Wedding invitations are often saved by members of the family and you certainly don’t want grief about them later on. 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. To be safe, stick with the only details people really need to know: the date, time and place.
However, if you’re one of those “thinking” people who comes up with all sorts of ideas and “what ifs”, you’re probably going to wonder how much you can get away with on your wedding invitations. For people like you, we need to cover all of our bases to make sure you to don’t make a big faux pas right before you big day.
First and foremost, do not include the stores at which you and your fiance are registered. That is not information that belongs on a wedding invitation, as it is both tacky and disrespectful. Most brides will include their wedding registry information with their bridal shower invitations. Other than that, try to keep registry information given strictly by request only.
Can you ask for cash on your wedding invitations instead of gifts? This is not in good taste. Instead of asking for cash donations on your wedding invitation, tell your friends and family verbally — but only if they ask for this information. You don’t want to seem like you’re soliciting for donations. Remember, the invitation is to get people to attend your wedding.
Another request not to put on your wedding invitation is ‘no smoking’ or ‘no alcohol’ on the invitation. This is considered blatenly rude. Everyone will discover shortly after the start of the reception was is and is not acceptable. If one of your guests brings out a bottle or lights up to smoke, it is perfectly acceptable to have someone discreetly inform them to stop.
What about putting a required dress code on your wedding invitation? This is one of the few things you can specify, but only in a general way. You want your guests to feel comfortable and not feel ‘under’ or ‘overdressed’ at your wedding. This is done for their benefit, not yours. “Black Tie” should be written only on the most formal of weddings, if you want your guests to wear formal gowns and tuxedos, although, keep in mind, you don’t want to put your guests out by expecting them to wear expensive clothing. 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.