How to word your Wedding Invitations
Wording your wedding invitations is an important step in setting the tone for your big day. Here’s a guide with various wording styles to suit different wedding themes, levels of formality, and situations:
Traditional Formal Wedding Invitation Wording
For formal, traditional weddings, the hosts (often the bride’s parents) are mentioned first, and full names and titles are used.
Example:
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Emily Grace Smith
to
Mr. James Alexander Johnson
Saturday, the fifth of June
Two thousand twenty-four
at half-past four in the afternoon
The NoMad Hotel
Modern Formal Wedding Invitation Wording
For a modern twist while still maintaining a formal tone, the language is more flexible, and you can include both sets of parents or just the couple.
Example:
Together with their families
Emily Grace Smith
and
James Alexander Johnson
request the pleasure of your company
at their wedding celebration
Saturday, June 5, 2024
at 4:30 in the afternoon
Euridge Manor
Casual Wedding Invitation Wording
For a relaxed, informal wedding, the invitation can have a friendly and casual tone.
Example:
Join us for the wedding of
Emily and James
June 5, 2024
4:30 PM
The Brewery
Dinner and dancing to follow!
Destination Wedding Invitation Wording
For destination weddings, include important details like travel information or a website link for more information.
Example:
Pack your bags!
Emily Grace Smith
and
James Alexander Johnson
are getting married in paradise
June 5, 2024
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Divorced or Deceased Parents
If a parent is divorced or deceased, it can be delicately acknowledged while keeping the invitation elegant.
Example with Divorced Parents:
Mr. John Smith and Ms. Sarah Thompson
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Emily Grace Smith
to
Mr. James Alexander Johnson
Saturday, June 5, 2024
at half-past four in the afternoon
Middleton Lodge Estate
Example with Deceased Parent:
Ms. Sarah Thompson
requests the honour of your presence
at the wedding of her daughter
Emily Grace Smith
to
Mr. James Alexander Johnson
daughter of the late
Mr. John Smith
Saturday, June 5, 2024
Battersea Arts Centre
Same-Sex Wedding Invitation Wording
Use the format that suits your wedding style, just as you would with any other couple.
Example:
Together with their families
Emily Grace Smith
and
Sophia Marie Brown
request the pleasure of your company
at their wedding celebration
Saturday, June 5, 2024
4:30 in the afternoon
Cowdray Walled Garden
Post-Ceremony Reception Invitation
For couples who are having a small ceremony but inviting more guests to the reception.
Example:
We tied the knot!
Join us for a celebration in honour of
Emily and James
Saturday, June 12, 20246:00 PM
Larmer Tree Gardens
Key Elements of a Wedding Invitation:
Host Line: Who’s hosting (e.g., parents, couple, or families).
Request Line: How the invitation is extended ("request the honour of your presence" for formal, "join us for the celebration" for casual).
Names: Full names for formal, first names for casual.
Date and Time: Write out full numbers and dates for formal invites, short formats for casual.
Location: Full address if necessary.
Reception Info: Include a reception line or separate card if the reception is elsewhere.
RSVP Info: Include an RSVP card or website for responses.
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