The tradition of having a reception immediately following the wedding is not always followed. It is totally acceptable to have the reception on another date.
If the couple opts to have a destination wedding that will only be a few close family and friends they may have a larger reception later. It is usually best to have the reception within 6 weeks of the wedding. Some couples will get their reception invitations made before the wedding. This allows them to plan the wedding and reception together. Having others handle everything while you are on your honeymoon can be a challenge so get as much done before hand as possible.
Sometimes it is announced that the couple have married and the cards are sent out after the wedding. Either way the proper way to ask your guests does change. The wording for inviting guests to a reception is usually "request the pleasure of your company" and not request the honour of". This is because the wedding has already taken place.
The regular rules of wedding etiquette will take place here. If the brides parents are hosting the reception, they would put their names first just as the wedding but state wedding reception instead. The couples names can then be used as Emily Sue and Keith Paul Smith. Second weddings can name the farther and mother of the bride and omit the brides last name.
If the couple is hosting their own reception, they may just announce the reception as the introduction of the new "Mr. and Mrs. Keith Paul Smith" but make sure and state the brides formal name somewhere. This lets long distance family understand who it is.
If questions come up for how to state the parents names, the proper wedding invitation etiquette is followed. Meaning that parents names will have the same rules that would apply if a wedding was stated. The reception cards do not have to give the date of the wedding but you should announce it at the reception.
If you are just sending out an announcement without requesting an invitation to a reception there are rules for this. The announcement wording is similar to others, here is an example: " Mr. and Mrs. James Smith have the honour of announcing the marriage of their daughter, Emily Sue to Keith Paul Jones."
The date of the wedding is stated but the time is usually omitted. The place should be listed on the announcement also. When announcing the date, you should still write everything out. State the location where couple exchanged vows and the city and state. Putting the street address is not necessary.
Wedding reception invitation wording is a bit different from typical wedding cards. It is easy to follow the proper wedding invitation etiquette even with an announcement.
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