Q. Is it necessary to include a street address for the reception site on the reception card?

A. An exact address is necessary only if the location is not well known. It can also be omitted if you have included a map or other printed directions.

Q. Is it acceptable to include a blank card where guests can write a personal response? I'm afraid that not having a separate card will cut down on the number of responses, but I'd really like to receive handwritten notes to keep as mementos.

A. Yes, you can include a blank card, or perhaps one with the words "The favour of a reply is requested" at the top.

Q. Is it ever acceptable to include an e-mail address on the response card?

A. Although the medium is not as traditional and its use is not preferred, today's fast-paced world finds many of us relying on e-mail to keep in touch. Your e-mail address may be included if you feel it fits with the style of your celebration and if it will assure you of more timely responses.

Q. I have two female cousins who are roommates. How should I address their wedding invitation?

A. Each cousin should receive a separate invitation. Children over the age of 18 who do not live at home should always receive their own personal invitations.

Q. If the deadline for replies has passed, is it acceptable to telephone guests to obtain a response?

A. Yes, it is perfectly proper for the bride and groom (or their mothers) to place a very polite call to guests who have been delinquent in responding.

Q. I plan to have four honorary bridesmaids at my wedding. How should I arrange for their special seating at the ceremony?

A. Send pew cards along with their invitations. These simply designed cards will signify which specific pew they should sit in. Remind your honorary bridesmaids to present the pew cards to their ushers as they are about to be seated at the ceremony and make sure your wedding director has alerted the groomsmen and ushers to any special seating arrangements.

Advice At A Glance

Q. Is there a particular type of postage stamp that I should use for my wedding invitations?

A. No, but you will find that the post office offers a variety of images, so choosing a romantic stamp or a scene that fits the season should be a simple task.

Q. What information should be included on a reception card?

A. Typically four lines long, the reception card lists the type of event on the first line, using the word "reception" unless you are planning a breakfast or brunch. The second line lists a specific time or the phrase "immediately following the ceremony" and the third line indicates the reception site. The last line lists the city and state where the reception will take place.

Q. Is it acceptable to respond to a wedding invitation via telephone or fax?

A. Telephone and fax responses should be saved for business replies and are not considered formal options for wedding responses.

Q. We are planning a seated dinner for our wedding reception. Do I need to include that on the reception cards?

A. You may simply use the phrase "dinner reception" on the first line of the reception card if you want your guests to know they can expect a meal at the reception. It is not necessary to distinguish between a seated dinner and a buffet on the reception card.

Q. If we plan to include dancing at our evening reception, is it necessary to note that on the reception cards?

A. Adding the phrase "dinner and dancing" to the first line of the reception card is a festive way to let your guests know what to expect. That way they can dress appropriately and wear their most comfortable shoes in order to dance the night away.

Q. My fiancé and I have both been married before, and we would like to indicate on our reception cards that we would prefer cash instead of traditional wedding gifts. Is that proper?

A. No, you should never make a specific request for money in lieu of a wedding gift. If you would like to receive cash to be used for a special honeymoon trip or to purchase a special item for your new home, word of mouth is the best way to let your friends and family know. Ask your parents or other family members to help spread the word, too.