Do parents' names go on wedding invitations?

Traditionally, the bride's parents hosted and their names appeared first. Today, you can choose. If your parents are paying for the wedding or helping significantly, it is customary to include their names as hosts. Write 'Mr and Mrs Smith request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Emma...' If both sets of parents host, list them together: 'Mr and Mrs Smith and Mr and Mrs Brown request...' If you are hosting yourselves, you can write 'Together with their families' or simply 'Emma Smith and James Brown request the pleasure of your company...' This is modern and clear. If you want to honour a parent who is not hosting, you can add a line like 'Daughter of Mary Smith and David Brown' after your names. For same-sex couples or blended families, adapt the wording to fit your situation. The key is to be inclusive and accurate. Ask your parents how they would like to be named, especially if they have remarried or have different surnames. There is no legal requirement to include parents' names, so choose what feels right for your family. The invitation should reflect your relationship with your parents, not a rigid rule.