Important: Invitation Wording question!

Hi Ladies,

I've been lurking on the website for a few months but am only now starting to post...

I'm working on my invitation wording and was curious for any advice--

1) If you or your FH has a title, did you include it in the wedding wording (e.g. if you or FH is an MD or an Officer in the military, did you write the formal title: '... honour of your presence at the marriage between Corporal Jane Smith and Doctor John Doe...'

2) Is it better to write 'Black tie preferred' or 'Black tie optional?' We want to use the 'stronger' word so more guests will wear tuxes.

Thanks for your advice!

1.) I don't think so, but I can't see how it would hurt, unless you get charged per word?

2.) Black Tie preferred, but that just means a dark suit or tux. White Tie is tuxes, so if you want tuxes worn, I would think it needs to be White Tie preferred, or something like that.

You have FM...

as for adding military ranks, it depends on you or FH's rank and how it should be 'properly' worded... as for other titles, i would try to find a way to formally address it..
It might be something more like
John Doe, M.D. or the formal title or something like that may go the link below his/your name

i dont THINK it would be Doctor John Doe, but i could be wrong, i am more familiar with the formality of military ranks/title

1. FH has a title after his name as well, but we didn't bother for 2 reasons, we didn't want to come off as arrogant and he is the '2nd' already so there was 'II' after his name...would've gotten messy for us. i can't say i've ever seen it done, but i am not at all saying it's wrong!

2. i found this online about the whole black tie thing...HTH

Party definitions

Black tie, formal, dressy casual and more!
Banish pre-party jitters about attire with our quick reference to dress codes for social events.

Black Tie means formal. Men wear tuxedos, women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.

White Tie means ultra-formal. Men wear full dress, with white tie, vest, shirt. Women wear long gowns.

Formal usually means the same as Black Tie, but in some trendier cities like New York or Los Angeles, it could mean a black shirt, no tie with a tux. Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.

Ultra-formal means White Tie. Men wear full dress, with white tie, vest, shirt. Women wear long gowns.

Black Tie Optional means you have the option of wearing a tuxedo, but it should clue you into the formality of the event, meaning a dark suit and tie would be your other option. Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.

Black Tie Invited means you have the option of wearing a tuxedo, but it should clue you into the formality of the event, meaning a dark suit and tie would be your other option. Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.

Creative Black Tie leaves room for trendy interpretations of formal wear. He can go more modern with a tux -- maybe a black shirt, no tie. She wears long or short dresses or evening separates (maybe a long lace or sequined skirt with a sleek cashmere sweater).

Semi-formal is the trickiest of all dress codes. Usually it means that tuxes are not required, nor are long dresses. An evening wedding (after 6 PM) would still dictate dark suits for him, and a cocktail dress for her. Daytime semi-formal events mean a suit for him and an appropriate short dress or dressy suit for her.

Cocktail Attire means short, elegant dresses for her and dark suits for him.

Dressy Casual usually means no jeans or shorts. Similar to business casual, but a tad dressier.

Casual generally means anything goes.

Informal can mean the same as casual. However, when associated with a wedding or other special event, some form of decorum and good taste should prevail. A dress for her or a nice pair of slacks and shirt for him are informal, but respectful of the event.

i wouldn't use the title. you never see mr, miss, ms. so why would you use anthing else? the people are being married, not the title.