What to Write on Your Wedding Invitations, Line by Line
- Author: Natali Grace Levine
- Reading time: 5 min 29 sec
- Publication date: 06/26/2023
- Updated: 11/15/2024
Weddings are magical events, the culmination of love stories, and the beginning of a lifelong journey. Crafting the perfect wedding invitation wording is an art in itself, requiring a delicate balance between formality, personality, and tradition. This article is your compass in the world of wedding celebration invites, guiding you through what to put on wedding invitations. Not only will it provide you with wedding invitation examples, but it will also help you craft an invitation that is a true reflection of your union. So, whether you're a couple planning your big day or a relative tasked with this significant duty, we've got your back. Buckle up, and let's delve into the realm of beautiful, meaningful, and memorable wedding invites details!
The Ultimate Wedding Invitations Wording Etiquette
When it comes to wedding invite wording, there's a fine line between tradition and individuality. The proper etiquette for wording wedding invitations can seem intricate, but it's all about respect, courtesy, and clarity. You'll want to ensure that your guests understand who's hosting, who's getting married, when and where the event is, and how they can respond.
The essence of formal wedding invitation wording is about maintaining a sense of decorum. It's particularly suitable for traditional, black-tie weddings. However, even if you're planning a more casual event, there are aspects of formality that you may wish to retain. This might include avoiding abbreviations, writing out dates and times in full, and using the hosts' full names.
What to Write on Wedding Invitations
The wording on your wedding invitations should reflect the nature of the event, the personalities of the bride and groom, and the relationship with the invitees. Traditional wedding invitation wording might seem restrictive, but there's room for creativity.
The wedding reception invitation wording is crucial as it sets the tone for the post-ceremony celebrations. It should clearly communicate the time and location of the reception, the type of meal (if applicable), and any dress code.
Learning how to word wedding invitations can seem daunting, but it's a chance to let your personalities shine. You could include a favorite quote, a verse from a poem, or even a snippet of the lyrics from 'your song' to add a personal touch.
Wedding Invitation Wording Examples
Below are some comprehensive examples of wedding invite language for different scenarios.
Wedding Invite Examples If One Set of Parents Is Hosting
Formal:
"Mr. and Mrs. Johnson
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Emily Anne Johnson
to
Matthew David Smith
on Saturday, the twelfth of May
two thousand and twenty-three
at half-past four in the afternoon
St. Luke's Church
123 Church Street
Springfield, Illinois"
Informal:
"Emily's parents, Linda and Tom Johnson,
are thrilled to invite you to the wedding of
Emily Johnson
and
Matthew Smith
Join us for the ceremony and stick around for the party!
Saturday, May 12th, 2023, at 4:30 PM
St. Luke's Church, 123 Church Street, Springfield, IL"
Wedding Invitation Wording Templates If Both Sets of Parents Are Hosting
Formal:
"Mr. and Mrs. Johnson and Mr. and Mrs. Smith
request the pleasure of your company
at the wedding of their children
Emily Anne Johnson
and
Matthew David Smith
on Saturday, the twelfth of May
two thousand and twenty-three
at half-past four in the afternoon
St. Luke's Church
123 Church Street
Springfield, Illinois"
Informal:
"Emily and Matthew are getting hitched!
Linda and Tom (Emily's folks)
and
Sarah and Mike (Matthew's folks)
invite you to join in the festivities
Saturday, May 12th, 2023, at 4:30 PM
St. Luke's Church, 123 Church Street, Springfield, IL"
Wedding Invitation Wording If Couple Is Hosting
Formal:
"Emily Anne Johnson
and
Matthew David Smith
request the honor of your presence
at their marriage
on Saturday, the twelfth of May
two thousand and twenty-three
at half-past four in the afternoon
St. Luke's Church
123 Church Street
Springfield, Illinois"
Informal:
"Join us, Emily and Matthew, as we take the plunge!
We're tying the knot and would love for you to be there
Saturday, May 12th, 2023, at 4:30 PM
St. Luke's Church, 123 Church Street, Springfield, IL"
Wedding Invitation Examples If Everyone Is Hosting
Formal:
"Together with their families,
Emily Anne Johnson
and
Matthew David Smith
invite you to share in their joy
as they tie the knot
on Saturday, the twelfth of May
two thousand and twenty-three
at half-past four in the afternoon
St. Luke's Church
123 Church Street
Springfield, Illinois"
Informal:
"We're all in this together!
Join Emily, Matthew, and their families
as they celebrate their love and the start of a new adventure
Saturday, May 12th, 2023, at 4:30 PM
St. Luke's Church, 123 Church Street, Springfield, IL"
Wedding Invitation Text If Another Family Member Is Hosting
Formal:
"Uncle John and Aunt Mary
invite you to the wedding of their beloved niece
Emily Anne Johnson
to
Matthew David Smith
on Saturday, the twelfth of May
two thousand and twenty-three
at half-past four in the afternoon
St. Luke's Church
123 Church Street
Springfield, Illinois"
Informal:
"Join Uncle John and Aunt Mary in celebrating the love story of
their niece Emily and her soon-to-be husband Matthew
Their journey together takes a big leap
on Saturday, May 12th, 2023, at 4:30 PM
St. Luke's Church, 123 Church Street, Springfield, IL"
Wedding Invitation Wording Samples If Divorced Parents Are Hosting Together
Navigating wedding invitation wording can get tricky when divorced parents are jointly hosting the event. The key here is to acknowledge both parents separately, showing respect for their individual roles in the bride or groom's life.
Formal:
"Mrs. Linda Johnson and Mr. Tom Johnson
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Emily Anne Johnson
to
Matthew David Smith
on Saturday, the twelfth of May
two thousand and twenty-three
at half-past four in the afternoon
St. Luke's Church
123 Church Street
Springfield, Illinois"
Informal:
"Emily's folks, Linda Johnson and Tom Johnson (yes, they're still friends!),
are delighted to invite you to the wedding of
Emily Johnson
and
Matthew Smith
Join us for the ceremony and let's have a blast at the party!
Saturday, May 12th, 2023, at 4:30 PM
St. Luke's Church, 123 Church Street, Springfield, IL"
Wedding Invitation Wording FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about creating the perfect wedding invitation:
How should I address my guests?
This often depends on the formality of your wedding. For a formal wedding, use full names and titles. For a more casual wedding, first names or nicknames are acceptable. If you're unsure, it's better to err on the side of formality.
What information should I include?
The invitation should include the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception, the hosts' names, and the couple's names. You can also include RSVP information, dress code, and details about any additional events such as a rehearsal dinner or a morning-after brunch.
Should I include an RSVP card?
Including an RSVP card can make it easier for your guests to respond, and it can also help you keep track of who will be attending. If you prefer, you can also direct guests to a wedding website to RSVP.
What if we're hosting a child-free wedding?
If you're planning an adults-only wedding, this can be delicately addressed through the invitation. You can address the invitation specifically to the adults in the household, or include a brief note on the invitation or on a separate details card.
What if we have a wedding website?
Many modern couples choose to create a wedding website to share additional details about their big day. If you have a wedding website, you can include the URL on your wedding invitation or on a separate details card.
Do I need to include both of our parent’s names on the invitation?
The inclusion of parents' names on the wedding invitation traditionally signifies who is hosting (or paying for) the wedding. Today, however, more couples are hosting their own weddings or choosing to acknowledge both sets of parents on the invitation. Ultimately, the choice is up to you and should reflect your individual circumstances and family dynamics.
Remember, the most important thing about your wedding invitation is that it reflects you as a couple. It's your special day, so don't be afraid to let your personality shine through!
