First Name on Wedding Invitations: Who Comes First?
The etiquette surrounding the order of names on a wedding invitation can seem confusing at first glance. This article will guide you through the common practices and considerations when drafting your wedding invitation.
Common Guidelines for Name Order
Traditionally, the names on a wedding invitation follow a specific order based on who is hosting the event. Here's a breakdown of the most common scenarios:
Brides Parents Hosting the Event
When the bride's parents are hosting, the bride's name typically appears first, followed by the groom's name. This is a reflection of the parents' role as the host and financial contributors. Here's an example:
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Emily Smith to Michael Johnson
Grooms Parents Hosting the Event
Conversely, if the groom's parents are hosting, the groom's name may come first as he is the primary party being celebrated. An example of this would be:
Mr. and Mrs. David Johnson request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their son Michael Johnson to Emily Smith
Couple Hosting the Event
When the couple is hosting their own wedding, they may choose to include both names equally. It is common to list the bride's name first. Here's an example:
Emily Smith and Michael Johnson request the honor of your presence at their wedding
Ultimately, the choice can be influenced by personal preference, family traditions, or cultural considerations. What matters most is that the invitation reflects the couple's wishes and the families' expectations.
Personal Experience: My Wedding Invitation
My own experience with wedding invitations provides some interesting insights into these etiquette rules. My parents, who paid for the wedding, wrote the invitation in a way that reflected their deep connection to our family:
Because of your friendship and love, Mr. and Mrs. request the honor of your presence as our daughter Nadine Marie begins a new life with the Anthony middle and last name on Sunday, February 28, 1981, at one o'clock in the afternoon at Saint Francis Church. The address is [Church Address]. The reception will follow at [Reception Time and Place]. Mr. and Mrs. John Smith.
This invitation was written specifically to honor the bond between my parents and their own parents, who built the church. It not only highlighted my parents' role in the wedding but also paid homage to our family's history. Today, we live happily ever after, and our family legacy continues.
Traditional Etiquette on Wedding Invitations
A typical traditional wording for a wedding invitation would be:
Mr. and Mrs. Smith invite you to join in the celebration of their daughter, Smith, to Mr. John Jones.
These invitations are usually written in third person and include dates and times spelled out in words. It is usually the bride's parents who script the invitation, reflecting their role as the hosts and the primary financial contributors to the wedding.
Conclusion
Choosing the right order of names on a wedding invitation is a combination of tradition and personal choice. Whether the bride, groom, or both are hosting, it's important to consider the cultural and familial implications of the names you list. A well-crafted invitation not only serves as a formal notice of the celebration but also pays homage to the traditions and relationships that make the union special.