Wedding Invitation Wording Basics

To start, download our Wedding Invitation Wording guide to help you get started on the correct invitation etiquette for your big day. Below we have also included examples for everything you need to know about wedding invitation wording.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Worthington [Proper Names of the Hosts]
Request the honour of your presence [Request Line]
at the marriage of their daughter [List the relationship of one member of the couple to the host]
Michelle Ryan [First partner's first and middle names only]
to Colin Patrick Carlsen [Second partner's full name]

Saturday the tenth of June [Date of the wedding]
2022 [Year of the wedding]
Two Thousand Twenty Two [Spelled out for more formal]
at six o'clock in the evening [Time of the wedding]

The Pierre [Name of the venue]
New York, New York [City and state where wedding will take place]

Reception to follow [Reception line]

Etiquette dictates that if the parents of the partner who WILL be changing their name are hosting, they write out their proper name and leave off their unmarried name.

If the parents of the partner who will NOT be changing their name are hosting, both to-be-weds last names should be included. If both partners will be keeping their last name, proceed with this format.

It's customary to include both sets of parents' formal names plus the surnames of both partners:

The rules state that whoever is playing host should get a mention on the invitation. So, if one parent and step-parent and your other parent and step-parent are paying for the wedding, put both sets of parents' formal names on the invitation:

Include both of your full formal names:

The same rules listed above apply if you're having an LGBTQ+ wedding! If you're having a commitment ceremony or civil union, use phrases like "invite you to share in their joy when they exchange vows of commitment" or "invite you to join in the celebration of their recent civil union" in the request line. If you already exchanged vows and are inviting your guests to a celebratory reception, be sure to make that clear.

While listing the hosts with a Mr. and Mrs. signifies a formal affair, it's by no means necessary. It's also totally acceptable to list the parents by their own names:

Want to make the request line your own? Have fun with it! Consider something like "join us as we tie the knot", "invite you to share and celebrate", or "invite you to share in their love" to make your invitations feel more relaxed.

If you're hoping to communicate that your wedding will be laid back, consider using the phrase "dinner and dancing to follow" or "general merriment to follow." No one says you have to stick to tradition, here!

Religious vs. Secular
If you're having a religious wedding, use the phrase "request the honor of your presence" in the request line. To communicate that the ceremony will be non-religious, use "pleasure of your company" instead.

Formal vs. Casual
While you'll want to make a note of the dress code somewhere on your invitations (f there is one), you can also signify the formality of the event with how you write the date and time:

Keep it totally casual
If you want more of a casual vibe, use phrases like, "nothing fancy just love", or "come for the love, stay for the party". 

Other notes: There's some debate on whether a 5PM wedding qualifies as “afternoon” or “evening”. I know, exciting stuff! In our opinion, either works. Go with whatever word best describes the vibe you're after.

Dress code can be listed on the invitation itself or on an accompanying card. Let’s break down the different common wedding dress codes– 

White Tie
Most formal attire. Women should be wearing floor-length dresses and men should wear tuxedos with formal white shirts and ties. Most of the time, men will wear a tux with tails. Think attire for a gala.

Black Tie
Women should wear floor-length dresses but if the event seems less formal, a cocktail dress is acceptable. Men should wear a tuxedo and a tie.

Formal/ Black Tie Optional
Slightly less formal than black tie. Women can wear a floor-length dress, a cocktail dress or a fancy pantsuit– whichever they feel more comfortable in. Men are not required to wear a tuxedo. More commonly, men will wear a dark colored suit.

Cocktail
A good balance between elegant and comfortable. Women can wear a fancy cocktail dress or pantsuit. Men should wear a suit.

Semi-formal/ Dressy Casual/ Sunday Best
Men should wear a dress shirt and slacks. A bowtie/ tie is optional. A dress, pantsuit or skirt are acceptable for women.

Casual
This implies that the wedding will be laid-back, especially with attire. Sundresses are acceptable. Wear khakis/ dress pants and a collared shirt– sports coats are optional. Steer clear of tennis shoes, jeans, t-shirts and sport sandals. 

If following proper wedding invitation etiquette, include guests’ full names. When you are addressing your invitation envelopes, you should spell their names out in full (title, first name, middle name (optional), and last name). Avoid using nicknames or initials. Be sure to use appropriate social titles as well, addressing married couples as "Mr. and Mrs." or "Mr. and Mr."