Calling Ms Manners

February 16, 2009 8:11 PM

We've eloped, everything is great! Except, of course, I forgot to figure out how to word the announcements and am now panicking!

I'll spare you the details, but due to my difficult familial relations, we only had a few of Mr. Cestmoi's family there. I'd like your advice on how to word the wedding/elopement announcements that we need to send out to everyone (my family, his family, friends). It was a really fun Vegas Elvis wedding and we want to keep it lighthearted and factual (nothing mushy and nothing formal). Thanks hive mind!

posted by cestmoi15 to human relations (18 comments total)

"Cestmoi and the Mr. are thrilled to announce their wedding on [date in the past]." Then you might say something like, "The happy couple reside at Number Forty-Two The Haystacks, Plimpton Snugbury." That reminds people who might not know where you've been, and it allows people to give an address for presents without actually asking for it (which you would never do because it's totally tacky, right?).
posted by Madamina at 8:22 PM on February 16

Thanks, great start.

Nope, some of the reasons we eloped was that we didn't want to commercialize our wedding or ask everyone to travel and use vacation days. Also, due to the lovely economy, we're not yet able to live together, so that part is a sticky issue, which yes, I forgot to include.
posted by cestmoi15 at 8:26 PM on February 16

were that, duh
posted by cestmoi15 at 8:27 PM on February 16

Make it an invite.

Then mail it out.

On the back, just say "psych!" We eloped, you didn't miss it! Then invite them to a reception.
posted by Ironmouth at 8:31 PM on February 16 [1 favorite]

"We got hitched!" [insert fun picture] Include a vivid description of your crazy wedding that makes your stodgy relatives kind of glad they weren't invited.
posted by zennie at 8:32 PM on February 16

Sorry, to clarify, there won't be a reception until we find a place to live together (sorry, long story) just wanted to let you know we'll send out that invite when it gets to that point, but for right now, just the facts, ma'am.
posted by cestmoi15 at 8:47 PM on February 16

The members of the Kvetch forum at Indiebride might have already addressed a similar situation. There's lots of helpful information over there on etiquette, eloping, and more.
posted by LeiaS at 8:58 PM on February 16

Thanks, I've checked out indiebride and theknot and haven't found it, if you can find it better than I can great, please let me know.

This wasn't meant as a snarky question, I do love my fam (and his and our friends) and want to let them know in a respectful manner (which is more than we get from them a lot, this is meant to be the highroad) so if you don't have an honest suggestion, please move on to another question.
posted by cestmoi15 at 9:10 PM on February 16

Did you take photos of your Vegas wedding? If so I'd find a way to include some of the best pictures in the announcement somehow. It sounds like a fun wedding, and people might feel less disappointed if they get a visual on the Elvis-y kookiness, or at least a romantic photo of the happy couple. Also that way they have at least have mental picture of you two, being wedded.
posted by np312 at 9:11 PM on February 16

All you need to do is announce that you've been married (including the date and the place, if you'd like). Though you may not yet be living together, it might be convenient to decide upon a primary address for both of you to include, as there will undoubtedly be well-wishers who would like to send you cards or gifts. Possible wording:

Jane and Joe C'estmoi

were married

Saturday, February 14th, 2009

at the Hunka Hunka Burnin Love Motel

Las Vegas, Nevada

I think the best way to make it a little funny (without being over the top) is to word it simply, but let one or two details tell the story. I second the suggestion of including a photo.
posted by ocherdraco at 9:28 PM on February 16

np312, yes, I hope to be able to drag some photos from the photog earlier than the month that our contract states, but I'm asking specifically about wording.
posted by cestmoi15 at 9:28 PM on February 16

Mr. F and I shot ourselves standing under the Vegas sign and then slapped a card together using Apple's iPhoto service, the inside of which read

Mr. F and Fairytale
finally got married
on the evening of June 20th, 2008
in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada!

We thought you might like to know. Relive the amazingly brief moment at (link to our YouTube rip of the chapel's DVD).
posted by fairytale of los angeles at 9:29 PM on February 16

Also, as I forgot to say so above: CONGRATULATIONS!

(Hooray for getting married in Vegas! Where'd you do it?)
posted by ocherdraco at 10:41 PM on February 16

Thanks! We went to Graceland Chapel and had the Minister do a great civil/legal job before the "official" Elvis did the public one. We were thrilled he left out "obey" in vows, it was really touching to have our own ceremony for a few minutes and then the more public one. We're not religious and were really concerned about how it would go, but at the chapel we were sure to be clear with everyone (and in email before then) and it went really well, thanks so much!
posted by cestmoi15 at 10:51 PM on February 16

would it be possible for you to include some sort of candy or party favour in with the announcement? maybe an elvis-themed toy? Receiving a fun little gift will help people feel more positively about your news.
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 11:59 PM on February 16

The various wordings on this page include some that could apply to your situation (mixed in with others that don't). I noticed a few more in the yahoo answers for this (similar) question.
posted by PY at 12:30 AM on February 17

"We couldn't bear to wait any longer. We married on (date), in (location)

Additionally, we're pleased to announce that I'm pregnant! (NOT REALLY! JUST KIDDING! Really, we just didn't want to wait any longer.)"
posted by cmiller at 7:14 AM on February 17

Miss Manners says that one of the main points of the modern marriage announcements is to let people know what name(s) the couple will be using - so it's helpful to make that clear too.
posted by Salamandrous at 9:08 AM on February 17