Invitations

Invitations should be sent at least four weeks, but preferably six, before the ceremony. Close friends and those relatives who will be unable to come because of illness, distance or any other reason should still be sent an invitation. Only one invitation per family is required always spell out the children's name (do not write and family), children over 15 usually received their own invitation. Keep a list of guests invited, their addresses and whether or not a reply has been received. If the wedding or reception is going to be held in unfamiliar territory include a map with the location of the church and reception centre.

You may want to order the following inmatching stationary:

Invitations
Response Cards
Order of service
Place Cards
Menu
Cake Boxes
Thank you Notes

Here are some examples of invitations to fit your circumstances:

Traditional

Mr and Mrs John Lewis
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of their daughter
Susan
to
Mr Darren Jones
at
St Patrick's Anglican Church
Smith's St, Applecross
on
Saturday, 14th February, 2001
at 3.30pm
and afterwards at
The Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle

1 Blue St                           RSVP
Perth WA 6000    28th February 2001

Where the parents are divorced

Mr John Lewis and Mrs June Lewis
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of their daughter
Susan
to
Mr Darren Jones
at
St Patrick's Anglican Church
Smith's St, Applecross
on
Saturday, 14th February, 2001
at 3.30pm
and afterwards at
The Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle

1 Blue St                     RSVP
Perth WA 6000   28th February 2001

Where the mother is remarried

Mr John Lewis and Mrs June William
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of their daughter
Susan
to
Mr Darren Jones
at
St Patrick's Anglican Church
Smith's St, Applecross
on
Saturday, 14th February, 2001
at 3.30pm
and afterwards at
The Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle

1 Blue St                            RSVP
Perth WA 6000    28th February 2001

Where the bride's mother and stepfather are issuing the invitations

Mr and Mrs William
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of her daughter
Susan
to
Mr Darren Jones
at
St Patrick's Anglican Church
Smith's St, Applecross
on
Saturday, 14th February, 2001
at 3.30pm
and afterwards at
The Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle

1 Blue St                     RSVP
Perth WA 6000  28th February 2001

Where the bride's father and stepmother are the hosts

Mr and Mrs Fred
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of his daughter
Susan
to
Mr Darren Jones
at
St Patrick's Anglican Church
Smith's St, Applecross
on
Saturday, 14th February, 2001
at 3.30pm
and afterwards at
The Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle

1 Blue St                   RSVP
Perth WA 6000   28th February 2001

Where the bride's father has passed away

Mrs June Smith
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of her and the marriage of her
and the late Mr John Smith's daughter
Susan
to
Mr Darren Jones
at
St Patrick's Anglican Church
Smith's St, Applecross
on
Saturday, 14th February, 2001
at 3.30pm
and afterwards at
The Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle

1 Blue St                             RSVP
Perth WA 6000   28th February 2001

If the groom's parents are hosting the wedding

Mrs and Mrs Jones
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of
Susan Lewis
to
their son
Mr Darren Jones
at
St Patrick's Anglican Church
Smith's St, Applecross
on
Saturday, 14th February, 2001
at 3.30pm
and afterwards at
The Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle

1 Blue St                      RSVP
Perth WA 6000    28th February 2001

If both parents are hosting the wedding

Mrs and Mrs Lewis
together with
Mr and Mrs Jones
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of their children
Susan Lewis and Darren Jones
at
St Patrick's Anglican Church
Smith's St, Applecross
on
Saturday, 14th February, 2001
at 3.30pm
and afterwards at
The Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle

1 Blue St                             RSVP
Perth WA 6000   28th February 2001

If the bride and groom are hosting their own wedding

Miss Susan Lewis and Mr Darren Jones
together with their families
request the pleasure of your company
at their marriage
at
St Patrick's Anglican Church
Smith's St, Applecross
on
Saturday, 14th February, 2001
at 3.30pm
and afterwards at
The Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle

1 Blue St                       RSVP
Perth WA 6000  28th February 2001

If both sets of parents are deceased or overseas

Mr and Mrs Geoff Adams
request the pleasure of your company
at their marriage of their niece
Susan Lewis
at
St Patrick's Anglican Church
Smith's St, Applecross
on
Saturday, 14th February, 2001
at 3.30pm
and afterwards at
The Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle

1 Blue St                           RSVP
Perth WA 6000   28th February 2001

Although it is hoped that you will never have to use them, here is some suitable wording for the postponement or cancellation of your wedding.

Family Bereavement

'Owing to the recent death of Mr Fred Jones, Mr and Mrs John Lewis regret that they are obliged to cancel the invitations to the marriage of their daughter Susan to Mr Darren Jones.'

Postponement

Owing to the illness of Mr Fred Jones, Mr and Mrs John Lewis regret that they are obliged to postpone the invitations to the marriage of their daughter Susan at St Michael's Church, Sandhurst, Berkshire. from Saturday 11th August to 1.00 pm on Saturday 18th September 1998.

Broken Engagement

Mr and Mrs John Lewis announce that the marriage of their daughter Susan to Mr Darren Jones, which was arranged for 11th August, will now not take place.

Wedding Guest List

Writing Thank you Notes