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A wedding is much more than the binding of two people into
holy matrimony. Entire families, on both sides, are about
to become related. Positive efforts to build these family
relationships, both in the events leading up to the wedding
and the day itself, will ensure a happy wedding day and
best wishes from all involved for the future of the joyful
couple.
One of the most important steps toward helping the two
families come together in happy accord is the wedding invitation.
For the first time, the parents of the bride and groom will
see their names side by side as their children form this
new family. In the anticipation of the day, careful planning
is necessary so that mistakes are not made.
After choosing the perfect invitation, order well in advance
so that you can send the invitation in plenty of time for
your guests to save the date. A "save the date"
card is also nice for busy families. This card is sent several
weeks before the invitation so that your guests can mark
the special day on their calendar. Planning well in advance
can help determine the number of people who will attend
the wedding and keep all the details on track for a successful
wedding day.
When addressing the invitation, be sure to name each person
you are inviting. A single friend, for example, with a girlfriend
should have the friend's name and the girlfriend's name
on the envelope. Likewise, if you're inviting a married
couple, Tom and Mary Jones, it is appropriate to put Tom
Jones and Mary Jones on the invitation envelope. It is a
good idea to follow proper etiquette when addressing invitations
as feelings can be hurt with mistakes. Don't rush through
this step. Many people take how the invitation is addressed
very seriously.
One of the most important parts of the invitation is the
RSVP. Be sure and include specific directions on how the
invited guest should respond. This vital information as
to the number of guests that will be attending is key in
planning for seating and dining at the wedding and the reception.
Also important is the number of guests coming from out of
town. Plan well ahead for the assistance guests might need
with overnight stays in your city.
A nice touch to add to your invitation is a map. This might
seem like a minor thing but a map to the wedding can make
out-of-town visitors feel much more comfortable about arriving
to the venue on time. Making small efforts like a map can
keep people from being stressed and offended. So, as you
plunge through the gamut of planning that goes into such
an event, be careful not to overlook the small details that
can really make a big difference to the happiness of your
guests.
Relationships, both family and friends, are easily ruffled
during the excitement and stress of planning and attending
a wedding. Following invitation etiquette, adding special
touches, and including close relatives in decisions can
help smooth the road to a happy marriage.
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