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Etiquette
Bridal Shower | Wedding | Baby & Children Announcements
Etiquette Assistance
Signatures By Stephanie makes every effort to assist our clients when it comes to researching etiquette and tradition questions. The response to our clients comes from many years in the event planning and invitation fields. We make every effort to provide as much data as possible to our clients but please note, we are providing guidelines only. Each client’s family, self, religion, and circumstances may be different so we appeal to our clients by saying, “We will provide you with advice on etiquette and tradition, but please follow your comfort level in the design and wording of your printed event stationery.” Please direct any etiquette questions to our etiquettecoach@signaturesbystephanie.com.
Bridal Shower
- Is it appropriate to include bridal registry information on the bridal shower invitations?
- When should I mail bridal shower invitations to guests?
- Who should host a bridal shower or bridal luncheon?
- What is the acceptable length of time to write thank you notes for gifts I received at my bridal shower?
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Is it appropriate to include bridal registry information on the bridal shower invitations?
Signatures By Stephanie does not recommend placing any information regarding GIFTS on any invitation within the wedding family of stationery. Nor, should bridal registry information be printed on the invitation. As each guest decides to purchase a gift for a bridal function it is traditional etiquette to ask the host or hostesses regarding the bride’s choices for a gift. The most appropriate way to pass information to your guests in regards to your bridal registry is via your groomsmen, bridesmaids, and family. These wedding helpers should pass your information on registry to the guests as each guest inquires or sends in the RSVP/Reply card for the shower.
Back to Bridal Shower ^
When should I mail bridal shower invitations to guests?
Traditional etiquette says: Bridal shower invitations should be mailed to out-of-town guests 6 weeks prior to the shower and local guests 4 weeks prior to the shower.
However, as your guest’s lives are as busy as your own, it is always best to send any invitations as soon as possible so Signatures By Stephanie advocates that bridal shower invitations should be mailed to out-of town guests 8 to 12 weeks prior to the shower and local guests 6 to 8 weeks prior to the shower.
Back to Bridal Shower ^
Who should host a bridal shower or bridal luncheon?
Friends, friends of the family, aunts, nieces, grandmothers, cousins and co-workers are all great candidates to host a bridal shower for the soon to be bride. Bridal showers are an expression of happiness and the desire to host events around a wedding is a natural way to shower the bride with this happiness. However, showers hosted by immediate family members are often interpreted as a solicitation of gifts, so it is best to allow Friends, friends of the family, aunts, nieces, grandmothers, cousins and co-workers to plan and host the bridal shower.
Back to Bridal Shower ^
What is the acceptable length of time to write thank you notes for gifts I received at my bridal shower?
Ideally, thank you notes for any gift should be sent within 3 weeks of receiving the gift. In addition, as a wedding is such a large affair with many gifts, the window of sending a thank you is longer. However, all thank you notes should be written and sent within 3 months of the wedding for all gifts received.
Back to Bridal Shower ^
Wedding
Is it appropriate to include bridal registry information on the bridal shower invitations?
Signatures By Stephanie does not recommend placing any information regarding GIFTS on any invitation within the wedding family of stationery. Nor, should bridal registry information be printed on the invitation. As each guest decides to purchase a gift for a bridal function it is traditional etiquette to ask the host or hostesses regarding the bride’s choices for a gift. The most appropriate way to pass information to your guests in regards to your bridal registry is via your groomsmen, bridesmaids, and family. These wedding helpers should pass your information on registry to the guests as each guest inquires or sends in the RSVP/Reply card for the shower.
Back to Bridal Shower ^
When should I mail bridal shower invitations to guests?
Traditional etiquette says: Bridal shower invitations should be mailed to out-of-town guests 6 weeks prior to the shower and local guests 4 weeks prior to the shower.
However, as your guest’s lives are as busy as your own, it is always best to send any invitations as soon as possible so Signatures By Stephanie advocates that bridal shower invitations should be mailed to out-of town guests 8 to 12 weeks prior to the shower and local guests 6 to 8 weeks prior to the shower.
Back to Bridal Shower ^
Who should host a bridal shower or bridal luncheon?
Friends, friends of the family, aunts, nieces, grandmothers, cousins and co-workers are all great candidates to host a bridal shower for the soon to be bride. Bridal showers are an expression of happiness and the desire to host events around a wedding is a natural way to shower the bride with this happiness. However, showers hosted by immediate family members are often interpreted as a solicitation of gifts, so it is best to allow Friends, friends of the family, aunts, nieces, grandmothers, cousins and co-workers to plan and host the bridal shower.
Back to Bridal Shower ^
What is the acceptable length of time to write thank you notes for gifts I received at my bridal shower?
Ideally, thank you notes for any gift should be sent within 3 weeks of receiving the gift. In addition, as a wedding is such a large affair with many gifts, the window of sending a thank you is longer. However, all thank you notes should be written and sent within 3 months of the wedding for all gifts received.
Back to Bridal Shower ^
Wedding
- When should I order my wedding invitations?
- When should I mail my wedding invitations?
- Whose names should be included on my invitation?
- How should I list divorced parents on my wedding invitation?
- How should I include a deceased parent on my wedding invitation?
- Should I spell out the middle names of my parents, the bride, and the groom?
- How should I list the time on a formal invitation?
- How should I indicate our preference for ADULTS ONLY invited to our wedding and reception on the invitation?
- Can I include bridal registry information on the invitations or within the invitations?
- When is it appropriate to use a reception card?
- How do I determine the deadline for my RSVP/Reply cards?
- What is the proper way to fill in the M___________ on an RSVP/Reply card?
- Is it acceptable to send out a wedding announcement which is also an invitation to a reception?
- How do I address an invitation when both the husband and wife are doctors?
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When should I order my wedding invitations?
Wedding invitations are a key ingredient in the first planning stages of a wedding. The invitation will set the tone, mood, theme, and direction for your wedding. It is best to order invitations 4 to 9 months in advance of your wedding or as soon as you possibly can. With today’s busy schedules, your guests will thank you for giving them as much notice as possible. Complete custom invitation designs should be started approximately 6 months in advance of your wedding!
Back to Wedding ^
When should I mail my wedding invitations?
Traditional etiquette says: Wedding invitations should be mailed to out-of-town guests 6 weeks prior to the wedding and local guests 4 weeks prior to the wedding. However, as your guest’s lives are as busy as your own, it is always best to send any invitations as soon as possible so Signatures By Stephanie advocates that wedding invitations should be mailed to out-of town guests 8 to 12 weeks prior to the wedding and local guests 6 to 8 weeks prior to the wedding.
Back to Wedding ^
Whose names should be included on my invitation?
This is a loaded question and should be thought out carefully before ordering your wedding invitations. Traditional etiquette implies that the bride’s parent’s names are listed on the invitation if they are hosting, and paying for the entire wedding event. In today’s world there have been several variations of who’s name is to be included on the wedding invitation as there are numerous people contributing towards the success and happiness of the wedding.
Therefore the guideline is as follows:
When should I order my wedding invitations?
Wedding invitations are a key ingredient in the first planning stages of a wedding. The invitation will set the tone, mood, theme, and direction for your wedding. It is best to order invitations 4 to 9 months in advance of your wedding or as soon as you possibly can. With today’s busy schedules, your guests will thank you for giving them as much notice as possible. Complete custom invitation designs should be started approximately 6 months in advance of your wedding!
Back to Wedding ^
When should I mail my wedding invitations?
Traditional etiquette says: Wedding invitations should be mailed to out-of-town guests 6 weeks prior to the wedding and local guests 4 weeks prior to the wedding. However, as your guest’s lives are as busy as your own, it is always best to send any invitations as soon as possible so Signatures By Stephanie advocates that wedding invitations should be mailed to out-of town guests 8 to 12 weeks prior to the wedding and local guests 6 to 8 weeks prior to the wedding.
Back to Wedding ^
Whose names should be included on my invitation?
This is a loaded question and should be thought out carefully before ordering your wedding invitations. Traditional etiquette implies that the bride’s parent’s names are listed on the invitation if they are hosting, and paying for the entire wedding event. In today’s world there have been several variations of who’s name is to be included on the wedding invitation as there are numerous people contributing towards the success and happiness of the wedding.
Therefore the guideline is as follows:
- If the groom’s parents are paying for half or more of the total wedding cost, their names should be in equal stature and placement of those of the bride’s
- If the groom’s parents are paying for a small percentage of the wedding but the couple would like to still honor them, the distinction of noting the parents as, “son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Wilson” is a perfect way to include them in the special event.
- If the couple is paying for their wedding entirely, they have the choice on who’s names to print on the wedding invitation.
Back to Wedding ^
How should I list divorced parents on my wedding invitation?
This is a loaded question and should be thought out carefully before ordering your wedding invitations. Traditional etiquette implies that the bride’s parent’s names are listed on the invitation if they are hosting, and paying for the entire wedding event. But, when the parents are divorced it is a bit more important to think through the options.
Here is the most complicated scenario Signatures By Stephanie has recommended to date:
Both the bride’s parents and the groom’s parents are divorced. All parents are remarried. All parents contributed to the wedding.
Sample Divorced Invitation Text:
Mr. and Mrs. James Tell Wall (Mother of the Bride)
And Mr. and Mrs. Peter William Harris (Father of the Bride)
Request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter
Tiffany Ann to Mr. Michael Allen Potters, III
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Allen William Walker (Mother of the Groom)
And Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Taylor Potters, II (Father of the Groom)
Back to Wedding ^
How should I include a deceased parent on my wedding invitation?
A wedding is a happy occasion. A deceased parent should not be placed on a wedding invitation but rather honored in the program. It is often nice to say a few beautiful words about the spirit and loving connection of the parent with the child being married.
Back to Wedding ^
Should I spell out the middle names of my parents, the bride, and the groom?
Tradition says that formal invitations require the use of full names first, middle, and last. Initials should not be used on a wedding invitation. If you do not wish to spell out or use a middle name for any reason, then it is preferable to delete the name and only use the first and last name of the person on the invitation.
Back to Wedding ^
How should I list the time on a formal invitation?
Morning is considered 9:00am to 12:00 noon.
Afternoon is considered any time after 12:00 noon and before 6:00pm.
Evening is considered any time after 6:00pm.
How should I list divorced parents on my wedding invitation?
This is a loaded question and should be thought out carefully before ordering your wedding invitations. Traditional etiquette implies that the bride’s parent’s names are listed on the invitation if they are hosting, and paying for the entire wedding event. But, when the parents are divorced it is a bit more important to think through the options.
Here is the most complicated scenario Signatures By Stephanie has recommended to date:
Both the bride’s parents and the groom’s parents are divorced. All parents are remarried. All parents contributed to the wedding.
Sample Divorced Invitation Text:
Mr. and Mrs. James Tell Wall (Mother of the Bride)
And Mr. and Mrs. Peter William Harris (Father of the Bride)
Request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter
Tiffany Ann to Mr. Michael Allen Potters, III
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Allen William Walker (Mother of the Groom)
And Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Taylor Potters, II (Father of the Groom)
Back to Wedding ^
How should I include a deceased parent on my wedding invitation?
A wedding is a happy occasion. A deceased parent should not be placed on a wedding invitation but rather honored in the program. It is often nice to say a few beautiful words about the spirit and loving connection of the parent with the child being married.
Back to Wedding ^
Should I spell out the middle names of my parents, the bride, and the groom?
Tradition says that formal invitations require the use of full names first, middle, and last. Initials should not be used on a wedding invitation. If you do not wish to spell out or use a middle name for any reason, then it is preferable to delete the name and only use the first and last name of the person on the invitation.
Back to Wedding ^
How should I list the time on a formal invitation?
Morning is considered 9:00am to 12:00 noon.
Afternoon is considered any time after 12:00 noon and before 6:00pm.
Evening is considered any time after 6:00pm.
- On a formal invitation the time would be written this way: Half after four in the afternoon.
- On a less formal invitation the time may be written this way: four-thirty in the afternoon.
- You do not use the “AM” or “PM” on an invitation.
Back to Wedding ^
How should I indicate our preference for ADULTS ONLY invited to our wedding and reception on the invitation?
The best way to indicate no children at your wedding is to not invite the children on the invitation outer envelope or in any way part of the addressing. However, some parents do not always consider this subtle hint, so a strategic phone call is always the best policy.
Back to Wedding ^
Can I include bridal registry information on the invitations or within the invitations?
Signatures By Stephanie does not recommend placing any information regarding GIFTS on any invitation within the wedding family of stationery. Nor, should bridal registry information be printed on the invitation. As each guest decides to purchase a gift for a bridal function it is traditional etiquette to ask the host or hostesses regarding the bride’s choices for a gift. The most appropriate way to pass information to your guests in regards to your bridal registry is via your groomsmen, bridesmaids, and family. These wedding helpers should pass your information on registry to the guests as each guest inquires.
To further explain tradition, a wedding gift sent by a guest follows these rules:
- A wedding gift sent prior to the wedding date is sent to the bride or the bride’s parents.
- A wedding gift sent after the wedding date is sent to the couple’s new home.
- A guest has up to one year to send a wedding gift.
Back to Wedding ^
When is it appropriate to use a reception card?
As the focus of a wedding invitation is the information surrounding the ceremony it is proper to include a reception card when the ceremony and the reception are in separate places. The use of a reception card it to give full details, including address, attire, and information regarding the reception.
Back to Wedding ^
How do I determine the deadline for my RSVP/Reply cards?
Signatures By Stephanie believes in preplanning. With that said, here is the time line we recommended for wedding RSVP/Reply card return:
- Two weeks prior to the wedding, you should be ready to give your catering manager a final count.
- Three weeks prior to the wedding, you will call all guests who have not sent an RSVP/Reply card.
- Four weeks prior to the wedding, you should be receiving RSVP/Reply cards.
Back to Wedding ^
What is the proper way to fill in the M_______ on an RSVP/Reply card?
The “M” on the card starts of the strings of “Mr. Brian Jones” or Mr. and Mrs. Brian Jones” or Ms. Patty Jones” or “Miss Patty Jones.” Fill in starting after the “M” with the rest of the words to make up your name as you wish it to appear on a seating card.
Back to Wedding ^
Is it acceptable to send out a wedding announcement which is also an invitation to a reception?
Invitations are never sent with announcements. Your wedding and your delayed reception are separate events that require separate mailings.
Back to Wedding ^
How do I address an invitation when both the husband and wife are doctors?
- The Doctors Peterson
- Doctor Andrea Peterson and Doctor Kevin Carter Peterson
- Doctor and Mrs. Peterson
- Should I list siblings on a baby announcement?
- How do I include the grandparents' names on a birth announcement?
- How should a son being named with a Junior be printed on a baby announcement?
- What would be the minimum amount of information to include on a baby announcement?
- When should the announcements be mailed out and when is the latest that it can be mailed out?
Back to top ^
Should I list siblings on a baby announcement?
Listing brothers and sisters on an announcement is extremely popular. Your birth announcement is a reflection of your family and of your unity. Listing brother’s and sisters on an announcement is perfectly fine in today’s etiquette world.
See sample wording below:
Our Sweet Pea has sprouted…
Please join proud parents
Stephanie and Josh Wilson
Ecstatic Grandparents
Jeff and Ann Kampel
David Michael Wilson
And thrilled big brother
Jacob Oliver
In Welcoming
Rebecca Molly Wilson
October 9th, 2007
1:46 p.m.
6 pounds; 18 inches
Names In Honor Of Her
Maternal Great-Great-Grandmother Rebecca Kampel
& Paternal Great Grandmother Molly Wilson
Back to Baby & Children Announcements ^
How do I include the grandparents' names on a birth announcement?
Your birth announcement is a reflection of your family and of your unity. It is perfectly fine via today’s etiquette to list grandparents on a baby announcement.
See sample wording below:
Our Sweet Pea has sprouted…
Please join proud parents
Stephanie and Josh Wilson
Ecstatic Grandparents
Jeff and Ann Kampel
David Michael Wilson
And thrilled big brother
Jacob Oliver
In Welcoming
Rebecca Molly Wilson
October 9th, 2007
1:46 p.m.
6 pounds; 18 inches
Names In Honor Of Her
Maternal Great-Great-Grandmother Rebecca Kampel
& Paternal Great Grandmother Molly Wilson
Back to Baby & Children Announcements ^
How should a son being named with a Junior be printed on a baby announcement?
In the traditional etiquette a comma is inserted before the abbreviated Jr.” which is listed after the child’s full name. In some cases with an extremely formal baby announcement, the full spelling of “Junior” is printed after the child’s full name.
Back to Baby & Children Announcements ^
What would be the minimum amount of information to include on a baby announcement?
The announcement of a baby can be as simple or as elaborate as you would like. The minimum amount of information to include on a birth announcement is the baby’s full name, date of birth, weight, height, and parent’s names.
Back to Baby & Children Announcements ^
When should the announcements be mailed out and when is the latest that it can be mailed out?
The arrival of a baby carries NO OBLIGATION – it does not mean the recipient of a baby announcement need send a gift. Announcements are sent to share the joyous news with friends, family, co-workers, and associates. It is a pleasant way to share the news, send a photo, and celebrate this amazing family event. Baby announcements should be sent anywhere between the birth or adoption of your baby and up to 8 weeks after.
Back to Baby & Children Announcements ^
Should I list siblings on a baby announcement?
Listing brothers and sisters on an announcement is extremely popular. Your birth announcement is a reflection of your family and of your unity. Listing brother’s and sisters on an announcement is perfectly fine in today’s etiquette world.
See sample wording below:
Our Sweet Pea has sprouted…
Please join proud parents
Stephanie and Josh Wilson
Ecstatic Grandparents
Jeff and Ann Kampel
David Michael Wilson
And thrilled big brother
Jacob Oliver
In Welcoming
Rebecca Molly Wilson
October 9th, 2007
1:46 p.m.
6 pounds; 18 inches
Names In Honor Of Her
Maternal Great-Great-Grandmother Rebecca Kampel
& Paternal Great Grandmother Molly Wilson
Back to Baby & Children Announcements ^
How do I include the grandparents' names on a birth announcement?
Your birth announcement is a reflection of your family and of your unity. It is perfectly fine via today’s etiquette to list grandparents on a baby announcement.
See sample wording below:
Our Sweet Pea has sprouted…
Please join proud parents
Stephanie and Josh Wilson
Ecstatic Grandparents
Jeff and Ann Kampel
David Michael Wilson
And thrilled big brother
Jacob Oliver
In Welcoming
Rebecca Molly Wilson
October 9th, 2007
1:46 p.m.
6 pounds; 18 inches
Names In Honor Of Her
Maternal Great-Great-Grandmother Rebecca Kampel
& Paternal Great Grandmother Molly Wilson
Back to Baby & Children Announcements ^
How should a son being named with a Junior be printed on a baby announcement?
In the traditional etiquette a comma is inserted before the abbreviated Jr.” which is listed after the child’s full name. In some cases with an extremely formal baby announcement, the full spelling of “Junior” is printed after the child’s full name.
Back to Baby & Children Announcements ^
What would be the minimum amount of information to include on a baby announcement?
The announcement of a baby can be as simple or as elaborate as you would like. The minimum amount of information to include on a birth announcement is the baby’s full name, date of birth, weight, height, and parent’s names.
Back to Baby & Children Announcements ^
When should the announcements be mailed out and when is the latest that it can be mailed out?
The arrival of a baby carries NO OBLIGATION – it does not mean the recipient of a baby announcement need send a gift. Announcements are sent to share the joyous news with friends, family, co-workers, and associates. It is a pleasant way to share the news, send a photo, and celebrate this amazing family event. Baby announcements should be sent anywhere between the birth or adoption of your baby and up to 8 weeks after.
Back to Baby & Children Announcements ^
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Signatures By Stephanie is a custom design studio open to the public and an internet provider of elegant stationery to celebrate life’s events including: Personalized Stationery, Invitations, Announcements, Wedding Invitations, Rehearsal Dinner Invitations, Bridal Luncheon Invitations, Bar Mitzvah Invitations, Bat Mitzvah Invitations, Luxury Wedding Invitations, Platinum Wedding Invitations, Quinceañeras Invitations, Sweet Sixteen Invitations, Indian Wedding Invitations, Corporate Invitations, Award Dinner Invitations, Charity Invitations, Gala Invitations, Baby Shower Invitations, Birth Announcements, Atlanta Wedding Invitations, Georgia Wedding Invitation Designs, Atlanta Rehearsal Dinner Invitations, Atlanta Bridal Luncheon Invitations, Atlanta Bar Mitzvah Invitations, Atlanta Bat Mitzvah Invitations, Platinum Weddings Atlanta, Quinceañeras Atlanta Invitations, Sweet Sixteen Atlanta, Indian Weddings Atlanta, Atlanta Corporate Invitations, Atlanta Award Dinner Invitations, Unique Corporate Invitations Atlanta, Atlanta Holiday Invitations.
Signatures By Stephanie serves the state of Georgia and have served brides in these fine communities: Smyrna, Vinings, Marietta, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Buckhead, Roswell, Midtown and Downtown Atlanta, Decatur, Alpharetta, Milton, Johns Creek, Kennesaw, Mableton, Peachtree City, Acworth, and Savannah.
Signatures By Stephanie serves the United States market via our website at www.signaturesbystephanie.com.