Crafting The Perfect Wedding Invitation: Wording And Etiquette

Wedding invitation wording can be a tricky task, but it's an important piece of the wedding planning puzzle. The wording you choose will convey the tone and formality of your wedding, as well as provide guests with critical information.

The good news is that the rules of wedding invitation etiquette are not that complicated. The primary rule is that you create a beautiful wedding invitation that represents you, your love, and the big day to come, while also communicating the vital details of the wedding.

- A host line: Traditionally, the bride's parents are the hosts and are named at the top of the invitation. However, you can include the names of both sets of parents or opt to leave out the host line altogether if the couple is hosting.

- A request line: This is where you invite your guests to join your wedding celebration. Formal language is typically used to denote a religious ceremony, while casual language is used for non-religious services.

- The couple's names: The names of the couple are usually displayed in larger text. For heterosexual couples, the bride's name traditionally comes first. For same-sex couples, you can list the names alphabetically or based on what looks best with the design.

- The date, time, and location of the ceremony: Include the full date, time, and address of the wedding venue. For formal invitations, spell out the date, time, and location in full.

- Reception details: If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, simply state reception to follow. Otherwise, include the full address and other pertinent information on a separate card.

- Dress code: Including dress code information is optional but can be helpful for guests. If your wedding is black-tie, it must be included on the invitation.

Host Line: Names the hosts of the wedding

The host line is the opening line on a wedding invitation and names the hosts of the event. The hosts are usually the people paying for the wedding. Here are some examples of host lines for wedding invitations:

One Set of Married Parents Hosting

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

• Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Timothy Williams (very formal; the middle name is included)
• Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Williams (formal)
• Mr. and Mrs. Christopher and Sarah Williams (formal; includes both first names)
• Christopher and Sarah Williams (less formal)

One Set of Divorced Parents Hosting

Include the mother's name first, followed by the father's name. Do not use "and" to connect the two names; instead, give each name its own line.

Both Sets of Parents Hosting

For different-sex couples, list the bride's parents' names at the top of the invite, then the groom's parents' names. For same-sex couples, list the names according to preference or in the order that looks best with the invitation design.

• Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Wong and Mr. and Mrs. Adam Hollis (formal)
• Aaron and Alisha Wong together with Adam and Beatrice Hollis (less formal)

Couple Is Hosting With Their Families

When the couple and both of their families are contributing to the cost of the wedding, many choose to add a line such as "Together with their families" as the host line.

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

Couple Hosting

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

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

Attendance Request: Lets guests know they're being invited

The attendance request is a crucial part of a wedding invitation, as it lets guests know they are being invited to the wedding. Here are some examples of attendance requests for wedding invitations:

• "The honour of your presence" - traditionally used to denote a religious service.
• "The pleasure of your company" - used to denote a non-religious ceremony.
• "Invite you to celebrate with them"
• "Would love for you to join them"
• "Joyfully request the pleasure of your company" - for a casual wedding.
• "Joyfully invite you" - for a casual wedding.
• "Cordially invite you" - for a casual wedding.
• "Invite you to share in their joy" - for a casual wedding.
• "Mr. and Mrs. John L. Smith request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their son Jack Alexander to Mason Jacob Kim Saturday, the seventeenth of August two thousand twenty-four at half after four at [venue name and address] Reception to follow."
• "Together with their families, [Bride] and [Groom] request the honour of your presence at their wedding celebration on [date] at [time] at [venue name and address]. Dinner and dancing to follow."
• "The honour of your presence is requested at the marriage of [Bride] and [Groom] on [date] at [time] at [venue name and address]. Reception to follow."
• "Good food, good drinks, good friends. [Bride] and [Groom] request you celebrate with them as they get hitched on [date] at [time] at [venue name and address]. Party to follow."

Couple's Names: The main event

The Main Event: Couple's Names

The most important part of a wedding invitation is, of course, the couple's names. Traditionally, the bride's name comes first, followed by the groom's. However, this is not a hard-and-fast rule, and same-sex couples may choose to list names alphabetically or based on what looks best with the invitation design.

For formal invitations, it is customary to use both first and middle names, but this is not obligatory. Last names can also be dropped if the couple's parents are listed with the same last name.

• "Jack Alexander Smith and Mason Jacob Kim"
• "Jack Smith & Mason Kim"
• "Jack Alexander Smith & Mason Jacob Kim"
• "Sophia Devine and Matthew Johnson"
• "Olivia Rose Smith and John Michael Reyes"

The Date and Time

The date and time of the wedding should also be spelled out in full for formal invitations, and for casual invites, it is acceptable to use numerals. Here are some examples:

• "Saturday, the seventeenth of August, two thousand twenty-four, at half after four in the afternoon"
• "Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon"
• "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-one, at half after four in the afternoon"
• "Saturday, 16 October 2020, at four o'clock in the afternoon"

The Location

For the location, include the name and full address of the wedding venue, including the city, state, and zip code. If the wedding is abroad, include the country as well. Here are some examples:

• " [Venue name and address]"
• "Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Randwick, Sydney"
• "St. Michael's Church"
• "Boone Hall, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina"

The Reception

If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you can simply state "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow." If the reception is elsewhere, include the full address on a separate card. Here are some examples:

• "Reception to follow"
• "Dinner and merriment to follow"
• "Dinner and dancing to follow at [venue name and address]"
• "Food, wine, and merriment to follow"

Optional Details

You may also include details such as the dress code and RSVP information. The dress code is usually included in the lower corner or bottom centre of the invite, or on a separate details card. RSVP details can be included on a separate card or the wedding website.

• "Black-tie"
• "Dine as you like, dance as you please"
• "Kindly reply by [date]"
• "Please respond by [date]"

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Date and Time: Should be spelled out in full for formal invites

When it comes to wedding invitations, one of the most important considerations is ensuring that the wording is clear, consistent, and elegant. This is particularly crucial when indicating the date and time of the event. For formal wedding invitations, it is customary and considered more refined to spell out the date and time in full rather than using numbers or abbreviations. Here are some well-structured paragraphs to guide you through this aspect of your wedding invitation wording:

For formal invitations, it is customary to write out the date in its entirety. For example, "The fourteenth of June, two thousand and twenty- thirty" or "Saturday, the twenty-first of May, two thousand and twenty-twenty-one." This style elevates the invitation and provides a classic and traditional tone. When specifying the time, it should also be written in words, such as "at half past three o'clock in the afternoon" or "at six o'clock in the evening." Doing so adds a touch of elegance and formality to your invitation. It also ensures a consistent presentation throughout your invitation, creating a harmonious and refined impression.

When deciding how to phrase your wedding invitation, consider the level of formality you wish to convey. Formal invitations are traditionally worded in a very specific manner. For instance, when indicating the date, it is customary to use the full name of the month and to spell out the year. This attention to detail showcases a refined sense of etiquette. An example of such wording could be, "The wedding of Emily Rose and Alexander James is scheduled for Saturday, the eighth of August, two thousand and twenty- thirty, at half past one o'clock in the afternoon." This format maintains a sense of tradition and elegance.

Another aspect to consider when spelling out the date and time in full is the use of ordinal indicators. It is proper etiquette to write the date as, for example, "Saturday, the third of July, two thousand and twenty-twenty-two." The use of "the third" instead of simply "third" maintains the formality and traditional tone that many couples desire for their wedding invitations. This attention to grammatical detail showcases a sophisticated understanding of invitation etiquette and contributes to the overall elegance of your wedding stationery.

It is worth noting that the spelling and phrasing of your wedding invitations should align with the overall tone and theme of your wedding. While formal invitations traditionally spell out dates and times, you may opt for a more modern or relaxed approach if it suits your style. For instance, "Saturday, July eleventh, two thousand and twenty-two, at two o'clock in the afternoon" offers a slightly more contemporary feel while still maintaining a sense of formality. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and you can tailor the invitation to reflect your unique vision.

In conclusion, when crafting formal wedding invitations, spelling out the date and time in full contributes to the elegance and tradition of your special day. This attention to detail showcases your dedication to etiquette and creates a refined impression for your guests. Whether you choose a classic or slightly more modern approach, ensuring consistent and correct spelling will set the tone for your wedding and leave a lasting impression on those who receive these special invitations.

Location: Include the full address for destination weddings

When it comes to destination weddings, it's important to include the full address of the wedding venue in your invitations. This is crucial information for your guests, who will be travelling to celebrate with you. Here are some paragraphs with examples of how to word your invitations, with a focus on including the full address:

Paragraph 1

"We're getting hitched and we want you there! Join us for the wedding of [Bride's name] and [Groom's name] on [date] at [time] at [venue name], [venue address], [city], [state], [zip code]. Dinner, drinks, and dancing to follow."

Paragraph 2

"You are cordially invited to the wedding celebration of [Bride's name] and [Groom's name] on [date] at [time] at [venue name] located at [venue address], [city], [state], [zip code]. Please join us for a memorable evening."

Paragraph 3

"Love is in the air, and we want you to be a part of it! We request the honour of your presence at the marriage of [Bride's name] and [Groom's name] on [date] at [time]. The ceremony will take place at [venue name], [venue address], [city], [state], [zip code], followed by a reception at the same location."

Paragraph 4

"It's finally here—our wedding day! We would be delighted if you could join us as we exchange our vows. The ceremony will be held at [venue name], [venue address], [city], [state], [zip code] on [date] at [time]. We hope to see you there!"

Paragraph 5

"Pack your bags and get ready for a celebration! We're thrilled to invite you to our destination wedding. Join us at [venue name], [venue address], [city], [state], [zip code] on [date] at [time] as we say 'I do.' Drinks, dinner, and dancing will follow the ceremony."

Remember to include all the necessary details, such as the date, time, and full address of the venue. You may also want to mention any dress code or accommodation information for your guests.

Frequently asked questions