Should you send a wedding invitation to your best man?

Setting The Wedding Record Straight

There's a question that has been ricocheting around in my brain, like my hyperactive Bengal cat, Patrick, on a rampage through the house. It's something that I've been asked more times than I care to count. So, let's haul it into the sunlit glare of the question-fraught outdoors, shall we? Should you send a wedding invitation to your best man?

Hang onto your boutonnieres, folks, because the answer may surprise you. As someone who loves a good nuptial celebration, I feel well-placed to shed some light on this. The clink of champagne flutes, the tearful exchanges of heartfelt vows, the dancing - yes, the wickedly bad dancing! All these things might make you think I must delight in the gathering of addresses, the choosing of stationery, the mailing of fancy embossed cards. But, and here's where it gets interesting — and because I prefer to keep you on your toes, like my cockatoo, Felix, practising his morning yoga — the answer is actually: it depends.

Navigating The Rocky Terrain Of Wedding Etiquette

Moving on to the labyrinthine maze that is wedding etiquette. I like to call it the 'marital minefield' but we aren't here to discuss my preference for alliteration. When it comes to the question of whether your best man should get an invitation, let's approach this with caution, stepping around those etiquette landmines with the precision of a Swiss watchmaker.

There's this prevalent belief that because your best man is part of the wedding party, he's automatically invited. So why waste paper and ink on a formality? He knows he's invited. You know he's invited. Heck, my cat Patrick probably knows he's invited. But is it really that simple? Not quite.

Busting The Myth

There's this almost mythical belief that it's perfectly fine, even expected, not to send your best man a wedding invitation. However, we're about to debunk this myth with the delicacy of a master chef filleting a fish.

The truth of the matter? Your best man, like anyone else, should receive a formal wedding invitation. Yes, even though you asked him in person and he knows where and when to show up. This is as much about thoughtfulness and respect as it is about tradition and formality.

More Than Protocol - It's About Showcasing Your Day

Understand that invitations are not just mere formalities or protocol necessities. Sending out an invitation is your chance to showcase your big day in advance. Like a tantalising movie trailer for your most awaited romantic drama, invitations give your guests, including your best man, a taste of what to prepare for on this particular red-carpet event.

In an era where everything is becoming increasingly digital or impersonal, there's something wonderful about holding a tangible, beautifully designed card that asks you to be part of one of the most significant days in a person's life.

The How-To Of Inviting Your Best Man

Okay, so we've established that your best man should get a formal invite. But how should you go about it? Should it be delivered by a royal messenger on horseback with trumpets and fanfare? Or tucked into his morning newspaper with a cheeky note?

I mean, if you have a Royal Messenger on speed dial, by all means, use them. But for most of us, a simply addressed envelope in the mail will suffice. However, within the wedding suite, make sure to include a personalised note expressing your gratitude and anticipation for sharing this momentous occasion with them.

Sealing The Deal With A Touch Of Class

The wedding world is filled with decisions, from what flavor your cake will be to what song will play as you twirl with your spouse for the first time. But the decision to invite your best man? That should feel more obvious than wearing sunscreen on an Australian summer day - and I can tell you from experience, you don't forget that twice!

So, to put this wedding invitation debate to bed once and for all: yes, you should send a wedding invitation to your best man. Invitations are all about honouring the people you want to share your special day with, and your best man certainly qualifies for that. Plus, it adds another layer of excitement and anticipation to the event - and as someone who's a sucker for a good love story, that's something I can wholeheartedly endorse.

The Final Flourish

So there you have it, folks. As bewildering and tortuous as wedding planning can be, extending a personal and formal invitation to your best man is a decision you'll never regret. Remember, it's not about clinging to tradition or observing protocol for its own sake; it's about appreciating those who make the day all the more memorable.

And now, if you'll excuse me, it's time to extricate Patrick from the curtains and give Felix some attention. He's started squawking at me, which usually means he's feeling neglected, or he's seen a rat. Either way, duties call. Until next time, may your wedding planning journey be filled with joy, laughter, and fewer conundrums than this one!