Word{IN}g Ideas

Don't let the wording of your cards & invitations stress you out – here are some simple rules to consistently follow:

Basic Wording & Ideas

Always include the names of the people being honored, the type of party, the date & time, the hosts and the location
After you have double checked the spelling of everything, go back and check it a third time or have someone else check it for you
When addressing invitations, always keep the man's name together
- Mr & Mrs John Now (married couple)
- Sally & John Now (married couple)
- Dr & Mrs John Now (married, husband doctor)
- Drs Sally & John Now (married, both doctors)
- Dr Sally & Mr John Now (married, wife doctor)
- Mr John Now & Mrs Sally Smith (married, different last names)
Wedding invites, the host names go on top
Party invites, the host names go on the bottom
Send save-the-date cards out 6 months in advance to your wedding date
Include your wedding website URL if you have one to get your guests excited about your upcoming special day
Send invitations to informal parties at least 2 weeks in advance, 3 is preferable in busy cities and during the busiest times of the year

On a birth announcement, include the baby's name, the nickname they will be called in quotations (if applicable), date of birth, height, weight, and the names of the parents
Ideally, birth announcements are sent out shortly after the baby is born
We know that you are exhausted and excited and have a million other things to do so it is best to find a birth announcement you like and just need to add in the particulars and the photo once your new one arrives - make is as easy as possible for YOU!
Send moving announcements two weeks prior to moving to insure that you will continue to receive invitations and announcements (also remember to forward your mail from your old address, note that it will take a couple extra days to reach you)

Who: The couple's names. The host(s) followed by the people getting married.
What: The wedding
When: Date & time
Where: Ceremony location and reception location
Order your wedding invitations 4 months in advance. It is best to have at least 10 extras, just in case you forget someone, the mail damages one, you want to keep one as a memento, and other such little things that are bound to happen.
Send destination and international wedding invitations at least 10 weeks in advance to allow your guests enough time to make the proper arrangements
In pencil, assign a number to the back of each reply card and match it to the guest. When the inevitable happens and a guest forgets to put their name on the reply card, you have a backup system to keep track.
Have an envelope stuffing party. Make it a casual affair including light bites and cocktails. This will make the task of getting your invitations all together and ready to mail much easier. We recommend the same type party for your 'out-of-towner' hotel guest goodie bags.
Take a deep breath and remember that finding the groom is the hardest part, the rest is just details!