How to put your parents’
names on the invitation can be a
surprisingly difficult and contentious issue for many of my
clients. Often, they are hosting the wedding themselves, but
want to include their parents in some way. Some wish to
include both sets of parents regardless of who is hosting.
Sometimes their parents are divorced or one parent is
deceased, but they would like to include their name. Here
are some tips to help you deal with these situations.
- The Easy Way
Out: Sometimes the easiest way to make
everyone happy is a little sentence that includes everyone,
but names no one. This works for all the problems above.
Together
with their
parents,
Jane Ann Smith & John Matthew Doe
request the honour of your presence
- All Inclusive:
Here are two ways to
include both sets of parents. The second is a better way if
you have less space on your invite for text.
Mr.
& Mrs. Ed Smith
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Jane Ann
To
John Matthew
Son of Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Doe
Mr.
& Mrs. Ed Smith
and
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Doe
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their children..
- Divorced parents:
List the parents on
separate lines with the mother’s name first.
- Deceased parents: If you would like to
include the name of a deceased parent on your invitation
please remember this one piece of advice. Unless you want
your guests to think zombies are roaming the earth, be sure
it does not sound as though your late parent is inviting your
guest to the wedding.
Correct:
Jane Ann
daughter of
Mrs. Joan Smith and the late Mr. Ed Smith
and
John Matthew
son of
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Doe
Request the honour….
Incorrect:
Mrs. Joan Smith and
the late Mr. Ed Smith
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter..