When it comes to the wedding planning process, wedding invitation wording probably isn’t one of your main priorities. We get it, it’s a busy time and your venue, menu and dress will always take priority.
But that doesn’t mean the wording of your wedding invitations should be a rushed process. Taking the time to not only choose the right stationary but also the right wording truly does set the tone of your marriage celebration for your guests.
Your invitations should not only be clear and concise but impart the four Ws (who, what, when and where) while also offering a glimpse of what type of wedding celebration your guests can expect.
If that sounds like a tall order, then our handy wedding invitation hints can help walk you through the process. With all of this information under your hat, you’ll be well equipped to choose the perfect wording for your wedding invitations.
In This Article
What to Include in Your Wedding Invitation
To ensure your wedding invitations are a success, these are the must-have elements to include:
- The wedding host(s)
- A request line (asking your prospective guests to attend to the wedding)
- The action line (what is occurring)
- The names of the couple
- Date and time of the wedding
- Wedding location
- Reception information
- Dress code
- RSVP card
Wedding Invitation Wording Etiquette
While there aren’t any hard and fast rules about what must be written, there is some general etiquette that should be followed, even if it’s loosely, when writing your wedding invitations. Let’s start at the top and work our way through the invitation line by line.
Invitation Host Line
In the past, the bride’s parents were always named as the hosts of the wedding. With today’s relaxed etiquette rules about who pays for the wedding, however, hosting is often a joint affair. No matter who you choose to name as the hosts, their names should appear at the top of the invitation. The only exception to this rule is if you as a couple choose to be the sole hosts of the wedding. In this case, the host line can be omitted entirely.
If one set of parents (or both) are contributing to the wedding, or you simply want to include them as a sign of respect, here are some host line examples you can follow:
Bride’s Parents (or Groom’s Parents) Hosting
- Mr. and Mrs. Jacob William McGregor (for very formal/black tie celebrations)
- Mr. and Mrs. Jacob McGregor (formal)
- Mr. and Mrs. Jacob and Sabrina McGregor (semi-formal)
- Sabrina and Jacob McGregor (casual)
One Set of Parents (Divorced) Hosting
If your parents are divorced, be sure not to use ‘and’ to connect their names. Each parent’s name should be on a separate line.
- Mrs. Sabrina Hill
- Mr. Jacob McGregor
Both Sets of Parents Hosting
The bride’s parents’ names are traditionally listed at the top of the invite, followed by the groom’s parents’ names. In the case of same-sex couples, you can list the names in the order you choose.
- Mr. and Mrs. Jacob McGregor and Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Willis (formal)
- Mr. and Mrs. Jacob McGregor with Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Willis (semi-formal)
- Sabrina and Jacob Williams together with Benjamin and Lavinia Willis (casual)
- Sabrina and Jacob Williams together with Lavinia and Suzanne Willis (for a same sex parent grouping)
Including a Deceased Parent in Host Line
Even if one of you has lost a parent, that doesn’t mean your loved one must be excluded from your special day. Here are some easy ways to include a deceased parent on the invitations.
- Jaclyn, daughter of Mrs. Sabrina McGregor and the late Mr. Jacob McGregor (formal)
- Michael, son of Benjamin Willis and the late Lavinia Willis (casual)
Bride, Groom and Parents Hosting
- Together with their parents, Jaclyn and Michael…
- Jaclyn and Michael, together with our parents …
- Together with their families, Jaclyn and Michael…
Couple is Hosting
Rather than listing your names you can start out with:
- With open hearts we…
- Together with full hearts we…
- With great joy we…
- We’re getting married!
- We’re getting hitched!
- In celebration of our love we…
Invitation Request Line
There are a variety of ways that you can ask for the guests to attend your wedding. Here are the best options for your wedding invitations:
- request the honor of your presence…
- request the pleasure of your company…
- request your presence…
- request your company at the celebration…
- you are requested at the marriage of…
- cordially invite you to attend…
- invite you to celebrate with them/us…
- invite you to their wedding…
- invite you to celebrate…
- invite you to join them/us…
- invite you to the celebration of…
- invite you to share in their joy…
- invite you with joy to…
- would be delighted by your presence…
- would love for you to join them/us…
- would love your presence…
- joyfully request the pleasure of your company…
- please join us…
- your presence is requested…
Invitation Action Line
Some of the most popular action lines for your wedding invitations are:
- at the marriage of their daughter… (if the bride’s parents are playing host)
- at the marriage of their children… (if both sets of parents are hosting)
- at the celebration of their/our union…
- in celebration of their marriage…
- to celebrate their/our love…
- as they/we tie the knot…
- as they/we say “I do”…
Couple’s Names
While this may seem like the easiest part of the wedding invitation wording, the formality of your wedding will dictate the style you use.
The bride’s name comes first, followed by the groom’s. If the names of the bride’s parents’ are listed at the top, the bride’s surname does not have to be used again. Simply use first and middle names. The groom’s full name is listed, followed by the line ‘son of Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Willis.’
- Jaclyn Rose and Michael Benjamin Willis, son of Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Willis…
If the couple is hosting by themselves, they would write:
- Jaclyn Rose McGregor and Michael Benjamin Willis…
Same-sex couples can list the names in alphabetical order or according to which way it sounds best:
- Deborah Anne Bennet and Frances Lynn Stevens…
- Philip Waters and Marty Tomlinson…
The Date and Time
For formal and semi-formal weddings, the date and time are traditionally spelled out in full with no numerals used. The day of the week and the month should be capitalized but the year should be lowercase. Time of day is spelled out like this: ‘ four o’clock,’ ‘half past four o’clock,’ or ‘half after four in the afternoon.’ Afternoon is from noon until four o’clock and evening begins at five o’clock.
For example: ‘Saturday, the fourteenth of May, two thousand twenty-two, at half past four in the afternoon.’
For casual weddings, you can use numerals as well as a.m. or p.m. if you wish. For example: ‘Saturday, the 14th of May, 2022, at 4 p.m.’
You can even mix the two styles together for a semi-formal affair. For instance: ‘Friday, May 14, 2022 at four o’clock in the afternoon.’
Ceremony Location
The street address of a venue is not typically required on your wedding invitation. The only exception to this would be if you were hosting the ceremony at a private residence. After listing the location of your wedding ceremony, add the city and state it will take place in. Zip codes are not required.
For example:
- Chapel of the Archangels
- Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Reception Location
This is the section of your wedding invitation that details what is happening after the ceremony.
If you have one all-inclusive venue, you can simply write, ‘Reception to follow’ or ‘Dinner and dancing to follow.’
If the reception is at a different location, you have two choices. You can either list the venue after the ceremony location or you can include a separate reception card with the venue’s full address.
If you’re not serving a full meal during the reception, it’s important to let guests know that. You can write something like:
- Join us after the ceremony for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and merriment.
- Cake, punch, and dancing to follow
Dress code
If your wedding has a dress code, include it in the lower right-hand corner of the invitation. If you don’t make a note on expected attire, guests will likely take their cue from the wedding invitation itself. If it’s fancy and formally written, they’ll expect a formal event. If it’s more casual, then the guests won’t show up in formal wear.
A Separate RSVP Card
No matter how formal or casual your wedding, invitation etiquette dictates that you include a response card along with a stamped envelope for guests to fill out and return in the mail. If you also have a wedding website, however, you can ask for RSVPs online. If you choose to go that route, include the website address and RSVP instructions on a separate card.
Wedding Invitation Wording Examples
Now that you’ve had a crash course in invitation etiquette, here are some helpful examples of wedding invitation wording that you can use to make a favorable impression on the guests. From a formal wedding to a less formal celebration, we’ve got you covered.
Wedding Invitation Wording for Parents of the Bride as Hosts
If the bride’s parents are hosting the wedding, here are a few invitation wording ideas to get you started.
1. Laura and Ethan (formal)
Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Gentry
Invite you to join in the celebration
of the marriage of their daughter
Laura Lee to
Ethan James
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Thackery
Saturday, the ninth of July
Two thousand twenty-two
at five o’clock in the evening
Glasshouses
New York City, New York
Adult reception to follow with dinner and dancing
2. Rebekah and Mark (semi-formal)
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Steele
Request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter
Rebekah Faith
to
Mark Leeland Roth, Son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Roth
Saturday, the twenty-fifth of September
Two thousand and twenty-one
at half past five o’clock
Separk Mansion
Gastonia, North Carolina
Reception to follow
3. Zoey and Daniel (informal)
Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Barker
Would like the pleasure of your company at the marriage
of their daughter
Zoey Marie
to
Daniel Shane Walker
Saturday, July 24, 2021
at three o’clock in the afternoon
Rolling Ridge Wedding & Event Center
St. Joseph, Minnesota
for ceremony and reception
4. Penelope and Eli (informal)
George and Elisha Manning
Invite you to share in the marriage of their daughter
Penelope Manning to Eli Jackson
09.18.2021 at five o’clock
Weddings on the Hill
West Linn, Oregon
Merriment to follow
Wedding Invitation Wording for Both Parents as Hosts
Invitation wording will need to be changed if both sets of parents are hosting. Take a look at our suggestions.
1. Natasha and Ian (formal wedding)
Dr. and Mrs. Richard Sloane
and Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Montgomery
Request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their children
Natasha Grace Sloane and Ian Lucas Montgomery
Saturday, the thirtieth of April, two thousand and twenty-two
Six o’clock in the evening
The Greystone Estate
Ball Ground, Georgia
followed by dinner and dancing
2. Daphne and Robert (semi-formal)
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Black
and Dr. and Mrs. Ted Pryce
Request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their children
Margaret Black and Samuel Pryce
Saturday, the sixth of August, two thousand and twenty-two
Three o’clock in the afternoon
At Moody Chapel
Hinckley, Maine
dinner and dancing to follow at Enchanted Gables
3. Jessica and Hector (informal)
James & Esther Davidson
and Jose & Elsie Sanchez
invite you to share in the celebration with their children,
Jessica & Hector
on their wedding day
Saturday, November 6, 2021, 4 p.m.
Ever After Chapel, Aubrey, Texas: Ceremony
Morgan Creek Barn: Reception 6 p.m.
4. Isabelle and Jack (informal)
James & Esther Davidson
and Jose & Elsie Sanchez
invite you to celebrate the marriage of their children,
Jessica & Hector
Saturday, March 26, 2022, 4 p.m.
at Venue at the Grove
Phoenix, Arizona
Merriment to follow
Wedding Invitation Wording for Divorced Parents as Hosts
If your parents are divorced, you’re probably wondering how to deal with them equally and fairly on the wedding invitation. Here are some good examples to follow:
1. Kate and Paul (formal)
Mr. Tom and Sandra Tomlinson
Mr. Ralph Garson
Request the pleasure of your company at the marriage
Of their children
Kate Leandra Garson and Paul Henry Porter,
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Brent Porter
Saturday, the first of May, two thousand twenty-one
at five o’clock in the evening
Crystal Ballroom on the Lake
Altamonte Springs, Florida
Adult-only reception to follow
Black tie optional
2. Maggie and Mark (semi-formal)
Mr. Darren and Samantha Stephens
and Mr. Larry and Louise Brockman
Mr. Bob and Hannah Grisham
would be delighted by your presence
at the marriage of their children
Maggie Stephens and Mark Grisham
Saturday, the 25th of September, 2021
at five o’clock in the evening
Stonebrook Manor
Thornton, Colorado
Dinner and dancing to follow
3. Amy and Kyle (informal)
Mr. Victor and Elizabeth Tomlinson
Mr. Bill Abbott
and Mr. Doug and Emma Roberts
invite you to the wedding of their children
Amy Abbott and Kyle Roberts
Saturday, the fourth of December, 2021 at four o’clock
The Waterview
Monroe, Connecticut
Reception immediately after
Wedding Invitation Wording Including Deceased Parent
Adding a deceased parent’s name to your wedding invitations is a lovely way to honor your loved one. Here are some examples of how to do it properly.
1. Jill and Greg (formal)
Jill Kelly, daughter of Mr. Brad Kelly and the late Winifred Kelly,
and
Greg Maxwell, son of Mr. Camden and Elizabeth Maxwell,
request the honor of your presence at their marriage
on the fifth of May, two thousand twenty-two
at four o’clock in the afternoon
The Reagan Library
Simi Valley, California
Adults only reception to follow with dinner and dancing
Black tie required
2. Serena and Joshua (casual)
Serena, daughter of Bridget Lake and the late Roger Lake,
and
Joshua, the son of Victor and Tammy Trent,
request the pleasure of your company at their wedding
on the 12th of February, 2020
at half past three
At Lavender Ridge
Reno, Nevada
Merriment to follow
Wedding Invitation Wording for Bride, Groom and Parents Hosting
If everyone is chipping in for your wedding, here are some easy ways to word your invitation.
1. Tabitha and Zachary (formal)
Together with their parents
Tabitha Lynn Henley
and
Zachary Adam Taylor
Request the honor of your presence as they
Tie the knot
Friday February Twelfth, Two Thousand Twenty-Two
At six o’clock in the evening
Whittemore House
Washington D.C.
Dinner and dancing to follow
2. Charlotte and Richard (semi-formal)
Together with their parents
Charlotte Annette Peters
and
Richard Dean Borders
Request your company at the celebration
of their union
Saturday July Sixteenth, Two Thousand Twenty-Two
at half past four
Redwood Canyon
Castro Valley, California
Reception to follow
3. Lucie and Anthony (informal)
Together with their families
Lucie Millicent Bennett
and
Anthony David Marcetti
Invite you to share in their joy
as they exchange vows
Sunday, June fourth, two thousand twenty-two
at 2 o’clock in the afternoon
The Mansfield Barn
Jericho, Vermont
Join us for cocktails, cake and dancing after the ceremony
4. Madeline and Craig (informal)
Your presence is requested as
Madeline Clark, Craig Johnson
and their families
celebrate the exchanging of vows
Friday, October 30, 2021 at 3:30 p.m.
at Laurel Ridge Barn
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Dinner and dancing to follow
Wedding Invitation Wording for Bride and Groom as Hosts
Whether you want formal invitations or something more relaxed, these ideas will see you through.
1. Juliana and Alexander (formal)
Juliana Fitzgerald, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Barret Fitzgerald,
and
Alexander Winstead, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Winstead,
request the honor of your presence
at their wedding
on the seventh of May, two thousand twenty-two
at half past four
Le Château
South Salem, New York
Dinner and dancing to follow
Black tie required
2. Stephanie and Peter (semi-formal)
With great pleasure
Stephanie Burlington
and
Peter Crawford
invite you to join them
at the celebration of their marriage
Saturday, July 10, 2021
at half past four in the afternoon
Delta Church
Marble Falls, Texas
Dinner and dancing to follow at The Retreat at Balcones Springs
3. Gretchen and Raymond (semi-formal)
Together with their families
Gretchen May Malone
and
Raymond Frank Mason
Request the pleasure of your company as they
Exchange vows
Friday, June fourth, two thousand twenty-two
At six o’clock in the evening
The Foundry
New York, New York
Reception immediately following
4. Annelise and Malcolm (informal)
Please join us for the wedding of
Annelise Anderson & Malcolm Carter
Saturday
The 16th of October, 2021
at seven o’clock in the evening
Oheka Castle
Huntington, New York
Reception to follow
Fun Wedding Invitation Wording
If you want to keep things light and fun, you can’t go wrong with an invitation wording like this:
1. Brianna and Matthew
Abbie, Gabriel and Jason
Request your company at the marriage
Of their mom and dad
Brianna Nichols & Matthew Ellis
Saturday, September 17, 2022, 4 p.m.
At Ivy House
Salt Lake City, Utah
Kid-friendly reception to follow
2. Helen and John
Love is in the air!
Come celebrate the marriage of
Helen Anne Drummond
and
John Silas Roberts
Saturday, October 1, 2022
at 3:30 p.m.
Mildale Farm
Edgerton, Kansas
Party to follow!
3. Grace and Ashton
We’re getting married!
Please join
Grace Gerritsen and Ashton Palmer
As the celebrate their love
Saturday, December 4, 2012 at 4:30 p.m.
at Albany Plantation
Albany, Louisiana
Adults-only party to follow
4. Tessa and Taylor
Please join
Tessa Lynn White and
Taylor Daniel Cunningham
as they get hitched
November 6th 2021, 4:30 p.m.
at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Sarasota, FL
Dinner, drinks and dancing to follow
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a traditional wedding or a casual ceremony on the beach, it’s important to choose your wedding invitation wording accordingly. By choosing wording that complements both your wedding’s theme and your own personal style, your wedding invitations are sure to be a hit with your guests.
