Crafting Wedding Invitations: Formal Writing Styles And Etiquette

Wedding invitations are an important piece of the planning puzzle. They set the tone for the wedding and convey critical information. The wording of formal wedding invitations may vary depending on who is hosting the wedding. The essentials of a wedding invitation are: the host line, a proper request line, the couple's names, the date, time, and location of the ceremony, and the reception details. Formal wedding invitations should be written out in full, with everything spelled out in long form.

Host Line

The host line is the opening line on a wedding invitation and names the hosts of the event. If multiple parties are hosting, you only need to include names if you're aiming for a formal feel. If the couple is hosting the wedding themselves, this line can be omitted.

Traditionally, the bride's parents are the hosts and their names are listed first. However, listing the names of both sets of parents is acceptable and gracious, regardless of who is paying for the wedding. 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)

If the couple and their parents are contributing, you can opt for something like:

> Together with their parents

> Together with our families

> Together with their families

If one parent is deceased, they can be honoured alongside one of the couple's names. For example:

> Lauren Martinez, daughter of Marta Martinez, or Lauren Martinez, daughter of Robert Martinez and the late Marta Martinez.

For divorced parents, include each parent on a separate line. For same-sex couples, list the names according to preference or in the order that looks best with the invitation design.

Request Line

The request line is the second line of a wedding invitation and is where you ask the invitee to attend the wedding celebration. The request line usually comes after the host line, which tells guests who is hosting the event, and before the names of the happy couple.

• 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
• Request the honour of your company
• Invite you to share in their joy
• Request the honour of your company at their wedding
• Invite you to join them in the celebration of their love
• Joyfully welcome you to attend the celebration of their love

Couple's Names

The couple's names are a key part of a wedding invitation. Traditionally, the bride's name comes first, followed by the groom's name. However, this tradition is not applicable to same-sex couples, who can choose to list their names alphabetically or based on what sounds better.

For heterosexual couples, if the bride's parents' names are listed at the top of the invitation, the bride's name on the second line can just be her first and middle name, without her last name. In that case, the groom's name is either listed in full or his first and middle names are listed, followed by "Son of Mr. & Mrs." and his father's name.

For same-sex couples, if one set of parents is hosting, their names will come first and their child's name should follow. If the couple is hosting themselves, it is up to them to decide whose name comes first.

For formal invitations, it is customary to use both partners' full legal names. If desired, nicknames can be used on the save-the-date card or other less formal pieces of the invitation suite.

If space is an issue, the bride's and/or groom's middle names can be dropped.

When addressing the envelopes, guests' names should be written out in full (title, first name, middle name, and last name). Avoid using nicknames or initials. Be sure to use appropriate social titles as well, addressing married couples as "Mr. and Mrs." or "Mr. and Mr."

Date, Time and Location

When it comes to wedding invitations, it is important to include the date, time, and location of the event. Here are some tips and suggestions for including this information in a formal and elegant way:

Date

It is customary to include the date of the wedding in the invitation. This can be written out in a variety of ways, depending on the desired level of formality. For a more traditional and formal invitation, consider using the full date, including the day of the week. For example, "Saturday, the fifteenth of July, two thousand and twenty-three." This format provides a clear and elegant statement of the wedding date.

Alternatively, you may choose to use a more modern and concise format, such as "Saturday, July 15, 2023." This style is still formal but with a more contemporary feel. Whichever format you choose, ensure that the date is presented clearly and prominently on the invitation.

Time

The time of the wedding is another essential detail to include in the invitation. It is customary to provide the time in a formal manner, using either the 12-hour or 24-hour clock format. For a more elegant presentation, you may write out the time in words rather than using numerals. For example, "at half past four in the afternoon" or "seventeen hundred hours."

If your wedding has multiple components, such as a ceremony followed by a reception, it is important to specify the time for each. For example, "The ceremony will commence at four o'clock in the afternoon, followed by a reception at half past six." This provides a clear timeline for your guests to follow.

Location

The location of your wedding is a crucial element of the invitation. It is customary to include both the name of the venue and the address. For a formal invitation, you may consider using a phrase such as "at the home of" or "at the residence of" before stating the address. For example, "at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, 1234 Elm Street, Anytown, USA."

If your wedding venue is well-known or has a particular name, be sure to include this information. For example, "The ceremony will be held at St. Paul's Cathedral, followed by a reception at the Country Club Estate." Providing clear and detailed location information ensures that your guests can easily find their way to your special day.

Reception Details

The reception details are an important part of your wedding invitation. This section provides guests with essential information about the celebration that follows the wedding ceremony. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you craft the reception details for your formal wedding invitations:

Location

If the ceremony and reception are held at the same venue, you can simply state "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow." This concise wording elegantly conveys that the celebration will take place in the same location.

However, if the reception is at a different venue, it's best to include the full address on a separate line or on a dedicated reception card enclosed with the invitation. Providing clear directions ensures that your guests can easily transition from the ceremony to the reception venue.

Timing

When the reception follows immediately after the ceremony, there is no need to specify the start time again. In such cases, phrases like "Reception immediately following the ceremony" or "Reception to follow" are commonly used.

However, if there is a gap between the ceremony and the reception, or if they are held at different venues, it's essential to include the reception timing. This information helps guests plan their day, especially if they need to arrange transportation or childcare.

Dress Code

Including dress code information on the invitation is optional but can be helpful for your guests. If you choose to include it, the dress code line is typically placed at the bottom right corner of the invitation or on a separate reception card.

Some common dress code options include:

• Black-tie (suggesting tuxedos and floor-length gowns)
• Formal attire (suggesting suits and dresses)
• Cocktail attire (suggesting suits or dress shirts with ties, and cocktail dresses)
• Beach casual (suggesting casual attire like shorts, sundresses, and sandals)

Additional Information

If you have a wedding website, it's a good practice to include the URL on a separate reception card or an additional information card enclosed with the invitation. This allows guests to easily access more detailed information about the event, accommodations, transportation, and any other relevant details.

For formal wedding invitations, it's best to keep the wording concise and elegant. Avoid overloading the invitation with excessive details, as this may detract from the overall design and clarity of the essential information.

• "Reception to follow at the Spring Hill Golf Club."
• "Reception immediately following the ceremony at the Grand Ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton."
• "Dinner and dancing to follow at the Garden Terrace, with cocktails starting at 6:00 pm."
• "Cocktails and canapes to follow at the Riverside Patio."

Frequently asked questions