George Boyle
A rustic wedding invitation sets the tone for a casual event. The invitation should include the critical information about the wedding, such as who is getting married, the wedding date, and the location. It should also recognise the hosts of the wedding, convey the tone and formality of the wedding, and indicate how guests should RSVP.
- We would like to invite you...
- Your presence has been requested at the marriage of...
- Together with their families...
- The honour of your presence at the marriage of...
- Are united in marriage...
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wording | Informal, relaxed, and intimate |
| Design | Wood grain detailing, rustic flowers, twine, barn, farm, etc. |
What You'll Learn
Wording for a rustic wedding invitation
A rustic wedding invitation should give your guests a hint of the relaxed, informal tone of your wedding. Here are some ideas for how to word your invitations to achieve this, while still covering all the essential information.
The Host Line
The host line traditionally includes the names of those hosting the wedding, i.e., those paying for it. This is usually one or both sets of parents, but if you are hosting the wedding yourselves, you can skip this line or replace it with a warm introduction, such as:
- Together with their families
- Together with our families
- Together with their parents
- Together with full hearts
- With hearts full of love and joy
The Request Line
The request line is where you invite your guests to join your wedding celebration. For a rustic wedding, you might want to use more casual language than is traditional. Here are some options:
- Invite you to join
- Please join us to celebrate
- Love the pleasure of your company
The Couple's Names
The bride's name usually comes before the groom's. However, for same-sex couples, you might want to list names in alphabetical order or in the order that looks best with your invitation design. You could also opt for just first names for a less formal feel.
The Date, Time, and Location
The date and time should be written out in full for a formal invitation, but you can use numbers for an informal wedding. For example, instead of "4:30 p.m.", you could write "half after four o'clock" or "four-thirty in the afternoon".
The venue name should be listed on one line, with the city and state on the following line. You don't need to include the street address unless the venue is a private residence.
The Reception Details
If the ceremony and reception are in the same place, you can simply write "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow". If they are in different locations, include the reception details on a separate card. If you're not serving a full meal, you might want to let guests know by saying something like:
- Join us after the ceremony for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and dancing
- Cake, punch, and merriment to follow
- Feasting and merriment to follow
- Dining, dancing, and happily ever after to follow
Other Considerations
Although it's not essential, it can be helpful to include the dress code on your invitations. If you're having a black-tie wedding, this must be included. Otherwise, guests will usually infer the dress code from the formality of the invitation.
It's also a good idea to include your wedding website, but this is usually included on a separate card rather than the main invitation.
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What to include in your rustic wedding invitation
A rustic wedding invitation should include certain elements to ensure that guests receive all the necessary information. Here is a guide on what to include in your rustic wedding invitation:
The Host Line
The host line appears at the very top of the invitation and mentions the names of the event's hosts, who are usually the people paying for the wedding. The wording will vary depending on who is hosting: one set of parents, both sets of parents, the couple and their parents, or just the couple. Here are some examples:
- One set of married parents hosting: "Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Williams" or "Christopher and Sarah Williams"
- One set of divorced parents hosting: Include the mother's name first, followed by the father's name on a separate line, e.g., "Ms. Pamela Jacobsen" and "Mr. and Mrs. Fred Jacobsen."
- Both sets of parents hosting: For different-sex couples, list the bride's parents' names first, followed by the groom's parents. For same-sex couples, list the names alphabetically by last name or in the order that looks best with the design.
- Couple hosting with their families: "Together with their families" or "Together with our families."
- Couple hosting: You can
The Request Line
The request line is where you invite your guests to join your wedding celebration. The wording will depend on the formality of your wedding. Here are some examples:
- "Request the honour of your presence" for a formal, religious ceremony.
- "Invite you to join" or "Please join us to celebrate" for a more casual event.
The Couple's Names
Ensure that the couple's names are prominent and clearly legible. For heterosexual couples, the bride's name traditionally comes first. For same-sex couples, the wording of the host line may dictate the order, or you can decide based on preference. You can use full legal names or nicknames; for very formal invites, include middle names as well.
The Date, Time, and Location
Provide the wedding date, start time, and venue. For formal invitations, spell out the date, time, and time of day in full (e.g., "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-one, at half after four in the afternoon"). Include the full address for a destination wedding or out-of-town guests. If the ceremony and reception are at different locations, provide separate cards for each.
The Reception Details
Let guests know what to expect after the ceremony. If the reception is at the same location, you can simply write, "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow." If it's at a different venue, provide the address on a separate card or include more casual wording such as "Cake, punch, and merriment to follow" or "Join us for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and dancing."
Other Details
You may also want to include details such as dress code, your wedding website, and RSVP information. These can be included on the invitation or on separate enclosure or RSVP cards.
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Examples of rustic wedding invitation wording
Rustic wedding invitations are usually informal, and the wording should reflect the relaxed tone of the event. Here are some examples of wording for a rustic wedding invitation:
Hosted by One Set of Parents
Formal Invitation:
> Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Lively invite you to share in the joy of marriage uniting their daughter Blake Ellender to Ryan Rodney Saturday, the ninth of September two-thousand twelve at noon Boone Hall Mount Pleasant, South Carolina Dinner and merriment to follow
Casual Invitation:
> Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Simon Peter Blunt invite you to the marriage of Emily Olivia Leah and John Burke July 10, 2010 at half past six in the evening Via Regina Teodolinda, 35 Como, Italy Food, wine, and merriment to follow
Hosted by Both Sets of Parents
Formal Invitation:
> Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Adams and Mr. and Mrs. David Beckham request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their children Victoria Caroline to David Robert Joseph Saturday, the fourth of July Nineteen ninety-nine at half past seven in the evening Luttrellstown Castle Clonsilla, Ireland Reception to follow.
Casual Invitation:
> With great pleasure Kimberly and Jonathan Biel and Lynn Bomar Harless and Randall Timberlake invite you to celebrate the marriage of their children Jessica and Justin October 19, 2012 at four o'clock in the afternoon Borgo Egnazia Resort 72015 Savelletri di Fasano BR, Italy Dress as you wish, dine as you like, dance as you please
Hosted by the Couple
Formal Invitation:
> Amal Alamuddin and George Timothy Clooney request the pleasure of your company at the celebration of their marriage Saturday, 27 September 2014 at noon Aman Canal Grande Hotel in Venice, Italy Festivities to follow
Casual Invitation:
> Miss Beyonce Knowles and Shawn "Jay Z" Carter are getting married Friday, April 4th, 2018 at four o'clock in the afternoon Join us for dinner and drinks
Hosted by Divorced Parents
Formal Invitation:
> Mr. Angiolo Guiseppe and Ms. Elettra Rossellini invite you to share in the joy of marriage uniting their son Roberto Rossellini to Ingrid Bergman Saturday, the twenty-fourth of May nineteen fifty at noon Hotel Boca Chica, Acapulco, Mexico Dinner and merriment to follow
Casual Invitation:
> Ms. Pamela Jacobsen Mr. and Mrs. Fred Jacobsen invite you to share in their wedding festivities at the marriage of their daughter Jordan to Paige Saturday, the tenth of April two thousand and twenty-one at half past six in the evening Hotel Chantelle New York City, NY Dress as you wish, dine as you like, dance as you please
Hosted by Parent, Including Deceased Parent
Formal Invitation:
> Mrs. and Mr. Michael Francis Middleton request the honour of your company at the marriage of their daughter Catherine Elizabeth Middleton to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge Son of Charles, Prince of Wales and the late Diana, Princess of Wales Friday, the twenty-ninth of April two thousand and eleven at eleven o'clock in the morning at Westminster Abbey – 20, Deans Yard London, England Reception to follow
Casual Invitation:
> Together with their families Malaak Compton daughter of Gerald and Louisa Compton and Christopher Rock son of the late Julius Rock and Rosalie Rock invite you to share in their wedding festivities November 23, 1996 at eight o'clock in the evening The Estate at Florentine Gardens 97 Rivervale Road River Vale, New Jersey Dinner reception to follow
Hosted by Same-Sex Parents
Formal Invitation:
> Mr. Michael and Mr. Sean Flannigan request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Julie Marie to Stephen Anthony Saturday, the tenth of April two thousand and twenty-one at half past six in the evening Hotel Chantelle New York City, NY Reception to follow
Casual Invitation:
> Ms. Jane and Ms. Courtney Lowe invite you to attend the marriage of their daughter Madison to Colton Saturday, April 10th, 2021 at half past six in the evening Allan House 1104 San Antonio Street New York City, NY Party to follow
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How to assemble your rustic wedding invitation
A rustic wedding invitation is a great way to set the tone for your special day. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to assemble your rustic wedding invitation:
- Choose a design that reflects your style: Select a design that incorporates natural elements such as barnwood, florals, watercolour, or abstract accents. You can find many options online or create your own.
- Include the essential information: Make sure to include the critical details such as the names of the couple, the wedding date, time, and location. It is also a good idea to mention the dress code and how guests should RSVP.
- Consider the host line: Traditionally, the host line includes the names of the people hosting the wedding, usually the couple's parents. However, if the couple is hosting the wedding themselves, you can skip the host line or start with a warm introduction like "Together with full hearts".
- Request line: This is where you invite your guests to join the celebration. For a formal tone, you can use "request the honour of your presence". For a more casual approach, try "invite you to celebrate with them" or "would love for you to join them".
- Couple's names: List the couple's names prominently and legibly. For heterosexual couples, the bride's name traditionally comes first. For same-sex couples, you can list the names alphabetically or based on design preferences.
- Date and time: For a formal invitation, spell out the date and time, for example, "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-one, at half after four in the afternoon".
- Location: List the venue name and city, state. For a formal wedding, spell out the state name. If the ceremony and reception are at different locations, include separate cards.
- Reception details: If the reception follows at the same location, you can simply write "Reception to follow" or get creative with "Dining, dancing, and happily ever after to follow".
- Enclosure cards: Include enclosure cards or detail cards with additional information such as reception details, RSVP information, accommodation suggestions, or directions.
- RSVP cards: These are essential for getting an accurate headcount. Include an RSVP-by date, at least three weeks before the wedding, and specific instructions on how guests should respond.
- Assembly: Once you have all the components, assemble your invitation suite. This could include an outer envelope, an inner envelope, the invitation card, and any enclosure or RSVP cards.
Your rustic wedding invitation is now ready to be sent out to your guests, setting the perfect tone for your special day.
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Where to buy rustic wedding invitations
If you're looking for rustic wedding invitations, there are several online stores that offer a wide variety of options to choose from. Here are some places where you can buy them:
Etsy
Etsy is a popular online marketplace that offers a wide range of unique and creative goods, including rustic wedding invitations. You can find various designs, such as wooden engraved invitations, floral invitations, and laser-cut options. Many sellers on Etsy provide personalised and made-to-order items, allowing you to customise your invitations to your preferences.
Amazon
Amazon offers a vast selection of rustic wedding invitations, with different styles, colours, and themes available. You can find invitations featuring barn, floral, and string light designs, as well as options with kraft paper envelopes. Amazon also provides fast delivery options and customer reviews to help you make an informed choice.
Picky Bride
Picky Bride offers a range of rustic wedding invitations, including kraft pocket invitations, lace wedding invitation cards, and vintage tree-themed designs. They provide custom wording print services and ensure privacy for your personal information. Picky Bride also offers worldwide shipping and promotional discounts.
Ann's Bridal Bargains
Ann's Bridal Bargains specialises in affordable rustic wedding invitations, combining smart design with competitive pricing. They offer a range of popular themes, such as wood grain, floral, and romantic rustic styles. You can find invitations with free RSVP cards and unique seal-and-send options.
Stylish Wedd
Stylish Wedd provides a selection of chic rustic wedding invitations, featuring wood grain and floral designs. They offer various customisation options, including laser-cut pockets, vellum jackets, and printed eucalyptus greenery. You can browse their collection by price, with options to suit different budgets.
When purchasing rustic wedding invitations, be sure to consider the overall theme and colour scheme of your wedding, as well as any specific wording or personalisation you may require. These online stores offer a convenient way to find and order your dream invitations, bringing you one step closer to your special day!
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Frequently asked questions
A good way to make your wedding invite sound formal is to use a standard request line such as "request the honour of your presence" or "request the pleasure of your company". You could also try something like "Your presence has been requested at the marriage of [name] & [name]".
To avoid inviting children, you can specify the number of guests on the wedding invite by writing the guest's name and then "Adult(s) attending". You can also specify "X and X and Family" if you are inviting children.
Some examples of wording for a rustic wedding invite include: "Together with their families", "We would like to invite you...", and "Your presence has been requested at the marriage of [name] & [name]".
