Invitation Wording

1. Who’s Hosting the wedding?
Traditionally, whoever is hosting your wedding should be listed first. This can be the bride & groom, the bride's parents, the groom's parents, both, or neither.
2. Request or Ask for attendance
There are many different ways to word the request line. Typically it is worded, “(Bride & Groom) request the honor of your presence at their marriage” Honor can also be spelt in old English – honour. Additional examples are below.
3. Bride's and Groom's Name
The bride is traditionally listed first. If her parents are mentioned, only her first and middle name is required. List the groom’s name. If the his parents are mentioned, only his first and middle name is required.
4. Date & Time
Spell out the month, day, year, and time.
5. Ceremony Venue
List the name and address of your ceremony. Your reception venue and address will go on the small enclosure (also called a reception card).
6. Reception Line
If your ceremony and reception are at the same venue, a reception card is not needed. Simply list “reception to immediately follow" on this line.
Example Invitations
There are many ways to word an invitation depending on the various family circumstances. Here are examples of the most common scenarios.
Additional Information
Black Tie
This is considered to be one of the highest levels of formal attire. According to the wedding planning blog The Knot, Men should wear a tuxedo with a black bow tie, cummerbund, and a nice pair of leather dress shoes. Women should wear a long evening gown or cocktail dress in a dark, neutral color like brown or black.
Black Tie Optional
This is interchangeable with “formal attire,” according to The Knot, but is still slightly less formal than “black tie.” For men, this means that a tuxedo isn’t required, but a dark suit and tie is considered appropriate for the occasion. For women, a dress or pantsuit in a dark, neutral tone is acceptable. Even a cocktail-length dress can be perfectly fine as long as isn’t too colorful or flashy.
Adult Affair
Deciding whether to invite children to your wedding is one of the most difficult guest list questions! No one wants to get their family and friends offside, but if there is no room for little ones, it’s best to make that clear. Adding “Adult Affair” on the invitation is a simple way to let guests know their children are not invited.
Quotes
- "Because you have shared in our lives by your friendship and love, we [Bride’s name & Groom’s name] invite you to share the beginning of your new life together when we are joined in holy matrimony"
- "On this day I will marry my friend, the one I laugh with, live for dream with and love"
- "Two lives, two hearts, joined together in friendship united forever in love"
- "My love for you is a journey, starting at forever and ending at never."
- "I have found the one whom my soul loves. - Song of Solomon 3:4"