Wedding invitations can be written however the bride and groom see fit. Listed are some examples of the more traditional ways of wording. The “Hosts” are typically those who are paying for the wedding. Add your ceremony location and reception details as well. (Often just “Reception to follow” is adequate).
Both Sets of PARENTS HOSTING THE WEDDING (formal):
James and Judy Johnson
along with William and Sarah Kent
invite you to the wedding of their children
OR
invite you to share and celebrate at the marriage of their children
OR
invite you to share in their joy at the marriage of their children
Paula Frances
to Michael Robert
Saturday, May 21, 2011
at 3:00 in the afternoon
Tips:
- Be sure to list the bride’s parents and groom’s parents on separate lines, starting with the bride’s.
- Because both last names are included in the greeting, you don’t need to use either the bride or groom’s last name.
- Whether it’s a religious ceremony or nondenominational wedding ceremony, the request line can say anything you wish, so long as you are welcoming guests to the wedding.
One Set of PARENTS HOSTING THE WEDDING (formal):
Mr. and Mrs. James Johnson
request the honor of your presence
OR request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of their daughter
Paula Frances
to Michael Robert Kent
Saturday, the twenty-first day of May
two thousand eleven
at half past four in the afternoon
Tips:
- Since you are including the bride’s parent’s name on the invitation, you do not need to list the bride’s last name.
- Do write the groom’s entire name (first, middle and last) on the following line.
- “Request the honor of your presence” is traditionally only used if the ceremony is taking place in a house of worship.
One Set of PARENTS HOSTING THE WEDDING (Casual):
James and Judy Johnson
invite you to the wedding of their daughter
OR
invite you to share and celebrate at the marriage of their
daughter
OR
invite you to share in their joy at the marriage of their daughter
Paula Frances
to Michael Robert Kent
Saturday, May 21, 2011
at 3:00 in the afternoon
TIPS:
- Since you’re including the bride’s parents’ name on the invitation, you don’t need to list the bride’s last name.
- Whether it’s a religious or nondenominational wedding ceremony, the request line can say anything you wish, so long as you’re welcoming guests to the wedding.
Couple is hosting (formal):
The honor of your presence
OR The pleasure of your company
is requested at the marriage of
Paula Frances Johnson
to Michael Robert Kent
Saturday, the twenty-first day of May
two thousand eleven
at half past four in the afternoon
TIPS:
- If the couple is paying for the wedding themselves, the greeting skips the host line and begins with the request line.
- “The honor of your presence” is traditionally only used if the ceremony is taking place in a house of worship.
Couple is hosting (Casual):
Paula Johnson
and Michael Kent
invite you to their wedding
OR
invite you to share and celebrate at their wedding
OR
invite you to share in their joy at their wedding
Saturday, May 21, 2011
at 3:00 in the afternoon
TIPS:
- When the couple is hosting, middle names are not necessary, especially at a smaller or more informal wedding.
- Whether it’s a religious ceremony or nondenominational ceremony, the request line can say anything you wish, so long as you are welcoming guests to the wedding.
REMEMBER:
These guidelines are merely suggestions as to how invitations are traditionally worded. You can write your invitation however you like, in the style that fits your personality and your wedding. For more ideas, see our other invitation designs for some unique wording options.
Many thanks to theknot.com for inspiration on these wording ideas.