Please accept our etiquette advice with the
knowledge that this is not a cut and dry situation. Each
individual has their own situation. The old traditions of formal
stationery do not apply in every case and you are the best judge of
your individual situation; we are here to help.
INVITATION ASSEMBLY
The invitation and enclosure cards are placed in
the envelope in order of size and importance. The largest enclosure
cards are placed closest to the invitation. When enclosure cards of the
same size are used, the card that is most important for your guest to
see would be placed on the top of the ensemble. When you place the
invitation and enclosure cards into the envelope, they should all be
facing toward you, so that when you remove them from the envelope, you
are able to easily read all pieces of the ensemble. While holding the
envelope so that you are looking at the back of it, we recommend that
you stuff the envelope in the following order:
1. Invitation
2. Reply Envelope
3. Reply Card (tucked under reply envelope flap)
4. Reception card
If you are using "double envelopes",
you would place the invitation ensemble into the "inside"
unsealed envelope. You would then write your guest's names on the front
of this envelope. This envelope is then inserted into the
"outside" gummed envelope. The front of the
"inside" envelope should be facing you and inserted into the
back of the "outside" envelope. TIP: Take a sample of your
entire invitation -- completely assembled -- to the post office to be
weighed to ensure proper postage.
ENVELOPE ADDRESSING
Your envelopes should be mailed out approximately
ten days to three weeks for an informal affair and three to six weeks
allowing additional time for mailed response cards and travel
arrangements for out-of-state guests.
Traditionally, all invitations come with two
envelopes: both an inner and an outer. All envelopes should be
written by hand, not typed. If the invitation you ordered comes
with single envelopes, use only the outer envelope instructions.
All addresses should be written by hand.
Inner Envelopes:
Used primarily with formal invitations, the
ungummed inner envelope is simply addressed "Mr. and Mrs.
Johnson" (first names omitted, no address). All family
members should be included, however it is best not to use the words
"and
family." Instead, list all guests' names,
keeping in mind that names of children may be spelled out, for example:
"Molly and Tristan," and written below the parents' names in
order of age. Feel free to address close relatives informally,
i.e. "Aunt Alice." If you are including an invitation
for an escort whose name you do not know, you will need to ask for the
escort's name. It is preferable to send the escort a separate
invitation. Middle names may be eliminated or written in full.
After the inner envelope is addressed, it is inserted along with
all accompanying enclosure items into the outer envelope.
Outer Envelopes:
Outer envelopes should be addressed using no
abbreviations with the exception of non-professional titles. (Mr.,
Mrs., Jr., Esq., etc.) Professional titles such as Doctor, should
be spelled out. With the exception of "One," all house
numbers are written in figure form, and no commas are used when
separating digits in house numbers. Apartment, suite, and rural
route numbers and zip codes are written in figure form. Do not
use symbols; spell out the word "and." Write out state
names as well as the words "Street," "Boulevard,"
"Avenue," "Trail," etc.
Order Extra Invitations
Always order a few more invitations than you
think you will need. We recommend 25. You will definitely
remember a few people once you begin mailing.
How to not-invite children
Never print the phrase ‘no children
please’ on your invitation. The best policiy is to spread
the word via a few well-placed calls. You can also discreetly
place it on a response card, but it comes across negatively.
Gift Registry
Gift registry should not be included on wedding
invitations and announcements. The information can be spread word
of mouth or inserted with a bridal shower invitation.
