Grace and Nghia’s Alaskan elopement was a perfect fusion of Western traditions and Vietnamese heritage, making it both breathtakingly epic and deeply personal. Their journey began on Tinder, where Nghia’s persistence paid off despite Grace studying for finals. After a week of him asking her out, they met up for their first date, which included all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu, hours of conversation, and intense rounds of Uno. They now recreate that first date every year on their anniversary.
For their big day, the couple envisioned a day that was both grand and intimate, reflecting the awe-inspiring vastness of their love while staying true to who they are. “We wanted our elopement to be epic but also intimate and personal to who we are!” they shared. “It was important that we were able to capture how awe-inspiring and vast our love feels during our special day. We also wanted to be able to be present for ourselves and each other as we read our vows.”
“We knew we wanted to be immersed in nature,” they explained. “After considering the Dolomites in Italy and Banff in Canada, we fell in love with Alaska.” The couple was drawn to the wild landscapes, which felt like the ideal backdrop for their adventurous day. They also connected with Junebug vendor Pala Kovacs, whose authenticity and vibrant personality shone through her work. Pala’s enthusiasm to come to Alaska, coupled with her meticulous planning and collaboration with Josh Vassar and Marathon Helicopters, made their dream elopement a reality.
Their day began with a quiet first look outside their charming A-frame cabin, where they donned Western attire. “The first look outside our cozy cabin was a beautiful start to the day,” they recalled. It was a moment of pure intimacy that set the tone for the adventure ahead.
Grace’s wedding dress was found at a sample sale, she carefully hand-sewed pearls onto her veil and styled her own hair and makeup. “We saved money on the things we could do ourselves and spent where it mattered most.”
After their first look, they made their way into town and stopped at a local ice cream parlor. The cheerful locals offered marriage advice, adding to the fun and spontaneity of the moment. “It was a joyful way to connect with the community and soak in the excitement of the day.” It was the perfect lighthearted pause before continuing their journey.
Next, the couple took a thrilling helicopter ride to a mountaintop, where they changed into traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai outfits for their second first look. The wildflowers and blueberry plants around them provided a striking backdrop. “Red is a traditional wedding color in Vietnam, and we loved how it popped against the natural setting,” they explained. They chose to honor their Vietnamese heritage with custom Ao Dai outfits, generously gifted by a close friend.
After exchanging vows, they took time for portraits amid the mountains, wildflowers, and a setting sun, all captured by Pala Kovacs and videographer Josh Vassar. These portraits were a perfect reflection of the day’s magic and intimacy, preserving the surreal beauty of the landscape and their love.
Despite the stunning surroundings, nature had other plans. A swarm of mosquitoes joined the couple’s mountaintop celebration, especially as Nghia read his vows. “The mosquitoes were feasting on Nghia’s forehead as he read his vows.” Though the pests were uninvited, the couple embraced the moment with humor. “Most of our footage on the mountaintop was us running from the mosquitoes, but it made the moment even more memorable!” they shared.
To cap off their unforgettable day, Grace and Nghia helicoptered to a serene beach for an intimate picnic. Grace had a special surprise in store for Nghia—she played a recording of herself singing their first dance song, infusing the moment with personal significance. “We played Uno and reminisced about some of our favorite memories together.” Surrounded by the calm of the beach and the peace of the moment, the couple savored this precious time together, away from the bustle of everyday life.
Grace and Nghia reflected on the day with deep gratitude for their incredible team. “Having a team we trusted truly made all the difference,” they shared. The collaboration between Pala Kovacs, Josh Vassar, and Marathon Helicopters turned their vision into reality, overcoming any challenges with ease and ensuring their day was as magical as they had imagined.
Looking back, they felt confident that their decision to work with such talented pros was one of the best they made, knowing their dream elopement wouldn’t have been the same without them.
Keep reading for helpful tips and examples on wedding invitation wording. Image by Carmen Lopez.
Wedding invitations are your first chance to share the excitement of your big day with your loved ones. They do more than just announce the date and time—they set the tone for your entire celebration! Whether you’re going for something classic, modern, or completely unique, the right wedding invitation wording makes all the difference. This guide walks you through the must-have details and gives you plenty of examples for inspiration.
Wedding Invitation Wording Breakdown
1. The Host
Announcing the host is a longstanding tradition, though it is no longer as strictly observed as it once was.Traditionally, the bride’s parents take center stage here, but these days, anything goes! Whether the couple is hosting, families are teaming up, or you’re honoring loved ones, you’ve got plenty of ways to phrase it. This section should establish who’s bringing everyone together. While it’s still a custom, you don’t see it as much in modern wedding invitations. Many couples are opting to leave out the host altogether or use more laid-back wording instead.
Here are some ideas to inspire your wording:
Traditional Hosting
“Mr. and Mrs. William Carter invite you to celebrate the marriage of their daughter, Sophie Jane, to Ethan James…”
Couple Hosting
“Together with their families, Maya and Ben invite you to share in their joy as they tie the knot…”
Honoring a Deceased Parent
“Lila Grace, daughter of the late Margaret Grace and Mr. Henry Grace, and Ryan Cooper, son of Mr. Samuel Cooper and Mrs. Evelyn Cooper, warmly invite you to join their special day…”
2. Request to Attend
Now it’s time to officially invite your guests to your big day! This part sets the vibe—whether you’re keeping it traditional or going for something more relaxed. Here’s where you let people know you want them there to celebrate with you.
Check out these examples for inspiration:
Classic and Formal:
“The honor of your presence is requested at the marriage of their children…”
Warm and Personal:
“We would love for you to join us as we celebrate our wedding day!”
Modern and Fun:
“Let’s make memories together! Please come and celebrate with us…”
3. Action Line
Here’s where you spell out what you’re inviting your loved ones to share in—whether it’s a grand ceremony or an intimate celebration. Think of this as the spotlight moment of your invitation, setting the stage for what’s to come!
Here are some examples to get you started:
Traditional (Parents Hosting): “At the marriage of their daughter…”
Casual and Couple-Focused: “At the celebration of their union…” “As they say ‘I do!’” “In celebration of their marriage…”
4. Names of the Couple
While it’s pretty straightforward, some traditions and details might make you pause. Who goes first? What about middle names? And how do you handle same-sex couples? Deciding the order and format depends on your preferences and the tone of your celebration. Choose what feels right—after all, it’s your day!
Traditional (Different-Sex Couples):
The bride’s name is typically listed first, followed by the groom’s. For formal invites, the bride’s first and middle names are used, while the groom’s full name, including titles, is listed.
Same-Sex Couples:
There’s no set rule—names can be in alphabetical order, based on personal preference, or simply what looks best with your design.
Casual Weddings:
For a relaxed, laid-back tone, first names alone are perfectly fine.
5. Date and Time
When it comes to adding the date and time, formal weddings usually stick to tradition, while casual celebrations can take a more relaxed approach. Here’s how to get it just right:
Formal Weddings:
The date and time are fully spelled out, adding an elegant touch.
Example: Saturday, the ninth of July, two thousand twenty-four, at five o’clock in the evening
Casual Weddings:
You can keep things simple by using numerals.
Example: July 9, 2024, at 5:00 PM
Some quick tips:
For formal invites, avoid abbreviations and write the year in lowercase (no “and” before the year).
If your ceremony is in the evening (starting at 5:00 PM or later), specify “in the evening.” Afternoon weddings (noon to 4:00 PM) can just use “o’clock” or “in the afternoon.”
6. Location
Where’s the big day happening? The venue details should be clear and easy to follow, setting the scene for your celebration. Here’s how to format it:
Formal Weddings: Include the venue name, city, and state spelled out in full. Skip the street address unless it’s a private home or tricky to find. Example: The Crystal Ballroom The Magnolia Hotel Dallas, Texas
Casual Weddings: You can still keep it simple but feel free to use abbreviations for the state if that suits your vibe. Example: Meadowbrook Hall Portland, OR
Let your guests know what to expect after the ceremony—it’s where the real celebration begins! Here’s how to keep things simple and clear:
Same Location? Just say something like: “Reception to follow” or “Dinner and dancing to follow.”
Different Location? List the reception venue right after the ceremony details or on a separate card: “Reception to follow at The Sunset Pavilion.”
Not Serving a Full Meal? Set the right expectations with phrases like: “Join us for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and dancing.” or “Cake, punch, and merriment to follow.”
8. Other Considerations
Dress Code Including a dress code is optional, but it can definitely help your guests know what to wear. The one exception? If your wedding is black tie, be sure to call it out on the invite. If you don’t mention a dress code, your guests will usually take their cue from the formality of your invitation. For example, a fancier invite says “formal” while a laid-back design suggests a more casual vibe. The dress code should come after the reception info.
Dress Code Wording Examples:
Black tie: Tuxedos and floor-length gowns
Formal attire: Suits and elegant dresses
Cocktail attire: Suits or dress shirts with ties, cocktail dresses
Feel free to place it in the lower right corner or add a note at the bottom if you prefer:
“Black tie requested”
“Cocktail attire please”
Wedding Website Instead of printing your wedding website directly on the main invitation, it’s best to include it on a separate reception or info card. You could also include your URL (or even a QR code) on your save the date so guests can easily access all the details in one place.
9. RSVP Card
Great news! Wording your RSVP card (also called the reply or response card) is much simpler than crafting the main invitation. Here’s what you’ll need:
RSVP Date: Start with the all-important reply-by date, which should be about three to four weeks before the big day. This gives you time to get a final headcount to your caterer and lock in your seating chart.
Consistency is Key: Keep the tone of the RSVP card in line with the invitation. For formal invitations, use phrasing like “the favor of a reply” (matching “the honor of your presence” from the invite). For something a bit more casual, you can go with “Kindly reply by” or “Kindly respond by.”
Guest(s) Names: Add a line for guests to write their names, along with checkboxes for accepting or declining the invitation. If you want to go formal, you can use the “M” line (for Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Ms.), but for a more laid-back vibe, simply use “Name(s)” instead.
Extras You Can Add:
Meal choices (with checkboxes or icons)
Fun song requests like “We promise to dance if you play _________”
10. Reception Cards
If your ceremony and reception are at the same place, you can keep it simple with “Reception to follow” at the bottom of the invite. But if they’re at different locations, treat the reception as its own event by including a separate reception card with all the venue details.
11. Activity Card
Planning a full wedding weekend? Activity cards are perfect for sharing all the fun happenings. List everything in order, so your guests won’t miss a thing. If your wedding has lots of events or info to share, check out our guide on wedding detail cards for extra help. If you decide not to include an activity card, be sure to share these details on your wedding website.
12. Information Card
An information card is a great way to give your guests any extra details they may need—directions, transportation tips, lodging recommendations, etc. If you’re adding multiple enclosures to your invitation suite, make sure to check out our guide on assembling everything in one smooth package.
For couples looking for a classic and refined touch, a formal invitation is the perfect choice. This style exudes elegance and sophistication, setting the tone for a wedding that feels like a truly grand occasion.
The Honour of Your Presence is Requested at the marriage of Miss Stephanie Adams and Mr. Dean Thompson on Saturday, the Fifth of August Two Thousand and Twenty-Four at Half-Past Four in the Afternoon The Crystal Ballroom The Plaza Hotel Reception to Follow
2. Semi-Formal Wedding Invitation
For couples looking for a wedding that’s both elegant and warm, a semi-formal invitation is the way to go. It blends classic sophistication with a touch of relaxed charm, making it a great fit for a variety of venues, from grand ballrooms to intimate garden settings. It’s perfect for couples who want their guests to feel both special and comfortable.
Together with their families, Harper Turner and Liam Revet joyfully invite you to celebrate their marriage on Saturday, the Fifteenth of August, Two Thousand and Twenty-Four at Half-Past Five in the Evening The Sapphire Room The Fairmont Hotel Dinner and Dancing to Follow
3. Casual Wedding Invitation
For a laid-back wedding with close friends and family, a casual invitation suits the relaxed vibe. It’s perfect for beach weddings, garden parties, or backyard ceremonies.
Harper and Liam are getting married! Join us for a laid-back celebration on Saturday, August 15, 2024 at 5:30 PM The Sapphire Room The Fairmont Hotel Come for the vows, stay for the fun!
4. Romantic Wedding Invitation
For couples who want their invitations to reflect the deep love and emotional connection between them, a romantic tone adds a touch of intimacy and sincerity.
With hearts full of love, Isla Green and Jack Reynolds invite you to join them as they exchange vows on Saturday, October 20, 2024 at 4:00 PM The Garden Terrace The Oceanview Resort A night of love, laughter, and happily ever after
5. Modern Wedding Invitation
For a contemporary, chic wedding, a modern invitation reflects style and minimalism, perfect for trendy venues or an urban celebration.
Sophia Davis & Ethan Clark are getting married! Join us for a celebration of love on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 5:00 PM The Crystal Pavilion The Royal Sands Resort Dress Code: Cocktail Attire Dinner, Drinks, and Dancing to Follow
6. Destination Wedding Invitation
For a destination wedding, this invitation conveys excitement about the journey and adventure that lies ahead.
Emily & Thomas are tying the knot in beautiful Bali and we would love for you to join us! Saturday, June 12, 2024 at 4:30 PM The Tropical Resort Bali, Indonesia Reception to follow
7. Intimate Wedding Invitation
For an intimate ceremony with only close friends and family, this invitation focuses on the personal connection and the significance of the event.
Together with their families, Olivia Green and Lucas Reed invite you to share in the joy of their marriage on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 5:00 PM The Seaside Ballroom The Oceanview Resort An intimate evening of vows and celebration
8. Beach Wedding Invitation
For a relaxed, beach-themed wedding, the invitation should be light and breezy, reflecting the coastal vibe.
Emily & Thomas are tying the knot on the shores of Malibu Beach Join us for a casual celebration by the sea on Saturday, June 12, 2024 at 4:30 PM Malibu Beach Resort Reception to follow on the sand
Remember, your wedding invitation reflects who you are as a couple and sets the tone for the celebration you envision. Whether it’s elegant, fun, or relaxed, make sure the wording aligns with your style and gives your guests a sense of what’s to come. Take your time, choose words that resonate with you both, and enjoy the process!
After all, it’s the first step in inviting everyone to join you in celebrating your love before you dive into the rest of the wedding planning.
Keep reading for expert advice from Junebug vendors on making the most of hosting your wedding ceremony and reception in the same space. Image by Elizabeth Salazar.
Hosting your wedding ceremony and reception in the same room can be a game-changer. Whether it’s for convenience, cost savings, or a creative twist on tradition, this option offers plenty of benefits. Guests have just one place to navigate, your timeline can flow more smoothly, and you might save on decor by repurposing elements. As with any decision, planning is required to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Here’s how to make the most of your shared space while avoiding common pitfalls with expert advice from Junebug vendors who’ve seen it all.
How to Have Your Wedding Ceremony and Reception in the Same Room
Setting The Scene
The design and layout of your venue play a huge role in making a shared space feel intentional. You’ll want a setup that transitions effortlessly from ceremony to reception.
“Hosting both ceremony and reception in the same space can make weddings more cost-effective for couples. It’s also a lot simpler to use the same decor from the ceremony to the reception, which can save money as well,” says Michigan-based photographer Catie Eovaldi.
Consider multipurpose décor like floral arrangements that can move from the aisle to the tables or an arch that doubles as a backdrop for your sweetheart table.
Preparing for the Ceremony
Start by creating a ceremony setup that feels intimate and beautiful, keeping in mind how the space will transform later.
A first look with your partner is highly recommended. According to New Jersey photographers, The Markows, “Definitely plan to do a first look! This way, you can get all of your photos done and enjoy cocktail hour. This gives you the chance to get all the group photos you want and allow your photographer enough time to come up with the unique portrait ideas you deserve.”
This simplifies your timeline and allows you to focus on your guests during cocktail hour while the space is being flipped.
Check out this stunning warehouse wedding to see how they transformed their ceremony setup—featuring acrylic chairs, a petal-lined aisle, and statement florals on geometric gold stands—into a modern, ethereal reception. A perfect showcase of flipping a space in style, all beautifully captured by Ash Gabes Photography.
Transforming for the Reception
Transforming your ceremony into a reception space requires coordination and timing, and having a solid plan is crucial.
“A planner or coordinator is invaluable when you are flipping a space. This is a great moment for a cocktail hour or entertainment for your guests. Think of it as an opportunity to be creative and offer your guests a unique experience!” Milly of The Rose Reflective suggests.
Cocktail hours or designated areas for mingling keep guests entertained and out of the way while vendors handle the transition. Without this, “you run the risk of your guests wandering around the area and potentially getting lost or hanging out in a bar/restaurant and filling up before dinner,” adds Catie.
This chic wedding was effortlessly transformed from a modern, ethereal ceremony to a minimalist chic reception. Check out all the stunning details, beautifully captured by Kapsule Co.
Timing the Day Right
A streamlined timeline is essential for keeping everything on track. With the proper preparation, you can avoid downtime or rushed transitions.
The Markows emphasize the importance of timing for photos: “Avoid cramming all of your photos into cocktail hour and avoid planning a day where your family and friends can’t enjoy the majority of cocktail hour.”
Schedule portraits to maximize the time between the ceremony and reception, taking advantage of the natural break while guests enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
Coordinating the Team
Flipping a space takes a team effort, so be sure to communicate with your vendors well in advance. Everyone, from florists to photographers, must know the plan to ensure a smooth transition.
“Have a designated team with a plan in place on how both spaces will be set up. This will ensure a smooth transition on the vendor side,” advises Catie.
This floral-filled celebration showcases the transformation of a raw space into a romantic ceremony with overhead blooms, a floral-lined aisle, and a statement backdrop, then repurposes it for the reception with lush tablescapes and taper candles. Savanna Sturkie perfectly captured every stunning detail for inspiration.
Things to Keep in Mind
While combining your ceremony and reception in the same room has its perks, it’s not without challenges.
“There are stricter time constraints on vendors to create your reception space, so you may be able to do less than if you are hosting your reception in a different space,” notes Milly.
And if a religious ceremony or avoiding a first look is a priority, The Markows suggest reconsidering: “Really, the only disadvantages are if you prefer a religious ceremony at a place of worship or you adamantly are against a first look.”
The experts agree: the key to making it work lies in having a solid plan, an experienced team, and a venue that ticks all the right boxes—one that’s versatile, convenient, and perfect for your vision. Not only will you create a cohesive experience for your guests, but you’ll also enjoy the benefits of simplicity, cost savings, and a day that flows effortlessly. With the right foundation in place, you’ll be well on your way to creating a celebration that’s as stress-free as it is unforgettable.
This disco ball-filled wedding featured a space transformed with floral pillars, colorful candles, and antique holders for the ceremony, then flipped for the reception with metallic streamers for a playful touch. See all the amazing details, captured by Elizabeth Salazar.
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