Wedding Invitation Wording: The Ultimate Guide for Every Style
Invite guests effortlessly with clear phrasing that matches your celebration’s mood.
Crafting the perfect wedding invitation is not just about aesthetics—the right wording sets the tone for your special day and communicates all the essential details your guests need to celebrate with you. Whether your style is classic and formal, modern and minimal, or uniquely whimsical, this guide covers every aspect of wedding invitation wording so you can confidently announce your big day.
Why Wedding Invitation Wording Matters
The words you choose welcome your guests into your world, offer a glimpse into your wedding’s formality, and reflect your personality as a couple. The right language ensures that crucial event details are clear, RSVP responses are timely, and etiquette is respected, creating a smooth path to your celebration.
What Details Should Be Included on a Wedding Invitation?
- Who’s hosting: Names of the hosts (traditionally the bride’s parents, but any combination is acceptable today).
- The request line: Inviting guests to attend.
- Names of the couple: Full names or as preferred.
- Event details: Date, time, and location.
- Reception information: If held at a different venue or directly after the ceremony.
- RSVP instructions: How and when to confirm attendance.
- Dress code, if desired.
Wedding Invitation Structure and Components
| Section | Purpose | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Host Line | Indicates who is inviting/hosting the guests | Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the pleasure of your company… |
| Request Line | Invites guests to the wedding | …at the marriage of their daughter Jane Mary to… |
| Couple’s Names | States who is getting married | Jane Mary Smith and Thomas Allen Johnson |
| Date and Time | When the ceremony will take place | Saturday, the twelfth of June, two thousand twenty-six at five o’clock in the evening |
| Location | Where the ceremony will be held | Grand Ballroom, Rosewood Hotel, New York, NY |
| Reception Details | Reception venue or note if following the ceremony | Reception to follow at the same location |
| RSVP | How guests should respond | Kindly reply by May 15th | RSVP card enclosed |
Formal and Traditional Wedding Invitation Wording
Sticklers for tradition or black-tie affairs tend to favor formal wording. This style reflects longstanding etiquette and follows a set sequence.
Classic Formal Example
Mr. and Mrs. Charles William Grimes
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Poppy Jane
to
Landon Parker Fox
Saturday, the twelfth of June
two thousand twenty-six
at five o’clock in the evening
The Grand Ballroom, Rosewood Hotel
New York, New York
Reception to follow
Key Etiquette Tips for Formal Invitations
- Full names are used (no nicknames).
- Dates and times are written out in full words.
- Hosts are mentioned first. Traditionally, this is the bride’s parents, but both or all parents, or even the couple, can be listed.
- “Request the pleasure of your company” or “Request the honor of your presence” are standard formal phrases.
- Venue, city, and state are included; street address typically omitted if location is well-known.
Modern and Informal Wedding Invitation Wording
For couples who want a warmer, friendlier, or less traditional feel, modern wording allows for creativity and personality. You can break formal rules and get more personal, even playful, with your message.
Modern Informal Example
Together with their families,
Emily Harper & Lucas Brooks
invite you to join in the celebration of their marriage!
June 12, 2026 | 5pm
Rosewood Hotel, New York City
Dinner and dancing to followCrafting the perfect informal invitation requires creativity and charm. To spark ideas, check out our extensive examples of addressing invitations in a modern style. These tips will inspire you to combine warmth with essential details, ensuring your invitations are as inviting as the celebration itself.
Helpful Phrases for Informal Invitations
- We’re getting married – please join us!
- Let’s celebrate the love of Emily & Lucas!
- Join us as we say “I do”
- We can’t wait to celebrate with you
- Come for the ceremony, stay for the party!
Wording Scenarios: Who’s Hosting?
The host(s) of the wedding—be it either set of parents, both sets, the couple themselves, or even their children—usually appear at the top of the invitation. Adapt your wording based on your situation:
1. Bride’s Parents Hosting
Mr. and Mrs. John Andrews
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Olivia Rose
to
Matthew Bennett
2. Groom’s Parents Hosting
Mr. and Mrs. James Fox
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of Poppy Jane Thomas
to their son
Landon Parker Fox
3. Both Families Hosting
Together with their families
Olivia Rose Andrews
and
Matthew Bennett Fox
request the honour of your presence at their wedding
4. Couple Hosting
Lindsey Carter
and
Marissa Blake
invite you to celebrate their marriage
5. Couple’s Children Hosting
Ella and Liam Smith
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their parents
Olivia & James
Wording Styles to Match Every Type of Wedding
- Romantic: “Love is in the air…you’re invited to the wedding of…”
- Playful: “Once upon a time, two people met and fell in love. Now, they’re getting married. Join us!”
- LGBTQ+ Inclusive: “Love knows no bounds. Please join Ian and Joe as they tie the knot and celebrate their love.”
- Destination: “Anna & James invite you to sunny Marrakech to celebrate their wedding weekend.”
- Minimalist: “Sophie & Mia are tying the knot! Join us in Paris on July 8.”
Additional Wording for Special Scenarios
- Two Venues: “Join us for the wedding of Liam & Zoe at St. Mark’s Cathedral, followed by dinner at The Greenhouse.”
- Evening Reception Only: “A & B invite you for dinner and dancing at their wedding reception, July 8, 7pm, The Loft.”
- Child-Free Wedding: “We respectfully request no children.”
- Attire Requests: “Black tie preferred.” / “Casual attire encouraged.”
Sample Templates for Every Situation
- General:
[Host] invite you to the marriage of [Bride] and [Groom] on [Date] at [Time], [Venue], [Location]. Reception to follow. RSVP by [Date]. - Weekend Wedding:
[Bride] & [Groom] invite you to a weekend of celebration in [Destination] from [Dates]. Details to follow. - No Host:
[Bride] & [Groom] are tying the knot! Please join us on [Date] at [Time], [Venue], [Location].
Tips for Perfect Wedding Invitation Wording
- Be clear and concise. Don’t overload with information.
- Check and double-check spellings and details.
- Include RSVP deadlines and contact methods.
- If using additional inserts for directions, accommodation, or gifts, mention them succinctly.
- Match your wording style (formal/informal) to your wedding’s tone.
- Proofread! Ask a few people to look over your draft before printing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the proper order of information on a wedding invitation?
Start with the host line, followed by the request line, the couple’s names, the event details (date, time, location), reception information, and finally RSVP details.
Whose name goes first on a wedding invitation?
Traditionally, the bride’s name is listed first, reflecting custom and etiquette. In modern invitations, the order can be personalized.
How do we mention a child-free wedding?
You may add a note such as “We respectfully request no children at the celebration” or “Adult-only reception.”
Can we use casual or humorous language?
Absolutely! You can reflect your personalities with playful or relaxed wording—just be sure essential details remain clear.
When should guests RSVP by?
A typical RSVP deadline is 4 weeks before the event to allow time for final preparations.
Key Takeaways
- Your invitation wording sets expectations for your guests.
- Match your language to your wedding’s style and level of formality.
- Don’t forget essential information—host names, invitation line, couple’s names, date, time, venue, reception details, RSVP instructions.
- Double check all information for accuracy before sending.
References
- https://www.shineweddinginvitations.com/blog/the-a-b-c-guide-to-wedding-invitation-wording
- https://www.papier.com/us/thefold/articles/wording-inspiration-for-wedding-invitations
- https://www.weddingshop.com/wedding-planning/wedding-invitation-wording
- https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/what-does-rsvp-mean/
- https://www.stylecraze.com/reviewer/joann-moore/
- https://junebugweddings.com/wedding-blog/wedding-invitation-wording-with-examples/
- https://twentyandcreek.com/tag/wedding-invitation-wording/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
