What is a classic wording for a wedding invitation?

The classic format opens with the hosts, usually the couple or their parents, then states the request, names, date, time and venue. For example: 'Mr and Mrs Smith request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Emma to James Brown on Saturday, 14 June 2025 at 2pm at The Manor House, Bath.' If the couple are hosting, write: 'Together with their families, Emma Smith and James Brown request the pleasure of your company...' Follow with the reception details, or add a separate line: 'Reception to follow at the same venue.' Keep the tone warm but formal. Use full names, no nicknames, and spell out the date in words or numbers consistently. Add 'RSVP' with a date and contact details. You can include a dress code, such as 'Black tie' or 'Garden attire', on a separate line. For a less formal wedding, swap 'request the pleasure of your company' for 'invite you to celebrate' or 'would love you to join them'. The structure stays the same: who, what, when, where. If you are including a gift list or website, add those details on a separate enclosure card, not on the main invitation.