When planning a wedding, one of the essential things to consider is the guest list. It can be a challenging task, especially when determining how to list guests on wedding invitations. The way you list guests on the invites sets the tone for your wedding, and it’s also an access point for guests to know who will be present.
Here is a comprehensive guide on how to list guests on wedding invitations.
Making your Guest List
The first step in determining how to list guests on wedding invitations is coming up with the guest list itself. Before starting the list, decide on factors such as your budget, the venue, time of the year, and the type of wedding you’d like – intimate or grand celebration.
As you plan your wedding, ensure that your venue location, and catering accommodations align with the number of guests attending.
Once you have a fair idea about your wedding style, make three categories – A, B and C, for your guests. List the guests with the highest priority in the A category, followed by the B group, and finally the C category with the lowest priority guests.
Prioritizing Guests
Once you’ve broken down your guest list, it is time to prioritize your guests. The A category should contain immediate family members, close relatives, and friends that you can’t imagine the wedding without. These are the people you would like to attend your wedding at all costs, so they will need to make the guest list, no matter what.
The B category will include extended family, distant relatives, and friends you’d like to attend but can manage without their presence. Inviting them is important to you, but their absence won’t ruin your day.
The C category includes work colleagues, acquaintances, out-of-town guests, and other people you might want to invite if your budget allows.
List the Guests on the Invitation
Traditionally, wedding invitations start with the parents’ names followed by the bride and groom’s names. The list of guests then follows suite. Here is how you can list the guest;
Inviting Couples
If you’re inviting a couple, include their names on the same line. For instance;
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith.
If you’re inviting couples who are just dating, write the names separately. Indicate their full names, for example;
Mr. John Smith
Ms. Mary Brown
Inviting Families
When inviting families, start by writing the parents’ names then followed by the children. Write their first names followed by their last names. For instance;
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
Miss Susan Smith and Mr. Paul Smith
Inviting Single Guests
When inviting single guests to your wedding, include their full names. For instance,
Miss Sarah Brown,
Inviting Socially Diverse Guests
If you’re inviting guests with different social titles, you should do your best to include all of their title specifics. For married couples with different social titles, use the man’s title followed by the woman’s title. For example;
Dr. John Smith and Mrs. Ann Smith
If you’re inviting a single woman that you know uses a specific title professionally, use the professional title if she prefers it. For example;
Professor Sarah Brown
Conclusion
When it comes to planning a wedding, listing guests on the invitation is a vital part. The above guide provides the essential tips to consider when listing guests, from making a guest list to deciding which guests to prioritize. With this guide, you can be confident in your guest selections and list them appropriately in your invitation. Remember, the way you list your guests on the invite sets the tone for the wedding, and every guest should feel invited and appreciated.
FAQ
What does the M mean on RSVP?
When planning a wedding, sending out RSVP cards helps you estimate the number of guests who will attend your ceremony. RSVP cards usually include an envelope, pre-addressed and stamped, making it as easy as possible for guests to respond. With all this information on the card, you may notice a small yet mysterious “M” followed by a line. This can cause some confusion among guests who are unfamiliar with the tradition. But what does the “M” mean on RSVP cards?
In reality, the “M” on RSVP cards holds a great deal of significance in formal wedding tradition. It stands for the title that you prefer to go by, which could be “Mr.”, “Mrs.”, “Ms.”, or “Miss”. Most people use the title that corresponds to their gender or marital status. For instance, a man would use “Mr.” while a woman who is married would go with “Mrs.”. A woman who is single might use “Miss”, while a woman who wants to be gender-neutral might go with “Ms.”
When responding to an RSVP card, it is important to fill out the “M” line with the appropriate title. This allows the host or hostess to address you correctly on their guest list and any seating arrangements. If space is limited, it can be helpful to use abbreviations. For instance, you can use “Ms.” instead of “Miss” or “Mrs.” if you don’t want to be identified by your marital status or gender.
The “M” on RSVP cards is a simple yet important detail in formal wedding tradition which designates the title that you prefer to go by. Ensuring that you fill out this line accurately can help ensure that your hosts address you correctly and prevent any awkwardness during the wedding ceremony.
