Where Do You Draw The Line With The Guest List
The bride’s family, groom’s family and bride and groom generally each develop a “wish list”. Then the list is narrowed down closer to the attendance you have budgeted for. Usually the attendance will be between 10 to 75% based on if family and friends live in town or not. A good rule of thumb to narrow down the list—if you haven’t made contact with the person in the last year, leave them off.
Single Friends and Guests
If friends are single and you encourage them to bring a guest, you can write “and Guest” on the invitation. If a couple is living together, you can send one invitation with both their names listed alphabetically.
Don’t Forget To Include The Wedding Party
Remember, even though special people are playing a role in your wedding you do need to send invitations to them: parents, grandparents, clergy, attendants and immediate family. A good idea is to even send an invitation to yourself to track the date guests will receive the invitation.
Number Of Invitations Needed
When figuring the number of invitations to order, combine the lists from the bride’s parents, the groom’s parents, the bride, and the groom. When the lists are compiled, any additions, deletions, and corrections can be made by everyone. Be sure you are counting families or couples not individual guests for the number of invitations needed.
Ordering Your Invitations
Ideally, you should order your invitations three to four months before the wedding to allow enough time for delivery. Some shops offer quick-print service in one day to one week. Invitations should be sent six to eight weeks before the wedding.
Engagement Announcements Or Save–The–Date Cards
It is nice to let out-of-town guests know as far as a year in advance of your wedding. A simple card with your names, the date and city and state of the wedding are all that is needed. Hotel information may also be included.
Correct Spelling of Names
Etiquette books cover proper addressing of both inner and outer envelopes. Before addressing your envelopes, make sure you double check on your master list for the CORRECT spelling of names.
The bride’s family, groom’s family and bride and groom generally each develop a “wish list”. Then the list is narrowed down closer to the attendance you have budgeted for. Usually the attendance will be between 10 to 75% based on if family and friends live in town or not. A good rule of thumb to narrow down the list—if you haven’t made contact with the person in the last year, leave them off.
Single Friends and Guests
If friends are single and you encourage them to bring a guest, you can write “and Guest” on the invitation. If a couple is living together, you can send one invitation with both their names listed alphabetically.
Don’t Forget To Include The Wedding Party
Remember, even though special people are playing a role in your wedding you do need to send invitations to them: parents, grandparents, clergy, attendants and immediate family. A good idea is to even send an invitation to yourself to track the date guests will receive the invitation.
Number Of Invitations Needed
When figuring the number of invitations to order, combine the lists from the bride’s parents, the groom’s parents, the bride, and the groom. When the lists are compiled, any additions, deletions, and corrections can be made by everyone. Be sure you are counting families or couples not individual guests for the number of invitations needed.
Ordering Your Invitations
Ideally, you should order your invitations three to four months before the wedding to allow enough time for delivery. Some shops offer quick-print service in one day to one week. Invitations should be sent six to eight weeks before the wedding.
Engagement Announcements Or Save–The–Date Cards
It is nice to let out-of-town guests know as far as a year in advance of your wedding. A simple card with your names, the date and city and state of the wedding are all that is needed. Hotel information may also be included.
Correct Spelling of Names
Etiquette books cover proper addressing of both inner and outer envelopes. Before addressing your envelopes, make sure you double check on your master list for the CORRECT spelling of names.
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© 2008 Bravo Publications, Inc.