A Complete Guide to Wedding Invitation Wording

Congratulations! You’re planning the happiest day of your lives. With preparations well underway, you now need to ask friends and family to join you in celebrating. But perhaps you’re a little confused as to where to start with your wedding invitation wording?

Whether you’re planning a traditional church celebration hosted by both sets of parents, or throwing a relaxed, backyard bash, we have a template for every scenario. Follow this expert guide to discover how to correctly phrase your invitations and communicate all ‘must-know’ information with ease.

First and foremost, what goes on a wedding invitation? Short and sweet is always better when it comes to wedding invitation wording. The last thing you want is to bombard guests with too many details and risk information overload. 

To avoid detracting from the exciting purpose of the invite (to celebrate the big day together), here’s a breakdown of the key points you’ll need to cover on your official wedding invitation, line by line:

The Hosts
Tradition dictates that the request to attend a wedding usually comes from the hosts. These may be one or two sets of parents, the couple themselves or another family member that is paying for the wedding. As so many couples fund their own weddings nowadays, some choose not to include a host line in their invitation. The choice, however, is entirely up to you. 

The Request Itself
You’ll need to explicitly invite your guest to your wedding with a request line. Specific wedding invitation wording will play an important role here in setting the tone, be it formal or informal, for your celebrations. We’ll cover different wording examples based on event formality later in this guide.

The Names of The Couple 
Traditionally the bride’s name comes first, followed by the groom. However, this could be either way around for same-sex couples, or alphabetical should you wish to do it this way.

Location Details
The setting for the best of your lives will follow your names. If you’re hosting a separate wedding reception in a different location to the ceremony, be sure to include the name and postcode of both venues here. 

Time And Date 
Don’t forget to include when you are getting married. A preferred arrival time for your guests is also helpful here as well as what time the day will conclude. If the invitation is strictly for the evening celebration, you’ll need to make this clear too.

RSVP Deadline 
This one’s super important to avoid too much chasing. Mention when you require guests to RSVP by and how they will contact you. 

Dress Code
Hopefully the formality of your wedding will be obvious from your wedding invitation wording and design. However, it’s worth including a dress code (or theme, should you have one) so guests can plan their outfits accordingly. And avoid any fashion faux pas! 

Wondering where to add the rest of the reception details? Typically, information like your gift list, accommodation recommendations and dinner menu will live on a separate card, or within a larger wedding invitation suite. These do not typically live on the actual invite itself.

Discover what to include in a wedding invitation suite and leave your guests nothing but excited for the special day ahead.

While you may be tempted to focus more on the overall aesthetic of your invitations, you shouldn’t overlook the importance of clearly wording them too.

The words you select will set the tone for your celebration, communicate critical information, and give your guests an idea of what to expect from your big day. 

Whether you decide to keep things formal or loosen up your language to reflect a more relaxed event, spread the word in a style that suits you by using the following wedding card wordings as your guide.

Formal Wedding Invitation Wording

Hosted By One Set of Parents
Mr and Mrs Jones (Name of the parents hosting) ⁠request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Georgina Jones ⁠to Joe Bond ⁠at St. Mary’s Church (Ceremony venue) on Friday the eighteenth of August two thousand and twenty-three (Date) ⁠at one ‘o clock in the afternoon (Time)

⁠Reception to follow at seven o’clock in the evening (Reception details and start time) ⁠at Oak House Manor (Reception venue)

⁠Kindly RSVP by the thirtieth of September, two thousand and twenty-two (RSVP deadline) to 8 Morning Close, London, SW1 7QS (Host address).

Dress Formal

Hosted By Both Sets of Parents 
Mr and Mrs Adams (One set) together with Mr and Mrs Holiday (Second set of parents) ⁠request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their children ⁠Anna Adams (Name of ‘to-be-wed’) to Lucy Holiday (Name of second ‘to-be-wed’) ⁠at St. Andrew’s Chapel (Ceremony venue) ⁠on Saturday the first of June  ⁠two thousand and twenty-two (Date) ⁠at two ‘o clock in the afternoon (Time)

Reception to follow at six o’clock in the evening (Reception details and start time) ⁠at Ridley House (Reception venue)

Kindly RSVP by the fourth of October two thousand and twenty-one (RSVP deadline) to 17 Lakewater Lane, Birmingham, B76 2EH (Host address).

Dress Code: White Tie

Hosted By The Couple 
The honour of your presence is requested at the marriage of Eric Smith (Name of ‘to-be-wed’) to David Monmouth (Name of second ‘to-be-wed’) ⁠at Heartfield House (Ceremony venue) ⁠on Saturday the seventh of October  ⁠two thousand and twenty-one at one ‘o clock in the afternoon.

Reception to follow at seven o’clock in the evening.

Kindly RSVP by (RSVP deadline) to (Couples’ address)

Dress Formal

Casual Wedding Invitations

Hosted By One Set Of Parents
Mr and Mrs Jones (Set of parents hosting) invite you to celebrate the marriage of their daughter/son/child Georgina Jones (Name of ‘to-be-wed’) to John Bond (Name of other ‘to-be-wed’) at Oak House Manor (Ceremony venue) on Friday 18th August 2023 at 1pm (Date & Time)

Followed by a reception at 7pm (Reception details and start time)

RSVP by 30th September 2022 (RSVP deadline) to 8 Morning Close, London, SW1 7QS (Host address)

Dress, drink, and dance as you wish!

Hosted By Both Sets Of Parents
Together with their families, Anna Adams (Name of ‘to-be-wed’) to Lucy Holiday (Name of second ‘to-be-wed’) invite you to join them as they ‘tie the knot’ at Ridley House (Ceremony venue) on Saturday 1st June 2022 at 2pm (Date & Time)

Fabulous food and music to follow from 7pm (Reception details and start time)

Kindly RSVP by 4th October 2021 (RSVP deadline) to 17 Lakewater Lane, Birmingham, B76 2EH (Host address).

Dress casual attire

Hosted By The Couple
Jessica Johnson (Name of ‘to-be-wed’) and Nathan Bentley (Name of second ‘to-be-wed’) invite you to join them as they say, ‘I do!’ at York Golf and Country Club (Ceremony venue) on Saturday 11th August 2023 at 1pm (Date & Time)

Followed by a reception at 6pm (Reception details and start time)

RSVP by 10th November 2022 (RSVP deadline) using the QR code below (address, QR or website link)

Dress to impress!

Evening Only Wedding Invitation Wording
Jennifer Black (Name of ‘to-be-wed’) and James Brooks (Name of second ‘to-be-wed’) are tying the knot!

Please join them for an evening of dancing and drinking at The Westgate Hotel (Reception venue) on Saturday 9th September 2023 from 6pm (Reception details and start time)

RSVP by 11th November 2022 (RSVP deadline) to 24 Elm Grove, London, SE8 2HL (Host address).

Semi-formal attire

Still have questions about wedding card wordings? Take inspiration from more expert advice and recommendations from The Wedding Shop team. You’ll have a way with words in no time.

Still have questions about wedding card wordings? Take inspiration from more expert advice and recommendations from The Wedding Shop team. You’ll have a way with words in no time.

Whose name goes first on wedding invitations? 
Traditionally, the Bride’s name goes first on your wedding invites. However, for same-sex couples or couples who do not wish to follow old-fashioned wedding invitation etiquette, you may choose to list names alphabetically instead.

What is the correct wording for a wedding invitation?
How you choose to word your wedding invitations is entirely up to you. Phrasing should mirror the style and formality of your event. 

For example, the request line, by which you ask your guests to attend your wedding, would typically read, ‘The honour of your presence is requested’ for a formal affair. 

However, for a more casual celebration, you might consider, ‘You are invited to the wedding of’, as more appropriate and in keeping with the tone of your festivities.

What are some modern wedding invitation wording examples?
Traditional style wedding invitations are not for everyone. If you want to avoid old-school language and formality, take inspiration from one of the following phrases for a more modern and creative way to share your news:

• We'd love you by our sides as we exchange vows…
• Join us as we say, “I do”
• We’re getting hitched, so join us at 
• Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, two people met and fell in love. And now, they're getting married! Please join Sara and Steven as they tie the knot
• Come help us celebrate our love 
• Love knows no bounds. And on Sunday 21st July, Ian and Joe, will be tying the knot. Please join us in celebrating our love and commitment to each other, no matter your gender identity or sexual orientation.
• We’re making it officially ‘official’ on 1st August 2018, and you’re cordially invited! 

Alternatively, you may choose to include a meaningful poem or song lyric on your invitation – a popular trend for 2023.

What are some romantic wedding invitation wording examples?
Undoubtedly, your wedding day will be the most romantic day of your lives. So, why wouldn’t your invitation reflect that too? To inspire the magic and romance of your very own fairy-tale celebration, spread the language of love with one of the following quotes or phrases:

• Love is in the air…You’re invited to attend the wedding of 
• "True love stories never have endings." - Richard Bach 
• Please join Emma and Craig as they vow to stand by each other forever
• "Where there is great love, there are always miracles." - Willa Cather 
• "All you need is love." - Paul McCartney
• It is with joy that we, Ellie Brooks and Sophia James, pledge our love as one
• Please join us for an evening of love, laughter, friendship, and family 
• "Love is what makes the ride worthwhile." - Franklin P. Jones

How should I communicate the dress code on my wedding invitation?
Whether you’re hosting a formal black-tie affair or a casual, beachside ceremony, try out one of the following phrases to communicate your dress code with guests:

• Dress formal
• Dress code: White tie
• Black tie optional
• Semi-formal attire
• Dressy casual
• Cocktail attire
• Beach or garden party attire
• Festive attire
• Come as you are
• Dress to impress!

How do I politely ask guests for wedding presents? 

The best place to let guests know about your wedding registry is on your formal wedding invitations. You needn’t worry about looking impolite. The key is to communicate to your guests that their presence is most important. And if they do wish to buy you a gift, you have a wedding gift list available. 

The following would serve as a polite way to mention this within your wedding invitation suite or on your website: "We’ve built a dream wedding gift list that will set us up for our new home together. Please don’t feel obliged, but if you’d like to help us on our journey, please find our gift list details below."

What is a wedding invitation suite?
Put simply, a wedding invitation suite is everything inside your invite. This could include the invitation itself, a RSVP card and envelope, postage, a reception card (should you wish to write this separately), directions to the event, accommodation recommendations in the area and the wedding breakfast menu.

Discover top tips on creating your own wedding invitation suite with The Wedding Shop’s expert guide.