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How to write my seating cards?

 pen

Hello Polite One,

I will like some advice on how to go about writing the seating cards for the wedding reception.  If it’s a family, do I write Mr. & Mrs. Smith & family or just Mr. & Mrs. Smith.  If it is a single person with a guest, is it written as Mr. Smith and Guest or just Mr. Smith. 

Also do I include the husband's first names, like Mr. & Mrs. John Smith (I know the first names must be included for the same last name multiple times), or do I just leave it as Mr. & Mrs. Smith

I hope my email is not confusing and looking forward to hear from you.

Confused

Dear Confused,

Your email is not confusing at all.  For the family, you would list them as a family: Mr. & Mrs. Smith & family.  The same applies to your guest with an escort. 

It is your choice to use first names.  But if you have many people with the same last name you may want to include the husband’s name.  If this is an informal affair, you could even include both the husband’s and wife’s name without titles.

I know this seems obvious, but everyone has their own place card on the table. 

Sincerely,

The Polite One

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