What you shouldn't include on your wedding invitations

We live in a world that is ever becoming more relaxed and lax on the rules. Depending on the subject, I am usually on board with this, BUT I am a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to what you include on your wedding invitations. Even if you are having a backyard or beach wedding, there are certain rules you should follow. This DOES NOT mean your invitations have to be stuffy, or not your style. I truly believe your invitations should be a reflection of you as a couple and the type of ceremony you are having. Heck, helping you express this in color, design, and verbiage is what I love to do!

There are certain things that you should not include on your wedding invitations. The good news is we live in the 21st century and everyone has a wedding website. Most of these no-nos can live there! What are these taboo topics, you ask? Take a look at the list below:

Attire: You should not include things like “semi-formal” or “cocktail” on your invitations. This is totally acceptable on your website, though! The only exceptions to this rule are Black or White Tie weddings, and that should be written as “Black (or White) Tie” in the bottom right hand corner of the invitation.
Children: You should never, ever write “no children” or “adults only” on any part of the invitation suite. The envelope should clearly let the guests know who is invited, but that is a post for another day. You may include this on your website, but be gentle about it.
Gifts: There should be no mention of gifts or where you are registered on any part of the invitation suite. Not even on the details card. Again, this should be saved for the website.
- It is okay to include registry details on a shower invitation.
Digitally Printed Addresses: I am usually a fan of technology making our lives easier, but I stand firm here. Your guests’ names and addresses should be hand-written. I am aware that calligraphy is a pretty penny, and you do not have to hire a Calligrapher if your budget doesn’t allow. (Gasp! Did a Calligrapher really just say that?! Yes, I’m a reasonable person, y’all.) But by all means, if you do not like your own or your fiancé’s handwriting, ask your mom, dad, soon-to-be inlaws, bridal party if they will do you the favor of addressing your envelopes. If you do this, please be kind enough to give them a heads up and time. Nobody likes a Last Minute Nelly!
- I should mention that it is okay to send Save-the-Dates with digitally printed addresses.
- It is acceptable to have the return address digitally printed on the back flap of the envelope.
Stick-On Return Address Labels: Another hard no here. Save these for your ordinary mail. You have spent a lot of time and effort planning a surely extraordinary day. Your invitations should reflect that. Keep every aspect of your invitations anything but ordinary!