Crafting The Perfect Wedding Invitation Letter

Creating a wedding invitation letter is an important step in the wedding planning process. It is one of the first elements of your wedding that guests will see, and it sets the tone for the event. Whether you are planning a formal or informal wedding, there are some essential elements that should be included in your invitation. These include the names of the couple, the request to attend, the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception, and any dress code or post-ceremony plans. You can also add personal touches, such as engagement photos or a wedding hashtag. When it comes to the design, you can choose from a variety of styles, including modern, boho, simple, elegant, and vintage, and you can customize your invitation with monograms, symbols, borders, and patterns. To make it easier, many websites offer free templates that you can use to create your own invitations, which you can then print and send to your guests.

What to include in a wedding invitation letter

There are several key elements that you should include in a wedding invitation letter. Here is a detailed breakdown of what to include:

Host Line

The opening line of a wedding invitation usually names the hosts of the event, i.e., the party covering the expenses. Traditionally, this would be the bride's parents, but nowadays, it could also be the groom's parents, the bride and groom themselves, or a combination of all three. If multiple parties are hosting and you want to include their names, this is typically done for formal invitations. If the couple is hosting the wedding themselves, this line can be omitted. Here are some examples of host lines for different scenarios:

• "Mr. & Mrs. Jon Flores request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Talia Camila Flores to Stephen Anthony Byrne."
• "Talia Camila Flores & Stephen Anthony Byrne request the honor of your company at the celebration of their union."
• "Together with their parents, Talia Flores & Stephen Byrne invite you to share in their joy as they tie the knot."

Attendance Request

The attendance request lets guests know exactly what they are being invited to. This is where you can include phrases such as "request the pleasure of your company", "invite you to celebrate with them", or "would love for you to join them". For same-sex couples, you can choose whichever name comes first, as there is no traditional rule to follow.

Couple's Names

The names of the couple are usually displayed in larger, possibly fancy text. Traditionally, the bride's name comes first, followed by the groom's full name and title. However, this tradition is not mandatory, and you can choose to list the names alphabetically or simply go with what sounds better.

Date and Time

The date and time are essential details to include. In formal invitations, the date and time are usually spelled out in full, while modern invites often use numerical figures. If using numerals, choose a legible font to avoid confusion (e.g., a "2" that looks like a "5").

Location

Provide the name and full address of the wedding venue, including the state and zip code. If the wedding is abroad, include the country as well. 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 details card tucked into the invitation.

Reception Details

If the reception is not immediately following the ceremony, include the time. You can also mention any post-ceremony plans your guests should be aware of, such as "dinner and dancing to follow" or "cocktails, dinner, and dancing to follow".

Dress Code (Optional)

Including dress code information is not compulsory, but it can be helpful for your guests. You can mention the dress code in the lower corner or bottom centre of the invite, or use a separate details card or your wedding website to convey this information.

How to word a wedding invitation

Wedding invitations typically follow a standard format, with a few variations depending on the hosts, the formality, and the type of ceremony. Here is a guide on how to word a wedding invitation:

The Host Line

The host line is where you name the people hosting the wedding. This is usually the couple's parents, both sets of parents, or the couple themselves. Here are some examples:

• "Together with their families"
• "Together with our families"
• "Together with their parents"
• "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith" (for formal invites)
• "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" (more casual)
• "Christopher and Sarah Williams" (less formal)

If the couple is hosting, you can skip the host line or start with a warm introduction:

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

The Request Line

This is where you invite your guests to attend your wedding celebration. Here are some examples:

• "Request the honour of your presence" (traditionally used for religious services)
• "Request the pleasure of your company"
• "Invite you to celebrate with them"
• "Would love for you to join them"

The Couple's Names

The names of the couple are usually displayed in larger text and sometimes in a fancy typeface. For heterosexual couples, the bride's name typically comes first. For same-sex couples, you can list names alphabetically or based on design preference.

The Date, Time, and Location

Include the date, start time, and wedding venue. For formal invites, spell out the date, time, and state. Include the street address for destination weddings or out-of-town guests. Here are some examples:

• "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-one, at half after four in the afternoon"
• "Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon"
• "Venue Name, City, State"

The Reception Details

If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, simply write "Reception to follow." Otherwise, include the full address on a separate card. Here are some examples:

• "Dinner and dancing to follow"
• "Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and dancing to follow"
• "Feasting and merriment to follow"

Dress Code (Optional)

Including a dress code is helpful for guests. If you're having a black-tie wedding, it must be included. Here are some examples:

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

Other Considerations

You may include an insert card with additional information like directions, transportation, and lodging. It's also a good idea to include your wedding website, but not on the main invitation card.

How to design a wedding invitation

Designing a wedding invitation is an exciting part of the wedding planning process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you create your dream wedding invitation:

Step 1: Choose a Style

Decide on a style that reflects your wedding theme and your personality as a couple. Are you going for a rustic, elegant, modern, or minimalist look? You can browse online templates for inspiration and choose a design that speaks to you.

Step 2: Select a Colour Scheme

Pick a colour scheme that complements your wedding colours or the style you've chosen. This could be a classic black and white combination, pastel shades, or a vibrant palette.

Step 3: Gather Information

Ensure you have all the necessary details to include on the invitation. This includes:

• Host Line: Traditionally, the host line names the hosts of the event, usually the parents of the bride or groom, or both. However, nowadays, couples often host the wedding themselves and may choose to omit this line.
• Attendance Request: This is where you invite guests to attend, using phrases like "request the pleasure of your company" or "invite you to celebrate with us."
• Couple's Names: The names of the couple take centre stage and are usually displayed in larger, possibly fancier, text.
• Date and Time: For formal invitations, spell out the date and time (e.g., "Saturday, the eleventh of June two thousand and twenty-three at twelve o'clock in the afternoon"). For modern or casual invitations, you can use numerical figures.
• Location: Include the name and full address of the wedding venue, including the state and zip code, or country if it's abroad.
• Reception Details: If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you can simply state "reception to follow." Otherwise, include the full address and other details on a separate card.
• Dress Code (Optional): You can include this in the lower corner or use a separate card to share dress code information.

Step 4: Add Personal Touches

Make your invitation unique and special by adding personal touches. You can include engagement photos, monograms, symbols, borders, or patterns. You can also incorporate meaningful phrases like "forever and always" or "getting hitched."

Step 5: Finalize and Print

Once you've gathered all the information and designed your invitation, it's time to finalize and decide on a printing option. You can print the invitations yourself, use a professional printing service, or send them digitally to your guests' email addresses or via social media.

Remember, your wedding invitation sets the tone for your big day, so choose a design that represents you and your partner and includes all the essential details for your guests.

How to address wedding invitations

When addressing wedding invitations, it's important to consider the formality of your wedding, the relationship status of your guests, and their preferred titles or prefixes. Here are some guidelines on how to address wedding invitations:

General Rules for Addressing Wedding Invitations:

• If you're having a casual wedding, you may omit titles and use first names only. For more formal weddings, it's better to use courtesy titles and full names.
• Avoid using nicknames or abbreviations.
• If you're using only one envelope, include all invited guests' names on the outer envelope.

Addressing Married Couples:

• For heterosexual couples with the same last name, the traditional format is "Mr. and Mrs. [Husband's Full Name]." However, many modern couples prefer to include both first names, e.g., "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and Michelle Warren."
• For heterosexual couples with different last names, write their full names with "Mr." or "Mrs." on the outer envelope, e.g., "Mrs. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez."
• For same-sex married couples, use the appropriate prefixes and list names alphabetically or according to whom you are closer to, e.g., "Mr. Denzel Grant and Mr. Francis Grant."

Addressing Unmarried Couples:

• For unmarried couples living together, list their full names on one or two lines, leading with the person you are closer to, e.g., "Ms. Alysson Schulz and Mr. Ricardo Gonzales."
• If the unmarried couple doesn't live together, send separate invitations to each guest.

Addressing Single Individuals:

• For unmarried women, use "Miss" if she is under 18, and "Ms." if she is 18 or older, e.g., "Ms. Stephanie Chen."
• For unmarried men, use "Mr." if he is 18 or older, otherwise, no title is needed, e.g., "Mr. James Montgomery."
• For non-binary individuals, use the abbreviation "Mx." followed by their full name, e.g., "Mx. Courtney Andrews."

Addressing Families:

• If you want to invite the entire family, address the outer envelope to the whole family or just the parents, e.g., "The Thompson Family" or "Mr. and Mrs. Alan Thompson."
• If you want to specify which family members are invited, list the parents' names first, followed by the children's names in order of age, omitting their last names, e.g., "Mr. and Mrs. Alan Thompson, Roger, Chance, Miss Jennifer, and Miss Lily."
• Children over the age of 18 should receive separate invitations.

Addressing Guests with Distinguished Titles:

• For guests with distinguished titles, such as doctors, military personnel, judges, or clergy, use their titles in the address.
• When inviting two married doctors, address them as "The Doctors [Last Name]."
• For a married couple where one is a doctor, list the doctor's name first, e.g., "Doctor Sophie Peterson and Mr. Tyrone Peterson."
• If both partners have distinguished titles, list the person with the higher rank first, regardless of gender, e.g., "The Honorable Audrey Gilmour and Mr. Rafael Gilmour."

When to send out wedding invitations

When to send out your wedding invitations is a crucial aspect of planning your big day. The timing of your invites will impact not just your schedule but also that of your guests, so it's important to get it right. Here's a detailed and direct guide to help you navigate this aspect of wedding planning:

Save the Dates

Save the dates are preliminary notifications sent to your guests to inform them about your wedding plans and ensure they reserve your wedding day on their calendars. As a general rule, send out your save the dates six to eight months before the wedding. However, for destination weddings or weddings with many out-of-town guests, it is advisable to send them out nine to twelve months in advance to allow guests ample time to plan their travel and accommodations.

Wedding Invitations

The official wedding invitations should typically be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding date. This timeline gives your guests enough time to RSVP, plan their outfits, organise travel arrangements, and prepare gifts. However, if you have a large number of international guests or are planning a destination wedding, it is considerate to send the invitations out twelve weeks in advance. This earlier timeline ensures that your guests have enough time to make the necessary arrangements and reflects your thoughtfulness and etiquette.

RSVPs

It is recommended that you request RSVPs with a deadline of one month before your wedding date. This provides a brief window for guests to receive the invitation and make their decision while also giving your vendors enough advance notice to prepare supplies and finalise details. It is also a good idea to anticipate some late responses and follow up with guests who haven't responded by the deadline.

Frequently asked questions