Most Common Wedding Invitation Grammar Mistakes

I always cringe when I see a word being improperly used on an important document or something that represents a special celebration, such as a wedding. Don’t get me wrong, I am not the grammar police (Im sure some of you could rip apart some of my emails!) But I figured today I would go through some of the common mistakes I see when it comes to the wording of wedding invitations and stationery. ​

Stationery vs. Stationary
I know the word stationery will not be printed on any of your wedding stationery, but this is one of the most commonly misspelled words in the wedding industry.  I do see this mistake made A LOT (and way to often its from other vendors!)  When referencing save the dates, invitations, or any printed paper pieces, always use stationery with an "e." An easy way to remember this? E is for envelope, and wedding stationery goes inside beautiful envelopes! 

Complimentary vs. Complementary
"Complimentary" and "complementary" are two words that are often confused due to their similar spelling and pronunciation, but they have distinct meanings and are used in different contexts.  "Complimentary" is an adjective that describes something given for free, as a courtesy, or as a form of praise. It implies a favorable or positive gesture. This is used to describe a room block: A complimentary block of rooms has been reserved at Four Seasons. *please also note here - you should use "has" instead of "have" since you are referencing a single block of rooms, not the multiple hotel rooms. "Complementary" is also an adjective, but it refers to things that go well together.  It denotes a relationship of harmony or balance.  An example of this would be: The bridesmaids dresses do not all perfectly match, their color palettes and design details are complementary.

Honor vs. Honour and Favor vs. Favour
When it comes to wedding invitations, the choice between using American English or British English spellings (such as "honor" vs. "honour" and "favor" vs. "favour") largely depends on the style and formality of the wedding, as well as personal preferences. Using the British spelling, honour and favour, can be considered more formal and this is more appropriate for weddings where the ceremony will be taking place in a place of worship.  Regardless of which spelling you use, it is important to be consistent in your spelling choice throughout your invitation suite!  

Rehearsal
Another common misspelling is the word Rehearsal.  Make sure to include two "a's" in the word rehearsal. Often times without the help of spellcheck it can be easy to spell the word with only one "a" - as rehersal. However, that is incorrect! 

Aisle vs. Isle
Although the word aisle likely will not be on your formal invitation suite, you might use this word on your program!  When referencing the narrow walkway you will be walking down, always use the spelling with an "a" - aisle. The word isle refers to a small island. So, you could have an aisle on an isle if you are having a destination wedding! 

"And" in a Wedding Date
This is a common mistake that is easy to avoid - Never include the word "and" in the wedding year. I have seen "and" snuck in between "Two Thousand" AND "Twenty Three" - and it simply is not necessary nor is it correct grammar.  

Accommodations
This is a very commonly misspelled word, and even I misspelled it more times than id like to admit when I entered the wedding stationery world! Accommodations has two "c's" and two "m's" - make sure this is spelled correctly on your accommodations cards!  

These are a handful of the common spelling and grammar mistakes myself and my wedding industry friends have come across throughout our years in the business.  

If you are ready to  begin your custom wedding stationery design process with me, I would love to hear more about you, your soulmate, and your wedding!  Book your free consultation today!  Not near the Millbury, MA area?  No problem - I can also do Zoom upon request!