Invitations should be selected as soon as the date is set and the guest list is complete. Usually couples select the invitations at least three to six months in advance to allow time for ordering, proofreading the text, and addressing the invitations or hiring a calligrapher. Invitations should be mailed four to six weeks before the wedding and up to eight weeks for summer or holiday weddings when individuals often have competing social obligations.

Traditional British spelling is often used for the words honour and favour.

Each line of the wedding invitation is centered for a balanced look.

Full names are used (not nicknames or abbreviation), and dates, times, and addresses are spelled out.

Military titles are handled by rank. Enlisted people and noncommissioned officers may include their branch of the service underneath their name.  Titles are placed above the name for positions above a captain rank in the army and lieutenant senior grade in the navy.

The branch of service appears below the name. The names of junior officers should be placed on the first line with the title and branch of service on the next line. (To see samples of military wedding invitations) (for more information on military wedding customs)

Courtesy titles such as Mr., Miss and Mrs. are always used. A priest or minister is called The Reverend, a judge is referred to as The Honorable, and Rabbis do not require a "The" before the title.

Half hours are written as "half after" the hour, never "half past" the hour.

The title "Ms." should be reserved exclusively for business correspondence and should never be used on a wedding invitation.

When sending out invitations with a response card, put a number on the back of the card to correspond with the guest’s name on a master list. If they forget to put their name on the response card, you can match up the name with the number on the list.

Any guest over the age of eighteen should receive an invitation.

It is customary for a reception card to be included with the invitation when the reception is being held at a different location than the ceremony.

An invitation should give guests the following information: who, what (ceremony and/or reception), when, and where, plus directions or a map.

Alternatives to Traditional Invitations: Contemporary Invitations

One questions that is asked by every customer that purchases invitations is, "How do I stuff the invitations and address envelopes?" Well, here are some pointers that should help you with this dilemma.

Invitations normally come with two envelopes, an inner and outer. The more contemporary, square sizes usually only come with single outer envelopes. The inside inner envelope usually does not have gumming on the flap, is often ordered with a colored ling, and is smaller than the outside envelope so it can be easily stuffed. Address the inner envelope with names only, without the street address (e.g., Mr. and Mrs. Gold). Omit the first names except when you want to include underage children (e.g.,Mr. and Mrs. Gold, Rachel and Michael).

The larger outside envelope has gumming on the inside flap and may be ordered with a return address printed on the outside flap. Address the outside envelope with full name(s) and street address.

The contemporary square invitations come with only one gummed envelope and you would address the envelope in the same manner as the outer envelope discussed above. Inner and outer envelopes are not necessary for this contemporary size.

Take your invitation and ensure that the printing is on the outside. Tissues may be placed over the printing, if desired.

Place any enclosures either on top of the invitation or inside the fold. Place response enclosures under the flap of the response envelopes.

The invitation and enclosures are then inserted into the inside envelope with the folded edge first and the front of the invitation facing the back envelope flap.

Insert the inside envelope into the outside envelope with the names facing the back of the envelope and the seal.

Depending on the number of enclosures, the size and the weight of your invitation, extra postage may be needed. We recommend bringing one of your invitation ensembles (pre-stuffed) to your local post office so they can advise you as to how much postage will be required.

It is customary to send an invitation to your priest, rabbi, etc. and their spouses. All children over the age of sixteen should receive their own invitations. Plan to order an additional 25 invitations to allow for the unexpected.

Type and Styles of Invitation Papers and Inks