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

Image by Elle Studios

7. Reception Information

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
• Beach casual: Button-down shirts, sundresses, shorts, sandals

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.

Image by Madeline J Studios

Creative Wedding Invitation Wording Ideas

1. Formal Wedding Invitation

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.

Image by Honeyscout Photography