Wedding invitations are one of the most important aspects of planning a wedding, as they set the tone for the entire event. One of the key components of a wedding invitation is the inclusion of the names of the parents of the bride and groom. However, it can be complicated to know whose names to include and in what order. In this post, we will discuss the traditional etiquette for including parents’ names on wedding invitations.
Traditional Format
The traditional format for including parents’ names on wedding invitations is fairly simple. The names of the bride’s parents are listed first, followed by the groom’s parents’ names. This is true regardless of who is paying for the wedding. For example:
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
and
Mr. and Mrs. James Brown
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their children
Divorced or Remarried Parents
When parents are divorced or remarried, including their names on the wedding invitation can become more complicated. In these scenarios, it is important to be sensitive to everyone’s feelings and find a solution that everyone is comfortable with.
If the parents are divorced and remarried, it is recommended to list the bride’s parents’ names first, followed by the groom’s parents’ names. Each parent’s name should be accompanied by their spouse’s name. For example:
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
and
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jones
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their children
If one set of parents is not hosting the wedding, their names can be omitted from the invitation altogether. In this case, it is still important to find a way to acknowledge the parents in some way.
Deceased Parents
If one or both sets of parents are deceased, it is still appropriate to include their names on the wedding invitation. This can be done by using the following wording:
The late Mr. John Smith
and
Mrs. Mary Smith
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Alternatively, you could write:
In memory of
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
and
Mr. and Mrs. James Brown
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their children
Non-Traditional Options
While the traditional format for including parents’ names on wedding invitations is still the most commonly used, non-traditional options have become more popular in recent years. For example, some couples choose to include just their own names on the invitation, without mentioning parents at all. Others may choose to include just one set of parents’ names and leave the other set off entirely.
If you’re considering a non-traditional option, it’s important to remember that the wedding invitation is a formal document and should reflect the tone and style of your wedding. A casual, laid-back wedding may call for a more informal invitation, while a black-tie affair may require a more traditional approach.
Conclusion
In conclusion, including parents’ names on wedding invitations is an important tradition that can reflect the relationships and family dynamics involved. Whether you choose to go with the traditional format or something more modern, it’s important to be sensitive to everyone’s feelings and find a solution that works for everyone involved. Remember, the wedding invitation sets the tone for the entire event, so take the time to get it right!
FAQ
Should the groom’s parents be on the invitation?
The question of whether or not to include the groom’s parents on a wedding invitation is one that has sparked a bit of debate. While it is most traditional to include the names of both sets of parents on the invitation, some couples choose to deviate from this tradition for a variety of reasons.
One argument in favor of including the groom’s parents is that it is a way to honor them and show respect for their role in the wedding. By including their names on the invitation, it acknowledges the support and love that they have given to the groom and his partner. Additionally, some families may view it as a sign of social status, and consider it important to have both sets of parents represented on the invitation.
On the other hand, some couples may choose not to include the groom’s parents for a number of reasons. Perhaps they are estranged, or have a rocky relationship, or the couple feels that the wedding is primarily focused on their union and they would prefer to keep it that way. In some cases, there may also be logistical concerns such as space limitations.
It’s important to note that ultimately, the decision of whether or not to include the groom’s parents on the invitation is entirely up to the couple. While tradition may suggest including both sets of parents, there is no hard and fast rule that says it must be done. The best approach is for the couple to discuss what feels right for them, and to communicate their decision clearly to both sets of parents.
If a couple does choose to include the groom’s parents on the invitation, there are a few different ways to do so. One option is to list them directly below the groom’s name, with the father’s name first and then the mother’s name. Another option is to include a line that says, “Together with their parents” and list both sets of names underneath. It’s important to note that the wording on a wedding invitation can vary widely depending on cultural and personal preferences.
Including the groom’s parents on a wedding invitation is a tradition that is still widely observed, but it is ultimately up to the couple to decide what feels right for them. By having an open and honest conversation with both sets of parents, a couple can come to a decision that honors their families and reflects their vision for the wedding.
Whose name goes on wedding RSVP envelope?
When deciding whose name to put on the RSVP envelope for a wedding invitation, it is important to keep in mind the purpose of the response cards. The main goal of response cards is to gather the names and attendance information of your guests, so the return address should be that of the person(s) whom you’ve designated to receive the response cards. This is typically the person(s) who are hosting the wedding.
Traditionally, the parents of the bride would be listed as the hosts on the wedding invitation and on the response cards. In this case, the return address used for the RSVP envelope would be that of the parents of the bride. However, it is becoming increasingly common for couples to host their own weddings, in which case the return address on the RSVP envelope would be that of the bride and groom.
If the wedding is being hosted by both sets of parents, it is customary to list all of their names on the wedding invitation and to use either both sets of parents’ return addresses or the address of the couple on the RSVP envelopes.
It is important to note that etiquette rules surrounding wedding invitations and response cards can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the wedding. It is always a good idea to consult with a wedding planner or do some research on proper etiquette if you are unsure about the correct way to handle response cards for your wedding.
What do parents of the bride call parents of the groom?
Traditionally, when two people get married, it creates not just a bond between the couple but also between their families. One aspect of this bond is the relationship between the parents of the bride and the parents of the groom. In most cultures, there is a specific term for this relationship, and it might vary depending on the culture and tradition.
In the Western culture, this relationship is often referred to as co-parents-in-law. The term “co-parents” refers to the parents of the couple who are considered as part of the family, while “in-law” means the parents of a spouse. Therefore, co-parents-in-law is a term used to describe the relationship between people whose children marry each other.
In other cultures, the term used to describe this relationship might be different. For example, in Indian culture, the parents of the groom are referred to as “saas” and “sasur” by the parents of the bride. “Saas” is the Hindi word for mother-in-law, while “sasur” is the Hindi word for father-in-law. Similarly, in the Jewish culture, the parents of the groom are called the “machatunim” by the parents of the bride.
It is worth noting that these terms are often used to refer to the formal or official relationship between the parents. In reality, however, the relationship between the parents of the couple can vary widely. Some co-parents-in-law may become good friends, while others may barely communicate with each other. Factors such as personality, cultural differences, and geographical distance can all impact the relationship between the parents.
When it comes to the relationship between the parents of the bride and the parents of the groom, there is not one single term that applies across all cultures. However, in Western culture, co-parents-in-law is a common term used to describe this relationship. Regardless of the term used, it is clear that the relationship is an important one, since it reflects the uniting of two families through marriage.