Our guest list is filled with family friends who have children living at home. Is it proper to send a single invitation to each household, or do the children need their own?

This really depends on the age of each child. For families with grade-school children, it's perfectly acceptable to send one invitation to the entire household. On the inner envelope, be sure to include each family member's name, such as "Mr. and Mrs. Bryan, Niki and Jacalyn." This will help eliminate any confusion about whom the invitation is intended for.

If there are families with children over age 18, you should send out a separate invitation addressed exclusively to them — even if they're still living at home. They'll appreciate that you see them as adults and this will also allow you to indicate whether you want them to bring a guest.

Carley Roney, co-founder and editor in chief of The Knot, the nation's leading wedding resource, advises millions of brides on modern wedding etiquette at www.theknot.com.