Wording A Same-Sex Wedding Invitation: Etiquette And Examples

When it comes to wedding invitation wording for same-sex couples, there are no strict rules, but there are some key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to include essential information such as the names of the couple, the wedding location, date, and time. The invitation should also specify whether it is for the ceremony, reception, or evening party. When addressing same-sex couples, if they are unmarried, it is customary to address each person individually with their preferred title and name on a separate line. For married couples with different last names, both names are written on the same line, separated by and. Same-sex married couples with the same last name can be addressed using the plural form of the title, such as The Messrs. or The Mesdames. Ultimately, the most important aspect is to create an invitation that represents the couple and their love, while also providing clear and concise details for guests.

How to word invitations for unmarried same-sex couples

When it comes to wedding invitation wording, there are no strict rules for same-sex couples. However, there are some general guidelines and considerations to keep in mind. Here are some tips specifically for how to word invitations for unmarried same-sex couples:

Names

If the same-sex couple is not married, traditional etiquette suggests addressing each person individually with the appropriate title. Write each name on a separate line, similar to how you would address an unmarried opposite-sex couple. For example:

"Mr. Charles Adams

And

Mr. John Green"

The order of the names is usually alphabetical, but you can arrange them according to your preference or what looks best with the invitation design.

When addressing unmarried same-sex couples, it is appropriate to use titles such as "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Miss", or "Ms." based on their age and preference. For example, use "Mr." for men over 18 and "Ms." for women over 18. If the woman is younger than 18, use "Miss".

Formality

Whether to use formal or informal wording is another consideration. Many same-sex couples opt for a blend of traditional and innovative elements in their invitations. You can retain traditional wording formats or create something entirely unique. The key is to ensure that the important information is conveyed clearly and concisely.

Host Line

If the couple is hosting the wedding themselves, you can omit the host line or start with a warm and inviting introduction, such as:

"Together with full hearts"

Or

"With hearts full of love and joy"

Request Line

The request line is where you extend the invitation to attend the wedding. Here are some examples:

"request the honor of your presence"

"request the pleasure of your company"

"invite you to celebrate with them"

"would love for you to join them"

Additional Information

Include essential details such as the names of the couple, wedding location, date, and time. If children are invited, include their names as well. Specify whether the invitation is for the ceremony, reception, or an evening party, and provide relevant venue and timing information.

Remember, the most important aspect of your invitation is to convey the necessary information clearly and concisely, while also reflecting the style and tone of your wedding.

How to word invitations for married same-sex couples with different last names

When addressing wedding invitations to married same-sex couples with different last names, the general rule is to write both names on the same line, separated by "and". You can include their respective titles as well, such as "Mr." and "Mrs." or their chosen prefixes. For example, "Mr. Charles Adams and Mr. John Green" or "Mrs. Jane Clint and Mrs. Sarah Smith".

If you prefer to use plural titles, you can address male couples as "Messrs.", which is the French plural form of "Mr." or "Monsieur". For female couples, you can use "Mesdames" or its abbreviated form, "Mmes.", which is the plural of "Mrs." or "Madame" in French. So, an invitation could be addressed to "Messrs. Charles Adams and John Green" or "Mmes. Jane and Sarah Smith".

It's worth noting that some same-sex couples may choose to retain their pre-marriage last names, so this format is generally the most appropriate. If you're unsure about the couple's preference, it's always a good idea to ask them directly to avoid any confusion or mistakes.

Additionally, when addressing the outer and inner envelopes, you can follow these guidelines:

Outer envelope: "Mr. Charles Adams and Mr. John Green" or "Mrs. Jane Clint and Mrs. Sarah Smith"

Inner envelope: "Mr. Adams and Mr. Green" or "Mrs. Clint and Mrs. Smith" or use their first names, like "Charles and John" or "Jane and Sarah".

Remember, these are just guidelines, and you can always adapt them based on your relationship and the level of formality you prefer.

How to word invitations for married same-sex couples with the same last name

When addressing wedding invitations to married same-sex couples with the same last name, there are a few options to consider. Here are some guidelines to help you word the invitations appropriately:

Using Formal Titles

It is standard to use "Mr." for male guests and "Mrs." for female guests, regardless of their sexual orientation or marital status. For married same-sex couples with the same last name, you can write their names on the same line, separated by "and". For example:

• "Mr. John Graham and Mr. David Graham" or "Mr. John and Mr. David Graham" for a male couple
• "Mrs. Jane Clint and Mrs. Sarah Clint" or "Mrs. Jane and Mrs. Sarah Clint" for a female couple

Plural Titles

Another option is to use the plural form of the titles, which is especially useful when the couple has the same last name. The French plural titles "Messrs." (abbreviation of "messieurs") for male couples and "Mesdames" or "Mmes." (abbreviation of "mesdames") for female couples can be used. For example:

• "The Messrs. Dan and John Smith" or "Messrs. Dan and John Smith" for a male couple
• "The Mesdames Amanda and Jane Williams" or "Mmes. Amanda and Jane Williams" for a female couple

Professional Titles

If one or both members of the couple have professional titles such as "Dr." or "Doctor", you can use these instead of "Mr." or "Mrs.". For example:

• "Dr. Rob Jones and Mr. Ryan Jones" if only one partner is a doctor
• "Doctors Maria Constantine and Laura Constantine" or "The Doctors Constantine" if both partners are doctors

Ordering the Names

When deciding on the order of the names, there are a few options:

• List the person you are primarily inviting first, followed by their partner. For example, if you are inviting Roger Gonzalez and extending the invitation to his partner Alex Gonzalez, you can write "Mr. Roger Gonzalez and Mr. Alex Gonzalez."
• Use alphabetical order if you have no preference or if the couple has different last names. For example, "Mr. Adam Irvine and Mr. Bob Irvine" or "Ms. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez".
• Choose whichever order sounds better or more natural to you. Just remember to be consistent with the name order on both the invitation and the envelope.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and it is always best to ask the couple about their preferred greeting if you are unsure.

How to word invitations for same-sex couples hosting with their families

When it comes to wedding invitation wording, there are some basic elements that should be included no matter what. These are:

• A request to come to the wedding
• The names of the couple
• Reception information

The wording you choose can also reflect your wedding's level of formality.

Host Line

The opening line on a wedding invitation names the hosts of the event. If the couple is hosting with their families, you can use:

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

These are appropriate when the couple is funding all or most of the wedding themselves, but can also be used if one or both sets of parents are contributing.

If you want to be more formal and include the names of the families, you could write:

• "Together with their families, [couple's names] request the pleasure of your company..."
• " [Couple's names] and their families invite you to their wedding..."

The Request to Attend

There are many ways to ask for the pleasure of your guests' company. Here are a few options:

• "The pleasure of your company"
• "At the marriage of their children"
• "Would love for you to join them"
• "Invite you to celebrate with them"
• "Honour of your presence"

The Couple's Names

For same-sex couples, the traditional rule of the woman's name first does not apply. Whether it's "Emily and Zara" or "Zara and Emily," it's a matter of personal preference. When writing their names, couples can choose to go in alphabetical order or simply with what sounds better.

Date and Time

Traditional wedding invitation wording requires the date and time to be spelled out in full, while numerical figures are often used on modern invites.

Location

Write the name and full street address of your wedding venue, including the state and zip code. If your wedding is taking place abroad, include the country as well.

Reception Details

If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, just say "reception to follow." If the reception is somewhere else, you can include the full address and other details on a separate card tucked in with your main invitation.

How to word invitations for same-sex couples who want to avoid gendered terms

When it comes to wedding invitations for same-sex couples, there are no strict rules, and the key consideration is to convey the important information in a clear and concise way. Here are some tips on how to word invitations for same-sex couples who want to avoid gendered terms:

Names of the Couple

One of the biggest questions for same-sex couples is whose name to put first on the invitation. If one set of parents is hosting the event, then their child's name should go first. Otherwise, you can go alphabetically or in an order that sounds right, such as how people usually refer to the couple. For example: "Jane and Holly" or "Holly and Jane".

Gender-neutral Titles

Instead of gendered titles like "bride" and "groom", "Mr." and "Mrs.", or "fiancé" and "fiancée", consider using gender-neutral alternatives. One option is to use the gender-neutral title "Mx." as a respectful alternative. You can also refer to each person as a "partner", "spouse", or "significant other". For example, "brides/partners/spouses Holly and Jane".

Invitation Wording

The traditional wedding invitation format can be adapted to suit a same-sex couple. If the couple is hosting the wedding themselves, the invitation can be worded as:

> [Name of Couple], request the pleasure of your company...

If the families of the couple are jointly hosting the wedding, the invitation can be worded as:

> Together with their families, [Name of Couple] request the pleasure of your company...

Parents' Names

If one or both families are contributing to the wedding, they should be mentioned on the invitation. Their names can either come first, followed by the couple's names, or they can follow the couple's names. For example:

> [parents' names] request the honour of your presence as their children marry...

>

> [Name of Couple], along with their parents/families, request the honour of your presence...

Practical Information

Regardless of the wording you choose, don't forget to include all the essential details such as the wedding location, date, time, and any relevant information about the reception or evening party, including the venue and timings.

Remember, the most important thing is to make your invitations work for you and reflect your style and preferences. Feel free to be creative and innovative while ensuring that the invitation remains clear and easy to understand for your guests.

Frequently asked questions