Your wedding invitations are more than just a piece of paper—they’re the official introduction to your big day and set the tone for the entire celebration. From elegant coastal Maine weddings to rustic barn receptions, every detail matters. That’s why we’re sharing our expert advice on Maine Wedding Invitation Etiquette. Whether you’re wondering when to send invitations or how to properly word them, we’ve got you covered..
As experienced Maine Wedding Planners, we know how important it is to get these details right—not just for tradition’s sake but to create a smooth and stress-free planning experience for you and your guests.
When to Send Your Wedding Invitations (and Save the Dates)
Save the Dates:
If you’re planning a destination wedding or inviting many out-of-town guests, send save the dates 12 months in advance. For local weddings or smaller gatherings, eight months ahead is usually sufficient.
Pro tip: Maine summer weekends book up quickly—so the earlier, the better!
Wedding Invitations:
Your formal invitations should be mailed 4 months before the wedding date. This will give guests plenty of time to RSVP.
Pro tip: You will have to follow up with many guests- this is another reason why giving yourself plenty of time to collect RSVP’s is important.
RSVP Etiquette
RSVP cards or links are essential for finalizing headcounts and vendor orders.
Deadline: Request responses 8 weeks before the wedding date. This provides enough time for the day of wedding details, seating arrangements and catering confirmations.
Pro tip: Include meal choices or dietary restrictions, in addition to asking where they are staying for transportation purposes on the RSVP to streamline planning.
How to Word Your Wedding Invitations
Your wedding invitation wording should reflect the tone and formality of your event, while also providing clear information for guests.
1. Who’s Hosting
Traditionally, the bride’s parents hosted (and were listed first). Today, couples often list both sets of parents or host the wedding themselves.
Formal example:
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter, Emily Jane Smith, to Michael David Johnson…
Modern example:
Together with their families, Emily and Michael invite you to celebrate their marriage…
2. The Couple’s Names
- Use full names for formal invitations.
- For modern or casual weddings, first names may be appropriate.
3. Date and Time
For formal weddings, spell out the date and time completely:
Saturday, the twelfth of September, two thousand twenty-five at four o’clock in the afternoon.
For modern weddings, numerals are acceptable:
Saturday, September 12, 2025 at 4:00 PM.
Quick tip: Times before 6:00 PM are considered afternoon; after 6:00 PM is evening.
4. Venue Details
Always include the full venue name and city/state.
Example:
Live Well Farm
Harpswell, Maine
The street address is optional for formal invitations but can be helpful for clarity.
5. Reception Details
If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue:
Reception to follow.
If at different locations, include a separate reception card.
Addressing Your Invitations
This is a common area where etiquette questions pop up! Here’s a quick guide:
Outer Envelope:
Use full names and titles. Example:
Mr. and Mrs. James Carter
123 Coastal Lane
Portland, Maine 04101
Inner Envelope:
Here, you can be a bit more casual or specify exactly who’s invited. Example:
Mr. and Mrs. Carter
or
James and Olivia
If children are invited, list their names on the inner envelope:
Mr. and Mrs. Carter, Emily, and Noah
Common Invitation Mistakes to Avoid
- Sending invites too late
- Forgetting to specify plus-ones
- Using unclear RSVP instructions
- Not including a return address
Always proofread (twice!) or work with your wedding planner and stationery designer to review everything and ensure your Maine wedding invitation etiquette fits your wedding vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can we send digital invitations?
A: Yes! Digital invites are eco-friendly and efficient. However, for formal weddings, we recommend a combination of paper and digital to accommodate all guest preferences.
Q: How do we handle plus-ones?
A: Specify on the inner envelope or RSVP card. If you’re limiting plus-ones, clarity is key.
Q: Should we include registry information?
A: No. Instead, list your wedding website where guests can find registry links and other details.
Final Thoughts
At Purple Orchid Weddings + Events, we help couples create weddings that are personal, polished, and perfectly planned—including your invitations! From selecting beautiful stationery that reflects your Maine wedding aesthetic to ensuring your wording is spot-on, we’re here for every detail.
Planning your Maine Wedding? Let’s connect and start designing an experience your guests will remember from the moment they open their invite to the final dance of the night.
