The 'On' Conundrum: Wedding Invitation Wording Explored

Wedding invitations are an important piece of the planning puzzle. They set the tone for the wedding and convey critical information. The wording of a wedding invitation typically includes the host line, a request line, the couple's names, the date, time, and location of the ceremony, and the reception details. The host line is where the name(s) of the event host(s) appear, usually the people paying for the wedding. The request line is an invitation for the guests to join the wedding celebration. The couple's names are then listed, followed by the ceremony details, including the date, time, and location. The reception details line comes at the end, notifying guests of the festivities to follow the ceremony.

The Host Line

Traditionally, the bride's parents are the hosts of the wedding and are named at the top of the invitation, even for very formal affairs. However, including the names of both sets of parents as hosts is a gracious option no matter who foots the bill. More and more couples these days are hosting their own weddings, or doing so together with their parents.

If it's a collaborative affair hosted and paid for by the couple and both sets of parents, you can use wording such as:

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

If you want to include the name of a parent who is deceased, you'll need to rearrange things a bit, as someone who has passed can't actually serve as a host. Try this, for example:

> Julia French, daughter of Mr. Adam French and the late Iris French, and Austin Mahoney, son of Mr. Camden and Elizabeth Mahoney, request the honor of your presence at their wedding on the fifth of May, two thousand seventeen at one o'clock in the afternoon...

If the couple's parents are divorced and you want to include both as hosts, you can include them all, keeping each parent on a separate line. If you're going to include the name of a stepparent, keep it on the same line as their partner.

> Dr. Vance and Elizabeth Gregory and Mr. James Abner and Lydia Abner and Mr. Harold and Jane Hyland invite you to the wedding of their children Amy Abner and Charles Hyland 01.06.18 | 4 p.m. Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church Newport, California Reception immediately after

For different-sex couples, list the bride's parents' names at the top of the invite, then the groom's parents' names. For same-sex couples, list the names according to preference or in the order that looks best with the invitation design.

• Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Timothy Williams (very formal; middle name is included)
• Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Williams (formal)
• Mr. and Mrs. Christopher and Sarah Williams (formal; includes both first names)
• Christopher and Sarah Williams (less formal)

For one set of divorced parents hosting, include the mother's name first, followed by the father's name. Do not use "and" to connect the two names; instead, give each name its own line.

If the couple is hosting with their families, many choose to add a line such as "Together with their families" as the host line.

The Request Line

Traditional and Formal Wording:

• "Request the honour of your presence" – This phrase is commonly used to denote a formal and religious ceremony. The British spelling of "honour" adds a touch of elegance and formality.
• "Request the pleasure of your company" – This option is more versatile and can be used for both religious and non-religious ceremonies.
• "The honour of your company is requested" – This variation combines the traditional phrasing with a modern twist.

Casual and Informal Wording:

• "Invite you to join us" – A simple and friendly invitation that sets a relaxed tone for the wedding.
• "Would love for you to join the celebration" – Expressing your joy and happiness, this phrasing makes guests feel valued.
• "Together with our families, we invite you to share our joy" – This option beautifully includes both the couple and their families in the invitation.
• "Invite you to witness our union"
• "Would be delighted by your presence"
• "Together with our families, we request your company"
• "Invite you to a celebration of love"
• "Kindly request the honour of your attendance"

Remember, the request line is an opportunity to set the tone for your wedding. Choose wording that reflects the style and atmosphere you wish to create. Whether you opt for traditional elegance or casual charm, make sure the phrasing aligns with the overall theme of your special day.

The Couple's Names

The names of the couple are the most important part of the wedding invitation. They are usually displayed in larger text and often in a fancy typeface.

For different-sex couples, the bride's name typically goes first, followed by the groom's name. If the bride's parents' names are listed at the top, the bride's name can just be her first and middle name (without her last name). In that case, the groom's name is either listed in full or his first and middle names are listed, followed by the line "Son of Mr. & Mrs. [Groom's Father's First Name] [Groom's Last Name]."

For same-sex couples, the traditional rule of the woman's name first and the man's name second is not applicable. Whether it's "Emily and Zara" or "Zara and Emily," it's going to be lovely either way. When writing their own names, same-sex couples can choose to go in alphabetical order or simply with what sounds better.

For a less formal feel, you may opt to list first names only.

Traditionally, the couple's full names, including middle names, are included on the wedding invitation. However, this is not mandatory, and you can choose to include only the first and last names or even just the first names if that is your preference.

If you want to include the name of a deceased parent, you will need to rearrange the wording. For example: "Julia French, daughter of Mr. Adam French and the late Iris French, and Austin Mahoney, son of Mr. Camden and Elizabeth Mahoney, request the honor of your presence at their wedding..."

If the couple's parents are divorced and you want to include both as hosts, you can include them all, keeping each parent on a separate line. If you're going to include the name of a stepparent, keep it on the same line as their partner.

• "The honor of your presence is requested at the marriage of Jack Alexander Smith to Mason Jacob Kim..."
• "Together with their families, Olivia Rose Smith and John Michael Reyes, together with their parents Kenzie M. Smith and Jennifer L. Smith, and Mark Franklin and Mary Elizabeth Reyes, request the honor of your presence at their wedding..."
• "Come party with us, Jack Alexander Smith and Mason Jacob Kim, are tying the knot..."
• "Jack Alexander Smith & Mason Jacob Kim invite you to share in their joy at their wedding..."
• "Together with their families, Jack Alexander Smith & Mason Jacob Kim, together with their parents, invite you to their wedding..."

Date, Time, and Location

The date, time, and location are essential elements of a wedding invitation. Here are some tips and examples to help you word this information effectively:

Date and Time:

For formal invitations, it is customary to write out the date and time in full. For instance:

> Saturday, the seventeenth of August two thousand twenty-four at half after four in the afternoon

Using numerals for the date and time is more common in modern or casual invitations:

> Saturday, 8/17/2024, 4:30 p.m.

If you opt for numerals, choose a legible font to avoid confusion (e.g., between "2" and "5"). Also, avoid using "a.m." or "p.m." in formal invitations; instead, specify "in the morning," "in the afternoon," or "in the evening."

Location:

Provide the name and full address of the venue, including the city, state, and zip code. If the wedding is abroad, include the country as well. For formal weddings, spell out the state name.

The street address is usually omitted unless it is necessary to include for clarity or the wedding is at a private residence.

If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you can simply state, "Reception to follow." If the reception is elsewhere, include the full address on a separate card or a details card tucked into the invitation.

> Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-one, at half after four in the afternoon

> The Ritz-Carlton

> 123 Wedding Lane

> City, State, Zip Code

Or:

> June 11, 2024, 12:00 pm

> Arctic Club Hotel

> 700 Third Avenue

> Seattle, Washington

Reception Details

The reception details are an important part of your wedding invitation. This is where you provide your guests with information about what to expect after the ceremony. Here are some tips and suggestions for crafting this section of your invitation:

Location

If your reception is at the same venue as the ceremony, you can simply state "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow". This lets guests know that they don't need to travel to a new location. If the reception is at a different venue, include the full address on a separate line or on a separate insert card.

Time

If your reception is not immediately following the ceremony, be sure to include the time. For formal invitations, spell out the time using "o'clock" or "half past". For example, "half past four o'clock" or "four o'clock in the afternoon". For casual invitations, using numerals is fine, e.g. "4:00 pm".

Festivities

Give your guests an idea of what type of festivities to expect. This could include dinner, drinks, dancing, cocktails, or any other activities you have planned. Here are some examples:

• "Dinner and dancing to follow"
• "Drinks and dancing to follow"
• "Cocktails, dinner and dancing to follow"
• "An evening of celebration to follow"
• "Dinner, drinks, and merriment to follow"

Dress Code

Including dress code information on your invitation is optional. However, if you are having a formal wedding or a specific theme, it can be helpful to give your guests a dress code to follow. Here are some examples:

• "Black-tie"
• "Formal attire"
• "Cocktail attire"
• "Beach casual"

Separate Reception Card

If you have a lot of information to include about the reception, consider adding a separate reception card to your invitation suite. This can be especially useful if your reception is at a different venue, as it allows you to include all the necessary details without crowding your main invitation.

Remember, the reception details section of your wedding invitation is a chance to get your guests excited about the festivities to come. Be clear and concise, but also feel free to add a touch of your personality and style to this section.

For more ideas and inspiration, consider looking at wedding invitation suites online or consulting with a stationery expert.

Frequently asked questions