Because there are many people who are wondering about all the “what ifs” and situations they may encounter, a few rules about writing your wedding invitations will help you keep from making an etiquette faux pas you might regret later. 

First and foremost, do not include the stores at which you and your fiance are registered.  This is information that is best kept to the bridal shower invitations or to be spread by word of mouth.  In the near future, though, this may change, as many people are disregarding it. 

Can you ask for cash on your wedding invitations instead of gifts?  This is not in good taste.  Instead of asking for cash donations on your wedding invitation, tell your friends and family verbally — but only if they ask for this information.  You’re not a charity soliciting for cash donations.  Your wedding invitation is an invitation, that is, a request to get people to share in your happy event. 

Sure, it might be your wedding, but putting ‘no smoking’ or ‘no alcohol’ on the wedding invitation comes off as blatenly rude.  Most people will figure out what behavior is acceptable and not acceptable when they get to the reception.  If one of your guests brings out a bottle or lights up to smoke, it is perfectly acceptable to have someone discreetly inform them to stop. 

What about putting a required dress code on your wedding invitation?  While this may seem inappropriate, this is one of the few things you can specify, but you should only consider doing this in special circumstances.  You want your guests to feel comfortable and not feel ‘under’ or ‘overdressed’ at your wedding.  This is done for their benefit, not yours.  If you are going to have a very formal wedding, it is appreciated that you put ‘Black Tie’ on the wedding invitation.  Certainly if you are having a themed wedding, such as a Hawaiian Luau wedding, you can inform your guests that “Island themed casual” is appropriate. 

In general, remember that your guests are people you are hosting at a happy event in your life.  As a good host, you don’t want to seem demanding. 

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