Why Wedding Invitation Wording Matters
Your wedding invitation is often the first impression guests have of your wedding day. It sets the tone — formal or relaxed, traditional or modern — and gives guests the practical information they need. Getting the wording right isn't just about etiquette; it's about communicating clearly and making your guests feel genuinely welcomed.
The Standard Elements of a Wedding Invitation
Regardless of style, every wedding invitation should include:
- Host line — who is hosting or "requesting the honour of your presence"
- Request line — the formal invitation phrase
- Couple's names — presented prominently
- Date and time — written out in full for formal invitations
- Venue — full name and address
- Reception details — if separate from ceremony
- RSVP instructions — deadline and contact method
- Dress code — if applicable
Traditional Wedding Invitation Wording
Traditional wording tends to be more formal and uses third-person phrasing. Here is a classic example:
Mr and Mrs James Hartley
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Emily Rose Hartley
to
Thomas William Clarke
son of Mr and Mrs David Clarke
on Saturday, the fourteenth of June
at half past two in the afternoon
St. Mary's Church, London
Reception to follow at Kensington Hall
RSVP by 15th May to emily&thomas@email.com
Modern Wedding Invitation Wording
Many couples today prefer warmer, more personal language. Here's a modern alternative:
Together with their families,
Emily Hartley & Thomas Clarke
invite you to celebrate their wedding
Saturday, 14 June · 2:30pm
St. Mary's Church, London
Dinner and dancing to follow at Kensington Hall
RSVP by 15 May · emily&thomas@email.com
Wording for Different Hosting Situations
Couple Hosting Their Own Wedding
"Emily Hartley and Thomas Clarke joyfully invite you to share in the celebration of their marriage…"
Divorced Parents Hosting
"Mrs Sarah Hartley and Mr James Hartley request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter…" (Each parent is listed on a separate line.)
One Set of Parents Hosting
"Mr and Mrs James Hartley request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Emily to Thomas Clarke…"
Both Sets of Parents Co-Hosting
"Mr and Mrs James Hartley and Mr and Mrs David Clarke invite you to celebrate the marriage of Emily and Thomas…"
Ceremony and Reception on Different Cards
If your ceremony and reception are at different venues, include a separate reception card rather than cramming both onto the main invitation. The reception card can read:
"Dinner and dancing to follow immediately after the ceremony at Kensington Hall, 12 Kensington Avenue, London W8. RSVP by 15 May."
Wording for Digital Wedding Invitations
Digital invitations are increasingly popular, particularly for eco-conscious couples or destination weddings. The wording follows the same principles, but you can include clickable RSVP links, maps, and wedding website URLs. Keep the text clean — avoid making it too long just because digital space is unlimited.
Common Wedding Invitation Wording Mistakes
- Forgetting the year — always include the full year, especially if you're sending invitations well in advance
- Unclear RSVP instructions — specify email, card, or website and always include a deadline
- No dress code mention — if you have expectations, state them (black tie, smart casual, garden party attire)
- Typos in names or addresses — always proofread three times before printing
- Omitting the reception location — even if it's at the same venue, confirm it on the invitation
Timing: When to Send Wedding Invitations
| Event Type | Send Invitations | RSVP Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Local wedding | 6–8 weeks before | 3–4 weeks before |
| Destination wedding | 3–4 months before | 6–8 weeks before |
| Save-the-dates | 6–12 months before | N/A |
Your wedding invitation wording doesn't need to be complicated — it just needs to be clear, warm, and true to who you are as a couple. Use these examples as a starting point, and make it your own.