Tips on Who to Invite to your Wedding: Wedding Etiquette Part I

Proper wedding etiquette is sometimes black and white and other times has a little room for preference and personalization.  Part I of wedding etiquette is reviewing who to invite.

from etsy.com

"Who to Invite?" A common question when so many details of planning are based on the number of guests that will attend your wedding: budget, location, design, seating, etc.  If you are trying to limit your guest list, then one of the first things you need to be aware of is proper etiquette.

♥  Inviting Plus Ones: If your guest is married, engaged, or living with a significant other it is customary to invite a plus one; if your guest is dating then it is not required that you invite a plus one with their invitation.  If you choose to invite some plus ones and not others, it is important to set a specific line as to why some are invited and others are not.  It would even be a good idea to inform those that are not invited to bring a plus one as to the reasons with a personal phone conversation so they do not get upset.  In addition, for your wedding attendants it is not required for them to be invited with a plus one, but it is common courtesy to allow them to bring a guest of their own since they are there to support you and your groom.

from theknot.com

♥  "What if we don't want young children at the wedding?" If you are having a formal wedding and would prefer children under a certain age to not attend, address your invitations with just the parents' names.  I would also recommend to follow-up with a personal conversation informing the parents that you really hope they can make it to your wedding and hope they have found someone to watch their children for that specific night.  If you decide to not invite children, do not make exceptions for those that make excuses because it would be rude to others that followed your request.  

from pacificweddings.com

♥  "They invited me, do I have to invite them?"  Reciprocal invites etiquette is always a common question especially if you are limited in your guest count.  If you attended the guests'-in-question wedding recently, your wedding is close to the same size or larger, and you are still on close terms with them then they should be invited.  If your wedding is on a smaller scale and/or if your friendship has lessened then it is appropriate to leave them off your guest list. 

photo by Toby Hoogs Photography via pacificweddings.com

For more information on wedding etiquette, contact us at info@vintageandlace.com!

Have a great day!

Heather