In this more relaxed time, a wedding invitation can be sent by phone, conveyed in words or even emailed. The aim of a wedding invitation is to let your guests know where and when the event and reception are occurring.

While wedding invitations are like various other types of invitation, there is nearly always more ritual to them. Because of this, wedding invitation etiquette has been set in place to help you navigate the particulars of inviting guests to your marriage ceremony. This protocol is in place because a formal wedding invitation communicates to your guests by way of the paper stock, the font and the words that this isn’t an informal gathering. The more formal your wedding will be, the more formal the invitations must be.

Correct etiquette for a formal wedding invitation does not permit for requesting the presence of guests via electronic mail or phone because these methods are relatively new. This means you have to use the old fashioned invitations printed on paper. Formal wedding invitations usually have the following attributes:

* They’re printed on thick white, cream or ivory stationery

* They use a classic font like Roman

* Formal invitations are commonly engraved and likely composed in the third person style.

* Commonly, there are two envelopes that form part of the invitation packet. The first envelope is the exterior one which holds everything concerning the invitation. The other envelope is used by the guest to send back the response card.

There are other helpful rules of etiquette for formal wedding invitations which ought to be taken into account throughout the planning stage.

* For more formal wedding ceremonies, you do not need to be as creative.

* If you’re fairly sure that your guest will bring a friend, it’s perfectly acceptable to use the phrasing “and companion” on the invitation if you do not know their name. Generally, this will reduce the number of unanticipated guests who tag along.

* Wedding services that happen in a house of worship demand a more solemn style than those held in the home or outside; accordingly the invitations will need to express this formality.

* The majority of formal wedding invitations are printed by a professional print company and then the envelope is addressed by hand by either the bride or groom.

Correct protocol is a must for the formal wedding invitation. It implies the magnitude of the special occasion to those concerned, unlike other invitations like wedding shower invitations which are far less formal and more festive.

While the idea of choosing the right wedding invitation wording can be somewhat intimidating, the good news is that there are basic guidelines that you can follow no matter what style of ceremony you are planning. Learn more by visiting the Wedding Invitation Etiquette site.