Introduction
Crafting the perfect wedding invitation sets the tone for your entire celebration. Whether you’re planning a formal ceremony or an intimate gathering, this comprehensive guide (with free invitation generator) will help you create invitation wording that perfectly captures your special day.
Just like writing an unforgettable wedding speech, your invitation needs to strike the right balance of information and emotion.
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Essential Elements of Wedding Invitations
1. Host Line
Traditional Format:
- “Mr. and Mrs. [Father’s Name] request the honour of your presence…”
- “Together with their families…”
- “[Couple’s Names] request the pleasure of your company…”
Need help with formal writing? See our guide on formal wedding writing.
2. Request Line
Choose your formality level:
- Formal: “request the honour of your presence”
- Semi-formal: “request the pleasure of your company”
- Casual: “invite you to celebrate”
Similar to choosing the right tone for your wedding card messages.
Wedding Invitation Formatting Guide
Traditional Format Template
Mr. and Mrs. [Parent Names] request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter [Bride's Name] to [Groom's Name] [Day, Date] [Time] [Venue Name] [Address] Reception to follow
Need more templates? Try our free invitation generator.
Modern Wedding Invitation Examples
Casual Celebration
Join us for a celebration of love! [Names] are tying the knot [Date] at [Time] [Venue] Food, dancing & memories to follow
Destination Wedding
Pack your bags! [Names] invite you to join them for their destination wedding [Location] [Date] Adventure awaits
Planning Your Wedding Communications?
From invitations to speeches, we’ve got you covered
Special Situations & Solutions
Divorced Parents
Options for handling delicate situations:
- “Together with their families…”
- Separate lines for each parent
- Couple hosting format
Blended Families
Inclusive wording options:
- “Together with their parents…”
- All parents listed by name
- Step-parent inclusion guidance
Religious & Cultural Wedding Invitation Wording
Christian Wedding Invitations
[Parents' Names] request the honour of your presence as their children join in Holy Matrimony [Bride's Name] and [Groom's Name] In the presence of God and family [Church Name] [Date & Time]
Looking for more religious content? See our guide on religious wedding speeches.
Jewish Wedding Invitations
With joyful hearts [Parents' Names] invite you to share in their happiness as their children are united under the chuppah [Names] [Hebrew Date] [English Date] [Location]
Top Wedding Invitation Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Common Errors
- Incorrect time format
- Missing RSVP details
- Inconsistent formatting
- Too much information
- Registry information on main invite
✅ Best Practices
- Spell out dates and times
- Clear RSVP instructions
- Consistent font choices
- Essential info only
- Separate enclosure cards
Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Invitations
What is the proper wording for a wedding invitation?
Traditional wedding invitation wording follows this structure:
- Host line (who’s inviting)
- Request line (invitation phrase)
- Bride and groom names
- Date and time
- Location
- Reception information
- RSVP details
What should you not write on a wedding invitation?
Avoid including:
- Registry information (use wedding website or word of mouth)
- Full guest list or “and family” (use inner envelope)
- Mention of gifts or money
- Crossed-out or corrected information
- Too many decorative fonts or unclear text
How do you write a modern wedding invitation?
Modern wedding invitations can be more relaxed while maintaining elegance:
- Use “together with their families” instead of listing parents
- Choose contemporary phrases like “celebrate with us”
- Include wedding website information
- Add personal touches or quotes
- Use less formal language while maintaining clarity
When should wedding invitations be sent?
Timing guidelines for wedding invitations:
- Local Weddings: 6-8 weeks before
- Destination Weddings: 3-4 months before
- Save the Dates: 6-12 months before
- Holiday Weddings: Add 2-4 weeks extra