Crafting Post-Wedding Invitation Wording: A Couple's Guide

Wedding invitation wording can be tricky, but it's a great opportunity to express your style and give your guests a taste of what to expect on the big day. The key details to include are the host, the couple's names, the ceremony details, and any post-ceremony plans. Here's a breakdown of the elements to help you craft the perfect post-wedding invitation.

The Host

Traditionally, the bride's parents are listed as the hosts, but nowadays, it's common to see invitations hosted by both sets of parents, the couple themselves, or a combination of the couple and their families. It's essential to honour all contributors and acknowledge their role in the celebration.

The Couple's Names

When it comes to the couple's names, the bride's name typically comes first, followed by the groom's. For same-sex couples, you can list the names alphabetically or based on what looks best with the invitation design. Feel free to include middle names or opt for a more casual approach with just first names.

Ceremony Details

Provide clear and simple information about the date, time, location, and address of the ceremony. For formal invitations, spell out the date and time in full. For casual invites, using numerical values is also acceptable. Be sure to include dress code information if you want your guests to adhere to a specific style.

Post-Ceremony Plans

Let your guests know what to expect after the ceremony. Include details about the reception venue, especially if it's different from the ceremony location. Phrases like Dinner and dancing to follow or Reception to follow are perfect for casual invites, while formal invitations might say An evening of celebration to follow.

Honoring deceased parents

Wedding Invitations

When it comes to wedding invitation wording, you can choose to include your deceased parent(s) in a few different ways. Here are some options:

List the deceased parent(s) along with the hosting family members:

"Dr. John Chang and Mrs. Lavina Truscott (deceased)

And Mr. Kenneth Chang

And Ms. Grace Bradley

Invite you to the marriage of their children..."

Acknowledge the deceased parent(s) with a line in memory:

"In loving memory of Benjamin Ellis and Herbert Johnson,

Kendra Evelyn Ellis & Diallobe Cazembe Johnson

Request the honor of your presence on their wedding day..."

During the Ceremony

The wedding ceremony is an excellent opportunity to honor your deceased parent(s) with meaningful gestures. Here are some ideas:

• Reserve a Seat: Honor your late parent(s) by reserving a front-row seat for them at the ceremony. You can decorate the chair with their jacket, a bouquet of flowers, ribbons, or a custom sign.
• Light a Memorial Candle: Incorporate a candle-lighting ritual into your ceremony. Light a candle at the start to symbolize your parent(s)' spirit being present throughout the ceremony.
• Incorporate Symbolic Flowers: Use your parent(s) 'favorite flowers in your ceremony decor, such as aisle markers, boutonnieres, or bouquets. You can also choose flowers that symbolize remembrance, such as white roses.
• Moment of Reflection: Hold a moment of silence or reflection during the ceremony. You can ask your wedding officiant to announce this moment before you exchange rings or at the start of the ceremony.
• Display a Photo or Portrait: Hire an artist to create a portrait of your parent(s), or display a framed photo at the ceremony venue. This can be a touching tribute and a keepsake for your home afterward.

During the Reception

The wedding reception offers a more relaxed setting to honor your deceased parent(s) with personal touches. Here are some suggestions:

• Memory Table: Create a special table at the reception, filled with framed photos, sentimental objects, and keepsakes of your parent(s). This can be a simple or elaborate display, depending on your preference.
• Play Their Favorite Song: Music can be a powerful way to honor your parent(s). Play their favorite song during the reception as a tribute and consider sharing a few words about it beforehand.
• Share a Sentimental Recipe: If your parent(s) loved to cook, incorporate their signature dish or a family recipe into your wedding menu. It could be cookies, a special drink, or a unique combination of flavors that your guests will enjoy.
• Display Family Photos and Heirlooms: Showcase your parent(s)' favorite belongings, such as jewelry, watches, or other heirlooms, at the reception. This can be a subtle way to keep their memory close throughout the celebration.
• Give a Toast: Raise a glass and share a few heartfelt words about your parent(s) during your speech or ask a family member or friend to do so. It can be a touching way to honor their memory and their impact on your life.

Including step-parents

The first line of a wedding invitation is usually dedicated to the host(s) of the wedding, i.e., the party covering the expenses. Traditionally, this was the bride's parents, but nowadays it is often both sets of parents, the couple themselves, or a combination of all three. If step-parents are involved, they can be included in the host line. Here are some examples:

• "Mr. & Mrs. Flores, Mr. & Mrs. Hill, Mr. & Mrs. Byrne and Mr. & Mrs. Lin request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of Talia Flores & Stephen Byrne."
• "Dr. Vance and Elizabeth Gregory and Mr. James Abner and Lydia Abner and Mr. Harold and Jane Hyland invite you to the wedding of their children Amy Abner and Charles Hyland."

The request line is where you ask your guests to join you for your big day. Here are some examples of how to include step-parents:

• "Mr. Morgan and Mr. and Mrs. Jones-Fray request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their children Amelie Morgan and Harry Jones-Fray."
• "Dr. John Chang and Mrs. Lavina Truscott and Mr. Kenneth Chang and Ms. Grace Bradley and the late Mrs. Janet Bradley invite you to the marriage of Grace Bradley and Kenneth Chang."

If the reception is at a different location or has different hosts, you can include this information in the reception line. Here is an example:

"Reception to follow at the residence of Mr. & Mrs. Lin."

The couple's names

Formal Wording:

• "Together with their families, [Bride's name] and [Groom's name] request the honour of your presence at their wedding..."
• "[Bride's name], daughter of [Bride's parents' names], and [Groom's name], son of [Groom's parents' names], request the honour of your presence at their wedding..."
• "The honour of your presence is requested at the marriage of [Bride's name] and [Groom's name]"

Informal Wording:

• "[Bride's name] and [Groom's name] invite you to share in their joy as they tie the knot..."
• "Together with our families, we joyfully invite you to the wedding of [Bride's name] and [Groom's name]"
• "Join us for the wedding of [Bride's name] and [Groom's name]"

Remember, you can choose whatever phrasing feels most authentic to you and your partner. Feel free to get creative and add a personal touch to your wedding invitations!

Ceremony details

The ceremony details are a crucial aspect of your wedding invitation, providing guests with essential information about the big day. Here are some tips and suggestions for crafting this section of the invitation:

Date, Time, and Location

Clearly specify the date, time, and location of the ceremony. For formal invitations, it is customary to spell out the date, time, and location in full. For example, "Saturday, the eleventh of June two thousand and twenty-three at twelve o'clock in the afternoon." For casual invitations, you may use numerical dates and time formats, such as "June 11, 2024, at 12:00 pm."

Address and Venue Name

Include the full address of the ceremony venue, especially if it is a destination wedding or if you have guests coming from out of town. The street address is usually not necessary unless its omission may cause confusion or if the wedding is taking place at a private residence.

Dress Code

Providing dress code information is optional but can be helpful for your guests. If you are having a formal wedding, indicate this on the invitation, and consider specifying further, such as "black-tie" or "formal attire." For more casual weddings, you may suggest "cocktail attire" or "beach-casual."

Additional Information

If there are any other pertinent details, such as transportation options, accommodation suggestions, or specific instructions, you may include them in this section. You may also direct guests to your wedding website for more information.

Post-Ceremony Plans

Let your guests know what to expect after the ceremony. If there will be a cocktail hour, dinner, dancing, or any other activities, include this information. You can use phrases such as "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow" to indicate that the celebration will continue.

Remember to keep the ceremony details concise and clear, providing guests with all the essential information they need to attend and participate in your special day.

Post-ceremony plans

It's important to include post-ceremony plans in your wedding invitation so that your guests know what to expect after the ceremony. This is a great way to set the tone for your reception and manage your guests' expectations. Here are some ideas for how to word the post-ceremony details:

Informal Post-Ceremony Wording

• Dinner and dancing to follow
• Followed by dinner and dancing
• Drinks and dancing to follow
• Dinner, drinks and dancing to follow
• Cocktails, dinner and dancing to follow
• Adult reception to follow

Formal Post-Ceremony Wording

• An evening of celebration to follow
• Followed by an evening of celebration
• Reception immediately following at [location]
• Dinner to follow at [location]
• Reception to follow at [location]
• Reception to follow at the residence of [name]

Additional Details

If the reception is at a different location, be sure to include the address or direct guests to your wedding website for more information. You can also include other pertinent information, such as dress code, on a separate details card tucked into the invitation.

• "Reception to follow at the Arctic Club Hotel."
• "Reception immediately following at the First Congregational Church, and afterward at the Spring Hill Golf Club."
• "Reception to follow at the Ritz-Carlton."

For a more casual wedding, you could say something like:

• "Dinner and dancing to follow at the Arctic Club Hotel."
• "Drinks, dinner and dancing to follow at our home."
• "Cocktails, dinner and dancing to follow. Please visit our wedding website for more details."

Frequently asked questions