Elegant Ways To Sign Off Your Wedding Invitation

Wedding invitations are an important piece of the planning puzzle. They set the tone for the wedding and convey critical information. The invitation should include the following: a host line, a request line, the couple's names, the date, time and location of the ceremony, and the reception details. The invitation should also follow certain etiquette, such as including titles and full names, and considering how to address unmarried couples, single people, and families.

How to sign off a wedding invitation when hosted by one set of parents

The wording of a wedding invitation can be a tricky task, but it's an important one as it sets the tone for the wedding and conveys critical information. Here are some tips and examples to help you sign off a wedding invitation when it is hosted by one set of parents:

• Include the parents' full names: For a very formal invitation, use middle names as well. If the parents have different last names, write "and" to join their names. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Timothy Williams" (very formal with the middle name included) or "Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Williams" (a more standard formal option).
• Avoid using initials: It is more formal and respectful to write out full names.
• Use proper titles and capitalisation: Capitalise proper names and titles. Use courtesy titles such as "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Miss", or "Ms." and avoid abbreviations. For example, "Dr. Vance and Elizabeth Gregory".
• Include the request to attend: This is a crucial part of the invitation, and there are several ways to word this. For a formal invitation, you could use "request the pleasure of your company" or "request the honour of your presence". For a more casual invitation, you might say "invite you to share in their joy" or "hope you'll join us on the dance floor".
• Provide essential details: Make sure to include the date, time, and location of the wedding. For formal invitations, spell out the date, time, and address in full. For example, "Saturday, the ninth of September two thousand twelve at noon, Boone Hall, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina". For more casual invitations, you can use numbers and abbreviations, such as "July 10, 2010, at 6:30 p.m., Via Regina Teodolinda, 35, Como, Italy".
• Add reception details: If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you can simply say "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and merriment to follow". If the reception is at a different location, include the full address.
• Mention the dress code (if applicable): This is optional but can be helpful for guests. If you are having a black-tie event, it is important to include this information.
• Provide RSVP details: Let guests know how to respond to the invitation, such as by including an RSVP card with a stamped envelope or directing them to an online RSVP on your wedding website.

Formal invitation example:

> Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Lively invite you to share in the joy of the marriage uniting their daughter Blake Ellender to Ryan Rodney on Saturday, the ninth of September two thousand twelve at noon, Boone Hall, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Dinner and merriment to follow.

Casual invitation example:

> Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Simon Peter Blunt invite you to the marriage of Emily Olivia Leah and John Burke on July 10, 2010, at half past six in the evening, Via Regina Teodolinda, 35, Como, Italy. Food, wine, and merriment to follow.

How to sign off a wedding invitation when hosted by both sets of parents

There are many ways to sign off a wedding invitation when hosted by both sets of parents. Here are some examples of wording you could use:

Formal Wording

For a formal wedding invitation, you could use the following wording:

> Mr. and Mrs. [Father's First Name] [Father's Last Name] and Mr. and Mrs. [Mother's First Name] [Mother's Last Name] request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their children [Couple's Names] [Date] at [Time] in the [Time of Day] at [Venue Name and Address]. Reception to follow.

Alternatively, you could use a more traditional phrasing:

> Mr. and Mrs. [Bride's Father's First Name] [Bride's Father's Last Name] and Mr. and Mrs. [Groom's Father's First Name] [Groom's Father's Last Name] request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their children [Bride's Name] and [Groom's Name] on [Date] at [Time] in the [Time of Day] at [Venue Name] [Venue Address]. Reception to follow.

Informal Wording

If you prefer a more informal tone, you could use wording such as:

> With great pleasure, [Bride's Parents' Names] and [Groom's Parents' Names] invite you to celebrate the marriage of their children [Bride's Name] and [Groom's Name] on [Date] at [Time] in the [Time of Day] at [Venue Name and Address]. Dress as you wish, dine as you like, dance as you please.

Or, for a more light-hearted approach:

> [Bride's Parents' Names] and [Groom's Parents' Names] hope you'll join them on the dance floor to celebrate the marriage of their children [Bride's Name] and [Groom's Name] on [Date] at [Time] in the [Time of Day] at [Venue Name and Address]. Merriment to follow.

Modern Wording

For a modern twist, you could try:

> [Bride's Parents' Names] and [Groom's Parents' Names] hope you will attend the marriage of [Bride's Name] and [Groom's Name] on [Date] at [Time] in the [Time of Day] at [Venue Name and Address]. Reception to follow.

Or, for a more concise approach:

> [Bride's Name] and [Groom's Name] and their joyful parents hope you will attend their wedding on [Date] at [Time] in the [Time of Day] at [Venue Name and Address]. Reception to follow.

Simple Wording

If you prefer simplicity, you could use wording such as:

> [Bride's Parents' Names] and [Groom's Parents' Names] invite you to the wedding of [Bride's Name] and [Groom's Name] on [Date] at [Time] in the [Time of Day] at [Venue Name and Address]. Reception to follow.

Or:

> [Bride's Name] and [Groom's Name] and their families invite you to their wedding on [Date] at [Time] in the [Time of Day] at [Venue Name and Address]. Reception to follow.

How to sign off a wedding invitation when hosted by the couple

When the couple is hosting the wedding, the invitation can omit the host line altogether. However, if you want to include it, the host line should include the names of those hosting the wedding, which is usually the people paying for it. Here are some examples of how to word the host line:

• "Together with their families"
• "Together with our families"
• "Together with their parents"
• "Together with full hearts"
• "With hearts full of love and joy"

The host line can be followed by a welcoming introduction, such as:

• "Together with full hearts, [Couple's names] invite you to their wedding"
• "With hearts full of love and joy, [Couple's names] request the pleasure of your company at their wedding"

The request line is where you invite your guests to join your wedding celebration. Here are some wording options:

• "Request the honour of your presence"
• "Request the pleasure of your company"
• "Invite you to celebrate with them"
• "Would love for you to join them"

The couple's names should be front and centre, with the bride's name typically coming before the groom's. However, for same-sex couples, the names can be listed in alphabetical order by last name or based on what looks best with the invitation design.

• "The honour of your presence is requested at the marriage of [Couple's names]"
• "[Couple's names] request the pleasure of your company at the celebration of their marriage"
• "[Couple's names] invite you to a celebration of their love and commitment"
• "[Couple's names] and their families invite you to their wedding"

How to sign off a wedding invitation when hosted by divorced parents

When it comes to wedding invitation wording, the divorced parents of the couple getting married can be included as hosts. Here are some tips and examples to help you navigate this:

Host Line

The host line typically includes the names of those hosting (and often paying for) the wedding. In the case of divorced parents, include the mother's name first, followed by the father's name on a separate line without using "and" to connect them. For instance:

> Dr. Vance and Elizabeth Gregory

>

> Mr. James Abner

>

> Lydia Abner

>

> Mr. Harold and Jane Hyland

If a parent is remarried, include the step-parent's name on the same line as their partner. For example:

> Mr. Angiolo Guiseppe and Ms. Elettra Rossellini

If the bride's parents are divorced and you want to include both as hosts, the bride may consider including her last name if multiple sets of parents with different last names come before her on the invitation.

Request Line

The request line is where you invite your guests to join the wedding celebration. Here are some options to consider:

> Request the honour of your presence

>

> Request the pleasure of your company

>

> Invite you to celebrate with them

>

> Would love for you to join them

Couple's Names

The couple's names should be front and centre on the invitation. For heterosexual couples, the bride's name typically comes first, followed by the groom. If the bride's parents are hosting, her name can be her first and middle name, without the last name. For same-sex couples, the host line may dictate whose name comes first, or you can go in alphabetical order or choose what looks best with the design.

Date, Time, and Location

Include the date, start time, and location of the ceremony. For formal invitations, spell out the date, time, and location in full. For example:

> Saturday, the twenty-fourth of July, two thousand twenty-one, at half past four in the afternoon

>

> Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church

>

> Newport, California

If the ceremony and reception are at the same location, you can simply add "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow". If the reception is elsewhere, include the address on a separate line or card.

Dress Code and RSVP Information

Including the dress code and RSVP information is optional but can be helpful for guests. If you don't include this information, the invitation's formality will indicate the expected attire. You can include the RSVP information on a separate card, along with any other additional details.

How to sign off a wedding invitation when hosted by same-sex parents

When it comes to wedding invitation wording, the most important rule is to create a beautiful wedding invitation that represents you, your love, and the big day to come. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the wording when the wedding is hosted by same-sex parents:

The Host Line

The host line is the opening line on a wedding invitation that names the hosts of the event. If the same-sex parents of the couple are hosting, their names can be included here. For example:

> Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Wong and Mr. and Mrs. Adam Hollis request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their children

If the couple is hosting the wedding themselves, the host line can be omitted or replaced with a warm and welcoming introduction, such as:

> Together with full hearts

>

> With hearts full of love and joy

The Request to Attend

The request to attend is where you extend the invitation to your guests and set the tone for your celebration. Here are some options for the wording:

> "The honour of your presence" (traditionally used to denote a religious service)

>

> "The pleasure of your company" (used to denote a non-religious ceremony)

>

> "Invite you to celebrate with them"

>

> "Would love for you to join them"

The Names of the Couple

For same-sex couples, the traditional rule of the woman's name first does not apply. The names can be listed in alphabetical order by last name or based on what looks best with the design of the invitation. For example:

> "Emily and Zara" or "Zara and Emily"

The Date and Time

The date and time are usually spelled out in full for formal weddings. For example:

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

For casual weddings, numerals are also acceptable:

> "Saturday, September 15, 2024, at 4:30 p.m."

The Location

The location of the ceremony and reception should be included on the invitation. If the reception is at the same location, you can simply state:

> "Reception to follow"

If the reception is at a different location, include the venue name and address on a separate line or on a separate insert card.

Other Considerations

Other optional information that can be included on the invitation or a separate insert card includes the dress code and the wedding website.

Frequently asked questions