Whose Name Goes First on a Wedding Invitation?
When you are going through the process of preparing for a wedding, sometimes the simplest of things can become difficult to decide. One common question people ask is whose name should be placed first on the wedding invitation. Should the bride's name come before the groom's? The decision of which name goes first should be made early on to ensure there is uniformity across all elements of the wedding, minimising the chances of miscommunication.
The traditional approach
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Tradition dictates that the bride's name always comes first, whether on save the date cards, wedding invitations or anything else. This is because the bride's parents are usually the hosts, paying a greater share of the expenses. This affords the bride's family the right to have their daughter's name first on the invitation cards. After the wedding, the thank you cards should have the groom's name first.
Personal choice
Though tradition plays a part in many people's weddings, it doesn't necessarily have to be followed. It can come down to personal preference. Many couples are known to their families and friends in a certain order, and it may sound wrong to suddenly reverse the order. If you have a personal preference for which order you are named in, then don't feel like you can't use it simply because tradition says so!
What about same-sex weddings?
If you are a same-sex couple, there are basically two options to consider. You could place the names in alphabetical order, or you could go with your personal preference (if you have one!). Alphabetical naming gives the invitation a nice structure. It is also good neutral way to define the order if there are any disagreements. The beauty of same-sex weddings is that they are free from many of the old-fashioned traditions, so feel free to make your own rules.
It's your special day
Ultimately, we recommend that you go with your own preferences. Go with whatever you and your partner feel most comfortable with because, at the end of the day, it's your wedding, your celebration. It is one of the biggest days a couple will have. A milestone moment. It is your right to have things the way you want them, and you want the day to be one you will remember forever. Tradition and alphabetical order are there if you can't agree on an order, but otherwise, the choice is yours!
