Formality and Absurdity

Just the other day I received my invitation to my sister's wedding. As I dropped the envelope on the kitchen table, it occurred to me that sending me an invitation was kind of silly. It's not like I was unaware that she's getting married, or that the actual date is a big surprise - I've known all this for some time, and she knows I certainly plan on being there, performance art toast and all. So why go to the trouble of sending me an actual invitation? Etiquette I suppose (I can't remember which book it is that she's going by - Crane's etiquette?), and formality. It seems such an uncessary formality, though it will make a lovely memento.

But my sense of the absurdity of it all was heightened when I opened the envelope and picked through the contents this morning. First of all, was the card for me to RSVP - to my own parents. Kind of a waste of postage - they already know I'll be there. And there was the section for me to indicate what I and my 'guest' would like to eat...guest? Hello! My parents and sister all know I'm single and not I'm about to bring a 'date' to my only sister's wedding. Frankly, the only real purpose the invite serves is for me to indicate whether I want fish or meat so my sister knows what counts to give the caterer.

Oh well. It is, for the record, a beautiful invitation, simple and elegant, with calligraphy done by my mother's best friend from high school. And since I'm a (closeted) sentimental romantic fool, I'll definitely be saving it.