Whose name should be first on a wedding invitation?

If you want to follow tradition, put the bride's name first. That is the longest-standing UK custom. If you want to break with tradition, put the groom's name first, or list names alphabetically. Some couples choose the order based on who is more involved in the wedding planning, or who has a shorter surname so the line looks balanced.

If parents are hosting, it is polite to consider their wishes, but they do not have the final say. If you are having a religious ceremony, check with your place of worship. Some faiths have specific wording or order expectations. For civil ceremonies, there are no rules about invites. The registrar only cares about the legal paperwork, not the stationery.

A practical tip is to write the names exactly as they will appear on the marriage certificate, especially if one of you is changing your name. That avoids confusion later. And if you are using a joint surname or double-barrelled name, put that in the order you will use it day to day. The invite is a reflection of you, not a legal document.