WEDDING STATIONERY FAQ'S AND ETIQUETTE

Wedding stationery etiquette is important as your wedding invitations and stationery are a reflection of your good taste and personal style.
Here we will assist you in selecting beautiful wedding invitations and stationery with the correct wedding stationery etiquette.


Wedding Invitation Etiquette
The invitation is the most important part of your wedding stationery. It shows who is getting married, the day, time, year and location and hosts. The invitation should be mailed at least six to eight weeks prior to the ceremony. Invitations may be issued by the parents of the bride or by the bride and groom themselves. If one parent is deceased, the surviving parent may issue the invitation. If both parents are deceased, a guardian, a close relative or a family friend may serve as the sponsor and issue the invitation. Examples of these formats are provided below.

Names on Invitation Wedding Envelope Etiquette
The envelope is addressed "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" (first names omitted), with the address. Avoid using the phrase "and family". All family members should be included, for example: "Mr. and Mrs. Smith", "Lucy, Jane and Evan". To assure that the invited guests receive your invitation, we recommend that you have your return address printed on the envelope.

Abbreviation Etiquette of Courtesy Titles for Invitations and Envelopes
The abbreviations for Mr., Mrs., Ms., and Dr. are used as proper titles. Always write out titles for clergy, judges and military officers.

Addresses on Wedding Invitations Etiquette
House numbers are expressed in figures. No commas are used when separating digits in house numbers. Apartment numbers, suite numbers, box numbers and rural route numbers are expressed in figure form. Addresses of churches, clubs or public buildings are usually omitted because such addresses are public knowledge and generally well known. However, a street address may be shown below the name of the church or club if such an address is considered necessary for clear direction.

Wedding Stationery Australia Postage Costs
In Australia the cost to post a wedding invitation should be as follows:-

DL size envelope – 1 regular stamp
C6 size envelope – 1 regular stamp
Square envelope – 2 regular stamps
C5 size envelope – 2 regular stamps

Tip:  Ask the post office to show you their selection of wedding and decorative stamps for your invitations and stationery.

Australia Post Wedding Seals
Envelope seals are available at Australia Post and come free in decorative stamp packs.  These are placed on the outer envelope flap to give your invitation a more attractive appearance.


RSVP Card Etiquette
This card is enclosed with the wedding invitation so that you can finalize reception arrangements and provide for all who plan to attend. It is a nice and convenient way for guests to reply. The RSVP card is inserted with the invitation into the envelope.  The printed return address is included in the price of the RSVP Cards.  It is recommended that the RSVP should include a stamp.

Direction and Map Card Etiquette
The direction card, which is enclosed with the invitation, is a thoughtful and practical way to be sure your guests arrive at the correct location for your ceremony or reception. This card is enclosed with the invitation. If further directions are needed, a map may be necessary.  Direction cards and maps should not be photocopies, they should be professionally printed to match your stationery.  Please discuss your needs with Swish Invites.

Change of Address Card Etiquette
These cards may be enclosed with wedding invitations or announcements, however, it is preferred they be mailed separately after the wedding. If you choose to include your new address card with your wedding invitations and are planning to change your name, it is not proper to use your married name. When mailed after the ceremony, this card may also be used to express the new name preference of the bride.

Wedding Announcement Etiquette
The wedding announcement is sent to those who have not been invited to the wedding. Announcements can be the same as your Invitations in terms of design, ink color and lettering. Any of the invitations or stationery in the Swish Invites range may be used as a wedding announcement. Announcements may be sent to friends or relatives who live far away, old friends who have been out of contact with the bride and groom, business associates and friends who cannot be included because of limited space or resources.  Wedding Announcements are also a great idea if the couple have eloped to get married.  Wedding announcements are usually addressed beforehand and mailed immediately after the wedding.

Thank You Card Etiquette
Thank you cards may be personalized with the names of the bride and groom, as well as guest names and your choice of text.  We can print the words "Thank You" on the front of the cards or you may have the bride and grooms names, using the same elegant lettering and ink color as your invitations and stationery.  Thank you cards come with a white envelope. Your return address will also be printed on the envelope.