Invitation Design Invitation Wording & Etiquette 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'regrets only' on an invitation mean?
- Only guests who cannot attend need to respond; those attending do not need to reply (Correct answer)
- All guests must send a formal written regret letter
- The event has been cancelled with regrets
- Guests should only respond if they have dietary restrictions
Correct answer: Only guests who cannot attend need to respond; those attending do not need to reply
'Regrets only' means the host assumes attendance unless a guest responds to decline, simplifying RSVP management for large events.
Question 2: What is an 'inner envelope' traditionally used for in a formal US wedding invitation suite?
- To list exactly who is invited by name before the outer envelope is opened (Correct answer)
- To hold the postage stamp for the return RSVP
- To enclose the venue map card
- To protect the invitation from postal ink
Correct answer: To list exactly who is invited by name before the outer envelope is opened
The inner envelope specifies the exact invited guests by name or title, clarifying who (and only who) is invited from that household.
Question 3: What information is typically included on a separate 'details card' in a US wedding invitation suite?
- Reception location, timing, and practical logistics like parking or shuttle information (Correct answer)
- The couple's full wedding vows
- Guest seating chart assignments
- Honeymoon destination and registry information
Correct answer: Reception location, timing, and practical logistics like parking or shuttle information
A details card supplements the main invitation with practical information like the reception venue, cocktail hour timing, and transportation.
Question 4: What is a 'reception card' and when is it included in an invitation suite?
- A separate card indicating reception details when the ceremony and reception are at different locations (Correct answer)
- A postcard guests return to confirm attendance
- A card listing the caterer's menu options
- An inner envelope replacement for casual events
Correct answer: A separate card indicating reception details when the ceremony and reception are at different locations
A reception card is included when the ceremony and reception are at different venues or times, providing the separate reception address and time.
Question 5: What does the term 'at home' card mean when included with a US wedding invitation?
- A card announcing the couple's new shared address after the wedding (Correct answer)
- An invitation for an at-home wedding shower
- A card indicating the reception will be held at someone's residence
- A child-care notification for the event
Correct answer: A card announcing the couple's new shared address after the wedding
An 'at home' card announces the couple's new shared address after the wedding, helping guests update their contact records.
Question 6: What does spelling out numbers (e.g., 'four o'clock') rather than using numerals on a formal invitation convey?
- It follows formal invitation etiquette that reflects a traditional, literary standard (Correct answer)
- It is required by US postal regulations
- It saves space compared to numerals in serif fonts
- It ensures screen readers can parse the date correctly
Correct answer: It follows formal invitation etiquette that reflects a traditional, literary standard
Spelling out numbers is a formal etiquette tradition that gives the invitation a classic, literary quality aligned with high social standards.
Invitation Design Invitation Wording & Etiquette 2
What does 'regrets only' on an invitation mean?