Designing your dream wedding stationery is such a joyful part of the planning process—but it can also come with a lot of questions. From how to word the invitation to how to address your envelopes, wedding invitation etiquette can feel a little overwhelming at first.

As a custom stationery designer specializing in romantic, whimsical designs for Cleveland, Ohio weddings and beyond, I’m here to guide you through every step with grace and ease. Let’s break down some invitation etiquette so your suite feels both elegant and authentically you.

Wedding Invitation Wording Basics

Who’s Hosting? Start With the Right Opening

Traditionally, the first line of your invitation reflects who’s hosting the wedding.

• Traditional (Parents Hosting):
  Mr. and Mrs. James Anderson request the honor of your presence…
  
• Modern (Couple Hosting):
  Together with their families, Emma Rose Bennett and Daniel James Carter invite you…
  
• Blended (Everyone Hosting):
  Emma Rose Bennett and Daniel James Carter, together with their parents, request the pleasure of your company…

Tip: Even in whimsical or artistic designs, formality in the wording can add timeless elegance.

Anna and Kevin chose a modern opening line for their invitations: “Together with their families.”

The Honor of Your Presence vs. The Pleasure of Your Company

This one’s all about venue type:

• “The honor of your presence” is typically used for ceremonies in a house of worship.
  
• “The pleasure of your company” is appropriate for secular venues like gardens, vineyards, or estates.

Writing Out Dates and Times (the Romantic Way!)

Spell out everything on your main invitation card:

✔ Saturday, the fifteenth of September
✔ At four o’clock in the afternoon
✔ Two thousand twenty-five

Tip: Skip numerals—they tend to feel too modern or corporate for a romantic suite.

This style of formatting is a hallmark of classic wedding invitation etiquette, helping your suite feel elegant and cohesive.

Want to elevate your suite even more? Check out my guide to wedding invitation embellishments that elevate your suite.

How to List Your Ceremony Location

Keep the address of your ceremony location simple and elegant:

Do include:

✔ Venue name
✔ City and state

Skip:

Zip code or street address (this goes on your Details card)

Example:
The Club at Hillbrook
Chagrin Falls, Ohio

Envelope Addressing Etiquette

How to Address Wedding Invitation Envelopes

Your envelope sets the tone before your guest even opens the suite. To keep it consistent with the rest of your design, follow these classic etiquette rules:

• Use full names, not nicknames
  Stick with formal names like “Jonathan” instead of “Jon.”
  
• Include appropriate titles
  Use titles like Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Dr. when relevant. If you’re unsure, it’s better to err on the side of formality.
  
• Spell out everything
  Write out street names (e.g., “Lane” instead of “Ln.”) and states (“Ohio” instead of “OH”). Avoid abbreviations unless they’re part of a proper name.
  
• Use consistent formatting
  Choose one style and apply it across all your envelopes, whether you’re handwriting them or using a printed script.

Example:
Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Westbrook
One Hundred Twelve Rosewood Lane
Cleveland Heights, Ohio

Common Envelope Addressing Mistakes to Avoid

To make sure your invitations look polished and arrive safely, avoid these frequent missteps:

• Leaving off titles entirely
  Skipping titles can make the envelope feel too casual or ambiguous.
  
• Using ampersands (&) instead of “and”
  Stick to “and” to maintain a formal tone.
  
• Omitting apartment numbers or suite info
  These belong on the second line below the recipient’s name and street address.
  
• Printing addresses without the proper spacing
  Double-check for awkward breaks, especially if you’re printing addresses digitally.
  
• Not confirming spellings
  Always double-check guest names and addresses—especially tricky last names or unusual street names.

Add a Romantic Touch With Hand Lettering or Calligraphy

Envelope calligraphy or a script font brings your suite full circle—elevating the overall feel and hinting at the romance to come. If you’re using custom calligraphy or a printed font, consistency in tone is key.

Confidently Navigate Wedding Invitation Etiquette

Your wedding invitation is more than just an announcement, it’s the first glimpse your guests will have into the heart of your celebration. By following a few classic wedding invitation etiquette guidelines (and infusing your unique style!), you’ll create a suite that feels both timeless and personal.

Need help with your wording or design? I’d love to help you bring your romantic vision to life. Whether you’re planning a garden ceremony in Cleveland or an elegant estate wedding in Columbus, I create custom suites that tell your story beautifully—from first impression to final stamp. Reach out today to begin your stationery journey!