Common Mistakes and Etiquette Tips for a Perfect Invite to Your Wedding at Charleston, West Virginia Wedding Venues
- evermoreridgewv
- May 15
- 5 min read
Getting ready to send out your wedding invitations is a daunting task. It marks the official announcement of your big day and provides all the vital information your guests need to attend your wedding day at one of the many beautiful Charleston, West Virginia wedding venues. However, mistakes can happen, making your invites less than perfect. Here, we will highlight common mistakes and give you some etiquette tips to streamline your invitation process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Incorrect Name Usage
This is one of the most common mistakes found on wedding invitations and wedding decor. A typical error involves the misuse of names, particularly last names. Be sure not to add an apostrophe after the last name. For instance, if your last name is Smith, it should be written as "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" or "The Smiths," not "The Smith's". An apostrophe is not needed for your last name. Using an apostrophe to make your last name plural suggests possession, not a plural family name. While this is a minor detail, it is grammatically correct.
Mistake 2: Forgetting to Write Out the Date and Time
Couples often abbreviate the date and time, which can come off as informal. For instance, instead of “4 PM on October 11, 2025,” use “the eleventh of October, two thousand twenty-five, at four o’clock in the evening.” It is proper etiquette on invitations to have the date and time written in full and these invitations are often perceived as more elegant.
Mistake 3: Lack of Clear RSVP Instructions
Weddings are expensive. It is important when sending your invitations and asking for RSVPs to be clear about who is invited. Are only Mr. and Mrs. Jones invited? Or are Mr. and Mrs. Jones and their two teenagers and one baby also invited? There are many ways to word your invitation and RSVPs to make this clear and potentially save yourself some questions and family drama. Here are a few examples:
"In our effort to keep the celebration intimate, your invitation is specifically for ____ seats. We are unable to accommodate any additional guests."
"Please note this is an adult-only event."
"Kindly note only the named guests are invited."
"____ number of seats have been reserved in your honor."
"In order to meet guest number restrictions, we are only able to invite children of our immediate family." (Could change this to end with, "invite children in the wedding party.")
"Please note that only named recipients are invited, and we cannot accommodate any additional guests."
These are just a few examples. There are endless ways to politely and clearly state who is invited and how many people can RSVP on your wedding invitations.
Getting the Etiquette Right
Properly Worded Invitations
The wording of your invitation is more than just tradition; it reflects your personality as a couple. Here are some examples you might consider:
Traditional: "Mr. and Mrs. John Doe request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter, Jane Marie, to Mr. James Smith."
Less Formal: "Join us in celebrating the union of Jane and James as they tie the knot!"
Religious: "In the spirit of Christian joy, Mr. and Mrs. John Doe invite you to share in the blessing of the marriage of their daughter Jane Marie to James Smith."
With so many wedding invitation examples and templates available, it's important to take the time to choose one that reflects your style and sets an inviting tone for your wedding day.
Dress Code Clarity
Including a dress code communicates expectations to your guests. Clarity helps everyone feel comfortable and confident when picking out attire for your wedding day. Common dress codes include:
Black Tie: Formal evening attire, such as tuxedos for men and long evening gowns for women.
Cocktail Attire: Smart yet less formal; ideal for cocktail dresses or dressy outfits.
Casual: Comfortable and relaxed, perfect for outdoor or daytime weddings.
Photo by Olivia Laurell Photography
Clearly state your dress code, such as “Formal Attire” (example in the picture) or “Please join us in your best garden party outfits!” This transparency makes for a more enjoyable experience for your guests. It is also important to include details about your venue that can affect guest comfort. For example:
"We intend to hold a lovely outdoor ceremony, and guests are advised to wear weather-appropriate attire for comfort."
"Our wedding venue is located on a beautiful farm in West Virginia, please wear suitable footwear for various types of terrain."
"We plan to have an outdoor ceremony at a barn venue; we recommend guests wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes."
Additional Tips for Mailing Your Invitations
Timing is Everything
Your save-the-dates should be mailed out about 6-8 months prior to your wedding date. Then mail your formal invitations 8-12 weeks before your wedding day. Setting your RSVP deadline at least 30 days before your wedding is crucial. Doing so can ultimately save you money, as many vendors determine pricing based on the number of guests. Additionally, it can help reduce costs when purchasing items such as wedding favors.
Addressing the Envelopes
Correctly addressing your invitations shows respect for your guests. Always use proper titles and spell out names. For instance, recognize titles like “Doctor” or “Professor” appropriately. Using formal titles like “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” “Ms.,” and “Dr.” reflects consideration.
RSVPs & Postage
Check that you have the correct postage for your invitations. Occasionally, heavier invitations require additional postage. If you have any concerns, check with your postal service to prevent any unforeseen delivery problems. Additionally, it is proper etiquette to provide an addressed envelope with postage for your guests to return their RSVP.
Proofread! Proofread! Proofread!
Before sending your invites, take the time to proofread every detail. Typos or errors can lead to awkward moments for you and your guests. Always ask a few trusted friends or family members to review them too; they may spot mistakes that you might miss.
Wrapping Up
Mailing wedding invitations should not feel overwhelming. By being aware of common mistakes and adhering to proper etiquette, you can ensure that your invitations create a great first impression and provide guests with all the information they need for you and your guests to experience a seamless day at one of the many stunning Charleston, West Virginia wedding venues. Take a breath and try to enjoy picking out the fun details, like wedding invitations, for one of the most important days of your life!
Weekly Shoutout from a Charleston, West Virginia Wedding Venue
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