The Art of Wedding Invitation Wording

A Simple Guide

When it comes to designing your wedding invitations, the words you choose matter just as much as the paper, printing method, and design. The wording sets the tone for your day—formal or relaxed, traditional or modern—and ensures guests have all the information they need at a glance.

Here’s a simple, thoughtful guide to help you navigate your invitation wording with ease:

1. Start with the Host Line
Traditionally, the host line acknowledges who is inviting guests to celebrate (who is paying for the wedding). This might be the couple’s parents, the couple themselves, or a combination.

• Formal: “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the honor of your presence…”

• Modern: “Together with their families, Emma Smith and Noah Johnson invite you to celebrate…”
  There’s no one-size-fits-all here—it simply depends on what feels right for your family dynamic and wedding style.

2. The Request Line
This is where you invite your guests to join you.

• For a religious ceremony, traditional etiquette suggests: “Request the honour (or honor) of your presence.”

• For a secular or non-religious ceremony, it’s perfectly appropriate to use: “Request the pleasure of your company.”

3. Names of the Couple
Traditionally, the name of the person being "given away" was listed first, but today, couples often choose the order that feels most natural to them—there’s no strict rule to follow.

First and middle names are commonly used for a more formal look, while first names alone are perfect for a slightly more relaxed tone.

If parents’ full names are listed at the top of the invitation, the couple’s last names are usually omitted. If no hosts are listed, or if clarity is helpful, including last names can be a thoughtful touch.

4. The Date and Time
Spell out everything for a traditional look (no numerals!):

• Saturday, the Seventeenth of May
  Two Thousand Twenty-Five
  At Four O’Clock in the Afternoon

Less formal invitations often use numerals for clarity and simplicity.

5. Location Details
The venue name is listed without a street address for ceremonies in well-known locations (like a church or dedicated wedding venue). For private homes or more obscure locations, include the address.

6. Reception Information
If the reception is in the same location, a simple line like “Reception to follow” or “Cocktails, Dinner and Dancing to follow” is perfect.
If the reception is elsewhere, an enclosure card with details helps avoid confusion.

7. Optional Details
Wedding website? Dress code? Transportation information? These should live on an enclosure card or your wedding website rather than the main invitation.

A Few Extra Tips:

Stay consistent with wording style: if you start formal, stay formal throughout.

• Stay consistent with wording style: if you start formal, stay formal throughout.

• Double (and triple) check spelling, especially on names and locations.

• When in doubt, simpler is usually better.

And most importantly—be a good host. The purpose of your invitation wording is simple: to give your guests the information they need and to set the tone for the celebration you’re inviting them to. Whether that tone is formal and elegant or playful and relaxed, the wording should feel authentic to you and reflect the kind of wedding you’re hosting.

If you’re working with me, I’ll guide you through it all—no stress, no overthinking. Just beautifully worded invitations that feel like you.