’ or ‘no alcohol’ on the wedding invitation comes off as blatenly rude.  Most people will figure out what behavior is acceptable and not acceptable when they get to the reception.  If a guest does light up, have someone discreetly ask them to take their cigerette outside. 

What about specifying a dress code on the wedding invitation?  While this may seem inappropriate, this is one of the few things you can specify, but you should only consider doing this in special circumstances.  It is important to note that you are doing this to make your guests feel as though they ‘fit in’, not because you want them to look a certain way.  “Black Tie” is appropriate only for the most formal of weddings where you expect your guests to rent tuxedos and wear evening gowns.  Certainly if you are having a themed wedding, such as a Hawaiian Luau wedding, you can inform your guests that “Island themed casual” is appropriate. 

Many brides feel ‘it is their day, they can demand what they want, and don’t.  True, but  the important part about your guests being at your wedding is that they share in a life changing experience in your life.