Q: I am getting married and plan to invite my brother to the wedding but I don’t want my brother’s wife to attend the wedding. How should I handle this?

A: I would invite both of them or neither of them if you feel so strongly about it. This might be a good opportunity to “mend fences”.

Q: On my rsvp card I asked our guests to respond a month before our wedding. I have to give our caterer a final count in two weeks and we still have not heard from a few of the guests. How should I follow-up with them?

A: I would recommend that you call the guests right away to get their responses. You will find that some guests plan to attend but forgot to return the rsvp, misplaced it, etc.

Q: My mother wants me to have my wedding invitations printed in black ink but I am considering pink or red to match my wedding colors. Would it be inappropriate to use the pink or red ink?

A: Black ink is almost always used if your wedding is formal. The colored inks are most often used for less formal affairs. However, the etiquette rules have been relaxed on many things so if it is really important to you, I would use the ink that you prefer and that looks best with your paper choice.

Q: Whose name(s)/address is usually on the rsvp envelope for a wedding?

A: The rsvp response is usually returned to the bride or the bride’s parents. However, this is not “written in stone” so use the name/address of the person(s) most “practical” for you and the groom.

Q: My sister-in-law plans to wear black to my wedding and I don’t think it is appropriate. Is this an acceptable color for a wedding?

A: It is not longer considered inappropriate to wear black to a wedding. Hopefully, her dress will be something that looks “festive”.

Q: My parents will soon be celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary and we are trying to decide how to let their guests know that if they want to give a gift money would be preferred. How should this be done?

A: If you are asked what they prefer, this would be a good opportunity to mention cash. Also, if you let immediate family know their preference this would help get the word out also. Their preference should not be on the invitation.

Q: I am trying to decide between the “M_________” line or “Name____________” for my rsvp card. Which one would you suggest?

A: I prefer “Name__________” because all your guests will understand what goes on the blank line. Some guests are uncertain as to what goes on the “M__________” line, although most figure it out.

Q: Would it be appropriate for me to ask my guests to respond to an email address instead of the customary way of returning their responses via mail?

A: I think this would be appropriate for an informal invitation and/or if you also offer your guests the choice to respond by phone or the traditional envelope by mail.

Q: If plan to wear a white dress for my wedding but would like my invitations printed on ecru paper. Would that be acceptable?

A: Yes, select the invitation you like without regard to paper color.

Q: Should I cover my face with my wedding veil during our wedding ceremony?

A: You should do what makes you feel comfortable. To my knowledge there is no “right” or “wrong” with regards to this, it is simply a personal choice.