The top selling wedding invitations of right now don't look much different than they did 100 years ago. With the exception of the 1970s, when couples sought unique wedding invitations with bright colors and innovative wordings, the standard engraved invitation has been the most favorite choice.

The engraving process embosses letters into the paper, making a raised look and feel to the exterior. The lettering, usually engraved on cream or white cotton-content paper is most often royal or traditional script. The style is simple and the wording standard, in accordance to conventional rules of etiquette.

There are many cultures related with marriage. The engraved invitation is one of them. Wedding invitations set the mood, style and tone of the wedding. For many couples who have traditional chapel weddings, the classic invitation is most ideal.

In addition to changing the wording, today's invitation can be developed to express one's individuality without breaking tradition. Many couples are asking for embossed borders or motifs to accent the standard invitation. Adding a ribbon or embossing a personal monogram or family crest are other ways to customize the invitation without compromising the integrity that the traditional engraved invitation conveys.

Etiquette 'experts' also agree that the common engraved invitation is the most right form of wedding correspondence. It is far better to write personal letters or inform your friends of your marriage by phone than to have your invitations printed rather than properly engraved. According to these experts, do it right or don't do it at all.

The rich quality and elegant look of the standard invitation is the very best way for brides to inform family and friends that their presence is greatly valued on this important occasion.

For the bride who desires to be totally proper and follow the rules of common social etiquette, following are some of the instructions

- Invitations should always be engraved.

- The paper selected should be white, or ivory, 100 cotton content paper.

- The most common lettering is script. There are a lot of models to choose from.

- In the strictest of classic standards, the groom's parents should never be listed on the invitation along with the bride's.

- If divorced parents are both sponsoring their daughter's wedding, names should be listed with the mother's preceding, followed by the father's on the next line.

- For a ordinary church wedding, the wording of the invitation must read "request the honor of your presence".

- For a wedding ceremony that is to be performed somewhere other than a church, the invitation should read "request the pleasure of your company".

- The place of the reception should never be written on the invitation itself unless the wedding ceremony is taken place there.

- There is no need to put the year of the wedding on the invitation because it is a timely celebration.

Finally, if proper etiquette is very important to you, you should follow these principles. Keep in mind that slight modifications will not mean the end of the world. After all, it is your wedding day and you should do what you feel is best for your individual situation.

Learn more about Wedding Wording. Stop by Paul Expert's site where you can find out all about Invitation Wedding Wording and what it can do for you.