Wedding Invitation Wording: Crafting the Perfect Message for Your Big Day
Wedding invitations are much more than a formal way to let guests know the date and time of your wedding; they set the tone for your entire event and provide a sneak peek into the style, mood, and formality of your celebration. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, your wedding invitations should reflect your unique love story. One of the most important aspects of your wedding invitations is the wording. The words you choose for your invitation can make all the difference in how your guests perceive your wedding and set the stage for the event itself.
In this blog post, we'll dive into the nuances of wedding invitation wording, covering everything from traditional phrases to modern alternatives, as well as tips for personalizing your invites.
1. Understanding the Basics of Wedding Invitation Wording
Before we dive into the specifics of various types of wedding invitation wording, it’s important to understand the basic components of a wedding invite. A well-crafted invitation typically includes the following elements:
Key Components:
Hosts: Traditionally, the parents of the couple (especially if they are financially contributing to the wedding). However, this can vary based on cultural norms and personal preferences.
Couple's Names: Typically, the couple’s names appear toward the center of the invitation.
Date and Time: Clear information on the date and time of the ceremony is crucial for the invitation.
Location: The full address and the name of the venue.
Keep in mind that is not required to include the zip code and is best to avoid abreviations. Instead of writing “ N Ste”, write “North Street”.
Reception Information: If the reception is at a different location or includes details like attire or RSVP instructions.
RSVP Details: An invitation to confirm attendance, which can be either through a physical RSVP card or a digital platform.
The Structure:
Introduction: This usually consists of a phrase from the host (either formal or informal).
Couple’s Names: In formal invitations, the bride's name typically appears before the groom’s name, but that’s not a rule you need to follow.
Wedding Details: The main event details, such as date, time, and location.
Closing Statement: Any final details like reception information or RSVP instructions.
2. Traditional Wedding Invitation Wording
Traditional wedding invitations often follow an established format with formal wording. These types of invitations are ideal for more classic or formal weddings, such as church weddings or royal-inspired celebrations. Here’s a general idea of how traditional wedding invitation wording might look:
Example 1:
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Emily Rose
to
Mr. Thomas James Williams
son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Williams
on Saturday, the fifth of June
two thousand twenty-five
at five o'clock in the evening
The Palmer House Hilton
17 East Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois
In this traditional format, you’ll notice a few important things:
The bride's family typically hosts the event, especially in formal wording.
The use of “request the honor of your presence” is a respectful and formal way to ask for your guests to attend.
The names of the couple are written out completely, with the bride’s name usually listed first.
The date, time, and venue are clearly indicated.
This style conveys an air of formality, and it is often used for events held in traditional venues such as churches or grand halls.
3. Modern Wedding Invitation Wording
As wedding trends evolve, more couples are moving away from traditional wording in favor of more relaxed, contemporary language. Modern wedding invitation wording is often more playful, informal, and personal. Couples today want their invitations to reflect their unique personalities and the vibe of their wedding. Here’s a modern example:
Example 2:
Together with their families,
Emily & Thomas
joyfully invite you to celebrate
their wedding
on Saturday, June 5, 2025
at 5:00 PM
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, Illinois
Reception to follow
Here’s what stands out in this more modern version:
The tone is much less formal, with “together with their families” giving the couple’s parents a nod without the overly traditional language.
The couple’s names are now front and center, without the formal "Mr. and Mrs." title.
The information is straightforward, without excessive phrasing.
The closing includes the reception note, so guests know that it’s a part of the celebration.
This style works well for informal or semi-formal weddings, such as destination weddings, beach weddings, or even elegant but laid-back receptions.
4. Informal and Casual Wedding Invitation Wording
For couples hosting a more relaxed or intimate gathering, informal and casual invitations are an excellent choice. These types of invitations often convey a sense of fun and excitement, reflecting the couple’s personality and their approach to the celebration.
Example 3:
Emily & Thomas
are getting married!
Please join us for our wedding celebration
on Saturday, June 5, 2025
at 5:00 PM
The Greenhouse Loft
2545 West Diversey Ave, Chicago, Illinois
We can't wait to celebrate with you!
This informal invitation:
Drops the traditional wording in favour of a friendly, simple message.
The language is more conversational, with a direct invitation to celebrate.
The couple’s names are used without titles, emphasizing the more relaxed vibe.
No mention of the families hosting the event — the focus is on the couple and their excitement.
Informal invitations like this work well for weddings that are relaxed and personal, where the emphasis is on fun and the couple’s personalities rather than on tradition.
5. Creative and Unique Wedding Invitation Wording
Some couples go for a creative or even whimsical approach to their wedding invitation wording. Whether you’re hosting a vintage-themed wedding, a rustic farm affair, or a bohemian-style celebration, the wording of your invitation can set the tone for the entire day.
Example 4 (Vintage-Inspired):
With great joy, we announce
the marriage of
Emily Rose Smith
and
Thomas James Williams
on the fifth of June, 2025
at five o'clock in the evening
The Drake Hotel
140 East Walton Place, Chicago, Illinois
Join us for an evening of celebration, music, and dancing!
In this vintage-inspired wording, the language still holds a formal tone but is softened with phrases like "With great joy, we announce" and "an evening of celebration." This helps set a tone of nostalgia and romance.
Example 5 (Rustic/Farm Wedding):
Emily & Thomas
would be delighted if you could join us
for a celebration of love
on our wedding day!
Saturday, June 5, 2025
at 5:00 PM
The Farmhouse Chicago
228 West Chicago Ave, Chicago, Illinois
Please come as you are —
we’ll be celebrating under the stars with food, music, and fun!
For a rustic or farm wedding, the wording invites guests to a down-to-earth celebration, using phrases like “would be delighted if you could join us” and “come as you are.” This sets a friendly, welcoming tone while keeping things fun and informal.
6. Cultural and Religious Wedding Invitation Wording
For couples with a cultural or religious background, the invitation wording may reflect those traditions. Incorporating religious or cultural elements into your wedding invitation wording can be a meaningful way to honor your heritage while keeping the invitation respectful and heartfelt.
Example (Religious Wedding Invitation):
In the name of God,
the families of
Emily Smith and Thomas Williams
joyfully invite you to join them
in celebrating the marriage of
their children
on Saturday, the fifth of June, 2025
at five o'clock in the evening
St. James Cathedral
65 East Huron Street, Chicago, Illinois
Religious weddings often begin with a phrase like "In the name of God" or another blessing or prayer, signalling the sacred nature of the event. The wording maintains a respectful tone while emphasizing the significance of the union.
7. Tips for Writing Your Wedding Invitation Wording
Now that you have a good sense of the various styles of wedding invitation wording, here are some practical tips for crafting your own invitation:
1. Consider Your Wedding Style and Theme
Your invitation wording should reflect the overall style and atmosphere of your wedding. A formal wedding will need more traditional wording, while a casual or fun celebration might require a more laid-back tone.
2. Keep It Clear and Concise
While you want to convey the necessary details, avoid overloading the invitation with unnecessary information. Keep your wording clear and to the point.
3. Personalize Your Message
Add personal touches to make the wording reflect your personality as a couple. You can include a favorite quote, a line from a song that’s meaningful to both of you, or a small anecdote that reflects your relationship.
4. Think About Your Audience
While it’s important to stay true to your style, consider the guest list when deciding on the tone. If you have many elderly relatives attending, you may want to opt for more formal wording. Conversely, for a group of close friends, a more casual tone could be a great fit.
5. Proofread Your Invitation
The wording should be free of typos and mistakes.
