Wedding invitations are little works of art that announce the most exciting news about your upcoming celebration. Getting the words just right means understanding both the time honored phrasing and the common pitfalls to sidestep.
Think of this guide as your friendly walkthrough, taking things step by step until you feel completely confident.
Expert Tips: What You Should Avoid In Your Wedding Invitations
A whole host of tiny details can trip you up when phrasing those invites. Consider this your cheat sheet of expert advice on which blunders to dodge so your stationery feels polished and intentional.
Don’t Tuck Extra Details Onto The Bottom Of The Wedding Invitation. The main card should hold only the classic essentials: the couple’s names plus the ceremony time and place. Everything else belongs on separate enclosure cards tucked neatly inside the envelope.
Don’t Print Crucial Information On The Back Of The Invitation. It is far too easy for guests to overlook details printed on the reverse side, and you definitely do not want anyone missing something important. Keep all key wording on the front.
Don’t Use The Bride’s Married Name. Referencing a future married name before the official change happens just leads to confusion among your guests. Stick with the name everyone knows right now.
Don’t Put The Line “No Kids” Directly On The Invitation. Wanting an adults only celebration is perfectly reasonable, but communicating it gracefully matters. The smoothest approach is placing that note on an enclosure card and subtly addressing the outer envelope to the specific adults invited rather than the whole family.
Wedding Invitation Wording Etiquette
A printing designer will likely show you endless samples, but the real task is picking the approach that feels most authentic to your family dynamic. Wedding etiquette extends to every corner of the planning process and your stationery sits right at the top of that list.
Here is a curated rundown of core etiquette principles paired with practical wording examples to guide you:
Use proper capitalization for names, professional titles, venues, days, and months, while keeping numbers in lowercase. The hosts traditionally have their names appear on the invitation alongside the couple’s names. Always list the ceremony venue and its full street address. The phrasing “request the honor of your presence” signals a ceremony held inside a house of worship. The phrasing “request the pleasure of your company” signals a ceremony set outside a religious institution. Resist the urge to overload your invitation with text. Stick to the hosts, the couple’s names, the venue, the date, and the time. Any extra logistics can live on a supplementary card. Proofread your invitation again and again, and even better, have a fresh set of eyes review it too.
Wedding Invitation Example
Breaking the invitation text into distinct blocks makes the process feel far less overwhelming. You can tweak, swap, or rearrange each segment until it reflects your personality perfectly.
Let these examples and pointers be your roadmap.
The Host Line
The host line spells out exactly who is doing the inviting. Historically, this spot was tied directly to who was footing the bill, though that connection has loosened over time.
The host line might list one set of parents, both sets of parents, the couple alongside their parents, or simply the couple standing on their own.
What If Any Parents are Deceased?
Honoring a parent who has passed away can be done beautifully by adding the phrase “the daughter/son of the late…” to the text.
What If Any Parents are Divorced and/or Remarried?
Navigating divorced or remarried parents requires a bit more finesse. Divorced parents can still appear side by side with titles like Ms. Maryann Smith and Mr. Fred Thomas as the parents of the bride or groom.
If a parent has remarried, you might phrase the line as Mr. and Mrs. Maryann Smith and Mr. Fred Thomas.
The Request Line
There truly is no single correct choice here; it all boils down to the feeling you want to create. The traditional route uses “request the pleasure of your company” for non religious venues and “request the honor of your presence” for ceremonies inside a sacred space.
Contemporary invitations, though, open up hundreds of fresh ways to phrase this invitation to gather.
The Names of Couple
The names of the people getting married absolutely need to stand out clearly. Customarily, the bride’s name appears first and the groom’s name follows.
For a same sex celebration, the partner whose family is hosting often appears first, though personal preference gets the final say here.
The Date and Time
Guests need to be able to read the date and time without any squinting. Plenty of couples still love the formal ring of “Half past three o’clock in the afternoon,” but many modern designs lean into a more relaxed, conversational style.
The Location
The ceremony venue name and its full street address should be listed clearly. This line often lands at the very bottom of the invitation and might appear in a slightly smaller font size.
Reception Information
Keep reception specifics on their own dedicated enclosure card. This card should detail the venue name, date, and start time of the reception, plus any notes about travel directions, parking logistics, and similar helpful hints.
Dress Code
Specifying a dress code works best on a separate card, or most commonly, it gets tucked onto the reception information card. Clarity eliminates guesswork.
Common phrases you will see include Black Tie, Black Tie Optional, Cocktail Attire, and Casual Attire.
RSVP Card
The RSVP card acts as your all important headcount tool. It needs a blank line for guests to write their names and indicate whether they will attend or not.
Many couples also use this card to let guests select their preferred entrée choice.
Wedding Invitation Wording Samples
There is zero pressure to follow a single rigid formula for your wording, but a handful of popular overarching styles do exist to get those creative wheels turning. From classic, time honored scripts to faith centered phrasing, this collection has you fully covered.
These samples will help you craft an invitation that feels made for your day alone.
Traditional Wedding Invitation Wording
Traditional wording is exactly what it sounds like: rooted in custom. It generally uses third person language, places the bride’s name before the groom’s, and spells out every date and time in full, elegant prose.
When Divorced Parents and Step-Parents are Hosts
Mariah Carol Griffith (mom’s name) Doctor and & Mrs. Brian Rupert Briggs (father and step mom’s name) request the pleasure of your company at the solemnization in holy matrimony of their daughter Tricia Anne and Ryan Chan Bennett son of Mom Name and Step-Dad Name His Dad’s Name Saturday, the ninth of November two thousand eighteen at four-thirty in the afternoon. Jolly Place 266 Miles venue Miami, Florida Light reception follows.
The color of the day: Green
When a Single Mom is a Host
Mariah Carol Griffith invites you to partake in the celebration of the marriage of her daughter Tricia Anne to Ryan Chan Bennett Saturday, the ninth of November two thousand eighteen at half-past six in the evening The Oak Park 266 Miles Avenue Miami, Florida Dinner and dancing follow Theme: A touch of champagne gold.
When The Couple Hosts Their Wedding
Together with their friends, families and four dogs Tricia Anne and Ryan Chan Bennett Request the honor of your presence as they Tie the knot Saturday, November Ninth, Two Thousand Eighteen At half-past four in the afternoon The Oak Park 266 Miles Avenue Miami, Florida. It is a bow tie affair.
Religious Wedding Invitation Wording
Faith based invitations often weave in mentions of God, divine blessings, and other sacred phrases that align with the couple’s spiritual beliefs and traditions.
God has blessed us with love and friendship. We, Sofia Smith and James Ray, have chosen to begin our new life together on Saturday, August 7, 2022 We joyously invite you to witness as we exchange marriage vows and celebrate with us at 11 o’clock in the morning Christ Chapel of the Valley 11059 Sherman Way Los Angeles
Mr. and Mrs. Smith request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Maria Smith to Jade Collins When they ask God’s blessing on their union And His presence in their new life together.
Formal Wedding Invitation Wording
Formal invitations use each person’s complete, unabbreviated name and spell out every date and time in their entirety. Abbreviations like “St.” should never appear here.
When the Groom’s Parents Host
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Rupert Briggs request the honor of your presence at the marriage of Ms. Tricia Anne to their son Mr. Ryan Chan Bennett on Saturday, the ninth of November, two thousand and eighteen at two o’clock in the afternoon. Notre Dame Catholic Cathedral Miami, Florida.
When the Parents of the Bride and Groom Host
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Rupert Briggs and Elder and Mrs. Castillo Stone Bennett request the honor of your presence at the marriage of Tricia Anne to Ryan Chan Bennett on Saturday, the second of November, two thousand and eighteen at three o’clock. Christian Pentecostal Missions Oak Avenue, Ontario.
When the Bride’s Parents Host, and Include The Groom’s Parents’
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Rupert Briggs request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter, Tricia Anne to Mr. Ryan Chan Bennett, son of Elder and Mrs. Castillo Stone Bennett Saturday, the ninth of August two thousand and eighteen at six o’clock. St. Thomas Anglican Cathedral Manitoba, Winnipeg.
Informal Wedding Invitation Wording
Informal wording takes a much more relaxed posture. It may or may not name a host, dates and times might appear as numerals rather than words, and the couple might choose to leave their parents’ names off the card entirely.
When the Bride’s Parents Host
Please share in our joy at the marriage of our daughter Tricia Anne Briggs to Ryan Chan Bennett November 09, 2022, at four o’clock. The Grand Oak Cafe Manitoba, Winnipeg Dinner and dancing to follow
When the Couple are the Hosts
You are invited to the marriage of Tricia Anne Briggs and Ryan Chan Bennett. We hope you will join us in celebrating our union on Saturday, the second of June, two thousand and eighteen at six o’clock.
Rock Gold Inn Miami, Florida Reception to follow immediately.
When the Groom’s Parents are the Hosts
We will be delectating with your presence at the marriage of Tricia Anne and our son Ryan Chan Saturday, November 09, 2018, at five – thirty-five The Green spring Resorts New York, New York. A reception will follow the ceremony at the same venue.
Modern Wedding Invitation Wording
Many couples today want their stationery to mirror a contemporary lifestyle. Modern designs often skip the parent host lines altogether since the couple might be throwing the event themselves, or they might pick a sleek font that dispenses with spelling out the full dates and times.
Modern Traditional Wedding Invitation
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Rupert Briggs cordially invite you to attend the wedding ceremony of their daughter Tricia Anne Briggs to Ryan Chan Bennett, son of Mr. & Mrs. Castillo Bennett Saturday the 2nd of November 2018. Ceremony to commence at 10 am All Saints Anglican Church Miami, Florida Followed by a formal celebration at 2 pm Grand Oak Resorts Miami, Florida.
Creative and Concise Wedding Invitation Wording
TRICIA & RYAN ArE TyInG ThE KnOt!!! Saturday The 2nd Of November 2018 CEREMONY/RECEPTION NAME At 1:00 PM Greenspring Resorts Miami, Florida.
Detailed and Modern Wedding Invite Wording
We request the pleasure of your company as we celebrate the marriage of Tricia & Ryan Saturday the ninth of November 2018 At 10:00 AM The wedding ceremony takes place At City Hall, Florida And reception begins by 1:00 PM at Greenville Hotel Miami, Florida. Dress: Tux affair Enclosed is RSVP for August 2016
Casual Wedding Invitation Wording
If your heart is set on a laid back celebration, your invitation should hum that same tune. A casual design can strip away the formalities and put the spotlight squarely on your names, the date, and the place.
Short Invite for When a Poetic Couple Hosts + Parents Included
Your love, friendship, and support have guided us to this day. Together with our parents, we invite you to share our joy and witness our love, as we exchange vows and celebrate our marriage.
Tricia and Ryan Saturday 16th November at 11 o’clock The Ascot Villa, Provence. A celebration with brunch, drinks, and dance will follow.
For Poetic Couples who are Forming a Blended Family + a Reverse in Whose Name Comes First
Something borrowed, something blue, our Love as old as Time as our vows we say. The earth and skies as witnesses, on our wedding day.
Kindly join Ryan & Tricia along with their adorable daughter and sons, Adele, Ace & Adam as they continue their life journey together a blended family, uniting under the law. Saturday, 16th November 2018 At 1:00 PM Cherokee drive Miami, Florida.
For Couples Who Want a Humorous Casual Wedding Invitation Wording
You are expressly invited to the wedding of Tricia & Ryan Saturday, the twenty-third of November two thousand and eighteen at five in the evening Grand Oak Park Miami, Florida Dinner, drinks, and some weird but exciting dancing follows after the ceremony See the RSVP card inside and kindly respond within two weeks. We will be attending your awesome wedding?
Indicate true or false.
Are you confused about it…? Who we are?
Where our wedding is?
Where to stay? What to do once you get into town?
Your feeding plan?
Visit our website for such information. (Drop URL)
Simple Wedding Invitation Wording
Sweetness and simplicity are a style all their own, and your wording can reflect that beautifully. Keeping it simple just means cutting away anything that doesn’t feel essential.
You might find yourself wanting to state only your names, the date, and the venue.
When the Couples’ Friends are the Host
With great joy, you are invited to celebrate the marriage of Tricia Anne Briggs and Ryan Chan Bennett Saturday, the twenty-third of November two thousand and eighteen at twelve forty-five in the afternoon. The Oakville Resorts 266 Oak Avenue Miami, Florida After a party of food, drinks and fun follows
When the Couple Hosts
Because you have shared in our lives and supported our love, we Tricia Anne Briggs and Ryan Chan Bennett requests the pleasure of your company at our marriage Saturday, the ninth of November two thousand and eighteen at half-past the hour or two in the afternoon. The Oakville Resorts 266 Oak Avenue Miami, Florida Reception follows immediately.
Short and Precise Simple Wedding Invite Wording
We’re getting hitched!!! Tricia & Ryan 23.11.2018 at 7:00 p.m. The Oakville Resorts A reception of light refreshments follows immediately.
Funny Wedding Invitation Wording
Giving your guests a good chuckle right from the mailbox is totally allowed. The most memorable funny invitations usually poke gentle fun at the wedding itself, maybe teasing about questionable dance moves, celebrating a little too hard, or something similarly playful.
Our parents will never ask us why we’re still unmarried. Want to break some steps with us?
Then we’d appreciate your response by June 6th, 2022.
If you respond on June 7th, come along with a chair and waffles. Derek (fiancé) waited 15,641 days for this to happen.
Life’s a beach, but their lives are about to get a lot better. You Are Cordially Invited to the Beach Wedding Of Angelica Adams and Kelsey Vandersmith Hope to “Sea” You There!
Unique Wedding Invitation Wording
When your wedding breaks the mold, your invitation should follow suit without hesitation. Unique wording can mean using only first names, kicking things off with a cherished quote, or finding a clever way to nod at a humorous situation.
You are cordially invited to the Joyful Wedding of Sarah Smith and Jackson Wang Please joins us in celebrating their blessed union Saturday, the tenth of August, two thousand twenty-one at three o’clock in the afternoon at St. Joseph’s Cathedral Hartford, CT
Two hearts, two souls, one love for all time It would give us great pleasure if you would join us on our wedding day Sofia Vanderberg and Mark Barren are to be wed on Saturday, the eighteenth of September two thousand twenty-two at 4 o’clock in the afternoon Seattle Tennis Club Seattle WA Dancing, food, and fun immediately after
Gay Wedding Invitation Wording
Inclusive invitation language celebrates love in its full, beautiful spectrum. It honors the individuality of LGBTQ+ couples and their stories by putting diversity and inclusion at the very center.
Choosing gender neutral phrasing makes every single guest feel truly seen. Steering clear of traditional gender specific roles and titles builds an atmosphere rooted in welcome and respect.
We, Linda and Anna invite you to share in our love as we exchange vows on the 26th of July, 2022 at 4:00 pm Westpoint Resort 665 West Ponte Road Port Jefferson, New York Please join us for a garden reception immediately after the ceremony
Robert Daniel and Markus Green cordially invite you to celebrate and share their special day as they will formally express their commitment to each other with family and friends present May 11, 2022, at 6:00 pm Lava Lake Lane Havasu, Colorado
Wedding Reception Invitation Wording
Planning a child free event means you need to share that boundary clearly, but you definitely do not want it to come across as abrupt or unwelcoming. Keep this message off the main invitation entirely.
Nestle it onto an enclosure card or tuck it into the reception details instead.
We are sorry, we cannot accommodate Grace and Sheila due to venue space. We hope you’d still come.
Rehearsal Dinner Invitation Wording
Crafting the rehearsal dinner invitation usually involves listing the date, time, location, and any special notes your guests will need, such as the attire. Typically, a rehearsal dinner invitation does not spotlight a host at the top.
Join us for bubbles and dinner After the wedding rehearsal for Maddie & Mason Tuesday June 8 8 p.m. The Wild West House 3675 Grange Close Raleigh, North Carolina Signature cocktails provided at the poolside before dinner. RSVP by June 6 madson@house.com
Wedding Shower Invitation Wording
Getting the wording right for a wedding shower invitation is a big piece of setting the stage for this pre wedding gathering. The phrasing creates the mood and delivers all the vital event details.
The language should mirror the couple’s personality, whether that voice is laid back, formal, deeply romantic, or rooted in tradition.
Join us for an elegant gathering as we honor timeless customs and traditions. The afternoon will be filled with gracious company, delightful refreshments, and cherished moments of celebration.
Your presence will add grace and warmth to this joyous occasion.
We’re beyond excited to celebrate our upcoming wedding with all of you! You’re invited to join us for a fun and laid back Wedding Shower.
We can’t wait to see your smiling faces and share this special moment with you.
Let’s enjoy good company, tasty treats, and lots of laughter as we prepare for our big day. It’ll be a relaxed affair, so come as you are and be ready to have a blast!
Looking forward to celebrating together!
Love is in the air, and our hearts are overflowing with joy as we prepare to tie the knot! We cordially invite you to join us for a romantic and enchanting Wedding Shower in honor of our upcoming union.
Find your perfect wedding invitations to set the tone for a smooth and memorable celebration worth cherishing.
Indulge in the ambiance of love as we gather to celebrate our journey together. It will be an evening of elegance, filled with delightful company, delectable treats, and heartfelt conversations.
Your presence will make this celebration truly magical.
Once that invitation lands in the mail, a wave of excitement will ripple through your guest list as they receive the wonderful news. Make sure you pick a design that reflects your personal style and the nature of your event.
Just as importantly, choose the right accompanying words to match it perfectly.