VERSE ETIQUETTE quick reference

• " request the honour of your presence" is used on an invitation to a wedding that is located in a house of worship
• " request the pleasure of you company" is used on an invitation that is located outside a house of worship it is also used on the reception invitation
• the bride and groom's middle names are included, however, their parents' middle names are not necessary
• half hours are written as " half after four o'clock"
• " evening" begins at six o'clock
  •  at five o'clock in the afternoon
  •   at six o'clock in the evening
• punctuation is only used for  abbreviations such as " Mr. or Mrs." and for separating a phrase
• Mister (Mr.) and Misses (Mrs.) are abbreviated, however, Doctor, Reverend, and Captain  should be written in full
• North and South is  written in full if it precedes the street name (123 South Main Street) a comma is added after the street name and an abbreviation is used if it comes after the address (123 Main Street, N.W.)
• numbers are written out except for the street address the house number is written out if the number is less than 10
• zip codes are not included on the invitation or reception card
• the year should not be capitalized, however, it is commonly shown that way
• an invitation to the ceremony alone does not require a response card

Wedding Invitation Etiquette

Wedding definitely involves a lot of planning and organization. Since, wedding solidifies the bond between two families, emotions tend to run a bit high. You will want to follow a proper wedding invitation etiquette. Although, wording forms the most important part of the wedding invitation, there are several other issues that need to be addressed.

Right Time to Send Invitations
Ideally, you should send the invites at least 6 weeks prior to the event. This will give your guests an ample time to work on their schedules and clear the day for your event. The replies should be sent at least 3 weeks before the wedding day. This enables the host to make seating and catering arrangements, well in advance.

Wedding Invitation Wording
Choose appropriate words and frame your invitation in the most genuine way. You can issue the invitation yourself or you can issue it in the name of your parents, if they are the ones, who'll be hosting your event. There are several formats of issuing the invitation. View our verse etiquette quick reference above.

Envelope
Many people think about getting the address of the recipient printed in a fancy font, but the etiquette goes against it. It is improper to type or print the address on the cover. Instead, you can ask a family member or a friend to write down the address in beautiful writing. Also, it is a good practice to include your address on the envelope, so that it comes back to you, in case not delivered.

Addressing Issues
Addressing your recipients is a tricky area and you could end up hurting people if you don't give it a thought. Earlier, it used to be addressed to the families with the names of husband and wife and their children, if any. But the social changes have reflected in the address etiquette, as well. Wedding invitation etiquette, for addressing guests has become more liberal, here are a few tips on addressing your guests.

• Unmarried couple living together should be addressed in the same way as a married couple.
• Conventionally, a widow should be addressed with a title 'Mrs.', however, you can talk to the person in question and ask her how she would like to be addressed.
• A divorced woman, who has retained her marriage name, should be addressed as Ms.
• A married couple who technically does not stay together should be sent separate invites, however, you can also send a single invitation to either of them with their names in alphabetic order.