Etiquette Guide: Wedding Gifts And Invitation Wording

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few key elements that should be included. These include the host line, the request to attend, the names of the couple, the date and time, the location, and the dress code. While it is not mandatory to include the host line, it is a nice way to acknowledge those who are contributing to the wedding financially. The request to attend can be worded in a few different ways, such as the pleasure of your company or invite you to celebrate with them. The couple's names are typically displayed in larger text, with the bride's name preceding the groom's name. However, for same-sex couples, the order of the names is not as important. The date and time should be spelled out in full for formal invitations, while numerical figures are often used on modern invites. The location should include the name and full address of the venue, including the state and zip code. If the reception is at a different location, this information can be included on a separate card. Including the dress code on the invitation is optional but can be helpful for guests. It is also important to note that registry information should not be included on the invitation itself but can be included on a wedding website or shared by word of mouth.

Honoring deceased parents

Honouring deceased parents on a wedding invitation can be tricky, but there are many ways to do so. Here are some suggestions:

Including Deceased Parents in the Wording

One traditional way to include deceased parents is to use the following format:

> [Engaged Person's Name]

> child of [Parent's Name] and the late [Deceased Parent's Name]

> [Engaged Person's Name]

> child of [Parent's Name] and [Parent's Name]

> request the honour of your presence at their marriage.

This format can be adapted for same-sex weddings or when one parent has remarried. In these cases, simply swap out "daughter" or "son" as needed. It's also possible to list other surviving family members, such as grandparents, if both parents have passed away.

> Mrs Sharon Henderson

> and the late Mr Nathan Henderson

> request the honour of your presence

> at the marriage of their daughter

> Preston John Brackman

> ...

> Fatima and the late Arjun Sharma

> the families and friends of

> at the celebration of their marriage

> ...

> Mr and Mrs Jay Courier

> Mrs Hannah Fullerton and the late Andrew Fullerton

> request the honour of your presence

> at the marriage of their children

> ...

Alternative Wording Ideas

If you don't want to use the traditional format, there are other ways to word the invitation while still honouring deceased parents. Here are some ideas:

• "Together with their families, [Couple's names] request the honour of your presence at their marriage."
• "With profound joy, you are cordially invited to witness the marriage of [Couple's names]."
• " [Couple's names], daughter/son of [Parent's name] and the late [Deceased parent's name]..."
• "You and [FH] together with families..."

Honouring Deceased Parents at the Wedding

If you don't want to include your deceased parent(s) on the invitation, you can always find other ways to honour them at the wedding itself. Here are some ideas:

• Include a special moment to remember them just before the ceremony, such as a moment of silence or a reading of a poem or quote.
• Reserve a seat for them at the ceremony, perhaps with a bouquet of flowers or a custom sign.
• Incorporate symbolic flowers, such as white roses, into your bouquet or decor.
• Light a memorial candle to signify their presence with you.
• Display a framed picture or a portrait, perhaps with a note or quote.
• Play a special song that reminds you of them during the reception.
• Create an "In Memoriam" table with photos and mementos.
• Serve a special recipe or signature drink in their honour.

Including step-parents

When it comes to wedding invitation wording, the most important rule is to create something that represents you, your love, and your big day. Here are some tips and examples to help you include step-parents in your wedding invitations:

Host Line

The host line is where you can include the names of those hosting the wedding. Traditionally, this would be the bride's parents, but nowadays, it is common to include both sets of parents or even the couple themselves. If the wedding is hosted and paid for by the couple and both sets of parents, you can use wording such as:

> "Together with their parents, [Couple's names] request the pleasure of your company..."

If you want to include step-parents, you can list all parents' names, keeping each couple on a separate line. If you want to include a stepparent, keep their name on the same line as their partner. Here is an example:

> "Dr. Vance and Elizabeth Gregory, Mr. James Abner and Lydia Abner, and Mr. Harold and Jane Hyland invite you to the wedding of their children, Amy Abner and Charles Hyland."

The Request to Attend

This is where you extend the invitation to your guests and ask for the pleasure of their company. Here are some wording options:

• "The pleasure of your company"
• "At the marriage of their children"
• "Would love for you to join them"
• "Invite you to celebrate with them"
• "Honour of your presence" (the British spelling of "honour" traditionally indicates a ceremony in a church or another house of worship)

Couple's Names

Traditionally, the bride's name precedes the groom's name. However, for same-sex couples, you can choose the order based on alphabetical order or what sounds better.

Date and Time

For formal weddings, everything is written out in full (no numerals). Time is usually spelled out using "o'clock" or "half after five o'clock." For casual weddings, numerals are fine.

Reception Information

For very formal invitations, reception information can be included on a separate card. Otherwise, it can be printed on the invitation itself if there is room. If the ceremony and reception are at the same location, you can simply state, "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow." If the reception is elsewhere, include the location on a different line.

Gift Registry or Wishing Well

Including information about gifts on the invitation itself is often considered tacky or rude. Instead, you can include a separate gift card or a line or two on an information card. Here are some wording suggestions:

• "Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift of all. However, should you wish to honour us with a gift, a list [of gift suggestions] has been registered with [store name or address]."
• "Your love, laughter, and company on our wedding day are the greatest gifts of all. However, should you wish to help us celebrate with a gift, a wishing well will be provided."
• "We look forward to your presence on our special day. We do not need any gifts as we already have all the household items we need. However, if you wish to give a gift, we will have a wishing well at our reception that will go towards our future together."
• "Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift of all. However, should you wish to honour us with a gift, a contribution to our honeymoon would help create memories that will last a lifetime. A wishing well will be available."

The couple's names

Formal

• "The honour of your presence is requested at the marriage of Talia Camila Flores and Stephen Anthony Byrne..."
• "Talia Camila Flores and Stephen Anthony Byrne request the honour of your company at the celebration of their union..."
• "Mr. & Mrs. Jon Flores request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Talia Camila Flores to Stephen Anthony Byrne..."

Informal

• "Talia Flores and Stephen Byrne invite you to a celebration of their love and commitment..."
• "Together with their parents, Talia Flores & Stephen Byrne invite you to share in their joy as they tie the knot..."
• "Mr. & Mrs. Flores would love your company at the marriage of their daughter Talia Flores to Stephen Byrne..."

Ceremony details

The first line of your wedding invitation is dedicated to the host of the wedding, also known as the party covering the expenses. Traditionally, the bride's parents pay for the wedding, but nowadays, the groom's parents, bride, and groom, or a combination of all three are contributing. There is no official order or requirement to list the names. It's all up to personal preference. If your family has a non-traditional structure, don't let the host name part of the invitation trip you up. It's easy to accommodate situations such as step-parents or when the parents of the bride or groom are deceased.

> Mr. & Mrs. Flores, Mr. & Mrs. Hill, Mr. & Mrs. Byrne and Mr. & Mrs. Lin request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of Talia Flores & Stephen Byrne

> Mr. & Mrs. Jon Flores and Mr. Tom Byrne & the late Mrs. Nancy Byrne request the honor of your company at the marriage of their children Talia Flores & Stephen Byrne

The couple's names typically come next. The bride's name usually comes first, followed by the groom's name. Most commonly, the bride's first and middle names are used while the groom's first and last names are used. Whether you're opting for formal or casual invitations will determine how you display your names.

> Talia Camila Flores and Stephen Anthony Byrne

> Talia Flores and Stephen Byrne

The ceremony details are one of the most important parts of your wedding invites. You want to make sure your guests have no confusion about when, where, and at what time your wedding will take place. Include the date, time, location, and address. Include dress code information if you wish your guests to adhere to a specific style of apparel.

> Saturday, the eleventh of June two thousand and twenty three at twelve o'clock in the afternoon

> June 11, 2024, 12:00 pm

Let your guests know what to expect after the ceremony. It's a great way to set the tone for your reception with clear expectations. If there's a cocktail hour or dancing and dinner, it's good to spell it all out here, or include your wedding website link that has all the information. You should also include the address if the reception will be held at a separate venue.

> Reception to follow

> Dinner and dancing to follow

> An evening of celebration to follow

> Reception to follow at the residence of _____

Post-ceremony plans

If you are hosting a post-ceremony celebration, it is important to include this in your invitation. If the reception is at a different location, make sure you include the address or direct your guests to your wedding website for more information. Here are some examples of post-ceremony wording:

Informal Post-Ceremony Wording

• Dinner and dancing to follow
• Followed by dinner and dancing
• Drinks and dancing to follow
• Dinner, drinks and dancing to follow
• Cocktails, dinner and dancing to follow
• Adult reception to follow

Formal Post-Ceremony Wording

• An evening of celebration to follow
• Followed by an evening of celebration
• Reception immediately following at [location]
• Dinner to follow at [location]
• Reception to follow at [location]
• Reception to follow at the residence of [name]

Frequently asked questions