Invitation Design Invitation Wording & Etiquette 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the traditional wording host line for a wedding invitation when both sets of parents are hosting?
- Together with their families (Correct answer)
- Hosted by the bride's parents
- By invitation of the wedding party
- At the request of the couple
Correct answer: Together with their families
'Together with their families' is the modern-traditional phrasing that acknowledges both families as co-hosts without listing individual names.
Question 2: What does 'RSVP' stand for and what does it request of invitation recipients?
- Répondez s'il vous plaît — please respond by confirming attendance (Correct answer)
- Reserve seats via phone
- Return sealed via post
- Register and select venue preference
Correct answer: Répondez s'il vous plaît — please respond by confirming attendance
RSVP is French for 'please reply' and instructs guests to confirm whether they will or will not attend the event.
Question 3: What is the proper way to address a formal invitation to a married couple in the US?
- Mr. and Mrs. [Husband's Full Name] (Correct answer)
- Mr. [Husband] and Mrs. [Wife's Maiden Name]
- [First Name] and [First Name] [Surname]
- The [Surname] Household
Correct answer: Mr. and Mrs. [Husband's Full Name]
The traditional formal US addressing style uses the husband's title and full name preceded by 'Mr. and Mrs.' for a married couple.
Question 4: What does 'black tie' on an invitation indicate to guests?
- Formal attire is expected — tuxedos for men, formal gowns for women (Correct answer)
- Casual attire is acceptable
- Business professional dress required
- Guests should wear all-black outfits
Correct answer: Formal attire is expected — tuxedos for men, formal gowns for women
Black tie is a US dress code indicating a formal event where men wear tuxedos and women wear floor-length gowns or formal cocktail attire.
Question 5: What is the standard placement order of information on a formal US wedding invitation?
- Hosts → couple's names → date & time → venue → reception details (Correct answer)
- Venue → date → couple → hosts → RSVP
- RSVP → venue → hosts → couple → date
- Couple → RSVP → venue → hosts → date
Correct answer: Hosts → couple's names → date & time → venue → reception details
Formal US wedding invitations traditionally open with the hosts' names, then the couple, then logistical details like date, time, and location.
Question 6: What does the phrase 'and guest' on an invitation convey?
- The named guest is permitted to bring one unnamed companion of their choice (Correct answer)
- The event is open to the general public
- The recipient must confirm a guest's dietary needs
- The invitation was sent on behalf of a guest coordinator
Correct answer: The named guest is permitted to bring one unnamed companion of their choice
'And guest' signals that the named recipient may bring a plus-one of their choosing, without the host knowing the guest's name.
Invitation Design Invitation Wording & Etiquette 1
What is the traditional wording host line for a wedding invitation when both sets of parents are hosting?