Invitation Envy: Where To Copy Wedding Invites

Wedding invitations are one of the first things your guests will see, so it's important to get them right. The wording of your wedding invitation will depend on the style of your wedding, but there are some standard elements that should be included. These are: the host line, a request line, the couple's names, the date, time and location of the ceremony, and any post-ceremony plans. The invitation should also convey the tone and formality of the wedding, including the dress code.

If you're worried about the etiquette of wedding invitation wording, don't panic. While traditionally the bride's parents are the hosts and their names come first, nowadays it's common to see invitations from both sets of parents, the couple and their parents, or just the couple. If you're writing your own invitations, follow these guidelines:

- Capitalise proper names and titles

- Don't use punctuation, except after courtesy titles

- Avoid abbreviations, except for courtesy titles

- Include the British spelling of honour to denote a more formal tone

The host line

If the wedding is hosted by one set of parents, include their full names, with middle names if it's a very formal wedding. If they have different last names, write "and" to join them. Here are some examples:

• 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)

If the wedding is hosted by both sets of parents, 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. Here's an example:

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

If the couple is hosting with their families, you can use a line such as "Together with their families" as the host line. Here are some examples:

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

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

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

The request line

Tips for the Request Line

• Traditionally, formal wording such as "request the honour of your presence" is used to denote a religious ceremony. The British spelling of "honour" adds a formal touch.
• For modern celebrations, non-religious services, or more casual weddings, opt for casual language such as "invite you to join" or "please join us to celebrate."
• Other options include "request the pleasure of your company," "would love for you to join them," or "invite you to celebrate with them."
• The request line should be followed by the couple's names, with the bride's name typically coming first, followed by the groom's name. For same-sex couples, you can choose the order based on preference or what fits best with the invitation design.

Examples of the Request Line

• "Request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter/children."
• "Cordially invite you to attend the wedding of their daughter/children."
• "Your presence is requested at the marriage celebration of."
• "Invite you to celebrate with them."

The couple's names

The names of the couple are the most important part of the wedding invitation. Traditionally, the bride's name comes first, followed by the groom's name. However, this tradition is not set in stone, and couples are increasingly choosing to list names alphabetically or based on what sounds best.

For formal invitations issued by the bride's parents, the bride is referred to by her first and middle names, while the groom is referred to by his full name and title. If the couple is hosting the wedding themselves, their titles are optional.

For same-sex couples, the traditional rule of the woman's name first does not apply. Alphabetical order or what sounds better are good ways to decide on the order of names.

If you want to include the name of a deceased parent, you can do so by rearranging the wording. For example:

> Julia French, daughter of Mr. Adam French and the late Iris French, and Austin Mahoney, son of Mr. Camden and Elizabeth Mahoney, request the honor of your presence at their wedding on the fifth of May, two thousand seventeen at one o'clock in the afternoon The Reagan Library Simi Valley, California Dinner & dancing to follow Black tie required

If the couple's parents are divorced and you want to include them all, give each parent their own line. If you include a stepparent, keep them on the same line as their partner.

Date, time and location

When it comes to wedding invitations, the date, time, and location are essential details that require careful consideration. Here are some instructive guidelines and suggestions for this important aspect of your wedding planning:

Date and Time:

• Spell out the date and year for formal invitations to prevent any potential confusion with numbers. For example, write "July 2, 2025" instead of "7/2/2025."
• Specify the start time clearly. For formal invitations, spell out the time, and avoid using "a.m." or "p.m." Instead, opt for phrases like "in the morning," "in the afternoon," or "in the evening."
• Consider the level of formality you wish to convey. Using numerical figures for the date and time is often associated with modern or casual invitations.
• Be mindful of cultural and religious traditions when selecting the wedding date and time. Certain dates, times of day, or days of the week may hold significance in various traditions.
• Choose a legible font if using numerical figures. Avoid fancy typefaces that might lead to misinterpretation, especially when distinguishing between similar numbers like "2" and "5."

Location:

• Provide the full address of the wedding venue, including the street address, city, state, and zip code. For international destinations, include the country as well.
• Consider including additional details such as the venue name, suite number, or floor to ensure guests can locate the exact spot.
• Decide whether to include the reception information on the same invitation or a separate card. If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, a simple "reception to follow" may suffice.
• Include parking or transportation information if relevant, especially for downtown or limited-parking locations. You may also suggest carpooling or provide valet parking details.
• Offer accommodation suggestions for out-of-town guests or those unfamiliar with the area. You may even include a link to a hotel booking platform for their convenience.
• Provide a wedding website link if you have one. This can be a central hub for guests to access all related information, including venue details, travel tips, and any other pertinent logistics.

Reception details

The reception details section of your wedding invitation is where you can include information about the celebration that will follow the ceremony. This section is important as it lets your guests know what to expect and helps them plan accordingly. Here are some tips and suggestions for including reception details on your wedding invitations:

Location and Time

If your ceremony and reception are held in the same location, you can simply print "reception to follow" or "and afterward at the reception" on your invitation. Including the time is optional but can be helpful, especially if there is a gap between the ceremony and reception. If the reception is held at a different venue, be sure to include the location on a separate line. You may also want to include the full address, particularly if the venue is hard to find.

Dress Code

Including the dress code on your invitation is optional but can be helpful for your guests. If you choose not to include it, the style and tone of your invitation may give guests an indication of the formality of the event. You can also include dress code information on a separate insert card or on your wedding website.

Response Cards

Most couples include a separate response or RSVP card for guests to fill out and return. You may also choose to have guests RSVP via your wedding website. Be sure to include the website address on a separate card, along with any other relevant details.

Additional Information

If there are multiple events or activities during your wedding celebration, you may want to include additional information cards or inserts. This could include maps, directions, accommodation options, or details of any pre- or post-wedding events. You can also include your wedding website address, where guests can find more comprehensive information.

Remember to keep your reception details clear and concise, and consider the overall design and layout of your invitation to ensure all the necessary information is included without appearing overcrowded.

Frequently asked questions