One of our most common etiquette questions is how to address wedding invitations to a doctor. We’re going to open that up to all those with professional titles—be they doctors, professors, judges, mayors, military persons, etc.

Guests truly are paying attention to the details and really love it when an invitation arrives pristine, properly addressed—and without misspells. Traditional etiquette suggests that you not use abbreviations for professional and military titles, as well as for street names and states. However, exceptions to this rule include:

• Mr.
• Mrs.
• Ms.
• Jr.
• Sr.
• II
• III
• the number one

Addressing wedding envelopes for those with professional titles:

He has the title, she does not
Doctor and Mrs. John Simpson

She has a title, he does not
Doctor Mary Simpson and John Simpson

Married: They both have titles
Doctors Michael and Jane Bertrand
Doctor Jane Bertrand and Professor Michael Bertrand

{ladies first please}

Examples of other titles & scenarios:
Father and Mrs. Daniel Brown
The Reverend and Mrs. Marjorie Jones
Major and Mrs. Ralph Knutson
The Honorable and Mrs. John Smith
{applies to mayors, judges, governors}

Doctor Lydia Langston and Captain Paul Langston United States Army

Tip

If the bride and groom are issuing the invitation, then the bride uses her title—otherwise she does not use her title.

How to choose your groomsmen:
• Choosing a brother is a given. Your fiancée may want her brother(s) to be involved as well.
• Think of your life-long friends after that.
• Cousins should also be considered.
• If you have too many groomsmen for your party, you can make the others ushers to include them in your wedding

If you decide to write your own vows:
• Write a list of reasons why you chose your bride-to-be
• Think about your favorite memories
• Make sure you’re comfortable reading aloud what you wrote (to all of your friends and family!)
• Practice, practice, practice! When the day actually comes, try to relax and take your time.

Dealing with pre-wedding day stress:
• Have a fun date night! (with no mention of wedding talk)
• Play your favorite sport with buddies to relieve stress
• Self-indulge in something for the two of you (couples massage, a special gift, etc)

Dealing with your own “Bridezilla”
• Know that an occasional outburst is normal and common!
• Give her a break. Try to take a small task off of her plate to try to relax her (homemade dinner, out for a cup of decaf)
• Get involved in the planning (even if it’s just agreeing to what the centerpieces will be)

Other tips:
• Think about what you want to add to the gift registry- no category is off limits! Electronics, kitchen supplies, power tools, etc.
• Be a peacemaker between families (Especially between bride and future mother-in-law wedding opinions)
• Lend an ear when she’s stressed.

What’s your advice for the groom?

Contributing writer: Kathryn Hagan

source: The Man Registry
Photo Credit: My Forever Images–from Anna & Valik’s Country Wedding

Raise your hand if you have a bit of anxiety at the thought of public speaking … Just what I thought–that would be most of us! Have you been asked to give a wedding speech or wedding toast? If you have, you are most likely a Father of the Bride, Best Man, Maid or Matron of Honor … Have no fear! Remember the words of Arthur Ashe–the famous tennis player “One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” Below are helpful tips on how to give a great wedding speech.

{Emmanuell & Susan’s Private Yacht Wedding}

To the Bride and Groom–be sure to first ask those key members of your family and wedding party if they want to offer a toast or give a speech at the rehearsal dinner or wedding reception. Give them time to prepare for it. To the Wedding Party–be prepared to give a short toast–just in case you’re asked at the last minute.

Tips to Giving a Great Wedding Speech

What does a wedding speech consist of?

1. Introduction
2. A funny, or lighthearted story
3. Well wishes for the couple
4. Ends in a toast
5. 2-5 minutes in length

What should the tone be like?

1. Celebratory and positive
2. Anecdotal
3. Congratulatory
4. Sincere
5. Focused on the couple. Honoring them.
6. Along the same formality of the wedding

What to say in a wedding speech:

1. Keep it positive. Keep it short. Keep it simple. If the speech or toast goes on and on, there are increased chances of losing the attention of the audience and saying something that shouldn’t be said: something really dumb.

2. Introduce yourself and how you know the couple. Chances are, not everyone knows you and your history with the bride and/or groom.

3. Make it personal. Based on your relationship with the couple, tell your version of a sweet, funny or touching “short” story that is relevant to the bride and groom and their love for each other. Let your personality shine through … so if you’ve got a great sense of humor–make it funny. If you’re a super-sensitive soul–make it touching. Be yourself!

4. Congratulate the couple. Wish them well. Raise your glass! Be sincere!!

Is Preparation Key?

Yes! Even if the speech is only 2 minutes long, spend plenty of time deciding on which story to tell. Prepare an outline. Practice in front of the mirror. Practice in front of a good friend. Carefully choose the right words–ensuring that they’re not offensive or negative. Practice. Practice. Practice.

What advice do you have?

Hello everyone–today we’re thrilled to debut our new Wedding Program designs–available in 6 unique sizes: Rectangle, Square, Tea-length, Gate-fold, Tri-fold and Half-fold. As with all of our wedding stationery, our Wedding Programs are easily personalized–from front to back–and side to side–with your colors, photos, fonts and wording!

What are your thought on wedding programs? Are they necessary? Our thoughts below…

{click to enlarge}

We think Programs are an important part of your wedding stationery! Here’s why …

First impressions count! More than a pretty accessory, programs are pretty smart tools that help guests feel included and welcomed at the wedding–right from the start. Programs provide an important opportunity to care for your guests in unique, subtle ways. A timely tool, programs set the stage for joining families and friends {probably unfamiliar with each other} and for creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Wondering what to put on a wedding program?

8 Content Ideas for Your Wedding Programs

1. Order of events- Guests love to know what’s happening next! Create anticipation as well as keep your guests organized with an order of the service. 

2. Wedding party bios- Short and sweet introductions of your party will help create an air of familiarity and warmth, right from the beginning. Plus, guests are curious about these special people in your lives.

3. Fanfare+ Processional/Recessional Music- From Pachelbel’s Canon in D, to J.S. Bach, Vivaldi, The Beatles or Bryan Adams–your guests will appreciate knowing which songs you’ve chosen for those magical moments!

4. Special Readings- If there is a special reading, verse, or poem you’d like guest participation with, have it printed on your programs–so everyone can read along.

5. Acknowledgments- Use your program to give a shout of thanks to those special family/friends who performed a special service i.e. song, reading, playing the piano, etc.

6. Explain a Ritual- Is yours a multi-cultural wedding?Are you celebrating a custom that may be unfamiliar to most? You can put your guests at ease, comfortable and even get them involved with a brief explanation of the ritual.

7. Translations- Are there meaningful words or phrases that need to be translated into another language{s}? Add them to your program.

8. A beautiful keepsake A beautifully-designed program that coordinates with the rest of your wedding stationery, is a treasured keepsake–a souvenir for your guests and a detailed memento for you–of one of the most important days of your life!

Which Program Size is Best?

Choose the program size and type that fits your wedding style and ceremony needs the best. Do you have a lot of information to share–readings, wedding party bios, explanations … roomy program types like the Half-fold, Tri-fold, and Gate-fold Programs may be just perfect for you! Browse the Tea-length, Rectangle, and Square sizes too!

How Are Programs Distributed at the Ceremony?

Programs can be cleverly arranged in pretty containers–ready to for your guests to pick up themselves. They can also be handed out by your ushers seating your guests. Or, they can be sitting pretty in the seating areas–just waiting for your guests to sit down. It’s your choice!

What are your thoughts on Wedding Programs?