Wedding invitations are often saved by guests in scrapbooks and memory boxes, not to mention thoroughly read by every member of the family. To avoid embarrassment and family bickering about your wedding (or you), it is important to know exactly what to put and how to word your wedding invitation. Etiquette in regards to what you write and do not write on a wedding invitation does exist and should be respectfully noted. If you’re unsure of what you can actually write while remaining appropriate, ere on the side of caution and stick with the date, time, and place. These are the only details people really need to know.
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.
The general rule is not to include stores where you and your fiance are registered on the wedding invitation. 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.
Secondly, do not mention on your wedding invitation that you are accepting cash, as this can seem as though you are soliciting donations. 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’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. Everyone will discover shortly after the start of the reception was is and is not acceptable. If someone does bring their own bottle, or starts to light up, it is OK to discreetly inform the guest of your wishes.
What about putting a required dress code on your wedding invitation? Well, this is something you can put on your invitation, but only in general terms. Typically this is done so your guests don’t feel out of place, not because you want them to look a certain way. If you are going to have a very formal wedding, it is appreciated that you put ‘Black Tie’ on the wedding invitation. Or, if you are going to have a reception on the beach with a cookout and beach volleyball, certainly inform your guests of that so they can bring appropriate clothing to the reception.
In short, keep in mind your guests are your guests. As with all guests, you don’t want to seem demanding, you just want them to share in a happy experience in your life.
