Wording Wedding Anniversary Invites: Tips For Formality

Whether you're celebrating a silver, golden, or diamond anniversary, marking a couple's years of marriage is a joyous occasion. The tone of a wedding anniversary invitation should reflect the nature of the celebration. A formal event calls for elegant, nostalgic language, while a casual or themed party allows for a more relaxed, playful wording. The invitation should convey the expected vibe of the party and express the love, joy, and gratitude felt by the couple. The wording should also include essential details such as the couple's names, the number of years being celebrated, the date, time, location, and RSVP information. Adding personal touches, such as a favourite quote or meaningful lyrics, can make the invitation extra special.

Include the couple's names

The couple's names are a crucial element of a wedding anniversary invitation. Here are some tips and examples to help you include them effectively:

Emphasise the Couple's Names

The names of the couple are typically the highlight of the invitation and are usually displayed in larger text or a fancy typeface. Ensure that they stand out and are easily readable.

Formality and Full Names

For formal invitations, consider using the couple's full legal names, including middle names. This adds a touch of elegance to the invitation.

For example:

> The honour of your presence is requested at the marriage of Jack Alexander Smith to Mason Jacob Kim...

Abbreviations and Courtesy Titles

In general, avoid abbreviations and instead, spell out the full names and titles. However, courtesy titles like "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Miss", and "Ms." are acceptable and should be spelled out.

Order of Names for Heterosexual Couples

Traditionally, for heterosexual couples, the bride's name is placed before the groom's name. This is especially relevant if the bride's parents are hosting, in which case the bride's first and middle names are used, followed by the groom's full name and title.

For example:

> Mr. and Mrs. John L. Smith request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their son Jack Alexander to Mason Jacob Kim...

Order of Names for Same-Sex Couples

For same-sex couples, the traditional rule of placing the woman's name first does not apply. You can choose to list the names alphabetically by last name or based on what looks best with the invitation design.

For example:

> Mr. Michael and Mr. Sean Flannigan request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Julie Marie to Stephen Anthony...

Casual Invitations and Nicknames

If you're opting for a more casual invitation, using nicknames or first names only is perfectly acceptable.

For example:

> Come party with us! Jack and Mason are tying the knot...

Recognising Support from Parents or Others

If you're sharing financial responsibility or planning the wedding with support from your parents or others, it's proper etiquette to recognise their contribution. You can include a line such as "Together with their families" to honour their support.

For example:

> Jack Alexander Smith & Mason Jacob Kim together with their parents invite you to their wedding...

Add a personal touch

Adding a personal touch to your wedding anniversary invitation can make it truly special and unique. Here are some ideas to make your invitation stand out and reflect your journey as a couple:

Include a Favourite Quote or Meaningful Lyric

Incorporate a favourite quote, a meaningful lyric from your wedding song, or even a short poem you both love. This adds a romantic and heartfelt touch to your invitation. It could be something that holds a special memory for you both or represents your relationship.

Share Cherished Memories

Take your guests down memory lane by including a trip through your most cherished moments together. You could include a favourite memory or milestone that holds a special place in your hearts. This could be the moment you met, a significant trip, or even a funny anecdote that captures the essence of your relationship.

Express Your Love and Gratitude

Anniversary invitations are a chance to declare your love and express your gratitude for having reached this milestone. Let your guests know how much your partner means to you and how grateful you are for their presence in your life. Be sincere and speak from the heart, whether it's a simple "I love you" or a more elaborate expression of your feelings.

Celebrate Your Accomplishments

Acknowledge the journey you've taken together and celebrate your accomplishments as a couple. Include a mention of the challenges you've overcome and the dreams you've achieved together. This will inspire and touch your guests, giving them a deeper insight into your relationship.

Look to the Future

Share your hopes and dreams for the future. Express your excitement for the years ahead, whether it's travelling the world, starting a family, or simply growing old together. Let your guests know that your journey as a couple is ongoing and that you're looking forward to the adventures yet to come.

Include Photos

Visual elements can evoke strong emotions and memories. Include photos from different stages of your life together to create a sense of nostalgia for your guests. It could be photos from your wedding day, special vacations, or significant events in your relationship. This will not only make your invitation visually appealing but also give your guests a glimpse into your life together.

Be clear about the event details

When it comes to wedding anniversary invitations, it's essential to provide clear and concise event details to ensure your guests have all the information they need. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

Date, Time, and Location

Include the specific date and time of your anniversary celebration. Be clear about the timing, especially if you want guests to arrive at a particular time, such as for a ceremony or vow renewal. Provide the full address of the venue, including the name of the location and the city, state, and zip code. This makes it easy for guests to find the location and plan their travel accordingly.

RSVP Information

Make it convenient for your guests to respond to your invitation. Include RSVP details, such as a phone number, email address, or mailing address. You may also want to include a deadline for responses to help with your planning. For example, "Please RSVP by [date]."

Accommodation Suggestions

If you're inviting out-of-town guests or if the event is in an area unfamiliar to most guests, consider providing accommodation suggestions. You can include a list of nearby hotels or Airbnbs, or even negotiate a special rate with a local hotel for your guests.

Clear Instructions for Any Themed Celebrations

If you're planning a themed anniversary party, ensure you clearly communicate the theme to your guests. For example, if it's a "70s-style" celebration, let guests know so they can dress up and join in on the fun.

Parking and Transportation

Depending on the location of your event, you may want to include parking instructions or information about public transportation options. This is especially important if parking is limited at the venue or if there are specific drop-off and pick-up areas that guests should use.

Additional Details

Don't forget to include any other relevant information that your guests may need. For example, if you're having a cocktail reception, indicate if there will be a full bar or only limited drinks. If it's a dinner, mention if it's a seated dinner or a buffet so guests can plan their evening accordingly.

By providing clear and detailed event information, your guests will have a better understanding of what to expect and can fully participate in celebrating this special milestone with you.

Give an idea of the party's atmosphere

The tone of an anniversary invitation is largely dependent on the nature of the celebration. Here are some ideas for giving your guests an idea of the party's atmosphere:

Formal

For a formal event, elegant language with a touch of nostalgia can be ideal. Here is an example:

> Jane and Michael Landers request the pleasure of your company to celebrate 50 years of love and commitment at a formal dinner at Detroit Athletic Club, 241 Madison St, Detroit, Michigan

Casual

A casual or themed anniversary party allows for a more relaxed and playful wording. You could say:

> Join us to raise a toast to 25 years of laughter, love, and adventures. Casual attire and good vibes only at 814 Vaughn St, Portland, Oregon

Themed

If you're throwing a themed party, you can incorporate that into the invitation to give guests an idea of what to expect. For example:

> Help us celebrate 70s-style as we commemorate a groovy 40 years at 7:30 PM, June 15th, 711 4th St, Bellevue, Washington

Family-oriented

If you're planning a celebration that's focused on family, you might want to include that in the invitation. Here's an example:

> Join Kevin & Shea (and kids) to celebrate 14 years of marriage at 6 PM on Saturday, April 27th, 815 Rivenoak St, Birmingham, Michigan

Don't forget RSVP details

When creating an anniversary invitation, it's important to include all the essential details, such as the names of the couple, the number of years being celebrated, the date, time, and location of the event. But don't forget those all-important RSVP details!

Include Contact Information:

Provide an email address and/or phone number specifically for RSVP purposes. This could be your own contact information or that of a close friend or family member who is helping with the planning. For example:

> Please RSVP by June 10th to [email protected] or 555-123-4567

Set a Clear Deadline:

Give your guests a specific date by which they should respond. This helps with planning and gives you an idea of the final guest count for catering and other arrangements.

> Kindly RSVP by May 20th

Online RSVP Option:

If you prefer a more digital approach, include a link to an online RSVP form or your wedding website.

> Please RSVP by July 15th. Visit our website for more details: www.johnsanders50th.com

Response Card Included:

If you're including response cards with your invitations, make sure to mention that in your RSVP details.

> Please fill out the enclosed response card by April 30th

Remember, the key is to make it as convenient as possible for your guests to respond. By providing clear RSVP instructions, you'll have a better idea of the attendance and can focus on the celebration!

Frequently asked questions