Wedding Invitation Wording: Etiquette, Examples, and What to Include
Your wedding invitation is more than just a piece of paper; it’s the official overture to your celebration. It’s the first tangible glimpse your guests will have of your wedding day, setting the tone and providing all the crucial information they need. But figuring out the exact wording can feel like a delicate dance between tradition, etiquette, and your own personal style.
Who hosts? What’s the proper way to list names? Where does the dress code go? Don't worry. We're demystifying the entire process. This guide will walk you through the essential components of a wedding invitation and provide wording examples for every situation, from the most traditional to the modern and casual.
The Anatomy of a Wedding Invitation: Key Components
While designs can vary, every traditional wedding invitation should include these key lines of information, typically in this order.
- The Host Line: Who is hosting (i.e., paying for) the wedding? This is traditionally the bride's parents.
- The Request Line: The line that formally invites the guest (e.g., "request the pleasure of your company").
- The Relationship Line: Explains the relationship between the hosts and the couple (e.g., "at the marriage of their daughter").
- The Couple's Names: The names of the people getting married! Traditionally, the bride's name comes first.
- The Date and Time: Spell out the day of the week, the date, and the year. The time is also typically spelled out.
- The Venue & Location: The name of the ceremony venue and its city and state. The street address is usually omitted (this can be included on a details card or the wedding website).
- Reception Information: A short line indicating that a reception will follow (e.g., "Dinner and dancing to follow").
- Dress Code (Optional): This can be included in the lower right-hand corner of the invitation.
Wording Examples for Every Situation
The host line is the part that changes most depending on who is paying for the wedding. Here are the most common scenarios.
Traditional: Bride's Parents Hosting
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of their daughter
Sarah Jane Smith
to
Mr. Michael David Jones
Saturday, the twenty-first of September
Two thousand twenty-five
at half past four in the afternoon
The Grand Cathedral
New York, New York
Dinner and dancing to follow
Modern: Both Sets of Parents Hosting
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
and
Mr. and Mrs. David Jones
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of their children
Sarah Jane Smith
and
Michael David Jones
... (rest of the invitation follows)
Contemporary: Couple Hosting Themselves
Together with their families
Sarah Jane Smith
and
Michael David Jones
request the pleasure of your company
as they exchange vows
... (rest of the invitation follows)
Casual: Couple Hosting Themselves
Join us for the wedding of
Sarah Smith
&
Michael Jones
Saturday, September 21, 2025
at 4:30 PM
The Garden Overlook
Brooklyn, New York
Dinner, drinks, and bad dance moves to follow
What About the Other Cards? The Invitation Suite
Your main invitation doesn't work alone. It's part of a "suite" of cards that provide additional information.
- The RSVP Card: A small card with a pre-stamped, pre-addressed envelope for guests to mail back. It should include a "reply by" date (typically 3-4 weeks before the wedding).
- The Details Card: This is where you put all the extra information to keep your main invitation clean and elegant. Include things like your wedding website URL, hotel block information, transportation details, and registry information.
- The Reception Card: Only needed if your ceremony and reception are at different locations. This small card lists the name and address of the reception venue.
Looking for the perfect foundation for your suite? Our collection of wedding invitations provides an elegant canvas for your special announcement, with high-quality paper and timeless designs.
Remember, the goal of your invitation is to make your guests feel welcomed, informed, and excited. Whether you choose traditional wording or a more modern approach, speak from the heart, and you can't go wrong.