The original purpose of the at-home card was to let guests know when the newlyweds will be back from their honeymoon (often a grand tour of Europe) and at which address they will be residing.

Couples still use them for such a purpose, but they are also used today to communicate new contact numbers and email addresses. It is also a lovely way to present a bride’s new name.

The Make-Up

The at-home card is a small enclosure card featuring card stock, lettering style and ink color that matches the wedding invitations with which they are sent.

The wording for the at-home card sent with the marriage announcement is different from the wording for the at-home card sent with the wedding invitations. At-home cards sent with announcements show your names together as “Mr. and Mrs.” since you are already married when they are sent. When sent with invitations, your names are not used since you are not yet married and cannot use “Mr. and Mrs.”

Usage

While the principle purpose of at-home cards is to let people know your new address, when sent with announcements they can also let people know that you have chosen to continue using your maiden name. Your name appears on the first line followed by your husband’s name on line two. The remainder of the card reads as it normally would. Since you could have presented yourself as “Mrs.” but did not, it will be assumed that you are still using your maiden name.

Example:
Violet James
and Jackson Mansford

At-home cards are like the change-of-address cards you might send when you move. They simply announce your new address and are a great convenience for anyone who wants to keep in touch with you. They are not gift-request cards and should never be interpreted as such.

Have more etiquette questions? Email our Crane Concierge at concierge@crane.com.