What should not be included in a wedding invitation?
Phrases like "no children" or "adults only" should not be included on the invitation card; who is invited will be implied by the names on the envelope. You should also leave off registry information—family and members of the wedding party can spread the word when asked about it, or you can provide it on your website.
On average, between 15 and 20 percent of guests will RSVP "no" to a wedding. This year, experts are saying couples should be prepared to host 100 percent of the people they invite.
The guestlist is too big. The venue only fits ____ people. The In-Laws are inviting everyone they know. There are too many kids.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's important to know your audience. “Cursing and stories about exes are totally off-limits,” Keller says. Don't embarrass the couple. “Ask yourself how each story will present the couple.
- Don't: Assume You Can Bring a Plus-One. ...
- Do: RSVP Before the Deadline. ...
- Don't: Ignore the Dress Code. ...
- Do: Read the Wedding Website. ...
- Do: Be Punctual. ...
- Don't: Take Photos During the Ceremony. ...
- Do: Leave the Bride Alone.
- Don't: Go Overboard on Drinks.
- Any shade of white. OK, this is probably pretty obvious, but you really can't wear white to a wedding. ...
- Gold (and other metallics) ...
- Light pastels. ...
- Neon. ...
- The colour the bridesmaids are wearing.
- Not retouching your makeup. Oil absorbing sheets are a bride's best friend. ...
- Making guests wait at the reception on an empty stomach. ...
- Cash bar. ...
- Not hiring a professional photographer. ...
- Trashing your dress. ...
- Drinking too much. ...
- Not hiring a videographer. ...
- Not eating.
As a rule of thumb, you can usually expect around 75-85 percent of those invited to actually attend the wedding. Sending out save the dates six to eight months in advance will give guests time to prepare for the wedding—ultimately increasing the number of people who will attend.
To limit the number of guests and avoid any confusion, a line will typically be added with the number attending. Sometimes the couple will fill this out themselves or, if their guest list is a bit lenient, let the guest write in the number attending.
It's always better to be a little overdressed rather than underdressed in my opinion. That said, being overdressed should not mean erring on the side of formal and stuffy. It's important to stay true to your personal style, regardless of the occasion!
How do you exclude family from wedding?
- “I'm not comfortable having you/them attend our wedding. I'm sorry, but my decision has been made.”
- “I understand this will probably be upsetting, but I've made the difficult decision not to invite you/them to our wedding. I'm just not comfortable with you/them being there. I'm sorry.”
- The date and time of your event.
- The address of the event.
- What time guests are expected to arrive.
- The dress code.
- What guests are expected to bring.
- The date and contact details guests should RSVP to.

The average cost of wedding invitations sits between $400 and $650 for most couples. This pricing can change drastically based on several different factors. Amount of invited guests, wedding theme or design, and materials sourcing are the major things that add up to give you your final price tag.
"Rooms can book up fast, so it's nice to give your guests a date to shoot for." If you're covering guests' accommodations, it's proper etiquette to indicate that on the accommodation card, says Zuelch. Be sure to include any information regarding transportation to and from hotels to the wedding.
Is It OK to Read a Wedding Speech? The debate over whether it's OK to read your wedding speech ends here. Since not everyone is great at public speaking, experts say it's fine to bring notes with you, so long as you're familiar with your script.
Do not read your speech off of your phone. The backlight from your device can discolor your face in photos and videos. Plus, we associate phones with distractions. Put your phone away and instead, print or handwrite your speech on paper.
Don't have more than 5 people give toasts. Typically, it's father of the bride, a parent of the groom, Maid of Honor, and Best Man. Even though you want to hear all of the great things people have to say about you, there is nothing worse than never … ending … toasts!
Getting a marriage license may be tedious, but it is one of the most important parts of any wedding. After all, a couple isn't legally married without it.
Superstition #1: It's bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her wedding dress before the ceremony.
The tradition of brides wearing white didn't start until Queen Victoria, but an old nursery rhyme says red, yellow, green, pink, grey and black will bring negativity to the marriage. Specifically, red will make you "wish you were dead."
What is the least common wedding color?
Burgundy, green and light blue followed in terms of popularity, respectively. The least popular wedding color in 2021 was bronze, according to our data. Just 3% of couples reported using this unique color for their nuptials.
Traditionally, the only off-limits color for wedding guests has been white, for obvious reasons—no one wants to take attention away from the bride. But times are a-changin'. Now, many people simply don't see wearing white as a big deal. Some brides and grooms are totally cool with it.
Your guests will remember your hospitality. Welcome your guests with a box full of sips and treats, or a letter of welcome. Include a reminder for the events of the wedding weekend and a note of thanks. Your guests will love the attention to detail and your thoughtfulness.
If something comes up last minute, like a serious emergency or illness, give the couple a phone call to let them know you'll no longer be able to make it. If you can't get a hold of them, follow-up with an email or reach out to someone else who can relay the message.
- Prioritize Your Guests. Begin building your guest list by creating three columns: Immediate family, close friends, and acquaintances.
- Talk with Immediate Family. ...
- Be Firm About Plus Ones. ...
- Consider Skipping These People. ...
- Consider Travel. ...
- Coworkers or No Coworkers.
An Indian wedding is generally a three-day affair with different ceremonies and rituals lined up. Each ceremony requires its own set of apparel, set-up, and materials. The average cost of a single ceremony may range between 6 to 10 lakhs.
Married, Engaged and Cohabitating Guests Traditionally Receive a Plus-One. As a rule of thumb, Amber Harrison, the head of weddings at Shutterfly, says only married, engaged, and “serious” couples (say, they're living together or have been together for a year or more) receive a plus-one.
Sample wedding invitation wording for no extra guests
Due to limited seating arrangements, invitations are limited to specified guests only. We appreciate your support and appreciation of our union. We are only able to accomodate guests named on the invitations. Thank you for celebrating with us.
If your guest just goes ahead and writes in a plus-one on their RSVP card, you need to address it tactfully. Call them and graciously explain that their plus-one is, unfortunately, not invited. Give a reason like budget or space, or refer back to your hard-and-fast rules to let them know this is the case for everyone.
O n average, 60 percent of invited guests will show up to a party. If you invite closer friends only, about 75 percent will come. Men tend to show up less than women, so invite more guys if you want the sexes to be evenly represented.
Why can't you wear red to a wedding?
“Tradition dictates guests avoid wearing red out of fear that it could take attention away from the happy couple,” explains Hurwitz. “Visually, it's quite bold. In a photo, your eye is immediately drawn to the color, especially if it's next to neutrals like white, black, gray, or beige.”
As for colors to avoid for formal weddings, steer clear of "white, ivory, cream, or champagne-colored dresses and light-colored suits," continues Rivera. You should also avoid pieces that may read as too casual, such as a "cotton sundress or sports coat with chino pants," advises Hurwitz.
Examples of Polite Declines
“While I'd love to be with you on your special day, I'm sadly unable to attend. I will be there in spirit and can not wait to see photos!” “Regretfully we are unable to attend. Best wishes on your special day!”
The belief that July is an unlucky month for weddings is a superstition that has endured for generations. It's origins can be traced to several old, anonymous rhymes that warn couples married in July of everything from bitter-sweet memories to laboring for daily bread!
“I wish I'd relaxed and stopped stressing…”
This was, easily, the biggest regret most brides had. All too many said they wish they'd just relaxed and enjoyed all the little moments on their big day, particularly those special moments they should have enjoyed with their new groom.