Getting Your Invitation Wording Right
Your wedding invitation is the first impression of your celebration. The wording sets expectations about formality, tone, and what guests can anticipate. Getting it right matters more than most couples realize.
Traditional Formal Wording
When Parents Host
The most traditional format has the bride's parents as hosts:
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Johnson
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Emily Anne
to
Mr. James Michael Williams
son of Mr. and Mrs. David Williams
Saturday, the fifteenth of June
two thousand and twenty-six
at four o'clock in the afternoon
The Grand Ballroom
The Ritz Hotel
New York, New York
Note: In traditional wording, "honour" uses the British spelling, and "favour" in "the favour of a reply" does the same.
When Both Sets of Parents Host
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Johnson
and
Mr. and Mrs. David Williams
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of
Emily Anne Johnson
and
James Michael Williams
When Parents Are Divorced
Mrs. Sarah Johnson
and
Mr. Robert Johnson
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Emily Anne
If a parent has remarried, include the step-parent:
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Green
and
Mr. Robert Johnson
Modern Formal Wording
Couple Hosts
When you are hosting your own wedding:
Together with their families
Emily Johnson and James Williams
invite you to celebrate their marriage
Saturday, June 15, 2026
at 4:00 PM
The Grand Ballroom
The Ritz Hotel
New York, New York
Dinner and dancing to follow
Elegant Modern
With joy and excitement
Emily Johnson
and
James Williams
request the pleasure of your company
as they celebrate their love and commitment
Saturday, June fifteenth
at four in the afternoon
The Grand Ballroom, New York
Reception immediately following
Casual and Creative Wording
Relaxed and Warm
We are getting married!
Emily and James
invite you to join them for their wedding celebration
June 15, 2026 at 4 PM
Sunset Gardens, Malibu
Cocktails, dinner, and lots of dancing
Come as you are and be ready to celebrate
Fun and Playful
After years of adventures together,
Emily and James are making it official.
Join us for the party of the year!
Saturday, June 15, 2026
4:00 PM
Sunset Gardens, Malibu
Eat. Drink. Dance. Repeat.
Minimalist Modern
Emily Johnson & James Williams
June 15, 2026
4:00 PM
Sunset Gardens
Malibu, California
Dinner reception to follow
Essential Information
Every invitation, regardless of style, must include:
The Must-Haves
- Who is getting married — Full names of both partners
- Who is hosting — Parents, couple, or "together with families"
- Date — Written out for formal, numerical for casual
- Time — Written out for formal ("half past four"), standard for casual ("4:30 PM")
- Location — Venue name, address, and city
- Reception details — What follows the ceremony
Nice to Include
- Dress code
- Website URL for full details
- RSVP information (often on a separate card)
- Direction to reception if in a different location
- Meal choice if applicable
RSVP Wording
Formal
The favour of a reply is requested
by the twenty-fifth of May
M________________
___ accepts with pleasure
___ declines with regret
Modern
Please respond by May 25, 2026
__ Joyfully accepts
__ Regretfully declines
Number of guests: ___
Meal preference: Beef / Fish / Vegetarian
Digital
Please RSVP at emilyandjames.com
by May 25, 2026
Special Circumstances
Second Marriages
Keep it simple and focus on the celebration:
Emily Johnson and James Williams
joyfully invite you to share in their happiness
as they unite in marriage
Destination Weddings
Add travel context:
Pack your bags and join us in paradise!
Emily and James are getting married
in beautiful Santorini, Greece
June 15, 2026 at sunset
Full details and travel information at emilyandjames.com
Small or Intimate Weddings
Emphasize the closeness:
Our closest family and friends
Emily Johnson and James Williams
invite you to share in their intimate celebration of love
Adults-Only
Include respectfully:
We kindly request an adults-only celebration
or on the RSVP card:
We have reserved ___ seats in your honour
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Misspelling names — Triple-check every name, especially in-laws
- Wrong dates — Verify the date and day of week match
- Missing information — Have someone else proofread for completeness
- Inconsistent formality — Match the wording style throughout all inserts
- Ambiguous plus-ones — The invitation addressing tells guests who is invited. Be deliberate
- Too much information — Save details for the website. The invitation should be elegant and concise
