The Ultimate Guide To Wedding Invitation Wording And Etiquette

Wedding invitations are a chance to express your personality as a couple. There are no rules, so you can design them however you like. However, there are some essential details you should include to ensure your guests have all the information they need.

The most important things to include are the names of the couple, the date, time and location of the ceremony and reception. You should also include an RSVP card or instructions for a digital RSVP, and a separate card with travel and accommodation information.

Other things to consider are parking arrangements, transport options, the dress code, dietary requirements, and whether children are invited.

The tone of your invitations can be formal or informal, traditional or modern. You can also include personal touches, such as a custom map or a wedding website.

Host names and who is getting married

The host names and couple's names are essential elements of a wedding invitation. Traditionally, the bride's parents host the wedding, but modern variations include both families, the couple themselves, step-parents, or even children.

The host names are typically included in the invitation sentence. For example, "Mr and Mrs John Smith request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Jessica to Mr Edward Jones".

If the couple is hosting, the invitation can be more informal, such as "Jessica and Jane are getting hitched!" or "Join us to celebrate our wedding".

The couple's names are also crucial. Traditionally, the bride's name comes first, but for same-sex couples, you can choose whichever name goes first or list them alphabetically.

• "Together with their families, [Couple] invite you to join them as they say 'I do!'"
• "Mr and Mrs Smith request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Jessica Smith to Mr Edward Jones"
• "The Bagshawe + Ellwood families invite you to celebrate at Beech Grange Wareham"
• "Your spirit is requested to celebrate the union of Andrew & Martin"
• "Mr and Mrs Wright request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Sophie Wright to Andrew Smith"

Date, time and location

The date, time and location of your wedding are essential details that should be included in your invitation. Here are some tips and examples to help you word this information effectively:

Date and Time:

• Be clear and specific about the date and time of your wedding. Use standard time and date format or get creative by writing out the date in full, e.g. "Tenth of August Two Thousand and Nineteen".
• If your wedding ceremony and reception are at different times, include both sets of timing details.
• Avoid vague phrases like "in the morning" or "in the evening". Be precise to avoid any confusion for your guests.
• If you are having a destination wedding, consider any time zone differences and be mindful of your guests' travel plans when choosing the time.

Location:

• Include the name of the venue and town/city. The full address can be featured on a separate information card or your wedding website.
• If your venue is off the beaten track or difficult to find, consider including brief directions on your invitation or information card.
• If your wedding ceremony and reception are at different locations, provide the details for both.
• When listing the location, consider including a line about the formality of the event, such as "Breakfast Reception" or "Dinner Reception".
• If you are having a themed wedding (e.g. black-tie, barn/farm, etc.), you may want to include a dress code or footwear suggestions along with the location details.

Additional Tips:

• Be mindful of tradition: In traditional wedding invitations, the bride's name typically comes before the groom's. For same-sex couples, you can choose the order that feels right for you, alphabetically or based on personal preference.
• Consider your guests' needs: Include parking and transport information, especially if parking is limited or your venue is in a remote area.
• Be consistent: Ensure that the date, time and location details on your invitation match those on your wedding website and any other communication with your guests.
• Proofread: Double-check all the details, including dates, times and location, to avoid any errors or inconsistencies.

Reception details

If your wedding reception is at a different location to the ceremony, it is important to include a separate card with the reception details. This should include the venue, the time guests are required to be there, and whether food will be provided.

If the reception is at the same venue as the ceremony, you can simply add the words 'followed by a reception' or 'followed by drinks and dancing' to your invitation.

The reception card is also the place to indicate whether your reception will be a sit-down meal with a 'dinner reception' or something less formal.

If you are providing transport for your guests between the ceremony and the reception, you can include brief details on the reception card, such as the pick-up location and time.

If your reception venue has limited parking, it is helpful to include this information on your card, along with suggestions for alternative parking locations.

If your venue has gone cashless, it is also useful to let your guests know that only card or contactless payments will be accepted.

Finally, if your reception has a specific dress code, you can include this information on your reception card.

RSVP details

RSVPs are an important part of wedding planning, so it's crucial to include all the necessary details in your wedding invitation. Here are some paragraphs with suggestions for what to include:

It is recommended to set an RSVP deadline of 4-6 weeks before the wedding. This will give you enough time to finalise numbers for catering and other arrangements. Include the deadline date on your invitation, along with instructions for how to respond. You can provide a separate RSVP card or include the details on your information card.

Digital RSVPs

If you prefer digital replies, include an email address, phone number, or a link to your wedding website. A wedding website is a great way to stay connected with your guests and share additional information. However, it is still recommended to send physical invitations, as not all guests may be computer literate.

Postal RSVPs

For postal RSVPs, make it easy for your guests by providing a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Pre-stamped envelopes increase the likelihood of quick replies. You can also include tick boxes or cross-out options on the RSVP card to simplify the process for your guests.

Additional Information

Use the RSVP card to gather important information from your guests, such as dietary requirements or song requests. If you are offering a choice of menu, include tick boxes for guests to select their preferences. You can also ask about dietary restrictions to help your caterers prepare.

RSVP Wording

The tone of your RSVP wording can vary depending on the formality of your wedding. For a traditional wedding, you can use phrases like "Kindly Respond" or "Your reply is kindly requested." For a more casual approach, you might say, "Can't wait to hit the dance floor" or "Will be toasting from afar."

RSVP Management

Remember to number your RSVP cards and match them with your guest list. This will help you keep track of responses, especially if guests forget to include their names. It's also a good idea to proofread your invitations and have a fresh pair of eyes review them to avoid any errors or missing details.

Dress code

If you have a specific dress code for your wedding, it's a good idea to let your guests know. This could be anything from a specific dress code like black tie, to a request for formal attire and wedding hats. You might also want to let them know if you're planning on wearing a certain colour, or if the reception will be held in a barn or on a working farm, for example, so that your guests can choose their footwear accordingly.

• "Black tie"
• "Formal attire, wedding hats encouraged"
• "The wedding party will be in pink, we'd love you to coordinate!"
• "The reception will be in a barn on a working farm, please choose your footwear accordingly"

Additional Notes

If you don't want to specify a dress code, you could simply ask your guests to wear appropriate attire. However, it's always a good idea to give your guests as much information as possible so that they can plan and prepare for your big day.

Frequently asked questions