Invitation Etiquette Rules You Actually Need to Follow for 2025
To address who is hosting your wedding, or not? Formal or casual? Include your gift choice, or not to? So many questions for updated invitation etiquette that I’m about to answer for you.
Let’s be honest - Wedding invitation etiquette has come a long way from the rigid, pearl-clutching rules of the Bridgerton era. While some traditions still hold up, others? Not so much. If you’re getting your custom designed wedding stationery and wondering what actually matters (and what you can toss in the metaphorical bin), here’s your guide to modern invitation etiquette - No outdated stuffiness required.
What to Include - Yes, You Actually Need This!
1. Who, What, Where & When
Sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many couples get so caught up in the aesthetics that they forget the essentials. Your invitations should clearly state:
Who’s getting married (your names, of course!)
What’s happening (a wedding, not a backyard BBQ - unless that’s the vibe, in which case, mention it!)
Where (venue name & address - don’t make guests Google it. Include every detail of directions that you can)
When (date & time - so your cousin doesn’t text you asking the night before - even though you know they still will….)
This will (hopefully!) eliminate unnecessary back and forth questions between you and guests - You’ve got a wedding to plan, your energy is deserved elsewhere.
2. A Clear RSVP Plan
Whether you’re doing it old-school with reply cards or modern with a wedding website, make sure guests know how (and when) to RSVP. And please, for your own sanity, be sure to include a deadline.
3. A Way to Reach Your Wedding Info
A wedding website is your best friend. Use it to share details like dress code, accommodations, registry info, and FAQs, so your invitation remains the main event and your guests don’t flood your inbox with questions.
What You Can Leave Out (Because It’s 2025, Not 1925)
1. The Parents’ Names (Unless You Want Them There)
Traditional invites list the couple’s parents at the top as the official hosts. If that feels outdated or unnecessary, skip it. Your wedding, your rules - This also frees up space for gorgeous design and clarity.
2. The Overly Formal Wording
“Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the honor of your presence,” is totally fine if that’s your style. But if it feels like you’re addressing a royal decree, swap it for something that actually sounds like you. Example: “Join us as we celebrate our big day!”
3. Registry Info on the Invitation
It’s considered a bit tacky to slap your gift preferences on the invite itself. Instead, direct guests to your wedding website for all registry and gift details.
4. Strictly Traditional Dress Codes
Black tie, cocktail attire, boho-chic with a hint of garden party - Whatever your dress code, make it clear but not overwhelming. Your invitation should set the tone of your event style, but if you don’t want guests panicking about what to wear, a simple note like, “Dress to impress, but keep it comfy!” works wonders.
Final Thoughts
The best wedding invitations strike a balance between timeless and true to you. So, keep what feels right, ditch what doesn’t, and make sure your invitations reflect the celebration you’re planning. Oh, and double-check the spelling before sending them off - We promise, no one wants to be invited to “The Weeding of Alex and Jamie,” or misspelling a guest's name. Yikes! Get someone else to double check for you as well - Two sets of eyes are better than one.
Need custom wedding stationery with invitation insight? We’ll chat about all of this when you get your custom designed wedding stationery with me.
Let’s make it happen. Get in touch!