Invitation Wording
Invitation Wording
- Traditionally, the bride's parent's names are at the top of the invitation, even if the couple is paying for their own wedding. This, however, is no longer an ironclad rule.
- The bride's last name is not listed unless it is different from that of her parents.
- Full names and titles are spelled out (with no abbreviations except for Mr., Mrs., and Ms.).
- No punctuation is used except periods after title abbreviations and commas that are needed to separate phrases.
- Numbers in dates are spelled out. If the year is included, it should be spelled out on a line by itself
- Long numbers in addresses, such as 2598 State Avenue are expressed numerically.
- Half-hours are written as "half after ten o'clock". "in the morning" or "in the evening" may be added. Do not use "ten-thirty" or "half-past ten". The invitation to a religious ceremony is worded: "Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Stern request the honour of your presence". A civil ceremony or invitation to the reception reads: "...request the pleasure of your company". The words honour and favour are spelled with a u.
- If you are requesting a reply, you may use: R.S.V.P, RSVP, R.s.v.p. or "The favour of a reply is requested".
- Spell out military titles and put the service designation on the line below the name. Officers with the rank of commander or higher in the Navy, and those with the rank of captain or higher in the army, marines, or air force have their title written before their names. Place the service designation on a separate line .Junior officers list their title before the service designation on the next line. Non-commissioned officers use only their service designation on the line beneath their name. If a married couple with a military affiliation issue the invitation, the service designation line is omitted.
