Whose name should come first on a wedding invite?

Short answer

There is no legal rule. Traditionally the bride's name comes first, but many couples now list names in the order that feels right to them, such as alphabetical or the host's preference. Choose what works for you.

The order of names on a wedding invitation is a matter of tradition and personal choice, not law. In a traditional heterosexual wedding, the bride's name usually comes first, for example "Emma Smith and James Brown". This follows the convention that the bride's family hosts the wedding. But that is not a rule you must follow.

Today, many couples list names in the order that feels natural to them. You might put the person whose family is hosting first, or the person who is more involved in planning, or simply go alphabetical. For same-sex couples, there is no standard order, so you are free to choose. Some couples use "and" between names, others use an ampersand, but "and" is more formal.

If you are having a religious ceremony, check with your officiant if they have a preference for how names are read during the service, but the invitation is yours. The most important thing is that both names are spelled correctly and appear equally prominent. You can also list names on separate lines if you prefer, or use your full middle names for a formal feel.

If you are unsure, ask your families, but remember that the final decision is yours. There is no wrong answer, as long as the invitation is clear and welcoming.