We do a LOT of wedding invitations for brides in Lubbock, Texas every year, and these are the most common mistakes we see couples trying to make. Luckily, as professional stationers, we're able to help them avoid these etiquette faux pas, but if you're going to DIY your own wedding invitations, be sure to not make these mistakes.

DIY Wedding Invitation Mistakes to Avoid

The "invite" wording

"the honor of your presence" vs. "the pleasure of your company" - When wording your wedding invitation, this is an easy mistake to avoid if you know the rule: The phrase "honor of your presence" is reserved for holy ground, so if you are getting married in a church or place of worship, you can use it. If you are getting married at a venue that is not a church (such as outdoors), the appropriate wording would be to use "pleasure of your company". For example, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Smith request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter..."

The Reply Wording

"Please RSVP" - In almost any situation, using the word "please" makes it better, right? Unfortunately, not in this case. For a wedding reply card, it's redundant to use the word "please" before R.S.V.P. - because R.S.V.P. stands for " répondez s'il vous plaît " in French, which means "please respond"... so adding the word "please" before it translates to "please please respond". It's not necessary (and it makes you look like you just don't know what R.S.V.P. actually means).

Regarding the Wedding Registry

Registry - We know you wanna get those gifts, but if you read ANY etiquette book or blog, it will tell you that the #1 cardinal sin of wedding invitation wording is to include your registry on your wedding invitation. The focus of the invitation is on your guests, not the gifts. Leave that registry information for Bridal Shower invitations! If you have a wedding website, it is acceptable to include that URL for guests to peruse, and if they happen to see your registry is listed, great... at least you didn't break the rule (wink wink). Are you planning a wedding? We'd love to guide you through the process of creating an invitation that's in-budget and etiquette appropriate. You can book your appointment here. Happy planning!