Alright, let’s talk about these here weddin’ invitations. You know, the fancy paper stuff folks get when someone’s gettin’ hitched. I’ve seen a few in my time, though I can’t say I ever paid ’em much mind. But folks these days, they get all worked up about every little thing, so I guess we gotta figure it out.
So, whose name goes first, the bride’s or the groom’s? Well, from what I hear tell, it’s usually the bride’s name that goes first. Yep, that’s right. That little gal, she gets top billing on them invitations. Always been that way, or so they say. It’s tradition, like throwin’ rice or wearin’ somethin’ white.
Now, why is that? I ain’t got the foggiest. Maybe it’s ’cause the weddin’ is supposed to be the bride’s big day, her shindig, you know? Or maybe it’s ’cause back in the day, the bride’s family was the one footin’ the bill for the whole shebang. Who knows? Old folks and their ways, I tell ya.
Anyways, when you write them invitations, you gotta put the bride’s name, all proper and nice-like. You know, like “Missy May Johnson” and then the groom’s name, “Mister Billy Bob Smith.” That’s how them fancy folks do it. And if her folks are hostin’, they gotta be on there too, somethin’ like “Mister and Missus Johnson invite you to the weddin’ of their daughter…” See? Bride’s name first, every time.
- First line, that’s who’s payin’ for the party. Usually the bride’s folks, but sometimes it’s the couple themselves. Times are changin’, you know.
- Then you put the bride’s name, all pretty and spelled out right. Middle name and all.
- Then the groom, he comes next. Full name, none of that just “Billy Bob” stuff.
And it ain’t just the invitations, mind you. It’s everything. The programs, the little thank you notes, even the return address on them envelopes. Bride goes first, groom comes after. That’s the rule, seems like. Unless them young folks decide to do things different, which they do a lot these days.
Now, some folks say it don’t matter no more, that you can put whoever you want first. They say times have changed, and couples are equal and all that. And maybe that’s true. But I reckon if you wanna stick to tradition, you put that bride’s name right up there at the top. It’s just…respectful, you know?
But what happens after they get hitched? Well, that’s a whole ‘nother story. Once they’re married, it’s the man’s name that comes first. You see it all the time, “Mr. and Mrs. Billy Bob Smith.” See how that works? Bride gets her day in the sun, but then the man takes over. That’s just the way it is, or was, anyways.
I tell you what, these weddin’ things are complicated. Too many rules if you ask me. But if you wanna do it right, at least according to them old-timers, you put that bride’s name first on that there invitation. It’s her moment, let her shine. Then after that, well, it’s the man’s world, as they say. Though I ain’t so sure about that anymore, seein’ how these young gals are these days.
So, there you have it. Bride’s name first. Simple as that. Now go on and get them invitations printed, and don’t forget the cake! And for heaven’s sake, make sure there’s enough food for everyone. That’s what really matters at a weddin’, not whose name is where on a piece of paper. But hey, if you want to do it proper, you listen to your old auntie, and put that bride’s name first, you hear?
And another thing, don’t go spendin’ a fortune on them invitations neither. Folks just gonna throw ‘em away after the weddin’. Just get somethin’ nice lookin’, but not too fancy. Save your money for the important stuff, like a good honeymoon and a down payment on a house. That’s what I told my niece when she got hitched last summer. Kids these days, they don’t always listen, but I try my best.
Now, if the couple is payin’ for the whole thing themselves, they can put their names however they want. It’s their money, their weddin’. But if the bride’s folks are helpin’ out, then you gotta follow the rules, you know? It’s all about manners and showin’ respect. That’s what I was taught, anyways.
So, whether it’s “Missy May Johnson and Mister Billy Bob Smith” or “Mister Billy Bob Smith and Missy May Johnson,” make sure it looks nice and sounds right. And don’t forget to put the date, time, and place! That’s important too. You don’t want folks showin’ up on the wrong day or goin’ to the wrong church!
Alright, I think I’ve said enough about these weddin’ invitations. Go on now, and get hitched! And remember, be happy. That’s the most important thing of all. Don’t sweat the small stuff, like whose name goes first. Just love each other, and everything will be alright.
Tags: Wedding Invitations, Bride, Groom, Wedding Etiquette, Traditional Weddings, Modern Weddings, Wedding Planning
