Q & A – Wedding Anniversary Verbiage and Etiquette

QUESTION:

I am hosting my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary, and doing my own invites. 2 questions, 1) whose name goes first my mom’s or my dad’s?? I thought my dad’s but friends have said that they heard “ladies first”. Example, I have Joe and Beryl. 2) Is it implied that it’s a wedding when you say anniversary?? I have 50th wedding anniversary, or should I just put 50th Anniversary. Your help is appreciated.

-Gail

ANSWER:

Hi, Gail~

These are great questions that forced me to dig around in my files a bit to find answers. I like questions like that!

It is most customary on anniversary invitations to include the woman’s name first. However, nowadays it is really at the discretion of whoever is putting together the invitations. So, if you like the way it sounds to have Joe and Beryl versus Beryl and Joe, go with your instinct.

As for the anniversary verbiage, “wedding” is typically implied by “anniversary”. However, I would say the real answer depends on how formal your invitations are. If you are doing a formal or semi-formal invitation, I would use the verbiage “wedding anniversary”. If it’s a more casual affair, “anniversary” alone should suffice.

If you are in need of complete wedding anniversary invitation verbiage, check out this site: http://www.invitationconsultants.com/samplewording.aspx?p_subcategory=160. They have some great ideas!

Good luck with the party, and congratulations to your parents on their 50th!

Happy planning,
Eve-Maridy