The Wedding Invite Essentials: What To Include

Wedding invitations are an important piece of the planning puzzle. They convey critical information, and their wording and style set the tone for the event. The good news is that the rules of wedding invitation etiquette are not that complicated. The primary rule is to create a beautiful invitation that represents you, your partner, and your love while also communicating the vital details of the wedding. Here's a breakdown of what to include:

1. Host Line: The opening line names the hosts of the event, usually the people paying. If multiple parties are hosting, only include names for a formal feel. If the couple is hosting, omit this line.

2. Request for Attendance: Let guests know what they're invited to, with a tone matching the event style.

3. Couple's Names: Displayed prominently, usually in larger text. For heterosexual couples, the bride's name typically comes first, but this can vary for same-sex couples.

4. Date and Time: Traditionally, these are spelled out in full, but numerical figures are common on modern invites.

5. Location: Include the venue name and full address, especially for destination weddings.

6. Reception Details: If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, note reception to follow. Otherwise, include the full address on a separate card.

7. Dress Code: Including this is optional but helpful. If not stated, guests will infer formality from the invitation style.

8. RSVP Details: Include a deadline and specify if responses are digital or physical.

9. Wedding Website: Provide this separately, as the main invitation should focus on essential details.

Host Line: Who is Hosting the Wedding?

The host line is the first line of a wedding invitation and indicates who is hosting (and traditionally, paying for) the wedding.

Traditional Wording

Traditionally, the bride's parents are the hosts and are named at the top of the invitation. However, it is becoming more common to include the names of both sets of parents as hosts. This can be done even if only one set of parents is paying for the wedding. 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

If both sets of parents are hosting, the bride's parents' names are listed first, followed by the groom's. For example:

> Kenzie M. Smith and Jennifer L. Smith Mark Franklin and Mary Elizabeth Reyes request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their children Olivia Rose and John Michael

If the couple is hosting the wedding, the host line can be omitted or replaced with a warm and welcoming introduction, such as:

> Together with full hearts

> With hearts full of love and joy

If the couple is hosting with their parents, the invitation can begin with:

> Together with their parents

> Together with our families

Honouring a Deceased Parent

If you want to include the name of a deceased parent, they cannot be listed as a host. Instead, their name can be included alongside the couple's name. For example:

> Lauren Martinez, daughter of Marta Martinez, and Robert Martinez

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

Divorced Parents

If the bride or groom's parents are divorced, each parent's name is listed on a separate line, starting with the mother. If the mother has not remarried, "Mrs." can be used, followed by her first name, maiden name, and married name. For example:

> Mr. and Mrs. Philip Hopkins

> Mr. John Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Sam Thompson

If the divorced parents have remarried, it is now common to include the step-parents' names as well. The mother's name (and new husband's name) is listed first, along with the couple's last name. For example:

> Mr. and Mrs. Mark Christopher Dannenberg

> Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Andronico Cukar

> Mr. and Mrs. John Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Sam Thompson together with Mr. Jack Johnson and Mr. and Mrs. Mark Adams

Request Line: How to Invite Guests to Join the Celebration

The request line is where you extend an invitation to your guests to join your wedding celebration. This is where you can use language to set the tone for your celebration. Here are some examples of wording for the request line:

• "Request the pleasure of your company"
• "Invite you to celebrate with them"
• "Would love for you to join them"
• "The honour of your presence" (the British spelling of "honour" traditionally indicates a religious ceremony)

If you're planning a non-religious ceremony or a more casual wedding, you can opt for more casual language in the request line. Here are some examples:

• "Please join us"
• "Together with full hearts"
• "With hearts full of love and joy"
• "Come eat cake"
• "Come party with us"
• "Eat, drink and be merry"

Couple's Names: Whose Wedding Is It?

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few essential components to include, and one of the most important is the couple's names. This is your big day, and you want to ensure that you and your partner's names are front and centre. The specific way you choose to word and format your names can vary depending on several factors, including your personal preferences, the formality of your wedding, and cultural traditions. Here are some guidelines to help you navigate this important aspect of your wedding invitations:

Heterosexual Couples

For heterosexual couples, there is a long-standing tradition of listing the bride's name before the groom's name. This tradition is not set in stone, and you may choose to list the names in the order that feels right for you. It is also essential to consider the level of formality you want to convey. For a more formal wedding, using full legal names (first, middle, and last) is often customary. However, for a casual beach ceremony, for example, using just the first names may be more appropriate.

Same-Sex Couples

When it comes to same-sex couples, you have the freedom to choose the order of your names without the weight of traditional expectations. You may opt for alphabetical order by last name or first name, or you may decide based on what looks best with your invitation design. Like heterosexual couples, the level of formality of your wedding can also guide your decision.

Middle Names

Including middle names on your wedding invitations is a nice touch, especially for more formal events. However, it is not mandatory. If you have lengthy middle names or limited space on your invitations, it is perfectly acceptable to omit them.

Honouring Deceased Parents

If you want to honour a deceased parent on your invitations, there are a few ways to do so gracefully. You can include their name alongside yours, for example, "Lauren Martinez, daughter of Robert Martinez and the late Marta Martinez." Alternatively, you can include the deceased parent's name in the host line, followed by their surviving spouse or partner.

Cultural Variations

It is important to note that wedding invitation naming conventions can vary across different cultures and countries. For example, in Australia, the day of the week typically precedes the date. Therefore, their invitations might read, "Saturday, fourth of June 2018." Be sure to consider any cultural traditions or variations that you want to incorporate into your invitations.

In conclusion, while there are some general guidelines and traditions to consider, the most important thing is to choose a format that feels right for you and your partner. Your wedding invitations should reflect your unique personalities and the tone you want to set for your special day.

Date, Time, and Location: When and Where Is the Wedding?

The date, time, and location of the wedding are essential details that should be included in the wedding invitation. Here are some tips and guidelines on how to include this information effectively:

Writing the Date

When writing the date, it is essential to consider the formality of your wedding and invitation. For formal invitations, the traditional way to write the date is to spell it out completely, rather than using numerals. For example:

> Saturday, the twenty-sixth of October, two thousand twenty-four

The day of the week should be capitalised, and there should be a comma between the day and the date. If the date falls between the 21st and 31st of the month, use a hyphen between the tens and ones place. The month should be capitalised and written out in full. The year is usually on a separate line and can be written as "two thousand twenty-four" without a comma.

However, if you are having a more casual wedding, you can write the date more informally. For instance:

> Saturday, May 17th, 2025

Writing the Time

Similarly, when writing the time, consider the formality of your event. For formal invitations, write out the time in full without using numerals. For example, if your wedding begins at 3:30 pm, you would write:

> Half after three o'clock

If the time is on the hour, simply write:

> Three o'clock

Formal invitations traditionally use the phrase "half after" instead of "half past". The time should be written in lowercase letters.

You don't need to specify "in the morning", "in the afternoon", or "in the evening" unless the wedding is scheduled between 8 am and 10 am, where there could be confusion. Morning is considered to be up until noon, afternoon is from noon to 5 pm, and evening is 5 pm onwards.

For casual weddings, you can use numerals for the time, such as "4pm" or "5:30 pm". Just ensure that the format matches the style of writing the date.

Including the Location

The wedding invitation should include the location of the ceremony and, if different, the reception venue. For formal invitations, include the full address for out-of-town guests:

> First Methodist Church, 260 East Market Street

If the wedding is at a private residence, include the names of the homeowners:

> Mr. and Mrs. Charles Darwin, 260 East Market Street

If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you can simply state:

> "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow"

However, if the reception is at a different location or is not immediately following the ceremony, include the full address and other pertinent information on a separate card.

Providing Clear Details

Remember, the goal is to provide your guests with clear and concise information about the date, time, and location of your wedding. Avoid using overly complex or confusing language. Proofread your invitations carefully and consider having someone else review them to ensure accuracy.

Reception Details: What Happens After the Ceremony?

The wedding reception is the party that usually follows the completion of a marriage ceremony. It is a time to celebrate the couple's marriage and is often when couples want to ensure their guests are entertained. The reception is hosted by the couple or their parents, and sometimes both sets of parents are involved. The hosts provide food and drink, and a wedding cake is customary.

The reception can take many forms, from a formal, sit-down meal to a casual buffet or afternoon tea. It can be held in the same location as the ceremony or elsewhere. If it is at a different venue, transport will be required for the couple and their guests.

The reception usually begins with a cocktail hour, during which the couple may have formal photos taken. This is followed by the wedding breakfast, which is typically a three-course sit-down meal. The couple may opt to have a receiving line, greeting each guest as they enter the room.

Speeches and toasts are a key part of the reception and are usually given by the groom, the best man, and the father of the bride, although modern weddings may include speeches by the bride and maid of honour. The speeches are followed by the cutting of the cake, which is often a multi-tiered, elaborately decorated white cake. The couple cuts the first piece together, feeding a bite to each other, before serving the rest to the guests.

The first dance of the evening is traditionally performed by the newlyweds, marking the start of the dancing. This is followed by the parent dances, where the bride dances with her father, and the groom with his mother.

The reception is also an opportunity for other wedding traditions, such as the tossing of the bouquet and garter, clinking of glasses, and giving of favours. The couple's departure is often made into a ceremony, with guests throwing rice or birdseed, blowing bubbles, or ringing bells as the couple leaves.

The reception is a time for celebration and festivities, with the couple and their guests eating, drinking, and dancing together. It is a joyous occasion, marking the start of the couple's new life together.

Frequently asked questions