Our Crane Concierge fields quite a few queries about everything from personalized stationery suggestions to wedding invitation etiquette. It is her job, after all — one she quite likes.

Below are some of our favorites, some that we get often and some might just want to tuck away for future use. (After all, you never know when you might need a formal font suggestion.)

From Meghan:

“I would like to order some personalized stationery for three of our executives. I would love to have a system where they could use the same envelope for a note or a thank you card… (they don’t want to think about which envelope to use with which item).”

Dear Meghan,

Thank you for your query and for considering Crane & Co. for your personalized stationery. I would suggest choosing Monarch size letterhead for their sheets, which would use the same envelope as a monarch flat card.

Love & Letters,
The Crane Concierge

From Debbie:

1. Should the groom’s suffix (junior) and the father of the bride’s suffix (junior) be in capitals?

2. Should the year all be in capitals or only the first letter of the word, “Two”?

3. If the reception is a dinner reception, should it be stated as dinner reception on the reception card?

4. Should the joining word be “to” or “and” if it is a religious ceremony?

5. Is the light french block considered a formal font for a formal invitation such as this one?

Dear Debbie,

Thank you for your query.

1. The groom and father of the bride’s suffix should either be printed “junior” (lowercase) or “Jr.” if abbreviating (which should only be done if space does not permit spelling it out). Keep in mind that the father of the bride only retains his ‘junior’ suffix if his father has not passed.
2. Traditionally, the “t” is not capitalized. However, today most people capitalize the “T” because it tends to be more aesthetically pleasing. Both ways, therefore, are acceptable.
3. If it is a sit-down dinner and guests are to choose their entree upon RSVP-ing, it is not necessary to state that it is a dinner reception. If it is buffet or family-style, however, the fact that it is a dinner reception should be included. A classic “Dinner and dancing to follow” will do just fine.
4. For Christian weddings, “to” is correct for a religious ceremony. For Jewish ceremonies, “and” is correct as the names of both sets of parents traditionally go on the wedding invitation.
5. Yes. Other types proper for a formal invitation include classic scripts such as Royal, London, Harrington, Bickham or, for more flourish, Rook or Palmer Script. Other options include serif fonts such as Light French Roman, Engravers Bold Roman, Chevalier or, for a bit lighter look, Serlio Roman. I would suggest avoiding sans serif if a formal look is desired.

Love & Letters,
The Crane Concierge

From David:

“I am interested in obtaining some stationery with engraved initials, plus envelopes and note cards that are simple and masculine. Your recommendations would be appreciated.”

Dear David,

Thank you for your query. An ecru or pearl white flat card with navy or charcoal ink are two of my favorite masculine combinations. I suggest our Corinne card with monogram KC275AB in charcoal with a charcoal envelope liner or our classic ecru monogram cards with the KC266AB monogram in navy ink.

Love & Letters,
The Crane Concierge

From Patty:

“I would like calling cards to include with gifts. What is the best way to have a calling card with my name and my husband’s?”

Dear Patty,

You have a few options for presenting you and your husband’s name:

Mr. and Mrs. Ron Rennick

Patty and Ron Rennick

Or, if you would prefer them to be more casual, simply Patty and Ron.

Love & Letters,
The Crane Concierge

From Jan:

“Can a logo created by the customer be incorporated in personalized products?”

Dear Jan,

Thank you for your query. Yes, we can incorporate your artwork. Please find the guidelines for doing so here:
http://www.crane.com/use-your-own-artwork

Love & Letters,
The Crane Concierge

Have a question for our Crane Concierge? Email her at concierge@crane.com.