[Rit's Brat]

Hello -- My mother would like to hold a wedding reception one month after my elopement. I am trying to help her with invitations and just don't know what the right wording is! Please help!!! I am not sure if she plans on actually mailing these before we get married or not. And our date is a little up in the air, although we WILL be married before the reception. Just don't know if we're getting married in 3 weeks or 5 weeks from now. It's a little up in the air since he is from another country and waiting on his final Visa approval.

Please help!!!!

Thanks,
Brandy

[The Mannersmith]

For a post-elopement party, I am fond of:

Jane and Joel Smith
invite you to a cocktail reception
in honor of
Brandy and Brian Jones
Saturday, the tenth of September
at seven o'clock

Just so there is no confusion, ideally these invitations should not be posted until after you have left for your trip.

I wish you all the best.

[Etiquette Now]

Great example. Please also note that this is not a gift giving event, although some may want to give you gifts. And, we never include gift information in these.

[Wedding Queen and MOG]

It would be terrific if you could send these out after the wedding takes place, but if you're getting married in 3 - 5 weeks you may not be giving your guests enough notice. Typically we suggest sending reception invitations at least 6 weeks before the reception. If sending before the wedding takes place then be very clear with the wording:

Mr. ans Mrs. John Smith
request the pleasure of your company
at the wedding reception
for their daughter
Amy Marie
and
Mr. James Mark Jones
Friday, the tenth of July
two thousand and twelve
at seven o'clock
The Club Room
800 Count Court Lane
City
RSVP

[Etiquette Now]

As always, it's best to have more eyes on these questions. Good catch. The Wedding Queen is correct that these should mailed 6 to 8 weeks before the event to give your guests time to make plans to attend.