We get it: times change and wedding etiquette evolves. In the age of limitless email and social media access, it can be more difficult than ever to decipher what is appropriate. Your invitations serve as the official announcement of your plans, so of course you want to make a great first impres- sion! We’re here to help with a list of some of the dos and don’ts of wedding invitations. INVITATION ETIQUETTE DON’T use labels. Sure, it’s easier to stick a pre-printed label right on the envelope, but it’s impersonal com- pared to a handwritten address. If you prefer a professional’s script, hire a calligrapher. DO write out names in full. When addressing an envelope, write Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith rather than Mr. and Mrs. Smith, or Miss Rachel Jacob- son instead of Miss Jacobson. For more tips on how to properly address your invitations, check out our free printables on TodaysBride.com! DON’T dictate dress code. Some couples want to include “Black Tie” on the invite, but the ceremony invitation is not the place to do it. If it seems essential to include this information, it can be added to the reception in- vitation card and placed in the lower right-hand corner. DO write out numbers for the year or time of the wedding. Though you shouldn’t write out the full number for a street address, when writing the 4-digit year and time of events, make sure to expand it to a scripted numeral. DON’T state that you are hav- ing a child-free wedding. Leave the “adults only” off the invitation, and rely on word of mouth, instead. The way the invitation is addressed, whether on the outside or inner enve- lope, indicates who is invited and, who is not. DO omit any registry informa- tion. A wedding invite is not the proper place to put your registry infor- mation, as it implies the gift is more important to you than the guest is. Bridal shower invitations, however, can include registry information, as it’s typically a gift-giving occasion. ❤ READ MORE AT TODAYSBRIDE.COM TODAY’S BRIDE | 37 FREE WEDDING PLANNER Join Today's Bride for additional pages! (OF THIS MAGAZINE) .com