Wording Wedding Invites: A Guide To Family-Only Requests

When it comes to wedding invites, it's important to get the wording just right. The good news is that the rules of wedding invitation etiquette aren't too complicated. The primary tenet is to create a beautiful invitation that represents you, your love, and the big day while also communicating vital details. Here are some tips on how to word family-only wedding invites:

- Host Line: Traditionally, the bride's parents are the hosts and their names come first. However, listing the names of both sets of parents is acceptable and gracious. If the couple and their parents are contributing, you can opt for something like Together with their parents or Together with their families.

- Attendance Request: This is where you extend the invitation to attend your wedding and set the tone for your celebration. For a religious service, you can use The honour of your presence while for a non-religious ceremony, The pleasure of your company is more appropriate.

- Names of the Couple: Traditionally, the bride's name comes first, followed by the groom. However, for same-sex couples, you can list the names alphabetically or based on what looks best with the design.

- Date and Time: For formal invitations, spell out the full date and time (e.g., Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-one, at half after four in the afternoon). For casual weddings, using numerals is fine.

- Location: Include the name and full address of the venue, including the city and state. If the wedding is abroad, add the country as well.

- Reception Details: If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, simply state Reception to follow. Otherwise, include the full address and other details on a separate card.

- Dress Code: Including dress code information is optional but helpful for guests. If your wedding is black-tie, it must be included.

Remember, you can adapt the wording to match your wedding's level of formality and your personal style.

How to word invites for a family-only wedding with divorced parents

When it comes to wedding invites, there are a few different approaches you can take, depending on your family dynamics and preferences. Here are some suggestions for how to word invites for a family-only wedding with divorced parents:

Including Both Divorced Parents

If both of your parents are contributing financially to the wedding but are divorced, you could use the following wording:

> "Along with Mr. & Mrs. [Father's Name] [Mother's Name]

> requests the honor of your presence

> at the marriage of their children

> on [date]

> at [time]

> [venue address]"

Alternatively, you can use a more modern approach:

> " [Mother's Name] and [Father's Name]

> invite you to the marriage of their children

> on [date]

> at [time]

> [venue address]"

Including Mother Only

If only your mother is issuing the invitation, the wording can be adjusted:

> " [Mother's Name]

> invites you to the marriage of her daughter

> [Bride's Name]

> [Groom's Name]

> on [date]

> at [time]

>

> And if you’d like to add the groom’s parents, you can include:

>

> "and Mr. & Mrs. [Groom's Parents' Names]

> invite you to the marriage of their children"

Including Father Only

Similarly, if only your father is issuing the invitation, the wording can be adjusted:

> " [Father's Name]

> invites you to the wedding of

> [Bride's Name]

> [Groom's Name]

> on [date]

> at [time]

> [venue address]

>

> And if you’d like to add the bride’s mother and her partner, try:

>

> "and Mr. & Mrs. [Mother's Name and Partner's Name]

> invite you to the wedding of their children"

Including Step-parents

If you have step-parents and would like to include them, here are some options:

Including Step-father

> " [Mother's Name] and [Step-father's Name]

> Invite you to the marriage of [Mother's Name]'s daughter

> [Bride's Name]

> [Groom's Name]

> on [date]

> at [time]

> [venue name and address]

You can also add your father's name:

> "along with [Mother's Name] and [Step-father's Name]

> invite you to the marriage of their daughter"

Including Step-mother

Including a step-mother on the invitation can be done as follows:

> " [Father's Name] and [Step-mother's Name]

> request the honor of your presence

> at the marriage of [Father's Name]'s daughter

> on [date]

> at [time]

> [venue address]

You can also add your mother's name:

> " [Father's Name] and [Step-mother's Name]

> along with [Mother's Name]

> request the honor of your presence

> at the marriage of their children"

General Tips

• The mother's name is usually listed first, unless she is not contributing financially to the wedding, in which case the father's name goes first.
• Divorced parents' names should never appear on the same line, even if they remain unmarried.
• It is acceptable to include step-parents if you wish to do so.
• You can use "Together with their families" if you want a more concise option that includes all family members.

How to word invites for a family-only wedding with both sets of parents hosting

When it comes to wedding invites, there are a few standard elements that should be included. These are:

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

The wording can be adapted to fit your specific situation, and there are many ways to word each line depending on who is hosting and the level of formality. Here are some suggestions for how to word invites for a family-only wedding with both sets of parents hosting:

Host Line

The host line is where you mention who is hosting the wedding. In this case, it will be both sets of parents. Here are some examples:

• "Together with their families"
• "Together with our families"
• "Together with their parents"
• "Mr. and Mrs. [Father's name] and Mr. and Mrs. [Mother's name]" (formal)
• " [Father's name] and [Mother's name] together with [Father's name] and [Mother's name] (less formal)"

Request Line

The request line is where you invite your guests to join you for your special day. Here are some options:

• "Request the honour of your presence"
• "Request the pleasure of your company"
• "Invite you to join them for their wedding day"
• "Would love for you to join them"

Names of the Couple

The names of the happy couple are typically listed next. For a heterosexual couple, the bride's name is usually listed first, followed by the groom. For same-sex couples, you can list the names alphabetically by last name or based on what looks best with the design. First names only can also be used for a less formal feel.

Date and Time

The date and time of the wedding should be included, spelled out in full. For example, "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-one, at half after four in the afternoon."

Location

The location of the ceremony and reception should be included. For formal weddings, the state name is usually spelled out. The street address is not typically included unless the venue is a private residence. If the reception is at the same location, you can simply say, "Reception to follow." Otherwise, list the venue on a separate line.

Dress Code

Including a dress code on the invitation is helpful for guests. If the wedding is black-tie, it must be included. Otherwise, guests will infer the dress code based on the formality of the invitation.

RSVP Details

Most couples include a separate response card for guests to fill out and return. You can also include the wedding website on a separate card for guests to RSVP online.

Remember to keep the wording consistent and include all the necessary information. Here is an example of how you can put all these elements together:

"Together with their families

[Couple's names]

Request the pleasure of your company

At the celebration of their marriage

[Date and time]

At [Ceremony venue and address]

[Reception information]

Black-tie

RSVP by [Date]"

How to word invites for a family-only wedding with one set of parents hosting

When it comes to wording invites for a family-only wedding with one set of parents hosting, there are a few key elements to include and some creative ways to approach the wording. Here are some tips and examples to help you get started:

Host Line

The host line is where you mention who is hosting the wedding. In this case, it would be one set of parents, along with the couple. You can use phrases such as:

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

If you want to include the names of the parents, you can add them in this section or in a line below to keep the invite streamlined. For example:

• "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)"

Request Line

The request line is where you invite your guests to join you for your special day. Here are some examples of phrases you can use:

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

Couple's Names

Traditionally, the bride's name is listed before the groom's name. However, you can arrange the names in the order you prefer, especially for same-sex couples. You can use full names, including middle names, or opt for just first and last names or nicknames.

Date and Time

The date and time should be included in full to avoid any confusion. For a formal invitation, write out the full date and time, including "o'clock." For a more casual invite, you can use numerals and omit "o'clock."

Location

Be sure to include the venue name, road, and state to help your guests plan their trip. If the reception is at a different location, you can include that information as well.

Reception Information

If the ceremony and reception are at the same location, a simple "Reception to follow" will suffice. If the reception is elsewhere, include the venue details on a separate line or on a separate insert card.

Dress Code

Including a dress code on the invitation is helpful for guests. You can use terms like "Formal" or "Casual", or specify further with phrases like "Black-tie" or "Beach-casual."

RSVP Details

Most couples include a separate RSVP card for guests to fill out and return. You can also provide an option for guests to RSVP via your wedding website.

Here's an example of how you can put all these elements together:

Together with their families,

[Couple's names]

Request the pleasure of your company

At their wedding celebration

[Date and time]

At [Venue name and address]

Reception to follow at [Reception venue, if different]

Black-tie

Kindly respond by [RSVP date]

How to word invites for a family-only wedding with the couple hosting

When the couple is hosting the wedding themselves, the host line can be omitted. However, if the couple is hosting along with both sets of parents, you can include a line such as "Together with their families". Here are some examples:

"Together with their families"

"It is with joy that, together with their families..."

"With the support of our families, we are excited to..."

The request line is where you ask your guests to join you for your big day. This often goes on a separate line beneath the host line. Here are some examples of wording for the request line:

"Request the honor of your presence"

"Invite you to join them for their wedding day"

"Request the pleasure of your company"

"Would love for you to celebrate with them"

The names of the happy couple traditionally follow the request line. For different-sex couples, the bride's name typically goes first, followed by the groom's name. However, this tradition does not apply to same-sex couples, who can arrange their names in alphabetical order or in the order that looks best with the invitation design.

The date and time of the wedding should be included in full to avoid any confusion. For formal invitations, write out the full date and time, including "o'clock". The time of day should be specified as either "a.m." or "p.m." unless it is obvious from the context.

The location of the wedding ceremony should include the venue name, road, and state. The street address is not usually included unless it is necessary to provide clear directions. If the reception is at the same location, a simple "Reception to follow" is sufficient. Otherwise, include the reception details on a separate line or on a separate insert card.

Including the dress code on the invitation is helpful for guests. If you are having a black-tie wedding, it is important to include this information on the invitation. Otherwise, the formality of the invitation itself will indicate the expected attire.

How to word invites for a family-only wedding with children

When it comes to wedding invites, there are many ways to convey that only family and their children are invited. Here are some suggestions for wording your invitations to make this clear:

Host Line

The host line is the opening line on a wedding invitation, naming those who are hosting the event. If you are hosting the wedding with your parents, you can use a phrase such as:

> "Together with their families"

> "Together with our families"

> "Together with their parents"

Alternatively, you can skip the host line altogether or start with a warm and welcoming introduction, such as:

> "Together with full hearts"

> "With hearts full of love and joy"

Request Line

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

> "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"

Names of the Couple

This is where you include the names of the happy couple! Traditionally, the bride's name is listed first, but you can arrange the names in the order you prefer. Be as formal or informal as you like, using full names, first and last names, or nicknames.

Date and Time

The date and time should be included with the full date and year to avoid confusion. For formal invitations, write out the full wedding date and time, including "o'clock." For casual invitations, using numerals is fine.

Location

Include the venue name, road, and state to provide enough information for your guests to plan their trip. If the reception is at the same location, you can simply state "Reception to follow." If it is elsewhere, include the full address and other details on a separate card.

Reception Information

If the ceremony and reception are held at the same venue, a simple "Reception to follow" is sufficient. If the reception is at a different location, you can include the details on a separate line or card.

Dress Code

Including the dress code on the invitation is helpful for guests. If you are having a black-tie event, it is essential to mention this on the invitation. Otherwise, the invitation itself will indicate the dress code, whether formal or casual.

RSVP and Website

Most couples include a separate response card for guests to fill out and return. You can also provide your wedding website on a separate card or the same card as the reception information.

Wording Examples

> "Together with their families, [Couple's names] request the pleasure of your company at their wedding on [date] at [time] at [venue name and address]. Reception to follow."

> "Together with their parents, [Couple's names] invite you to share in their joy as they exchange vows on [date] at [time] at [venue name and address]. Dinner, dancing, and merriment to follow."

> "With the support of our families, we, [Couple's names], invite you to celebrate our wedding on [date] at [time] at [venue name and address]. Drinks, dining, and dancing to follow."

> "It is with joy that [Couple's names] and their families invite you to their wedding celebration on [date] at [time] at [venue name and address]. Cake and festivities to follow."

Remember, these are just a few examples, and you can customise the wording to fit your style and the tone of your wedding.

Frequently asked questions