Your guide to wedding invitation wording

Deciding on the wording for your invitation can seem like a daunting task! Your wedding invitation is more than just a piece of stationery—it’s the first impression guests will have of your big day. The wording sets the tone, giving guests a hint of the celebration to come. Whether you’re planning a formal black-tie affair or a relaxed backyard wedding, your invitation wording is a chance to let your personality shine while making sure guests have all the essential details.

Finding the right words doesn’t have to be complicated, though. With a few simple guidelines and some examples, you’ll have a beautifully worded invitation that feels just right for your wedding. In this post, we’ll go over some key tips to keep in mind as you craft your invitation wording, so you can create something both timeless and uniquely you.

I’m sharing my advice about following traditional wedding etiquette, but when all is said and done, it’s your wedding. As long as you include the basic info (who, what, where, and when), your guests will make it to the wedding. And most importantly, make sure you and your partner (and your families) are comfortable with the wording you decide on. Tip: There’s a lot of conflicting information out there- when in doubt I defer to Emily Post for anything involving wedding etiquette.

 

Wedding Invitation Wording Must-Haves

The information that’s typically included in a wedding invitation is broken down into five sections: the host, the request, the couple, date and time, and location.

1. HOST

The first line of the invitation lists the host(s) of the event. Traditionally, the bride’s parents act as hosts, but it’s common to have the groom’s parents, both sets of parents, or the bride and groom hosting. You can leave the host line out completely, or alternatively use “together with their families”.

2. REQUEST

Use “the honor of your presence” for weddings at a place of worship. “The pleasure of your company” is used for secular locations. The old English spelling of “honour” can be used for traditional or formal weddings.

3. THE COUPLE

The bride’s name goes first, followed by the groom’s name. Use only the first and middle name if the parents’ names are listed. Formal invitations include the groom’s title. If the bride’s parents are hosting but you want to list the groom’s parents, do so after the groom’s name.

4. DATE & TIME

The date and time should be spelled out. Include a hyphen in numbers over twenty (twenty-three). Including the year is optional, but do not use “and” (two thousand and eighteen is incorrect). “In the afternoon/evening” is optional. Use “half after” for half hours.

5. LOCATION

List the ceremony location along with the city and state. The street address is optional (it’s a good idea if the venue is not well known, or if there are multiple venues with similar names in the city), but leave off the zip code.

6. Optional Information

If the ceremony and the reception are at the same venue, it’s common to include “reception to follow” (or similar wording). If they are at different locations or you have more reception details to include, you would use a separate card for the reception.

You can also include information about the suggested dress code (black tie, formal attire, black tie optional) if the invitation is to the ceremony and reception. Attire is generally listed in the lower right corner of the invitation.

Traditional Wedding Invitation Wording Samples

These first three invitation wording examples follow traditional wedding etiquette and would be perfect for a formal wedding.

Traditional Wedding Invitation Wording Variations

These next three wording examples are variations on the traditional wording, adjusted to fit different hosting situations.

Contemporary Invitation Wording Samples

Finally, these last three invitation wording samples are examples of modern wedding invitation wording.

 

 

Let your invitations set the stage for your big day

Your invitation is the first taste guests will get of your wedding, so take your time to make it feel just right. With clear wording, thoughtful details, and a touch of your unique style, your invitation can be more than an announcement—it can be a beautiful, lasting keepsake of this moment in your life.

If you’re still feeling unsure or need help crafting wording that fits your wedding, I’d love to help! Together, we can find the perfect way to invite your guests and make sure your invitation feels like a true reflection of your celebration. Happy wording, and happy planning!

Need help with wording for other pieces in your invitation suite? Visit The Wedding Stationery Guide  for wording tips and etiquette advice for reception cards, reply cards, and all those other inserts you might need.