Southern Weddings

Hey y’all!  We’re back with another question from a reader.  Said reader — let’s call her Ella –wrote in with an invitation wording conundrum.  Between you and me, I think invitation wording can be one of the trickiest parts of wedding planning, particularly if you don’t have a… traditional family.  Here’s Ella’s story:

“My fiance and I are planning a small, at-home wedding (like my mom and grandma had) and we’re working on invitation wording.  My parents are divorced.  My dad and step-mom are Mr. and Mrs. C.  My mom uses her maiden name now, Ms. A, though she is married to my step-dad, Mr. B.  Yup, I’m a lucky bride with four parents!  The wedding will be at my mom and step-dad’s home — the home of Ms. A and Mr. B.  How should the invitation reflect this?  It’s just a regular old home, no fancy name (it’s not Tara!).  Would the “Bride’s Mother’s home” be awkward?  I’m concerned that my future-in-laws won’t recognize my mom’s maiden name and get very confused.  I know this is a very specific question, but I’m sure there are lots of other ‘modern’ families out there with similar issues.”

Image credits: Elum Designs, Bella Figura, and Wiley Valentine

First, I have to commend Miss Ella for her excellent attitude about the whole situation.  Kudos to you, lady, for appreciating your family in whatever form it takes! Here’s my two cents:

If Ms. A (with or without Mr. B) is listed as the host or as a co-host with Mr. (with or without Mrs.) C, then I think it’s fine to say something along the lines of “Reception to follow at the home of Ms. A” or “Reception to follow at the home of the bride’s mother.”  The guests will be able to reference the host lines, and there should be no confusion at to who Ms. A or the bride’s mother is.

If Ms. A will not be listed as a co-host, then I think it would be fine to say “Reception to follow at the home of Ms. A, mother of the bride.”

A third option would be to cut out some of the confusion and simply put “Reception to follow at a private home” (followed by the street address).

And lastly, if you like your original suggestion (“Reception to follow at the Bride’s Mother’s home”), I think that’s a fine option, too.  Doesn’t sound particularly awkward to me!

Whew!  I hope that makes sense, and gives you a few more options than you might have previously thought up. I’m sure Ella would still appreciate any advice y’all could give, dear readers.  Do you have a solution I haven’t thought of?  Please leave it in the comments!

And, as always, if you’d like an outside opinion on an etiquette dilemma you’re currently struggling with, send me an email!  Until next time!

Images in header c/o Millie Holloman