Wording Your Wedding Invitation: Etiquette And Examples

Wedding invitations are an important part of the planning process. They set the tone for the wedding and convey critical information. The wording of a wedding invitation should provide all the essential details, including the couple's full names, the hosts of the nuptials, the ceremony location, and the reception venue. Here's a breakdown of the key components to help you word your wedding invitations.

Host Line: Names the hosts of the wedding

The host line is the opening line on a wedding invitation and it names the hosts of the event. If multiple parties are hosting, you only need to include names if you're going for a formal feel. If you're hosting the wedding yourselves, this line can be omitted.

One Set of Married Parents Hosting

Include the parents' full names (with middle names for very formal weddings). If they have different last names, write "and" to join the two names.

• 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)

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.

Both Sets of Parents Hosting

For different-sex couples, list the bride's parents' names at the top of the invite, followed by 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. Aaron Wong and Mr. and Mrs. Adam Hollis (formal)
• Aaron and Alisha Wong together with Adam and Beatrice Hollis (less formal)

Couple Is Hosting With Their Families

When the couple and both of their families are contributing to the cost of the wedding, many choose to add a line such as "Together with their families" as the host line.

• Together with their families
• Together with our families
• Together with their parents

Couple Is Hosting

If the couple is hosting the wedding themselves, you can skip the host line altogether or start the invitation wording with a warm and welcoming introduction, such as:

• Together with full hearts
• With hearts full of love and joy

Attendance Request: Lets guests know they're invited

The attendance request is a crucial part of a wedding invitation, letting guests know they're invited and what they're being invited to. Here are four to six paragraphs with examples of attendance requests for wedding invitations:

Formal Wedding Invitation Wording

A formal wedding invitation sets the tone for a formal and elegant affair. The request to attend is usually worded in a traditional manner. Here are some examples:

> Mr. and Mrs. John L. Smith request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their son Jack Alexander to Mason Jacob Kim.

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> Kenzie M. Smith and Jennifer L. Smith, together with Mark Franklin and Mary Elizabeth Reyes, request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their children, Olivia Rose and John Michael.

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> The honor of your presence is requested at the marriage of Jack Alexander Smith and Mason Jacob Kim.

Fun Wedding Invitation Wording

If you're planning a fun and lively celebration, your wedding invitation wording can reflect that. Here's how you can word the attendance request with a touch of fun:

> John and Betty Smith invite you to raise a glass and join the celebration of their son Jack Alexander and Mason Jacob Kim.

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> Kenzie Smith and Jennifer Smith, together with Mark Franklin and Mary Reyes, hope you'll join us on the dance floor to celebrate the marriage of Olivia Rose and John Michael.

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> Come party with us! Jack Alexander Smith and Mason Jacob Kim are tying the knot!

Casual Wedding Invitation Wording

For a small and intimate wedding or a more casual affair, a relaxed and conversational tone is perfect for the attendance request:

> John and Eliza Smith invite you to share in their joy as their son Jack Alexander marries Mason Kim.

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> Kenzie and Jennifer Smith, along with Mark and Sally Reyes, invite you to celebrate the marriage of their children, Olivia Rose and John Michael.

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> Jack Alexander Smith and Mason Jacob Kim invite you to share in their joy as they exchange wedding vows.

Creative Wedding Invitation Wording

If you want to think outside the box, feel free to add a creative twist to your attendance request:

> It's a wedding! John and Eliza Smith invite you to a celebration as their son Jack Alexander weds Mason Jacob Kim.

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> Kenzie and Jennifer Smith, together with Mark and Sally Reyes, can't wait to celebrate with you at the marriage of their children, Olivia Rose and John Michael.

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> Good food, good drinks, good friends—Jack Smith and Mason Kim request your presence as they get hitched!

Modern Wedding Invitation Wording

Modern wedding invitation wording often puts a contemporary spin on traditional phrasing. Here's how you can word the attendance request with a modern touch:

> With much love, John and Eliza Smith invite you to celebrate as their son Jack Alexander weds Mason Jacob Kim.

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> Kenzie and Jennifer Smith, together with Mark and Sally Reyes, hope you will grace us with your presence at the marriage of Olivia Rose and John Michael.

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> Jack Smith and Mason Kim would love to eat wedding cake with you to celebrate their special day!

Couple's Names: The main event

The main event: the couple's names!

There are a few different ways to format the names of the couple, depending on who is hosting the wedding. If the bride's parents are hosting, the bride's name traditionally comes first, followed by the groom's full name. If the groom's parents are hosting, the groom's name comes first, followed by the bride's full name. For same-sex couples, the wording of the host line may dictate whose name comes first. If one set of parents is hosting, their child's name should follow. If the couple is hosting themselves, the order of the names is up to them.

Traditionally, the bride's and groom's full legal names are used, but it is acceptable to omit middle and/or last names. If the bride's parents' names are listed at the top, the bride's name can just be her first and middle name. In modern invitations, couples may choose to go with what sounds better or use alphabetical order.

• Jack Alexander Smith and Mason Jacob Kim
• Jack Smith and Mason Kim
• Jack Alexander Smith & Mason Jacob Kim
• Mason Jacob Kim and Jack Alexander Smith

Date and Time: Usually spelled out in full for formal invites

When it comes to formal wedding invitations, the date and time are traditionally spelled out in full. For example, if your wedding is on the 15th of September 2024 at 4:30 p.m., the wording should be "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-four, at half after four in the afternoon". Here are some more tips to keep in mind:

Day and Month

• The day of the week and the month should be capitalised, and there should be a comma between the day and the date. For example, "Saturday, the tenth of May".
• If the date falls between the 21st and 31st of the month, use a hyphen between the tens and ones, e.g. "Saturday, the twenty-eighth of May".
• The year is usually on a separate line from the day and month. There is no comma between the month and year, and no "and" in the year, e.g. "two thousand sixteen".

Time of Day

• The time of day should be spelled out as "four o'clock" or "half after four o'clock".
• Evening begins at five o'clock. From noon until 4:30 p.m. is considered the afternoon.
• You don't need to specify "in the morning", "in the afternoon", or "in the evening" unless the time is between noon and 10 o'clock, where there could be confusion over whether it's morning or evening.
• Formal invitations traditionally say "half after" rather than "half past".
• The time should be written in lowercase letters.

Consistency and Presentation

• Be consistent with the date and time formatting throughout your invitation suite, including any response cards.
• While it's generally recommended to spell out the date and time in full for formal invitations, you can use numerals for a more modern or casual look. Just ensure the font you choose is legible.
• Work with a stationer to find the best wording and layout for your invitations.

Location: Include the full address for destination weddings

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to include all the essential details, such as the couple's full names, the hosts, the ceremony location, and the reception venue. For destination weddings, it's crucial to provide the full address of the venue to ensure your guests can easily find it, especially if it's in an unfamiliar location. Here are some paragraphs to help you craft your wedding invitations with a focus on providing clear location details:

Location Details for Destination Weddings

For destination weddings, it's important to include the full address of the venue to ensure your guests can easily find it. The address should include the venue name, street address, city, state, and zip code. If your wedding is taking place abroad, be sure to include the country as well. Here is an example:

"The Ritz-Carlton Hotel

1234 Ocean Boulevard

Miami, Florida 33131

United States"

Including the full address ensures that your guests, especially those travelling from out of town, can navigate to the correct location without any confusion. It's a crucial detail that will help your guests feel confident about their travel plans and attendance at your special day.

Providing Clear Directions

Consider including a small map or directions on a separate insert card to make it easier for your guests to find the venue, especially if it's located in a remote area or has limited signage. You can also include the wedding website URL, where guests can find additional information and even a link to Google Maps for convenient navigation. Clear directions will ensure that your guests arrive on time and without any stress.

Venue Contact Information

In addition to the full address, consider providing the venue's contact information, such as a phone number or email address. This is especially helpful for destination weddings, as it allows your guests to reach out directly to the venue for any queries or clarifications. It adds a layer of convenience and assurance, knowing that your guests can easily access the necessary information.

Local Accommodation Options

For destination weddings, it's a thoughtful touch to include a list of local accommodation options near the venue. This can be included on a separate insert card or on your wedding website. Providing a range of options, from hotels to Airbnbs, will help your guests find suitable lodging and enhance their overall experience during your special celebration.

Transportation and Travel Details

If your wedding venue is in a remote location or has limited parking, consider providing transportation options or travel details for your guests. You can include a shuttle service schedule or recommend car rental companies for out-of-town guests. This ensures that your guests have a smooth journey to and from the venue, adding to their overall enjoyment of the celebration.

Remember, the key to successful wedding invitation wording is to provide essential details while keeping the text concise and clear. Focus on the who, what, where, and when, and don't overload your invitations with excessive text. By following these guidelines, you'll create elegant and informative invitations that excite your guests about your upcoming destination wedding.

Frequently asked questions