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Wedding Invitation Wording

Your Guide to Wedding Invitation Wording: Crafting the Perfect Invitation for Your Wedding

Wedding stationery invitations are the first glimpse of what guests can expect on your wedding day. The phrasing of your invitations sets the tone, conveys essential details, and reflects the style and formality of your celebration. Whether you’re organizing an elegant formal event or a casual backyard gathering, choosing the right wording is crucial.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about wedding invitation wording, including traditional and modern examples, tips for special circumstances, common mistakes to avoid, and etiquette advice to ensure your invitations are flawless and heartfelt.

Why Wedding Invitation Wording Matters

Your wedding invitation wording does more than list the who, what, when, and where. It:

  • Sets the tone for your wedding — formal, casual, playful, or unique

  • Communicates key details clearly to avoid confusion

  • Reflects your personalities and the style of your celebration

  • Balances tradition and personalization to suit your preferences

Getting the wording right helps guests understand what to expect and feel excited about your big day.

Essential Elements of Wedding Invitation Wording

Every wedding invitation should include these key components:

  • Host line: Who is inviting (traditionally one set of parents, but can be both families, the couple, or others)

  • Names of the couple: The order can follow personal preference, alphabetical order, or flow of the text—there's no strict rule about which partner's name appears first

  • Request line: The actual invitation phrase (e.g., "request the honor of your presence")

  • Date and time: Clearly stated with formal wording for the day and time

  • Venue/location: Full address or venue name

  • Reception details: If reception is at a different location or time

  • RSVP instructions: How and by when to respond

  • Optional: Dress code, directions, or other special notes

Traditional Wedding Invitation Wording

Traditional Wedding Invitation Wording

Traditional wording is elegant and formal, perfectly paired with a refined wedding invitation suite. It is often used for religious or black-tie weddings. It follows a classic structure:

Hosting by One Set of Parents

Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Jones
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their child
Emma Rose Smith
to
Daniel James Lee
Saturday, the Eleventh of June
Two Thousand Twenty-Five
at Six o’clock in the evening
St. Mary’s Church
123 Church Lane, City
Reception to follow

Hosting by Both Families

Together with their families
Emma Rose Smith
and
Daniel James Lee
invite you to celebrate their marriage
Saturday, the Eleventh of June
Two Thousand Twenty-Five
at Six o’clock in the evening
St. Mary’s Church
Reception to follow

Hosting by the Couple

Emma Smith
and
Daniel Lee
request the pleasure of your company
at their wedding celebration
Saturday, the Eleventh of June
Two Thousand Twenty-Five
at Six o’clock in the evening
St. Mary’s Church
Reception to follow

The phrase “request the honor of your presence” is traditionally reserved for religious ceremonies, while “request the pleasure of your company” is more suitable for non-religious venues.

Modern and Casual Wedding Invitation Wording

Modern Wedding Invitation Wording

For couples seeking a more relaxed or personalized vibe, modern wording can be playful, warm, or unique. This approach aligns well with a vintage modern invitation suite. Here are some common phrasing examples:

  • Claire and Monica invite you to sip fizz and dance the night away

  • Together with their families, Emma and Daniel invite you to celebrate their love and marriage

  • We’re getting married! Please join us for a day of love, laughter, and dancing

  • Jennifer and Jacob invite you to share in the joy of their wedding celebration

Modern wording often drops formal titles, uses first names only, and embraces casual language that reflects the couple’s personality.

Wording for Special Circumstances

Second Marriages and Blended Families

Include children or previous spouses sensitively:
Jennifer and Jacob Johnson warmly invite you to celebrate the marriage of their parents, Jessica Smith and Edward Johnson.

Destination Weddings and Multi-Day Events

Include travel details or multiple event invitations:
Please join us for a weekend celebration in Maui, June 10–12.

Dress Codes and Adult-Only Celebrations

Add a line such as:
Black tie requested or Adults only, please.

Consider including a style guide or mood board on your wedding website to provide additional clarity on attire expectations and help guests feel confident in their outfit choices.

Virtual or Hybrid Weddings

Include streaming info:
Join us online at [link] to celebrate our special day.

Common Wedding Invitation Wording Mistakes to Avoid

  • Omitting key details like date, time, or venue

  • Using ambiguous or confusing language that leaves guests guessing

  • Failing to match wording to the event’s tone (e.g., formal wording for a casual beach wedding)

  • Forgetting to include RSVP instructions or deadlines

  • Not proofreading for spelling or grammar errors

  • Skipping the final print proof: Always request a final print proof from your vendor for one last quality check before the full print run. While your vendor may catch obvious errors, the ultimate responsibility for approving the correct wording rests with you.

Tips for Perfecting Your Wedding Invitation Wording

  • Proofread carefully and have multiple people review your wording

  • Use templates and examples as inspiration, but personalize your message

  • Consult etiquette guides or wedding planners if unsure

  • Be clear and concise to avoid confusion

  • Match wording to your wedding style and venue

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we include registry information on the invitation?
Traditionally, registry details are not included on the invitation itself, but rather on a separate insert or a wedding website.

How do we word invitations for postponed or rescheduled weddings?
Include a note such as:
Due to unforeseen circumstances, our wedding has been rescheduled to [new date]. We look forward to celebrating with you then.

What’s the best way to address invitations for plus-ones or families?
Use clear wording on the envelope and RSVP card, such as:
Mr. and Mrs. Juan Rodriguez and Guest or The Rodriguez Family.

Conclusion

Your wedding invitation wording is your first opportunity to share your love story and set the tone for your celebration. Whether you prefer timeless tradition or modern flair, thoughtful wording helps your guests feel welcomed, informed, and excited. Clear, well-crafted invitations are also essential for communicating your event details to guests, ensuring your wedding can go off without a hitch. Use this guide to craft invitations that reflect your unique style and make your special day unforgettable.