Wedding Label Etiquette

Bride's name followed by groom's.

Most brides-to-be are concerned about wedding etiquette. From who pays for what to the duties of the bridal party to wedding labels. When purchasing or making your own labels, whether it's to address or seal invitation envelopes, water bottle labels or personalized stickers, there are a few rules you should follow.

Whose Name Goes First?

When ordering your wedding invitations, you will notice that address labels are not included. This is because the recipient's address on the envelope should be handwritten or written in calligraphy. You can order address labels from a professional printer or have your bridesmaids help you address the envelopes. If you don't care about invitation etiquette, you can make labels simply and inexpensively.

Simply follow these two wedding label etiquette rules. When addressing a married couple, make sure the husband's name goes first: Mr. and Mrs. John Doe. When addressing someone who is single, you don't have to use a title, just the person's full name, followed by "and guest," if allowed.

Slashes or Dashes?

Personalized labels give wine and water bottles a touch of flair. They are used for galas, showers, weddings or any event. When personalizing wine or water bottle labels for your wedding, you can add your names, wedding date or your own wedding message. The wedding label etiquette for these labels is simple: The bride's name precedes the groom's: Suzie & Scott). Write the wedding date with forward slashes, not dashes: 10/20/2010, or write out the name of month, date and year with no abbreviations.

Monograms

To create custom favors and decorations, monogram labels are just the right addition. There are three types of monograms: single monogram, stacked monogram and traditional monogram. Single monogram requires one initial: that of the married couple's last name. Stacked monograms require two initials: The bride's first name initial goes at the top, and the groom's goes at the bottom. Traditional monogram labels require three letters: The bride's first name initial is left letter, the married couple's last name is the middle letter and groom's first name initial is the right letter.

Bride's Name First

Wedding label stickers are a creative way to add a personal touch to your favor boxes. Use them as envelope seals on your invitations, on decorations or any favor or gift. They proudly declare the names, date and message of the newly wedded couple. Label etiquette for stickers of any shape, size or color places the name of the bride first, followed by the groom's name. If you use the titles Mr. and Mrs., however, list the groom's name first.

Keep it Simple

Keep in mind when personalizing labels that it is better to keep it simple as opposed to writing too much. You only want your names, wedding date and a brief message on the wedding labels.

References

• MyGatsby.com: Invitations and Announcements, from Weddings to Showers