Invitations

• A standard formal invitation is black or silver lettering on heavy white paper or parchment
• Make sure the type is easy to read
• Some invitations can be engraved - but be warned, this is expensive!!!!
• An alternative is thermography (also called embossing) which produces the same effect but without the raised lettering
• Invitations are usually issued by the bride's parents with the bride handling the acceptances. If you do not live at home give your RSVP address and maybe a phone or fax RSVP).
• Italian etiquette differs from above, in that the wedding invitation usually comes from both families
• Greek etiquette is practically the same, except that the order of the names is reversed. The grooms's family precedes that of the bride.
• Make sure you place an RSVP date on the invitation so you will be able to give numbers to the caterer by their required time.
• The invitations should be sent 4 to 6 weeks before the wedding day (earlier if possible)
• Place your return address on the back of the envelope for returns check on numbers
• Only one invitation per family and should include the names of those children you are inviting
• Separate invitations should be sent to adult children of the family (even if still living at home)
• Close friends and those relatives who will be unable to attend due to sickness, distance or other reason should still be sent an invitation
• It is never good etiquette to state a dress code on invitations
• If you are having an informal wedding of fewer than 50 people your invitations should be hand written but it is acceptable to have them printed either individually or writing the names and your signature
• Always ask for more invitations than needed (they are expensive to have reprinted later)