Deborah Chan
When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many ways to include step-parents, depending on their role in the wedding and the couple's preferences. Here are some options for how to word wedding invitations when including step-parents:
Including Both Step-Parents
If both the bride and groom have step-parents they want to include, a simple way to word the invitation is:
> [Step-father's name] and [step-mother's name]
> Invite you to the marriage of [step-mother's daughter's name]
> [Date and time]
> [Venue name and address]
If the couple wants to include their biological parents as well, the invitation can be worded as follows:
> [Step-father's name] and [step-mother's name]
> Along with [father's name] and [mother's name]
> Invite you to the marriage of [couple's names]
> [Date and time]
> [Venue name and address]
Including Only Step-Father or Step-Mother
If only the bride's step-father is being included, the invitation can be worded as:
> [Step-father's name] and [mother's name]
> Invite you to the marriage of [step-father's daughter's name]
> [Date and time]
> [Venue name and address]
Similarly, if only the groom's step-mother is being included, the invitation can say:
> [Step-mother's name] and [father's name]
> Invite you to the marriage of [step-mother's son's name]
> [Date and time]
> [Venue name and address]
Including Step-Parents With Other Parents
When including multiple sets of parents, such as both biological and step-parents, the invitation can become longer. Here is an example:
> [Step-father's name] and [step-mother's name], [father's name] and [mother's name], and [groom's parents' names]
> Request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their children
> [Couple's names]
> [Date and time]
> [Venue name and address]
Creative Wording
Couples can also get creative with their invitation wording to include step-parents. For example:
> [Step-father's name], [step-mother's name] and [mother's name]
> Invite you to share in their joy at the marriage of [step-father's daughter's name]
> [Date and time]
> [Venue name and address]
No matter which option is chosen, the key is to word the invitation in a way that feels right for the couple and includes all the important details for the guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Host line | Names of the hosts (traditionally the bride's parents) |
| Attendance request | Request to attend |
| Couple's names | Names of the couple (traditionally, the bride's name precedes the groom's) |
| Date and time | Date and time of the wedding |
| Location | Name and address of the venue |
| Reception details | Details of the reception venue (if different from the ceremony) |
| Dress code | Dress code (optional) |
What You'll Learn
Including step parents in your wedding invitation
Including step-parents in your wedding invitation can be done in a variety of ways, and there are many examples of wording that can be used to ensure that everyone is included and feels valued. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
Step 1: Understand the Traditional Format
Firstly, it is important to understand the traditional format of a wedding invitation. The first line is usually dedicated to the host(s) of the wedding, followed by the couple's names, the ceremony details, and any post-ceremony plans.
Step 2: Decide on the Hosts
If the couple's parents are divorced and/or remarried, you have a few options for how to list the hosts. You can choose to include only the biological parents' names, or you can include step-parents as well. It is considered good etiquette to list divorced parents' names on separate lines, even if they remain unmarried. 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.
> Brandon and Amber Radcliffe request the honor of your presence at the marriage of Brandon’s daughter on Saturday, the tenth of November, two thousand twenty-seven, at two o'clock in the afternoon.
> Brandon and Amber Radcliffe, along with Reyna Marie and John and Patricia Smith, request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their children on Saturday, the tenth of November, two thousand twenty-seven, at two o'clock in the afternoon.
Step 3: List the Couple's Names
After the hosts have been listed, it is time to move on to the couple's names. Traditionally, the bride's name precedes the groom's, but this is not a requirement, especially for same-sex couples. Here is an example:
> at the marriage of their daughter Talia Flores to Stephen Byrne
Step 4: Include Ceremony Details
The ceremony details, including the date, time, and location, are crucial to include in the invitation. It is also standard to include dress code information if you wish for your guests to adhere to a specific style of attire. Here is an example:
> Saturday, the tenth of November, two thousand twenty-seven, at two o'clock in the afternoon [location address]
Step 5: Add Post-Ceremony Information
Finally, it is a good idea to include any post-ceremony plans, such as the reception venue and any activities that will follow. This can be done simply and concisely:
> Reception to follow at [reception address]
Step 6: Be Creative and Make it Your Own
While the above format is traditional, it can be modified to fit your unique family structure and personal preferences. Feel free to add creative elements, such as engagement photos, monograms, symbols, borders, and patterns. You can also include sweet phrases such as "getting hitched" or "we do." Ultimately, the wording of your wedding invitations should reflect your style and the overall vibe of your special day.
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Honouring deceased parents in your wedding invitation
If you've lost a parent, you may want to honour their memory on your wedding day. One way to do this is to include their name on your wedding invitation. Here are some ideas for how to word your invitation to honour a deceased parent:
Both parents have passed away
If both of your parents have passed away, you can still include their names on your wedding invitation. Here's an example of how to word the invitation:
[Your name]
Child of the late [Parent's name] and [Parent's name]
[Your name]
Child of [Parent's name] and [Parent's name]
Request the honour of your presence at their marriage.
One parent has passed away
If one of your parents has passed away, you can list the surviving parent's name and include the deceased parent's name with the phrase "the late" before it. Here's an example:
[Your name]
Child of [Parent's name] and the late [Parent's name]
[Your name]
Child of [Parent's name] and [Parent's name]
Request the honour of your presence at their marriage.
Deceased parent and step-parent
If you have a step-parent and a deceased parent, you can include both of them on the invitation. Here's an example:
[Your name]
Child of [Step-parent's name] and the late [Deceased parent's name]
[Your name]
Child of [Parent's name] and [Parent's name]
Request the honour of your presence at their marriage.
Other ways to honour deceased parents
Including your deceased parent's name on the invitation is just one way to honour their memory. Here are some other ideas:
- Memorial candle: Light a memorial candle during the wedding ceremony or reception for guests to honour your parent.
- Reserved seat: Reserve a seat at the ceremony and reception for your deceased parent.
- Wedding program: Include a note "in loving memory" of your parent in the wedding program.
- Toast: Raise a toast during the reception to honour your parent.
- Memorial poem: Include a short memorial poem in the ceremony or reception programme dedicated to your parent.
- Flowers: Hold a bouquet that reminds you of your deceased parent.
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What to do if your parents are divorced
If your parents are divorced, there are a few ways you can choose to list them on your wedding invitation. The most important thing to remember is that there should be no "and" between your parents' names, as this signifies marriage. The mother is always listed first, and divorced parents' names never appear on the same line, even if they are both unmarried. If your mother has remarried, her name will appear on the first line with her new husband, followed by your father's name on the second line, and his new wife's name on the third line, if this applies. For example:
> Mr. and Mrs. Sean Hamilton (mom + stepdad)
> Mr. John Davis (dad) request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Stephanie Elizabeth to...
If both your parents have remarried, and there are multiple names above yours and your partner's, the bride should list her last name on the invitation to avoid confusion. For example:
> Mr. and Mrs. Sean Hamilton (mom + stepdad)
> Mr. and Mrs. John Davis (dad + stepmom) request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Stephanie Elizabeth Davis...
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the number of names on your invitation, it is perfectly acceptable to list "Together with their families" or "Together with their parents" at the top of the invitation. This is a good option if your partner's parents are also divorced and remarried.
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How to list the couple's names
The couple's names are one of the most important parts of a wedding invitation. Traditionally, the bride's name precedes the groom's name, and the bride's first and middle names are used, while the groom's first and last names are used. However, this is not mandatory, and it is ultimately up to the couple's personal preference.
- Couple is hosting: The honour of your presence is requested at the marriage of [Bride's name] and [Groom's name].
- Bride's parents are hosting: Mr. and Mrs. [Bride's father's name] request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter, [Bride's name], to [Groom's name], son of Mr. and Mrs. [Groom's father's name].
- Groom's parents are hosting: Mr. and Mrs. [Groom's father's name] request the honour of your presence at the marriage of [Bride's name], daughter of Mr. and Mrs. [Bride's father's name], to their son, [Groom's name].
- Both sets of parents are hosting: Mr. and Mrs. [Bride's father's name] and Mr. and Mrs. [Groom's father's name] request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their children, [Bride's name] and [Groom's name].
- Couple and both sets of parents are hosting: [Bride's name] and [Groom's name], together with their parents, request the honour of your presence at their wedding.
For same-sex couples, the traditional rule of listing the woman's name first does not apply. The names can be listed in alphabetical order or based on what looks best with the invitation design.
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How to word a post-ceremony celebration
If you're planning a post-wedding celebration, you may be wondering how to word your invitations to ensure your guests know what to expect. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft the perfect invitation:
Make it Clear it's a Post-Ceremony Celebration
It's important to word your invitations clearly to indicate that the event is a post-wedding celebration, not the actual wedding ceremony or reception. This will avoid any confusion and ensure your guests know what they are being invited to. You can use phrases such as:
- "Join us for a celebration following our wedding"
- "Celebration of their recent marriage"
- "In honour of their marriage"
Provide Necessary Details
Make sure to include all the necessary details such as the date, time, and location of the celebration. If the celebration is informal, you may also want to specify that guests should come to eat, drink, and meet your partner. You could say something like:
- "Join us for drinks, dinner, and dancing to celebrate our recent wedding"
- "Come eat, drink, and be merry as we celebrate our marriage"
Specify Any Dress Code
If you would like your guests to dress a certain way, be sure to include this information on the invitation. This could be a specific dress code such as "black tie" or "cocktail attire", or simply a suggestion of the level of formality. For example:
- "Black tie optional"
- "Semi-formal attire suggested"
Handle Gifts Sensitively
If you do not want your guests to bring gifts, it is generally considered impolite to include this information directly on the invitation. Instead, you can spread this information by word of mouth or include it on your wedding website. If you are including registry information, it is typically included on a separate insert card or your wedding website rather than the main invitation.
Sample Wording
- "You're invited to celebrate with Mr. and Mrs. John Smith! Join us for drinks, dinner, and dancing on [date] at [time] at [location]. No gifts, please. We just want to celebrate with you!"
- "In honour of their recent marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Smith request the pleasure of your company for a celebration on [date] at [time] at [location]. Semi-formal attire suggested."
- "Join us for a celebration of love! We're thrilled to finally introduce you all to my wonderful wife! Come eat, drink, and be merry on [date] at [time] at [location]. Black tie optional."
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Frequently asked questions
Here is an example of wedding invitation wording for including step-parents:
> 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
If you’re following old-school etiquette, the mother’s name goes first unless she is not contributing financially to the wedding. In that case, the father’s name goes first. Divorced parents’ names never appear on the same line, even if they are both unmarried.
If you only want to include your step-dad on your wedding invitation, the wording could be:
> Neena and Kenneth Peterson invite you to the marriage of Neena’s daughter, Hunter Walter Franke, on Saturday, August 25th, two thousand twenty-seven, at one o'clock in the afternoon at Sunflower Hills Farm, 19 East Forrest Heights
To include your step-mother on your wedding invitation, you could write:
> Brandon and Amber Radcliffe request the honour of your presence at the marriage of Brandon’s daughter on Saturday, the tenth of November, two thousand twenty-seven, at two o'clock in the afternoon
