Crafting The Perfect Wedding Invitation: Sign-Offs And Final Touches

When it comes to wedding invitation wording, there are a few key elements that you'll need to include, regardless of whether you're going for a formal or casual tone. These are:

- Host line: The opening line on a wedding invitation names the hosts of the event, usually the people paying for the wedding.

- Attendance request: Let your guests know exactly what they're being invited to.

- Couple's names: The names of the couple are usually displayed in larger text and sometimes in a fancy typeface.

- Date and time: Traditionally, the date and time are spelled out in full, but numerical figures are often used on modern invites.

- Location: Include the name and full address of your wedding venue, including the state and zip code.

- Reception details: If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, just say reception to follow.

You can also include an optional dress code and, if you're sending physical invites, an RSVP card.

Honoring a deceased parent: Include them in the host line or after the bride or groom's name

Honouring a deceased parent on a wedding invitation is a thoughtful way to include them in the celebration. Here are some ways to do this, with a focus on including them in the host line or after the bride or groom's name:

Host Line

The host line is the opening line on a wedding invitation, naming those who are hosting the event. Traditionally, the bride's parents are listed here, but it is becoming more common to include both sets of parents, especially if both are contributing financially. When honouring a deceased parent, you can include their name in the host line, followed by "and the late [Name]." For example: "Mr. Adam French and the late Iris French." This option allows you to acknowledge your deceased parent while still following the traditional format of the invitation.

After the Couple's Names

Another option is to include the deceased parent's name after the bride or groom's name. This can be a touching way to honour them while still adhering to the standard structure of the invitation. For example: " [Bride/Groom's Name], daughter/son of [Deceased Parent's Name] and [Other Parent's Name]." This phrasing ensures that your deceased parent is mentioned, while still maintaining the traditional format of listing the parents' names.

Couple's Full Names

If you prefer to include the couple's full names, you can still find a way to honour your deceased parent. For example: " [Bride/Groom's Full Name], daughter/son of Mr./Mrs. [Deceased Parent's Name] and [Other Parent's Name]." This option provides a more formal approach while still acknowledging your deceased parent.

Creative Wording

If you are open to creative wording, you have more flexibility in honouring your deceased parent. For instance, you could use a phrase like "in loving memory of [Deceased Parent's Name]." This can be placed below the couple's names or at the end of the invitation. This option allows you to include your parent without being restricted by traditional phrasing.

Memorial Note

Another idea is to include a memorial note at the end of the invitation. This can be a simple line such as "In loving memory of [Deceased Parent's Name], who is forever in our hearts." This option ensures that your parent is honoured while maintaining the standard format for the rest of the invitation.

Host line: The opening line names the host(s) of the wedding

The host line is the opening line of a wedding invitation and it names the host(s) of the wedding. The hosts are usually the people who are paying for the wedding. Here are some examples of how to structure the host line depending on who is hosting:

One Set of Married Parents Hosting

Include the parents' full names, with middle names for very formal weddings. If they have different surnames, use "and" to join the two names.

Formal:

• Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Timothy Williams
• Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Williams

Less Formal:

Christopher and Sarah Williams

One Set of Divorced Parents Hosting

List the mother's name first, followed by the father's name on a separate line. Do not use "and" to connect the two names.

Both Sets of Parents Hosting

For different-sex couples, list the bride's parents' names first, followed by the groom's parents' names. For same-sex couples, list the names in alphabetical order or in the order that looks best with the invitation design.

Formal:

Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Wong and Mr. and Mrs. Adam Hollis

Less Formal:

Kenzie M. Smith and Jennifer L. Smith Mark Franklin and Mary Elizabeth Reyes

Couple Is Hosting With Their Families

When the couple and both of their families are contributing to the cost of the wedding, you can use a phrase such as "Together with their families" as the host line.

• Together with their families
• Together with our families
• Together with their parents

Couple Hosting Themselves

If the couple is hosting the wedding themselves, you can skip the host line or start with a warm and welcoming introduction:

• Together with full hearts
• With hearts full of love and joy

Request line: Invite your guests to join your wedding celebration

The request line is where you invite your guests to join your wedding celebration. Here are some ideas for how to word this section of the invitation:

• "Invite you to join"
• "Please join us to celebrate"
• "Love the pleasure of your company"
• "Request the honour of your presence"
• "Request the pleasure of your company"
• "Would love for you to join them"
• "Invite you to celebrate with them"

If you are having a religious ceremony, you can use the more formal "request the honour of your presence". For a non-religious ceremony, you can opt for more casual language.

• "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter, Talia, to Stephen on Saturday, the eleventh of June, at twelve o'clock in the afternoon."
• "Talia Flores and Stephen Byrne invite you to a celebration of their love and commitment on June 11, 2024, at 12:00 pm."
• "Together with their parents, Talia Flores and Stephen Byrne invite you to share in their joy as they tie the knot on June 11, 2024, at 12:00 pm."
• "Mr. and Mrs. Flores would love your company at the marriage of their daughter, Talia, to Stephen on June 11, 2024, at 12:00 pm."
• "Talia Flores and Stephen Byrne, together with their families, invite you to share in their joy as they become husband and wife."
• "Join us for the wedding of Talia and Stephen on June 11, 2024, at 12:00 pm."
• "Talia and Stephen invite you to join them as they say 'I do' on June 11, 2024, at 12:00 pm."

Couple's names: The names of the couple are usually displayed in larger text

The names of the couple are the most important part of a wedding invitation after the ceremony details. The couple's names are usually displayed in larger text and sometimes in a fancy typeface. Here are some examples of how to format the names of the couple:

Formal Wedding Invitation Wording

For formal wedding invitations, it is customary to use the full legal names of both partners, with the bride's name preceding the groom's. 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 the bride's parents' names are listed at the top, the bride's name can just be her first and middle name, without her last name. In that case, the groom's name is usually listed in full. For instance:

> Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Timothy Williams request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Chloe Marie to Matthew James

Alternatively, the groom's name can include his first and middle names, followed by the line "Son of Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Wong."

For same-sex couples, the names are typically listed in alphabetical order by last name, or based on what looks best with the invitation design. For example:

> Mr. Michael and Mr. Sean Flannigan request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Julie Marie to Stephen Anthony

Informal Wedding Invitation Wording

Informal wedding invitations may include just the first names of the couple. For instance:

> Join us for the wedding of Talia and Stephen

> Talia Flores and Stephen Byrne invite you to a celebration of their love and commitment

If the couple is hosting the wedding themselves, you can include a warm and welcoming introduction, such as:

> Together with full hearts

> With hearts full of love and joy

Other Considerations

If the couple has different last names, and the bride's parents' names are listed at the top, it is a good idea to include the bride's last name to avoid confusion. For example:

> Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Timothy Williams request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Chloe Marie Sinclair to Matthew James Denton

If the couple has the same last name, and the bride's parents are hosting, the bride's last name can be dropped. Here is an example:

> Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Timothy Williams request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Chloe to James

Date, time, and location: Include everything your guests need to show up at the right place and time

The date, time, and location are arguably the most important elements of a wedding invitation. After all, you want to make sure your guests have all the information they need to arrive at the right place and time! Here are some tips to ensure your guests have all the details they need:

Include the Date of the Wedding:

Spell out the date and year, especially for formal invitations, to avoid any confusion or mistakes. For example, write "July 2, 2025" instead of "7/2/2025."

Specify the Start Time:

For formal invitations, spell out the time of the ceremony. Avoid using "a.m." or "p.m." and instead, use phrases like "in the morning," "in the afternoon," or "in the evening."

Provide the Wedding Venue and Address:

Include the full name and address of the wedding venue, particularly if you're having a destination wedding or expecting out-of-town guests. For formal weddings, spell out the state name.

If your wedding is taking place at a private residence, you may also want to include additional details like the neighbourhood or nearby landmarks to make it easier for guests to find.

Indicate the Number of Guests:

Let your guests know if they are invited with a plus one or if children are welcome. You can subtly convey this information by writing the guest's name on the envelope or including "and Family" after their name.

Provide Reception Details:

Let your guests know what to expect after the ceremony. If the reception is at the same location, a simple "Reception to follow" will suffice. If it's at a different venue, include the address on a separate card or provide additional details like "Dinner and dancing to follow."

Be Clear About the Dress Code:

Your invitation's formality may already hint at the expected attire, but you can also include dress code information directly. For a black-tie event, this is essential. For other dress codes, you can specify "Formal Attire," "Cocktail Attire," or "Beach Casual," for example.

Provide RSVP Details:

Let your guests know how and when to respond to your invitation. Include an RSVP card with a reply-by date, or direct them to your wedding website or a specific email address for responses.

Consider Including a Map or Directions:

While not mandatory, including a small map or written directions to the wedding venue can be helpful, especially for guests who are unfamiliar with the area.

Proofread and Double-Check All Details:

Before sending out your invitations, carefully review all the information, including dates, times, and locations. It's easy to make a mistake, and you don't want to cause confusion for your guests!

Remember, the key is to provide clear and concise information about the date, time, and location of your wedding. Your guests will appreciate having all the details they need to plan their attendance and celebrate your special day with you!

Frequently asked questions