Wedding Invitation Wording: The Complete Guide

There is no single correct wording, but the classic formula works for most situations. Start with the host line, then the request to attend, the couple's names, the date, time and place, and finish with the reception details. For example: "Together with their families, Alex Smith and Jamie Jones request the pleasure of your company at their wedding on Saturday, 14 June 2025 at 2pm at The Old Rectory, Bath, followed by a reception at the same venue."

You can adapt this to be more formal or more relaxed. The key is to include all the essential details: who is hosting, who is marrying, when and where, and what happens after the ceremony. If you are having a humanist ceremony or a religious ceremony that is not legally binding on its own, you may want to add a line such as "ceremony and celebration" to be clear about the format.

The traditional wording puts the bride's parents as hosts. For example: "Mr and Mrs James Brown request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter, Emily Brown, to Oliver Smith..." If the bride's parents are divorced or remarried, you can list them separately, for example: "Mr James Brown and Mrs Sarah Green request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter, Emily Brown..."

If the bride's parents are hosting but you want a less traditional feel, you can simply say: "Emily Brown and Oliver Smith, together with Emily's parents, invite you to their wedding..." The host line is a courtesy, not a legal requirement, so you can adapt it to reflect your family accurately. Always use the names your parents prefer, and include stepparents if they are involved.

When you are hosting your own wedding, the wording is straightforward. Start with your names and the invitation. For example: "Alex Smith and Jamie Jones invite you to celebrate their wedding on Saturday, 14 June 2025 at 2pm at The Old Rectory, Bath." You can add "together with their families" if you like, or leave it out.

This style works well for couples who are paying for the wedding themselves or who prefer a modern, direct approach. It also suits couples who have been married before, who are older, or who come from cultures where the couple traditionally hosts. You can still include your parents' names later in the invitation if you wish, for example in a separate line saying "with love from our families".

When both sets of parents are hosting, you have a few options. The traditional wording is: "Mr and Mrs John Smith and Mr and Mrs David Jones request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their children, Sarah Smith and Tom Jones..." If the parents are divorced or have different surnames, list them individually, for example: "Mr John Smith, Ms Anne Smith, Mr David Jones and Mrs Mary Jones..."

You can also use a simpler line: "Together with their families, Sarah Smith and Tom Jones invite you to their wedding..." This is inclusive and avoids listing every parent. If you want to name parents but keep it short, write: "With love from our parents, we invite you to..." The important thing is to include everyone who is hosting, but you do not have to list every parent if that feels awkward. You can also mention stepparents or grandparents if they are helping to host.

When parents are divorced, the key is to be clear and respectful. List each parent separately, using their current names. For example: "Mr James Brown and Mrs Sarah Green request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter, Emily Brown, to Oliver Smith..." If a parent has remarried, you can include the stepparent: "Mr James Brown and Mrs Sarah Green, and Mr and Mrs David Green, request..."

If you are close to both parents but they do not get on, you can avoid the host line altogether and use: "Emily Brown and Oliver Smith invite you to celebrate their wedding..." This keeps the focus on you. You can also mention parents later in the invitation, for example in a separate line saying "with love from our families". The wording should reflect your actual family relationships, not a template. If you are unsure, ask your parents how they would like to be named.

For a reception only, the wording is simple. For example: "Mr and Mrs John Smith request the pleasure of your company at a reception to celebrate the marriage of their daughter, Sarah, to Tom Jones on Saturday, 14 June 2025 at 6pm at The Old Rectory, Bath." You can also write: "Sarah and Tom are getting married! Join us for a drinks reception and dinner to celebrate." Make it clear that the ceremony is not included, so guests know what to expect.

For an evening wedding, the wording is similar but with a time. For example: "Join us for an evening of dancing and celebration to mark the marriage of Sarah and Tom on Saturday, 14 June 2025 from 7pm at The Old Rectory, Bath." Evening invitations are usually less formal than day invitations. Send evening invitations earlier than you might think, around 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding, so guests can plan. Day guests receive a full invitation with the ceremony time; evening guests receive a separate card or a line on the same invitation if they are invited to both.

Beyond the core wording, your invitation should carry practical information. Include a dress code line if you have one, for example "Black tie" or "Garden party attire". If you have a gift list, do not put it on the invitation itself; add a separate card or a line on your wedding website. The same goes for RSVP details, directions, and accommodation suggestions. You can write "Please RSVP by 1 May" and give an email or phone number.

If you are having a humanist ceremony that is not legally binding on its own, you might want to add a note like "Ceremony and celebration" to avoid confusion. For outdoor ceremonies, mention that the ceremony will be outdoors so guests can dress accordingly. You can also include a line about children, for example "Adults only, please" or "Children welcome". Keep practical notes short and clear. You can put the full details on your wedding website, but the invitation should give guests the essentials.