Wedding Invitation Etiquette w/Myka Meier

https://youtu.be/SlgyK7aqifM

When it comes to wedding planning, etiquette plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for both the couple and their guests. In a recent podcast interview, world-renowned etiquette expert Myka Meier shared her invaluable insights on wedding invitation etiquette, offering couples practical advice on handling engagement announcements, guest lists, and sticky situations with grace.

Myka Meier is a bestselling author, founder of Beaumont Etiquette, and creator of the Plaza Hotel Finishing Program in New York City. With training under former members of the British Royal Household, Myka blends British and American etiquette styles to provide a modern, approachable take on traditional manners. Her expertise helps couples navigate the complexities of wedding etiquette with confidence and kindness.

One of the first steps in wedding planning is announcing your engagement, but what is the proper way to do it? Myka suggests that while many couples prefer to share the news in person with close family and friends, virtual announcements have become increasingly popular. Whether through social media or digital engagement announcements like those offered by Lovebird, the key is to ensure the message is personal and thoughtful.

Myka highlights that Lovebird’s digital engagement announcements provide a more intimate and polished alternative to a simple social media post. These customizable announcements allow couples to share their joy with a wider audience while maintaining a sense of formality and warmth. However, it’s important to use clear wording to differentiate an engagement announcement from a save-the-date to avoid confusion.

A common question couples face is whether sending an engagement announcement implies a wedding invitation. Myka reassures couples that an engagement announcement is simply a joyful way to share the news, not a formal invitation. It’s perfectly acceptable to send it to colleagues, acquaintances, and extended social circles. However, she advises against inviting someone to an engagement party if they will not be included in the wedding guest list.

One of the trickiest etiquette dilemmas is addressing guests who assume they are invited to the wedding after seeing the engagement announcement. Myka advises couples not to proactively address such assumptions unless directly asked. If someone expresses excitement about attending, a polite response explaining that the wedding will be a small or intimate affair is the best approach. To soften the conversation, couples can offer an alternative way to celebrate together, such as a post-wedding gathering or a lunch to share wedding photos.

Wedding invitation etiquette can be overwhelming, but Myka Meier’s expert advice helps couples navigate these challenges with confidence and kindness. By using thoughtful engagement announcements, clear communication, and tactful responses, couples can ensure a smooth and joyous wedding planning experience. Whether announcing your engagement or finalizing your guest list, etiquette plays a vital role in making your special day memorable for all the right reasons.

Myka would like to recommend Lovebird‘s new all-in-one wedding communications platform to send digital greetings for engagement announcements (+ save-the-dates, wedding invitations, digital thank you cards, and more).