Category Archives: etiquette

Whose name comes first on the invitation? Mom or Dad?

by Erika Firm Posted on April 3, 2012

Dear Delphine Stationery Etiquette and Tips

Dear Delphine, I’m confused about how I should order my parents’ names on the invitation. When listing my parents’ names, who comes first? Mom or Dad?

Thanks,  Perplexed Bride-to-be

whose name goes first on wedding invitation

Dear Perplexed, It’s a common question (and the most common error we see when people place orders). Proper etiquette is to list a woman’s name first, man’s second. A simple way to remember this is that a man’s first and last name should never be separated. Each of these examples follow proper etiquette rules:

Anne and Bradley Cline   •   Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Cline   •   Mrs. Anne and Mr. Bradley Cline  •  Dr. Anne and Mr. Bradley Cline  •  Mrs. Anne and Dr. Bradley Cline

This same rule applies when addressing all your envelopes.

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Stationery vs. Stationary

by Erika Firm Posted on March 28, 2012

Stationery vs Stationary Spelling

How to spell Paper Stationery versus StationaryFellow stationers, I know we share a collective “aaaaaargh” every time we see our beloved industry spelled incorrectly.

For the record, when referring to paper goods, the correct spelling is ‘stationery’ … and when referring to something standing still, like an exercise bike or a parked car, the correct spelling is ‘stationary.’

“Word to the Wise” graphic courtesy of Fig. 2.  •  Delightful stationery and stationary definition tote by Sapling Press available in their Etsy shop.

 

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“Please R.s.v.p.” is Redundant

by Erika Firm Posted on March 27, 2012

Please R.S.V.P. is redundantA gentle reminder … R.S.V.P. is an acronym which stands for “répondez s’il vous plaît.” The literal translation of this French phrase is “respond if it pleases you.”

Writing “please r.s.v.p.” is like writing “please respond if it pleases you.” Which is silly.

Merci for listening. I will step down from the soap box now.

 

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Dear Delphine, How do I incorporate my fiancé’s military rank into our wedding invitation?

by Erika Firm Posted on January 16, 2012

Dear Delphine Stationery Etiquette and Tips

Dear Delphine,
My fiancé is a Marine. How do we incorporate his rank into the invitation? Should it be abbreviated? Does it go under his name?

Thanks for your advice,
Jessica M.
Jacksonville, FL

Dear Jessica,
The traditional way to incorporate a military rank is like this:

Full Rank Full Name, Military Branch

First Lieutenant John Arquette, United States Marine Corps
or
First Lieutenant John Arquette, USMC

To save space, it is okay to abbreviate the military branch. It is also okay to split the name into two lines (Full Rank Full Name on first line — Military Branch on second line).

Rank should be spelled out in full whenever possible. This same protocol should be followed when addressing envelopes to members of the military.

I married a Marine, too! USMC weddings are fun. Tip from experience: order extra booze.

Warm regards,
Erika

 

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Dear Delphine, How do I announce my son’s engagement?

by Erika Firm Posted on January 9, 2012

Dear Delphine Stationery Etiquette and Tips

Is it proper for the groom’s parents to announce their son’s engagement to their friends?

My husband and I have lived in several places over the years and we have friends that would like to know about our son’s engagement but won’t be invited to the wedding.  They have known him his entire life and would feel left out if we do not notify them.

I would like to include a photograph of the couple, but what would I say?  I would like to add no gifts expected.

Thanks for your input,
Mary F.
Massanutten, VA

Etiquette Tip GroomFrom time to time we get wedding etiquette questions here at the studio. Mrs. F’s question is so sweet, isn’t it? Here’s the advice we shared with her:

Dear Mrs. F.,
How delightful! The best way to share the wonderful news about your son’s engagement is with a handwritten note to your friends. Jot a quick, personal hello and tell your friends how thrilled you are. It’s perfectly acceptable to include a photograph of the couple.

It is unnecessary to write “no gifts expected” in a personal note (information about gifts is best left to shower invitations or word of mouth).

Traditionally, the “official” engagement notice is published in the bride’s local newspaper by the bride’s parents. If the bride’s family plans to do this you may include a photocopy of the notice in your note to friends

The bride’s family (or the couple) may choose to send engagement notice or a “save the date” card to guests who will be invited to the wedding.

Warm regards,
Erika

If you have any burning wedding invitation questions, shoot them our way; we’re happy to help!

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