Difficult Invitation Wording Situations Part 1

Difficult Wording Situations Part 1 -The correct way to address sticky wording situations

When we use the word “traditional,” it refers to a general term of what etiquette rules apply to any given situation. In modern society, the term “traditional” is not as straightforward as it used to be, especially when you look at family situations. The traditional rules of etiquette usually do not cover difficult situations, so when it is time to word your wedding invitation, you may encounter situations that may be difficult to say on your invitation. There are ways to word these situations so that no one feels uncomfortable, but the most important thing to remember is to use wording that you feel comfortable with.

One of the most commonly asked questions is regarding how to word wedding invitations when the bride or groom’s parents are divorced. Here are some examples of divorced parents as the hosts of the wedding:

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Andrews
And
Mr. James Bryan
Request the honor of your presence
At the marriage of their daughter

Here is another example if the parents are divorced but have not remarried:

Mr. Allan Cummings
And
Ms. Olivia Abbott
Request the honor of your presence
At the marriage of their daughter

The same principal applies if the groom’s parents are divorced. See the below wording for an example:

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Abrams
Request the honor of your presence
At the marriage of their daughter
Jessica Ann Abrams
To
Brian Matthew Cuthbert
Son of Mr. Adam Lyons
And Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Geller

Another difficult wording situation that you may encounter is if one of the bride or groom’s parents is deceased. In many cases, it is appropriate for the living parent to host the wedding, please see below for an example.

Mrs. Robert Barber
Requests the honor of your presence
At the marriage of her daughter

In certain instances, the bride or groom wishes to mention the deceased parent on the wedding invitation. It is perfectly acceptable to do this by stating “the late” before the deceased’s name. The only thing to avoid is to make is sound as though the deceased parent is doing the inviting. Here an acceptable example.

Sarah Alice Thelen
Daughter of Mr. Oliver Thelen and the late Mrs. Thelen
And
Bradley John Johnson
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Johnson
Request the honor of your presence

Because every family situation is different, feel free to customize these wordings as you see appropriate. The most important thing is for you to feel comfortable with the wording, as well as be appropriate.