How To Include Both Sets Of Parents On Wedding Invites

Wedding invitation etiquette has evolved over the years, and while there are traditional guidelines, modern practices allow for more flexibility and personalisation. One question that often arises is whether to include both sets of parents on wedding invitations, and if so, how to word the invitation gracefully. The answer depends on several factors, including financial contributions, family dynamics, and personal preferences.

Both sets of parents may be listed when both contribute equally to the wedding

Wedding invitation wording can be tricky, especially when it comes to including the names of both sets of parents. The traditional format for wedding invitations is to list the bride's parents first, followed by the groom's parents. This custom stems from the expectation that the bride's family would typically shoulder the wedding expenses. However, times have changed, and now it is common for both families to contribute equally. In such cases, both sets of parents can be listed on the upper portion of the invitation, indicating their joint hosting of the wedding.

For example, if the bride's parents are Mr. and Mrs. Jerry White, and the groom's parents are Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Callows, the invitation can be worded as follows:

> "Mr. and Mrs. Jerry White, along with Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Callows, request the honour of your presence at the marriage of Andrea Marie and Lucas Edward Callows."

Alternatively, if the couple prefers a more modern approach, they can choose to list both sets of parents' names separately, with the bride's parents' names appearing first. Here is an example:

> "Mr. and Mrs. Jerry White

>

> Together with Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Callows

>

> Request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their children, Andrea Marie and Lucas Edward Callows."

It is important to note that the decision on how to include parents' names on wedding invitations should ultimately be based on the couple's preferences and the dynamics of their families. Open communication with both sets of parents is crucial to ensure that everyone is comfortable with the chosen wording and that all contributions are appropriately acknowledged.

Including both sets of parents on wedding invitations is a wonderful way to showcase the unity and support of both families as the couple embarks on this new chapter of their lives together.

The bride's parents are usually mentioned first

When it comes to wedding invitation wording, the general rule is that the bride's parents are usually mentioned first, followed by the groom's parents. This custom has its roots in history, when the bride's family typically bore the financial burden of the wedding. Here is an example:

> "Mr. and Mrs. Anderson request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter, Miley Rose, to Eric Liu, son of Mr. and Mrs. Liu."

Nowadays, it is more common for both families or the couple themselves to share the expenses. In such cases, both sets of parents can be listed together at the top of the invitation, or the couple can opt to omit the parents' names altogether and host the wedding themselves. For example:

> "Together with their parents, Emma and Jax request the pleasure of your company..."

If the bride's parents are divorced or the bride has step-parents, the invitation wording can be adjusted to reflect this. For divorced parents, each parent's name can be listed separately, with a line break in between:

> "Mrs. Riley Larson, along with Mr. Jonathan Larson, requests the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter, Emily Elizabeth, to Mark Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Brown."

If the bride has step-parents, they can be included by naming them individually or referring to them as the biological parent's spouse:

> "Mr. and Mrs. Nolan Andrews-Butler, along with Mr. Bruno Walters and his spouse, request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter, Simone Louise, to Paul Lima, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jose Lima."

It is also possible to honour a deceased parent on the invitation by including the phrase "the late" before their name:

> "Margaret Jane, daughter of Mr. Gianelli and the late Mrs. Gianelli, and Xavier Francis Stephens, son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephens, request the honor of your presence..."

While these are the general guidelines for listing both sets of parents on wedding invitations, modern invitation etiquette allows for flexibility and personalisation. Ultimately, the wording should reflect the couple's preferences and the dynamics of their families.

Divorced or remarried parents are listed separately

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to consider family dynamics and sensitivities, especially when parents are divorced or remarried. In such cases, it is common to list each parent separately, along with their respective partners, if applicable. This approach ensures that everyone is acknowledged while also respecting the family's unique structure.

Separating Parents' Names

Separate the names of divorced or remarried parents with a line break to indicate their individual status. For example:

> "Mrs. Riley Larson

>

> along with Mr. Jonathan Larson, request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter, Emily Elizabeth, to Mark Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Brown…"

Including Step-Parents

If you have step-parents, you can include them in the invitation as well. You have the option to name them individually or refer to them as your biological parent's spouse. For instance:

> "Mr. and Mrs. Nolan Andrews-Butler

>

> along with Mr. Bruno Walters and his spouse, request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter, Simone Louise, to Paul Lima, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jose Lima…"

Honouring Deceased Parents

If one of your parents has passed away, you can still include their name on the invitation as a way to honour their memory. For example:

> "Margaret Jane, daughter of Mr. Gianelli and the late Mrs. Gianelli, and Xavier Francis Stephens, son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephens, request the honor of your presence…"

Listing Divorced Parents as Hosts

When divorced parents are jointly hosting the wedding, you can list them separately as hosts on the invitation. Here's an example:

> "Mrs. Michelle Wright and

> Mr. John Monroe request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Elizabeth Ann Monroe to Kevin Charles Black, son of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Black."

Including Step-Parents as Hosts

If a parent has remarried and you want to include your step-parent as a host, keep their name on the same line as their spouse. For example:

> "Michelle & Timothy Wright request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of her daughter Elizabeth Ann Monroe to Kevin Charles Black, son of Barbara and Stanley Black."

Remember, the key is to be mindful of everyone's feelings and to reflect your family's unique structure in a way that feels right for you and your partner.

Deceased parents can be included as a way to honour their memory

Wedding planning can be a tricky business, with many traditions and expectations to navigate. One such convention is the inclusion of parents' names on wedding invitations. While this is not always done, it is still a popular choice for many couples.

In the case of deceased parents, there are ways to include them on the invitation as a way to honour their memory. This can be a thoughtful way to acknowledge their presence in the couple's lives, even if they are no longer physically present. Here are some ways to do this:

Using "The Late"

One way to include a deceased parent on a wedding invitation is to use the phrase "the late" before their name. For example, "The late Mr. John Smith and Mrs. Smith". This is a formal and respectful way to honour a deceased parent while still following traditional invitation etiquette.

Phrases to Honour Their Memory

Another approach is to use a phrase that indicates the parent's memory is being honoured. For example, "Margaret Jane, daughter of Mr. Gianelli and the late Mrs. Gianelli, and Xavier Francis Stephens, son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephens, request the honour of your presence...". This way, the deceased parent is still included, but the language is more flexible and personalised.

"Together with Their Families"

If there are concerns about including a deceased parent's name due to family dynamics or other sensitivities, a more general phrase like "together with their families" can be used. This option still acknowledges the support and presence of both families without specifically listing parents' names.

Consult with Your Partner and Families

It is important to discuss this decision with your partner and families. They may have insights or preferences that should be considered. For example, your partner may not feel comfortable including a deceased parent's name on the invitation and may prefer to honour them in a different way. Alternatively, they may have suggestions for how to word the invitation to include step-parents or other family members.

Ultimately, the decision to include deceased parents on wedding invitations is a personal one. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and couples should feel free to adapt traditions to suit their unique family structures and dynamics.

Step-parents can be included to show appreciation for their support

Wedding invitation wording can be a minefield, especially when it comes to navigating complex family dynamics. The good news is that modern wedding invitation etiquette allows for more flexibility and personalisation. Here are some tips to help you include step-parents on your wedding invitations as a way to show appreciation for their support:

Understanding Traditional Wedding Invitation Structure

Historically, the bride's parents were expected to shoulder the wedding expenses, so they are usually mentioned first on the invitation. This traditional way of structuring the invitation remains popular, even if financial expectations and obligations have changed. Here is an example:

> "Mr. and Mrs. Anderson request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter, Miley Rose, to Eric Liu, son of Mr. and Mrs. Liu."

Reflecting Your Family Structure

If you have step-parents, you can include them in the invitation to show your appreciation for their support. You can name them individually or refer to them as your biological parent's spouse. Here is an example:

> "Mr. and Mrs. Nolan Andrews-Butler, along with Mr. Bruno Walters and his spouse, request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter, Simone Louise, to Paul Lima, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jose Lima."

Including Step-Parents Who Have Played a Significant Role

If a step-parent has played a significant role in your life, it is appropriate to include their name on the same line as their spouse (your biological mother or father). For example:

> "Mr. John Michael Smith and Mrs. Jane Johnson request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter, Mary Smith, to Mr. Thomas Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs. Brown."

Handling Sensitive Dynamics

If you plan on including a step-parent, it is essential to consult your biological parents and consider their insights and feelings. This step is crucial, as one of your biological parents might object to including a step-parent. Although you have the final say in what goes on the invitation, open communication can help manage sensitivities and spare feelings.

Modern Twists on Traditional Etiquette

While tradition dictates specific rules, couples can now add twists to traditional etiquette. Ultimately, your wedding invitations should reflect your wedding day: a celebration of love and unity. Do what feels right for you and your partner, whether that means putting both sets of parents on top of the invitation or creating a unique way to include them.

Frequently asked questions