Etiquette for Invitations & Announcements
by An Affair of the ART

When ordering invitations allow enough time to complete the order. It's best if you are having a custom or intricate invitation to begin six months or more in advance of the actual wedding. For a standard invitation,which requires no specific artwork or printing method,the time frame can be narrowed. Proofs should always be sent by the vendor and must be approved by the bride and groom.

For a small wedding,under 50 people, it is acceptable to send out a handwritten invitation on good quality stock, written in black ink. For a wedding that will have more guests, the most formal invitation will be engraved in black ink, on ecru or white stock and will include an unglued inner envelope as well as an outer matching envelope. This invitation should be sent out from four to six weeks in advance of the event. R.S.V.P.s, although at once time were not included as a matter of etiquette,but now, due to the busy lives of most guests, have become commonplace. If the reception is to be held at a place that might be unfamiliar to many of the guests,then a map may be included.

Replies for a gift, in the form of a thank you note and written within a reasonable amount of time after the wedding,should be on good quality stationery. It is not considered acceptable to write the notes up to a year after the event as is commonly believed. Announcements are sent out the day of the wedding to acquaintances or business associates and there is no obligation on the part of the recipient to respond with a gift.

An Affair of the ART