Writing A Heartfelt Wedding Invitation: A Simple Guide

Writing a wedding invitation can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. The most important thing to remember is to include all the essential details, such as the couple's full names, the hosts, the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception details. Here's a simple guide to help you create the perfect wedding invitation:

Host Line:

Start by mentioning the hosts of the wedding, usually the couple's parents or the couple themselves. For example: Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter, Jane, to Mr. Edward Brown.

Request Line:

This is where you invite your guests to join the celebration. You can use phrases such as invite you to share in our joy or request the honour of your presence.

Couple's Names:

Traditionally, the bride's name comes first, followed by the groom's. However, for same-sex couples, you can choose the order that sounds better or goes in alphabetical order.

Date, Time, and Location:

Provide the wedding date, time, and location details. For formal invitations, spell out the date and time in full. For casual invitations, using numbers is fine.

Reception Details:

If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, simply mention reception to follow. Otherwise, provide the full address of the reception venue.

Dress Code (Optional):

Including dress code information is optional but can be helpful for guests. You can mention it at the bottom of the invitation or on a separate details card.

RSVP Details:

Include a separate RSVP card with a reply-by date, or instruct guests to respond digitally through your wedding website.

Remember to proofread your invitation thoroughly and consider including enclosure cards for additional information, such as travel arrangements or accommodation. Now you're ready to create elegant and informative wedding invitations!

Who to Include

When it comes to wedding invitations, the "who" to include is a multifaceted question. Not only do you need to consider the names of the people getting married and the hosts, but also the guests you are inviting and how to address them. Here is a detailed breakdown of the "who" to include in your wedding invitations:

The Couple

The wedding invitation should include the names of the couple getting married, with the names displayed in larger, legible text. For heterosexual couples, the bride's name traditionally comes first, but modern invitations allow for flexibility, and couples can order their names however they prefer. LGBTQIA+ couples may choose to list their names alphabetically, by age, or however, they see fit. Middle names can be included but are often dropped if the names become too long.

The Hosts

The host line typically appears at the top of the invitation and includes the name(s) of the event's host(s), usually the people paying for the wedding. This could be one set of parents, both sets of parents, the couple themselves, or the couple together with their parents. If multiple parties are hosting and you want to include their names, this is more common for formal invitations. If the couple is hosting themselves, the host line can be omitted.

The Guests

The outer envelope of your invitation should include the names of the guests you are inviting. Ensure you have the correct spelling and preferred titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss, or the gender-neutral Mx.). If children are invited, you can address the envelope to "The [Last Name of the Family]." If it's an adults-only event, use the parents' names, for example, "John and Victoria Smith."

Plus Ones

If you are allowing guests to bring a plus one, you can indicate this by writing the guest's name and "Guest" on the envelope. If you prefer a more intimate gathering without plus ones, simply address the envelope to the invited guest(s) by name.

How to Word the Invitation

The wording of your wedding invitation is important as it sets the tone for your wedding and lets guests know what to expect. The good news is that there are no hard and fast rules, and you can be creative with your wording. However, there are some essential elements that you should include, and there are some useful conventions that you may want to follow.

The Host Line

The host line is where you name the people hosting the wedding (i.e. paying for it). This is usually the couple, one set of parents, or both sets of parents. You can also include other family members, such as step-parents, or say 'together with their families' if multiple people are contributing. If the couple is hosting, you can skip the host line or replace it with a warm and welcoming introduction.

The Request Line

The request line is where you invite your guests to join the celebration. This is usually a formal phrase such as 'request the honour of your presence' or 'request the pleasure of your company'. For a non-religious ceremony or a more casual wedding, you might prefer something like 'invite you to celebrate with them' or 'would love for you to join them'.

The Couple's Names

The couple's names should be front and centre on the invitation. For heterosexual couples, the bride's name is usually listed first; for same-sex couples, you can go in alphabetical order or choose whatever sounds better. You may want to include middle names or full legal names, especially for a formal wedding.

The Date, Time and Location

Be sure to include the date, time and location of the ceremony. For a formal invitation, spell out the date and time in full (e.g. 'Saturday, the eleventh of June two thousand and twenty-three at twelve o'clock in the afternoon'). For a casual invitation, you can use numbers (e.g. 'June 11, 2024, 12:00 pm'). Include the street address if the venue is private or there is a risk of confusion.

Reception Details

If the reception is at the same location, you can simply say 'reception to follow' or 'dinner and dancing to follow'. If it is at a different location, include the address on a separate line or card.

Dress Code

Including dress code information is optional but can be helpful for guests. If you don't include it, guests will infer the dress code from the formality of the invitation. If your wedding is black tie, you must include this on the invitation.

RSVP Details

You can include an RSVP card with your invitation or provide details for an online RSVP. The RSVP deadline is usually about three to four weeks before the wedding.

Date, Time and Location

When it comes to the date, time and location of your wedding, there are a few key things to include in your invitations.

Date

Firstly, it's important to write out the date in full. For a formal invitation, this would be written as:

> Saturday, the eleventh of June two thousand and twenty-three

For a more casual affair, you could use numerals and write the date as:

> 11/06/2023

Time

Again, for a formal wedding invitation, it's best to spell out the time. For example:

> twelve o'clock in the afternoon

For a casual invite, you could use numbers and write:

> 12:00 pm

Location

For the location, include the name of the venue and its full address. If you're having a destination wedding, it's a good idea to include the country as well. If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you can simply write:

> Reception to follow

If they're at different venues, include the reception venue and address on a separate line.

Reception Details

The reception details are an important part of your wedding invitation, giving your guests a clear idea of what to expect after the ceremony. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft 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". If the reception is at a different location, include the full address on a separate card or on the same invitation, followed by the phrase "Reception to follow".

Time

If the reception is not immediately after the ceremony, include the time. For a formal invitation, spell out the time, e.g. "half after four in the afternoon". For a casual invitation, you can use numbers, e.g. "4:30 pm".

Activities

Give your guests an idea of the activities planned for the reception. For example, "Dinner and dancing to follow" or "Drinks and canapes to follow". If you're not serving a full meal, you can say something like, "Join us after the ceremony for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and dancing."

Dress Code

Including the dress code on the invitation is optional, but it can be helpful for your guests. If you don't include it, the style of your invitation will give guests an indication of the formality of the event. If you do include it, place this information in the lower right corner of the invitation. For a black-tie event, this is mandatory.

Separate Reception Card

For a very formal invitation, include the reception details on a separate card. This card can also include additional information such as travel and accommodation details, attire suggestions, parking information, and a link to your wedding website.

Examples

• "Reception immediately following the ceremony"
• "Dinner and dancing to follow"
• "Cake, punch, and merriment to follow"
• "An evening of celebration to follow"
• "Reception to follow at [address]"
• "Dinner to follow at [address]"
• "Followed by an evening of celebration"
• "Dinner and dancing to follow at [address]"

Dress Code

When it comes to dress code, there are a few options for how and where to include this information in your wedding invitations. Here are some suggestions for wording and placement to ensure your guests know what to wear:

Where to Include the Dress Code

• Lower left or right-hand corner of the invitation
• Bottom centre of the invitation
• Separate information or details card included with the invitation
• Wedding website, especially if there are multiple events (e.g., welcome reception, wedding day, post-wedding brunch) with different dress codes

How to Word the Dress Code

The wording of the dress code should be consistent with the tone and style of the rest of your invitation. Here are some examples of dress code wording for different levels of formality:

White Tie or Full Evening Dress

"White tie. We ask that men wear tailcoats and women wear floor-length evening gowns or ball gowns. Top hats and gloves are encouraged."

Black Tie

"Black tie. We ask that men wear a tuxedo, and women wear a floor-length gown. Black tie does not mean you must wear black."

Black-Tie Optional

"Black-tie optional. We ask that men wear a tuxedo or a dark suit and tie, and women wear an evening gown or a midi or knee-length cocktail dress."

Formal or Black Tie Optional

"Formal attire. We suggest that men wear a suit in any colour, and women wear a floor-length gown, a knee-length cocktail dress, a pantsuit, or dressy separates."

Lounge Suit or Semi-Formal

"Semi-formal attire. We suggest that men wear a classic suit or tux with a tie, and women wear formal evening wear, such as a floor-length dress or an evening pantsuit."

Jacket and Tie

"Jacket and tie. Men are invited to wear a sports jacket, suit jacket, or blazer with chinos and a tie. Women should wear a cocktail dress that is shorter than floor-length, a pantsuit, or dressy separates."

Cocktail Attire

"Cocktail attire. We suggest that men wear a suit (tie optional) or a sports jacket and dress shirt. Women can wear a dress or skirt with a hem above the knee or dressy separates."

Smart Casual

"Smart casual. Wedding guests are asked to dress neatly. For men, dark denim, chinos, or suit pants with a neat shirt are appropriate. Women can wear a skirt or smart trousers."

Remember, it's essential to provide clear guidance on the dress code to ensure your guests feel confident in their attire choices and to prevent anyone from showing up inappropriately dressed.

Frequently asked questions