Wedding invitations are an integral part of any wedding planning. They are sent out to guests to request their presence at the wedding ceremony and reception. However, crafting the perfect wedding invitation can be a challenging task, particularly in the case of the deceased parent. Many couples often wonder whether they should include their deceased parent’s name on the wedding invitation or not. In this blog post, we will discuss whether putting a deceased parent on a wedding invitation is appropriate or not.
What do Wedding Etiquettes Say?
In traditional wedding etiquette, the names of the bride’s and groom’s parents are highlighted on the wedding invitation. But what about deceased parents? According to traditional etiquette, it is not necessary to include the name of a deceased parent on the wedding invitation. However, if the bride or groom wishes to honor their deceased parent, there are ways to do that.
How to Honor a Deceased Parent on a Wedding Invitation?
If the bride or groom decides to honor their deceased parent on their wedding invitation, there are different ways to do it.
1. Mentioning the Deceased Parent’s Name
One way to honor a deceased parent on the wedding invitation is to include their name. For example, “Together with the parents of the bride, Mr. John Smith and the late Anne Smith, request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of their daughter…”. This way, the deceased parent is mentioned, and their memory is honored.
2. Acknowledging the Parent’s Absence
Another way to honor a deceased parent is by acknowledging their absence on the wedding invitation. For example, “Mr. John Smith, father of the bride, and in memory of the late Anne Smith, request the pleasure of your company…”. This way, the deceased parent’s absence is acknowledged, and their memory is honored.
3. Including a Quote or Poem
Many couples choose to include a quote or poem that honors their deceased parents. For example, “Though we cannot see you, we know you are here, smiling down, watching over us. In loving memory of Anne Smith, mother of the bride.” This way, a beautiful and meaningful tribute can be paid to the deceased parent.
Things to Keep in Mind While Honoring Deceased Parents
While it is appropriate to honor and remember a deceased parent on the wedding invitation, there are some things to keep in mind.
1. Consult with the Family
It is always a good idea to consult with the deceased parent’s family before including their name on the wedding invitation. Some family members may not feel comfortable with it, and it is essential to respect their wishes.
2. Tone and Wording of the Invitation
The tone and wording of the wedding invitation should reflect the honor and memory of the deceased parent. Using the appropriate words and tone is crucial to ensure that the deceased parent is adequately honored.
3. Consider Including the Parent’s Picture
If the bride or groom wishes to include their deceased parent’s memory in a more tangible way, they can consider including a photograph of the parent in the wedding invitation. This way, the guest can see the parent and remember them on this special occasion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether to include a deceased parent’s name on the wedding invitation is a personal choice. According to traditional wedding etiquette, it is not necessary to include the name of a deceased parent on the wedding invitation. Still, if the bride or groom wishes to honor their deceased parent, there are different ways to do that. By following the tips and ideas mentioned in this blog post, couples can acknowledge and honor their deceased parent’s memory in a befitting manner.
FAQ
Whose parents name goes on wedding invitation?
When it comes to wedding invitations, etiquette plays a significant role, and one of the biggest questions couples may face is whose parents’ names should go on the wedding invitation. Traditionally, the bride’s parents are considered the hosts of the wedding, assuming the responsibility of funding and planning the majority of the ceremony and reception. As a result, their names usually appear at the top of the invitation. For example, the invitation may begin with “Mr. and Mrs. [Bride’s Parents’ Names] request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter [Bride’s Name] to [Groom’s Name].”
However, more modern approaches recognize that weddings are typically funded by a combination of sources, including the couple themselves or both sets of parents. Thus, including the names of both sets of parents as hosts is a gracious option, no matter who is footing the bill. In this case, the invitation could begin with a joint sentence like “Together with their parents, [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name] request the honour of your presence at their wedding ceremony.”
There are numerous ways to approach the wording of a wedding invitation, as long as it conveys the essential information regarding the wedding date, location, and time. It’s also important to note that customs and traditions vary between cultures, religions, and regions, so couples should consult with their families and consider their unique circumstances when deciding whose parents’ names to include on their wedding invitations.
