Introducing our next guest blogger, Megan Bailey, owner and designer, Pink Piggy – Custom Wedding Invitations

Wedding rules can vary from generation to generation, but some wedding rules for wedding invitation etiquette never change. Even though invitation styles change, it’s important to make sure proper etiquette guidelines are followed.

Uniquely elegant wedding invitations, custom-designed especially for you, will convey to your friends and family how wonderful that day will be. They also express to the invitees the general tone of the wedding, whether it is formal, intimate, whimsical, spectacular, or low-key. If you want to break traditions, go with a design that is unique to your personality and event. Try to think outside the box when deciding on the design for your invitations and be open to trying new concepts.

One major dilemma is what to do about registry cards. Should you list this information on your invitation or insert a registry card? The answer is never! It is perceived as negative and considered improper when you list your registry information on your invitations, but there are more discrete ways to let your guests know where you are registered. The information can be spread by word of mouth or inserted with a bridal shower invitation.

Another option would be to create a free wedding website that you can list your registry on and then just insert a card in the invitations that invites guests to visit the website for more information.

Another common question is how to not-invite children. You should not print any phrases that say ” no children” on your invitations or insert cards. The best policy if you are trying to eliminate children at a formal event is to spread the word by mouth. When addressing your invitations you can also invite particular people to your event. If you wish to not have any children at the event then you can address the invite to “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”  if you indicate “and  family”  then it will be perceived that the entire family is invited.

Traditional wedding invitations come with two envelopes, an inner envelope and an outer one. The outer envelope should be addressed formally with no abbreviations or nicknames. The inner envelope is smaller and usually doesn’t have gumming on the flap and is used to invite specific guests to your event. Traditions and styles are changing though…and many invitations are now being sent with single envelopes to help eliminate paper waste. With more elaborate invitations using pockets and envelope liners, there is only a single envelope that is used.

There are many ways to have a modern and trendy feel to your invitations while still following etiquette guidelines. Have fun with different phrasing, unique fonts and designs to really create a custom piece tailored to your style and event.

Thanks Megan for the insight and information. Be sure to visit her site for countless great ideas.