Wedding Invitation Wording

Wedding invitation wording isn’t as complicated as it may at first appear, but we know it strikes fear into everyone!
Simply put, you want your guests to know who, where, when and at what time.
The style of wording is generally determined by the whether the wedding is formal and traditional, or more relaxed and informal.
Just like the design of your invitation, the wording style should set the tone for your celebration.

We have put together a few suggestion to help you below.
Some with a traditional feel, others more in keeping with an informal celebration.

Please note that the examples below use the couple as ‘Bride’ and ‘Groom’, but please be assured we celebrate love and
commitment between two partners, no matter what your wedding titles will be.

The anatomy of the wedding invitation

Every wedding invitation needs the following:

1 The ‘Host’ – traditionally this was the main contributor to the wedding cost. However with invitation etiquette not being as formal now, this is optional.

2 The ‘Invitation Line’ – this invites your guests to the wedding. The choice of wording here usually suggests the formality of the event.

3 The ‘Couple’ – the names of the people getting married. Traditionally the Bride’s name is first (but only due to the traditional etiquette that her parents were footing the bill).

4 + 5 The ‘Details’ – the place, date and time etc. and usually the details of any reception which follows.

Notes:
Less is more. Punctuation is removed from the end of lines, line breaks
act as pauses. Postcodes are not recommended on the actual invitation.
It’s bad form to mention the gift lists on the invitation.

Formal wedding invitation wording suggestions

Formal wedding invitation wording with 'host'

Formal wedding invitation wording examples mentioning the ‘host’ of the wedding.
You can swap and change the different wording to get your perfect invitation.

Example 1 (Bride's Parents)

Mr and Mrs D. Hall
request the pleasure of the company of
Mr and Mrs J. Johnson
on the occasion of the marriage of
their daughter

Laura Elizabeth
to
Mr George Peter Brown

at St. Helen’s Church, Grangefield
on Saturday 20th May 2023
at 1.30pm

The reception follows at
Pendleton Hall

RSVP by 10th February 2023

Example 2 (Bride's Parents)

David and Claire Hall
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of their daughter

Laura Elizabeth
to
George Peter Brown

at St. Helen’s Church, Grangefield
on Saturday 20th May 2023

The ceremony begins at 1.30pm
followed by a reception at
Pendleton Hall

Carriages at midnight

RSVP by 10th February 2023

Example 3 (Couple + Parents)

Together with their families

Laura Hall
and
George Brown

request the pleasure of your company
to celebrate their marriage

at St. Helen’s Church, Grangefield
on Saturday 20th May 2023
at 1.30pm

and afterwards at Pendleton Hall

RSVP by 10th February 2023
Dress code – formal attire

Example 4 (Couple)

Miss Laura Hall
and
Mr George Brown

request the company of
James and Helen Johnson
at their wedding

on Saturday 20th May 2023
at Pendleton Hall

Please arrive for 1.00pm

The Wedding Breakfast
will be held after the ceremony
followed by an evening reception

RSVP by 10th February 2023

Evening Example 1 (Bride's Parents)

Mr and Mrs D. Hall
request the pleasure of the company of
Mr and Mrs J. Johnson
at the evening reception to celebrate the
marriage of their daughter

Laura Elizabeth
to
Mr George Peter Brown

at Pendleton Hall
on Saturday 20th May 2023
at 7.30pm

RSVP by 10th February 2023

Evening Example 2 (Bride's Parents)

David and Claire Hall
request the pleasure of your company
at the evening celebration following
the marriage of their daughter

Laura Elizabeth
to
George Peter Brown

at Pendleton Hall
on Saturday 20th May 2023
at 7.30pm

Carriages at midnight

RSVP by 10th February 2023

Evening Example 3 (Couple + Parents)

Together with their families

Laura Hall
and
George Brown

request the pleasure of your company
to celebrate their marriage

at Pendleton Hall
on Saturday 10th May 2023

The evening reception begins at 7.30pm
Carriages at midnight

RSVP by 10th February 2023

Evening Example 4 (Couple)

Miss Laura Hall
and
Mr George Brown

request the pleasure of the company of
James and Helen Johnson
at their wedding reception

on Saturday 20th May 2023
at Pendleton Hall

Please arrive at 7.30pm

Dress code – formal attire
RSVP by 10th February 2023

Formal wedding invitation wording with no specific 'host''

Formal wedding invitation wording examples with no specific host. (This is a great idea when contributions to the day have been made from different sources.)
You can swap and change the different wording to get your perfect invitation.

Example 1

Mr and Mrs J. Johnson

the pleasure of your company is requested
on the occasion of the marriage of

Laura Elizabeth Hall
to
Mr George Peter Brown

at St. Helen’s Church, Grangefield
on Saturday 20th May 2023
at 1.30pm

The reception follows at
Pendleton Hall

RSVP by 10th February 2023

Example 2

The pleasure of the company of
Mr and Mrs J. Johnson
is requested at the marriage of

Laura Elizabeth Hall
to
George Peter Brown

at St. Helen’s Church, Grangefield
on Saturday 20th May 2023

The ceremony begins at 1.30pm
followed by a reception at
Pendleton Hall

Carriages at midnight

RSVP by 10th February 2023

Example 3

The pleasure of your company is requested
to celebrate the marriage of

Laura Hall
and
George Brown

at St. Helen’s Church, Grangefield
on Saturday 20th May 2023
at 1.30pm

and afterwards at Pendleton Hall

RSVP by 10th February 2023
Dress code – formal attire

Example 4

You are cordially invited
to celebrate the marriage of

Laura Hall
and
George Brown

at St. Helen’s Church, Grangefield
on Saturday 20th May 2023
at 1.30pm

and afterwards at Pendleton Hall

RSVP by 10th February 2023
Dress code – formal attire

Evening Example 1

Mr and Mrs J. Johnson

The pleasure of your company is requested
at the evening reception to celebrate the
marriage of

Laura Elizabeth Hall
to
Mr George Peter Brown

at Pendleton Hall
on Saturday 20th May 2023
at 7.30pm

RSVP by 10th February 2023

Evening Example 2

The pleasure of your company is requested
at the evening celebration following
the marriage of

Laura Elizabeth Hall
to
George Peter Brown

at Pendleton Hall
on Saturday 20th May 2023
at 7.30pm

Carriages at midnight

RSVP by 10th February 2023

Evening Example 3

The pleasure of your company is requested
to celebrate the marriage of

Laura Hall
and
George Brown

at Pendleton Hall
on Saturday 10th May 2023

The evening reception begins at 7.30pm
Carriages at midnight

RSVP by 10th February 2023

Informal wedding invitation wording suggestions

Informal wedding invitation wording with 'host'

Wedding invitation wording examples with a less formal feel, mentioning the ‘host’ of the wedding.

Just swap and change the different wording to get your perfect invitation.

Example 1 (Bride's Parents)

David and Claire Hall
have great pleasure in inviting
Rob, Sally and Archie
to celebrate the marriage of
their daughter

Laura Elizabeth
to
George Peter Brown

at St. Helen’s Church, Grangefield
on Saturday 20th May 2023

The ceremony begins at 1.30pm
followed by the Wedding Breakfast and
evening reception at Pendleton Hall

RSVP by 10th February 2023

Example 2 (Bride's Parents)

David and Claire Hall
are delighted to invite you to the
wedding of their daughter

Laura
to
George Brown

at Pendleton Hall
on Saturday 20th May 2023

The ceremony begins at 1.30pm
followed by the Wedding Breakfast
and an evening of celebration

Carriages at midnight
RSVP by 10th February 2023

Example 3 (Bride's Parents)

David and Claire Hall
joyfully invite you to the
wedding of their daughter

Laura
to
George Brown

at Pendleton Hall
on Saturday 20th May 2023

The ceremony begins at 1.30pm
followed by the Wedding Breakfast
and an evening of celebration

Carriages at midnight
RSVP by 10th February 2023

Example 4 (Couple + Parents)

Together with their families

Laura Hall
and
George Brown

cordially invite you to
their wedding

at Pendleton Hall
on Saturday 20th May 2023
at 4.30pm

The ceremony is followed by the
Wedding Breakfast and evening
celebrations until late

RSVP by 10th February 2023

Example 5 (Couple)

It is with great pleasure that

Laura Hall
and
George Brown

invite you to join them on their wedding day

Saturday 10th May 2023
at South Farm, Shingay-cum-Wendy
at 4.00pm

The ceremony is followed by
the Wedding Breakfast and an evening of
drinks and dancing until late

RSVP by 10th February 2023

Example 6 (Couple)

Laura & George
would love you to join them
on their wedding day

on Saturday 10th May 2023
at South Farm, Shingay-cum-Wendy
at 4.00pm
followed by an evening of dinner and
dancing under the stars

Kindly reply by 10th February 2023

Example 7 (Couple)

Laura & George
are delighted to invite you to share in the
celebration of their marriage

on Saturday 10th May 2023
at South Farm, Shingay-cum-Wendy
at 4.00pm
followed by an evening of dinner and
dancing under the stars

Kindly reply by 10th February 2023

Evening Example 1 (Bride's Parents)

David and Claire Hall
have great pleasure in inviting
Rob, Sally and Archie
to the evening celebration
following the marriage of their daughter

Laura Elizabeth
to
George Peter Brown

at Pendleton Hall
on Saturday 20th May 2023

The reception begins at 7.30pm
with drinks and dancing until late

RSVP by 10th February 2023

Evening Example 2 (Bride's Parents)

David and Claire Hall
are delighted to invite you to the
celebrate the marriage of
their daughter

Laura
to
George Brown

at Pendleton Hall
on Saturday 20th May 2023

The reception begins at 7.30pm

Carriages at midnight
RSVP by 10th February 2023

Evening Example 3 (Couple)

It is with great pleasure that

Laura Hall
and
George Brown

invite you to join them for an evening
of wedding celebrations

at South Farm, Shingay-cum-Wendy
on Saturday 10th May 2023 at 7.30pm

Carriages at midnight

RSVP by 10th February 2023

Evening Example 4 (Couple)

Laura & George
are delighted to invite you to their
evening reception

on Saturday 10th May 2023
at South Farm, Shingay-cum-Wendy
at 7.30pm

Carriages at midnight

Kindly reply by 10th February 2023

Informal wedding invitation wording 'without host'

Wedding invitation wording examples with a more informal feel, with no specific host. (This is a good idea when contributions to the day have been made from different sources.)
You can mix and match the different elements to get your perfect invitation wording.

Example 1

Rob, Sally and Archie
please join us
to celebrate the marriage of

Laura Hall
and
George Brown

at St. Helen’s Church, Grangefield
on Saturday 20th May 2023

The ceremony begins at 1.30pm
followed by the Wedding Breakfast and
evening reception at Pendleton Barn

RSVP by 10th February 2023

Example 2

You are cordially invited to
the wedding of

Laura Hall
and
George Brown

at Pendleton Barn, Shropshire
on Saturday 20th May 2023

The ceremony begins at 1.30pm
followed by the Wedding Breakfast
and an evening of celebration

Carriages at midnight
RSVP by 10th February 2023

Example 3

It is with delight that you are
invited to the wedding of

Laura Hall
and
George Brown

at Pendleton Barn, Shropshire
on Saturday 20th May 2023
at 4.30pm

The ceremony is followed by the
Wedding Breakfast and evening
celebrations until late

RSVP by 10th February 2023

Example 4

It is with great pleasure that
we invite you to join

Laura Hall
and
George Brown

on their wedding day

Saturday 10th May 2023
at South Farm, Shingay-cum-Wendy
at 4.00pm

The ceremony is followed by
the Wedding Breakfast and an evening of
drinks and dancing until late

RSVP by 10th February 2023

Example 5

You are invited to the wedding of
Laura & George

on Saturday 10th May 2023
at South Farm, Shingay-cum-Wendy
at 4.00pm
followed by an evening of dinner and
dancing under the stars

Kindly reply by 10th February 2023

Evening Example 1

Rob, Sally and Archie
please join us at the evening celebration
following the marriage of

Laura Hall
and
George Brown

at Pendleton Barn, Shropshire
on Saturday 20th May 2023

The reception begins at 7.30pm
with drinks and dancing until late

RSVP by 10th February 2023

Evening Example 2

It is with delight that you are invited
to celebrate the marriage of

Laura Hall
and
George Brown

at their wedding reception

on Saturday 20th May 2023
at Pendleton Barn
from 7.30pm

Carriages at midnight
RSVP by 10th February 2023

Evening Example 3

You are cordially invited to
an evening of wedding celebrations
following the marriage of

Laura Hall
and
George Brown

at South Farm, Shingay-cum-Wendy
on Saturday 10th May 2023 at 7.30pm

Carriages at midnight

RSVP by 10th February 2023

Evening Example 4

You are invited to the evening reception
following the marriage of

Laura & George

on Saturday 10th May 2023
at South Farm, Shingay-cum-Wendy
at 7.30pm

Carriages at midnight

Kindly reply by 10th February 2023

How to word tricky situations!

We know that weddings are full of complicated family situations.

Here we have created a few examples to give you ideas on how to word your invitations when things are not quite as straightforward.

These examples use a traditional wording, but you can use these ideas for an informal invitation too.

Divorced parents hosting (same surnames)

Note: Always use surnames,
change titles (Mrs) if need be

Mr David Hall and Mrs Claire Hall
(or David Hall and Claire Hall)
request the pleasure of your company to
celebrate the marriage of their daughter

Laura Elizabeth
to
George Brown

etc…

Divorced parents hosting (different surnames)

Note: Always use surnames
Mr David Hall and Mrs Claire Edwards
(or David Hall and Claire Edwards)
request the pleasure of your company to
celebrate the marriage of their daughter

Laura Elizabeth
to
George Brown

etc…

Divorced parents and new partners hosting

Note: Always use surnames
Mr and Mrs D. Hall
together with
Mr and Mrs P. Edwards
(or David and Sally Hall together with Claire and Paul Edwards)
request the pleasure of your company to
celebrate the marriage of their daughter

Laura Elizabeth
to
George Brown

etc…

When one parent is deceased (and you wish to mention them)

You are cordially invited to
the wedding of

Laura Hall
Daughter of David Hall and the late Claire Hall
and
George Brown
Son of Peter and Mary Brown

etc…

When one parent is deceased (and you wish do not want to mention them)

Mr David Hall
requests the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of his daughter

Laura Elizabeth
to
George Brown

etc…

When inviting guests and their children

Mr and Mrs D. Hall
request the pleasure of the company of
Mr and Mrs H. Jones, Sara and Archie

David and Claire Hall
request the pleasure of the company of
Harry and Ginnie Jones, Sara and Archie

David and Claire Hall
request the pleasure of the company of
Harry, Ginnie and Sara Jones

Mr and Mrs D. Hall
request the pleasure of the company of
Mr and Mrs H. Jones and their children

Parents of the Bride and the Groom hosting

Note: Always use surnames
Mr and Mrs D. Hall
together with
Mr and Mrs P. Brown
(or David and Claire Hall
together with
Peter and Mary Brown)
request the pleasure of your company to
celebrate the marriage of

Laura Elizabeth Hall
to
George Peter Brown

etc…

Parents plus couple hosting

Together with their families
Laura Hall
and
George Brown
request the pleasure of your company
at their wedding
etc…

Together with their parents
Laura Hall
and
George Brown
request the pleasure of your company
at their wedding
etc…

Or do you fancy something a bit different?

Show a little personality!

Wedding invitation etiquette has changed considerably over the last few years. And of course with marriages no longer just between ‘Brides’ and ‘Grooms’, any outdated etiquette should definitely not define how you word you invitations.
Modern invitation etiquette is now seen as being more ‘you should do what you feel is right’, so go for it.

Example 1

[Name] and [Name]
joyfully invite you to share in
the celebration of their love
and commitment

Saturday 10th May 2023
South Farm, Shingay-cum-Wendy
at 4.00pm

etc…

Example 2

You are invited to share in the
joy and celebration as
[Name] and [Name]
exchange marriage vows and
begin their new life together

etc…

Example 3

[Name] and [Name]
warmly invite you to a part
of their wedding day

etc…

Example 4

[Name] and [Name]
are tying the knot

Please join them
on Saturday 10th May 2023
at etc…

Example 5

It is with joyful hearts that
we invite you to be present at
the ceremony uniting
[Name] and [Name]
in marriage

etc…

Example 6

[Name] and [Name]
invite you to share and celebrate
their wedding day

etc…

Example 7

[Name] and [Name]
are getting married
on [date] at [venue]
and would love for you to join them

The ceremony starts at [time] followed by a celebratory lunch and a fabulous evening of music and dancing

etc…

and just one more thing...

A wedding invitation can also give a few more details to help your guests.

As a note: There may not be room on the invitation for these details, if this is the case we recommend having a guest information card included in your invitation suite.

RSVP details with (RSVP card to be included)

Kindly reply by [date]

RSVP by [date]

RSVP details (without RSVP card)

Kindly reply by [date]
to [address]

RSVP by [date]
to [address]

RSVP to email address or telephone number

Kindly reply by [date]
to [name@emailaddress] or [mobile number]

RSVP by [date]
to [name@emailaddress] or [mobile number]

RSVP to email/phone with dietary requirements

Kindly reply by [date]
to [name@emailaddress] or [mobile number]
including any special dietary requirements

RSVP by [date]
to [name@emailaddress] or [mobile number]
including any special dietary requirements