Wedding Invitation Etiquette

Weddings are surrounded by tradition and etiquette that can be hard to remember and maybe not even well known. From the way you plan your wedding to the music you use or the vows you say - tradition is part of what makes wedding planning complicated. Of course, in this modern era, many brides are tossing tradition out of the window and opting for weddings that are unique to the couple. One of the aspects of wedding planning that still revolves around tradition is the wedding invitations. The way they are created down to the way they are sent has been based on tradition, do you know anything about the tradition and etiquette surrounding your wedding invitations?

The History of Wedding Invitations

Did you know that many practices surrounding wedding invitations can date back to the 1600's? Before a printing press was invented (and because many people could not read) the town crier would announce your wedding to the public, and anyone who heard it was welcome to attend - supposing there wasn't a feud between the families. Once modern practices began to flood the area, the invitations could be printed in the newspaper for others to see. Does this sound familiar? A bride and groom can still announce their engagement or wedding in the local newspaper.

Did you ever wonder why there is a piece of tissue in some wedding invitations? In the past, the ink on the wedding invitations wasn't completely dry, and the tissue paper helped keep the ink in place.

What about the double envelope? While it's true that the outer envelope could get dirty, is there really a need to have a "pretty" envelope inside? Before the twentieth century, the postal service wasn't very reliable and certainly didn't keep the mail in good condition. Addresses weren't always accurate or use as well, so the outer envelope served a few purpose. First, you could put the detailed directions to someone's home, think "turn left at the crooked tree, and go straight until you get to the big rock." The second purpose of the outer envelope was because the invitation was handed directly to the butler, and the outer envelope was discarded and a pristine envelope was then handed to the lady of the house.

Not all of the traditions may seem practical for the modern wedding, while other's could still make sense for your wedding. Thankfully, modern weddings don't require you to follow traditions to the T.

Wedding Invitation Etiquette

There are a few main things to include on your wedding invitations. Be sure to include the who, when, and where on your wedding invitations. If you want to be helpful, you can include the attire requested, a map to your Colorado Springs wedding venue, accommodation details, and any activities that you may have planned.

Invitation Timing

Save the Dates: Plan to send these six to eight months in advance.
Invitations: Six to eight weeks in advance.
Invitations for Destination Weddings: Three months in advance.

 Appropriate Addressing

• This can be the simplest and hardest part of your invitation. Each envelope will be addressed individually, and you have to pay careful attention to the spelling of names, addresses, and handwriting (if you are addressing them by hand). Here are a few things to be aware of while addressing the envelopes:
• Guests names should be written out completely with the appropriate social titles like Mr. or Mrs.
• Spell out all words in the address and spell out the house numbers less than twenty.
• The return address traditionally goes on the back flap, and in many cases is still handwritten, though you can get some fun return address labels to match your invites.
• Remember that responses are generally sent back to your return address. If you want your RSVP's sent somewhere else, remember to specify.

Colorado Springs Weddings

Your wedding invitations are one of the first details your guests will get from your wedding, and it requires as much care as you would put on decorations or menu choices. Take time to show your love in the details and make the invitations special and sentimental. You don't have to stick to the traditional invitations, though! There are many fun ways to invite your guests to your Colorado Springs wedding.

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way

Palmer Lake, CO 80133

www.PinecrestEventCenter.com

Call or text for a private tour!

719-357-8613

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