Franklin Dean
Writing a wedding invitation can be a tricky task, but it's an important piece of the wedding planning puzzle. The invitation is one of the first things guests will see, and it conveys critical information about the event. It's important to choose clear and appropriate wording to ensure guests have all the details they need.
The key elements to include in a wedding invitation are:
- Host line: The host is typically the person or people paying for the wedding. This could be one or both sets of parents, the couple, or a combination of both.
- Request line: A warm invitation sentence inviting guests to join the celebration.
- Couple's names: The bride's name typically comes before the groom's, but this can vary depending on the couple and the format of the invitation.
- Date, time, and location: Include the wedding date, start time, and venue address.
- Reception details: If the reception is at a different location, include the address. Otherwise, a simple Reception to follow will suffice.
Other optional elements to include are dress code information and RSVP details, such as a separate RSVP card or instructions for a digital response.
The tone and format of the invitation can vary depending on the formality of the event. Formal invitations tend to use more traditional and elegant wording, while casual invitations may be more relaxed and whimsical. Ultimately, the invitation should reflect the style and theme of the wedding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Host Line | Names of the event hosts (traditionally the bride's parents) |
| Request Line | A formal or casual invitation to the wedding celebration |
| Couple's Names | Names of the couple (traditionally, the bride's name comes first) |
| Date, Time, and Location | Date, time, and location of the ceremony |
| Reception Details | Details of the reception, if applicable |
What You'll Learn
- Honoring deceased parents: Include the phrase the late before their name
- Divorced parents: List the mother's name first, then the father's name on a separate line
- Step-parents: List the mother and stepfather's names first, then the father and stepmother's names
- Widowed parents: Use the parent's name if they're hosting alone or haven't remarried
- Same-sex parents: List names in alphabetical order by last name or first name if they're the same
Honoring deceased parents: Include the phrase the late before their name
When composing your wedding invitations, it is important to consider how you would like to honor and include deceased parents. Here is a guide to help you navigate this aspect of your invitation wording with sensitivity and grace:
In the case of honoring deceased parents, you should include their names and precede each with the phrase "the late." This phrase is a respectful and commonly used indicator of a person's deceased status. Here is an example:
"You are cordially invited to the wedding celebration of
Bride's Name
And
Groom's Name
Daughter of The Late Mr. and Mrs. Bride's Parents' Names
And
Son of The Late Mr. and Mrs. Groom's Parents' Names
The ceremony will take place on Date at Time
Venue
Address of Venue
The happiness of your presence is requested at this special occasion."
By including the phrase "the late" before the names of the deceased parents, you are respectfully acknowledging their passing while still honoring their place in your family structure and their significance to you on your wedding day. This phrasing also provides clarity for guests who may be unfamiliar with your family situation.
Feel free to customize the wording to fit your personal style and the tone of your wedding. You can also adjust the order of the information to suit your preferences. For instance, you might want to lead with the names of the bride and groom, followed by the hosting line, or begin with a more poetic or religious verse before inviting guests to the celebration of your union.
Remember to proofread your invitations carefully, and consider having a trusted friend or family member review them as well to ensure that the wording accurately conveys your intentions and honors the memory of your parents.
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Divorced parents: List the mother's name first, then the father's name on a separate line
When it comes to wedding invitation wording, the general rule is to keep things simple and direct. Here are some examples of how to word invitations for weddings hosted by divorced parents, with the mother's name listed first, followed by the father's name on a separate line:
Divorced Parents Hosting
Ms. Sarah Smith
Mr. John Smith
Request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of their daughter
Michael Alan Timmons
Divorced Parents, Woman Remarried
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jones
Mr. John Smith
Request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of their daughter
Michael Alan Timmons
Divorced Parents, Both Remarried
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jones
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
Request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of their daughter
Michael Alan Timmons
Divorced Parents, Bride's Father Deceased, Mother Not Remarried
Mrs. Sarah Smith
Along with Mr. and Mrs. Alan Timmons
Request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of their children
Michael Alan Timmons
Divorced Parents, Bride's Father Deceased, Mother Remarried
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jones
Along with Mr. and Mrs. Alan Timmons
Request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of their children
Michael Alan Timmons
Remember, it is considered good etiquette to list the mother's name first and to keep the parents' names on separate lines. The "and" should be omitted, as it signifies marriage. Also, be sure to include all relevant information such as the date, time, and location of the wedding ceremony and reception.
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Step-parents: List the mother and stepfather's names first, then the father and stepmother's names
When listing your parents' names on your wedding invitations, the traditional approach is to start with the bride's parents, followed by the groom's. In the case of step-parents, a sensible approach is to list the biological parent first and then their spouse. For example: "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith and Mrs. Mary Jones request the pleasure of your company to share in the joy of the marriage of their children, Jane and John." Here, we see the bride's mother and stepfather listed first, followed by the bride's father and stepmother. This format can be adjusted to fit your needs, and you can choose to include middle names or initials as well.
Another option is to list all four parents' names alphabetically, or in the order of their importance to you. For instance: "Together with their families, Jane Smith and John Jones invite you to celebrate their wedding." This approach is more modern and flexible, allowing you to honor all your parents without a traditional hierarchy. It's a lovely way to involve everyone and ensure no one feels left out.
If you have a close relationship with your step-parent and they have played a significant role in your life, you may want to acknowledge them separately. You could use wording such as: "Bride's name, daughter of Mother and Step-father's names, and Father and Step-mother's names, joyfully invites you to her wedding..." This approach gives special recognition to your step-parent while still honoring your biological parent.
Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wedding invitation etiquette, especially regarding modern families. The most important thing is to word the invitations in a way that feels comfortable to you and reflects your family dynamics. You may also choose to include a small note or explanation for those who may be unfamiliar with your family structure to avoid any potential confusion.
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Widowed parents: Use the parent's name if they're hosting alone or haven't remarried
Wedding Invitation Wording for Widowed Parents
If the bride's mother has not remarried, her name would appear as:
> Ms. First Name Last Name
For example:
> Ms. Kristy Brown requests the pleasure of your company...
If the bride's mother has remarried, her name would appear as:
> Mrs. First Name Current Husband's Full Name
For example:
> Mrs. Kristy Johnson requests the pleasure of your company...
> Mrs. Evan Johnson requests the pleasure of your company...
If the bride's father has not remarried, his name would appear as:
> Mr. First Name Last Name
For example:
> Mr. Edward Brown requests the pleasure of your company...
If the bride's father has remarried, his name would appear with his new spouse's name:
> Mr. and Mrs. First Name Last Name
For example:
> Mr. and Mrs. Edward Brown request the pleasure of your company...
If the widowed parent is hosting the wedding, start with their name, specifying their relation to the bride:
> Michelle and Timothy Wright request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of Mrs. Wright's daughter Elizabeth Ann Monroe
If the bride has a different last name from her widowed parent, include it to honour the deceased parent.
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Same-sex parents: List names in alphabetical order by last name or first name if they're the same
When it comes to wedding invitation wording, the general rule is to keep things simple and direct while including all the vital details. Here are some guidelines specifically for same-sex parents:
Host Line
If the same-sex parents are hosting, their names can be listed in alphabetical order by last name (or first name if they're the same). For example:
> Mr. and Mr. Adam and Aaron Smith
If the parents have different last names, you can write:
> Mr. Adam Smith and Mr. Aaron Wong
Request Line
This is where you extend the invitation to attend the wedding. Here are some examples:
> Request the honour of your presence
> Request the pleasure of your company
> Invite you to celebrate with them
Couple's Names
The names of the couple should be listed in alphabetical order by last name (or first name if they share a last name). For instance:
> Jack Alexander and Mason Jacob
> Zara and Emily
Date and Time
The date and time are usually spelled out in full for formal weddings, but numerals are fine for more casual affairs. Here's an example:
> Saturday, the seventeenth of August, two thousand twenty-four, at half after four in the afternoon
Location
Include the name and full address of the venue, including the city and state. If the wedding is taking place abroad, add the country as well. If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you can simply write "Reception to follow."
Reception Information
If the reception is at a different location, include the details on a separate line or on a reception card included with the invitation.
Dress Code
Including dress code information is optional, but it can be helpful for guests. If you're having a black-tie event, it's important to include this information on the invitation.
RSVP Details
Most couples include a separate response card for guests to fill out and return. You can also provide the option of RSVPing via a wedding website.
Remember, these are just guidelines, and you can customise your invitations to fit your style and the tone of your wedding. Feel free to add creative touches or modify the wording to match your vision.
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Frequently asked questions
The traditional wedding invitation wording includes the host line, a proper request line, the couple's names, the date, time, and location of the ceremony, and the reception details. The host line typically includes the names of the people hosting the wedding, usually the bride's parents. The request line invites guests to join the wedding celebration. The couple's names are included, with the bride's name traditionally coming before the groom's. The date, time, and location of the ceremony are also provided, followed by the reception details.
A wedding invitation should include the host names, a warm invitation sentence, the couple's names, the wedding date, time, and location, and a separate RSVP card or digital RSVP instructions. For smaller details like travel, accommodation, attire, and parking, it is recommended to include a separate card or direct guests to a wedding website.
When the couple is hosting the wedding themselves, the host line can be omitted or replaced with a welcoming introduction such as "Together with full hearts" or "With hearts full of love and joy." The couple's names are then included, followed by the wedding date, time, and location. The reception details are also provided, such as "Dinner and dancing to follow" or "Reception to follow."
When both sets of parents are hosting, the bride's parents' names are listed first, followed by the groom's parents' names. For same-sex couples, the names can be listed in alphabetical order or in the order that looks best with the invitation design. The wording can be more formal, such as "Mr. and Mrs. [Father's Name] and Mr. and Mrs. [Mother's Name] request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their children," or more casual, such as " [Father's Name] and [Mother's Name] together with [Other Father's Name] and [Other Mother's Name] invite you to celebrate the marriage of their children."
