Follow these casual and formal wedding invitation writing examples.
Wedding invitation wording may not be as creative as paper designs, calligraphy and color schemes, but when it comes down to it, it's the mostunique wedding invitationsit has to be informative.
The wording on your wedding invitations should convey the details of your big day to your guests, while also giving you a taste of the aesthetic and style of your wedding as a couple. It should include all the important wedding information - who is getting married, who will be hosting, and where and when the ceremony and reception will take place. (Psst, everything else - like your registration and wedding party information -go to your wedding website.)
With all of that in mind, you should still feel empowered to put your own spin on things, especially if your wedding style is more modern, more relaxed, or non-traditional. Ultimately, it's up to you to do what you want with your invitations. (Read more aboutStationery Traditions You Can Leave Behindto see what we mean.) We've included examples of formal and informal wedding invitation writing below to cater for all types of celebrations. Plus, learn about traditional etiquette, what to write line-by-line on your wedding invitations, and the biggest FAQs about wedding invitation wording.
In this article:
- wedding invitation wording etiquette
- What to put on wedding invitations
- Wedding invitation templates and samples
- Frequently asked questions about wedding invitation text
wedding invitation wording etiquette
So you've chosen your stationery design (if you haven't already, be sure to take a lookThe Node Invitationsfor over 300 dazzling options) - the next one is how to write a wedding invitation. Before you begin, consider these important etiquette tips.
Be precise.It's important that your guests have all the information they need to attend your wedding, but overloading your invitations with text can cause them to miss something important. Clarity is key, so only include the essential details and leave the rest for your stock cards or wedding website.
Consider who is hosting.Traditionally, wedding reception invitation text includes the name of the person hosting (i.e., paying for) the wedding. Nowadays, it can be the couple themselves, relatives (eg parents) or a combination of both. It's respectful to list everyone who will contribute to your big day on your invitations, either by name or in a short line such as: B. "Together with their families."
Reflect on the formality of your marriage.The way you word your wedding invitations is indicative of the overall formality of the occasion. If you want guests to wear black ties, opt for traditional text. Or, if you'd prefer to keep it casual on your wedding day, feel free to dive into fun, modern word examples. Choosing the right wording is especially important if you don't intend to explicitly state the dress code.
Include an insert card.There is certain information that does not belong on a wedding invitation set - most notably your registration details. Instead, provide guests with a link to your wedding website on a separate card. (Psst, the node hasmatching wedding websitesand invitations for a cohesive design experience.) You can also use an insert card for anything that won't fit in your wedding invitations, such as: B. Advice on dress code or information on a backup location in case of bad weather. time.
What to put on wedding invitations
So what exactly are wedding invitations supposed to say? Of course you want to include the date, time and location, but how do you put that in? There's a lot to consider when deciding on a wedding invitation format. To make it as easy as possible for you, we've broken it down into some easy-for-you steps.
Stationery: The Knot Invitations
The host line.The opening line on a wedding invitation usually refers to the hosts of the event. As mentioned above, with multiple hosts, you only need to provide names if you want formal invitations. If the couple is organizing the wedding themselves, this line can be omitted.
The application for participation.An explicit invitation to attend lets guests know exactly what they've been invited to (indicating the squeal of excitement). There are many different ways to formulate this request, depending on the required formality. Check out our examples below for inspiration.
The couple's names.Next comes the most important piece of information of all: the couple's names. These are usually printed in a larger font than the rest of the wedding invitation text. Feel free to play around with fancy fonts here too.
Date and time.There are two things to consider when reporting the date and time of the wedding: formality and clarity. Traditional wedding invitation text requires the full date and time format, while modern invitations often use numbers. If you are using numbers, make sure the font you choose is legible - a "2" that can be easily mistaken for a "5" can be very confusing.
O local.Be as specific as possible when writing the full name and address of the wedding venue, including state and zip code. If your wedding is abroad, also indicate the country. It is important that guests know exactly where they are expected so they don't get lost and can arrange travel and accommodation nearby if needed.
Reception details.Finally, it is necessary to inform guests whether or not the reception will be at the same location as the ceremony. In this case, you can simply specify "receipt to follow". If you are in a different location, you can include that information in your invitations.oron a separate detailed map.
Dress code.Specifying the dress code is not mandatory, but it can be very helpful for guests (especially if your stationery doesn't already indicate the formality of the event). You can indicate the dress code in the bottom corner or in the bottom center of the invitation. Alternatively, use a detailed map or your wedding website.
Wedding invitation templates and samples
Ready to start delving into wedding invitation vocabulary? Some basic writing tips before we get started: When a person's parents are the hosts, it is common practice to omit that person's last name. However, if the person getting married has a different last name than their parents, please write their full name (including middle name for formal invitations). The person's last name must also be included if the partner's parents are involved in the recording.
The Node Invitations
Wedding invitation text if parents are hosting
In this case, the invitation includes the names of a person's parents, so you can omit that person's last name (unless they have a different last name than their parents). On the next line, write the other person's full name. Same-sex couples or individuals of the opposite sex should follow similar guidelines. The host of the wedding party (read: the people who pay the bill) is listed first, followed by the child's name, followed by the child's partner's name.
Sample wording for a formal wedding invitation:
1 at the end:
Sr. e Sra. John L. Smith
claim the joy of your company
at son's wedding
Jack Alexander
For
Mason Jacob Kim
Saturday the seventeenth of May
two thousand twenty-three
at half past three
2 in conclusion:
Kenzie M. Smith e Jennifer L. Smith
claim the joy of your company
at daughter's wedding
Olivia Rose
For
Joao Miguel Reis
Saturday the seventeenth of May
FOR HER
two thousand twenty-three
at half past three
Casual wedding invitation example:
1 at the end:
John e Eliza Smith
invite you to share your joy at your son's wedding
Jack Alexander
to Freemason Jacob Kim
Saturday, May 17, 2023
at 4:30 pm
2 in conclusion:
Kenzie e Jennifer Smith
invite you to share your joy at your daughter's wedding
Olivia Rose
for John Michael Kings
Saturday, May 17, 2023
at 4:30 pm
The Node Invitations
Wedding invitation text if both parents are hosts
If you are hosting both parents, their names must be on separate lines. Since both surnames are included in the salutation, there is no need to use surnames for the couple - unless one of them has a different surname than their parents. In this case, enter the full name in addition to the parents' full names.
Sample wording for a formal wedding invitation:
1 at the end:
Sr. e Sra. John L. Smith &
Sr e Sra Mark Franklin Kim
ask for the honor of your presence
at the children's wedding
Jack Alexander
For
Maurer Jakob
Saturday the seventeenth of May
two thousand twenty-three
at half past three in the afternoon
2 in conclusion:
Kenzie M. Smith e Jennifer L. Smith
Mark Franklin e Mary Elizabeth Reyes
ask for the honor of your presence
at the children's wedding
Olivia Rose
E
Johannes Michael
Saturday the seventeenth of May
two thousand twenty-three
at half past three in the afternoon
Casual wedding invitation example:
1 at the end:
John e Eliza Smith
along with Mark and Sally Kim
invite you to share and celebrate your children's wedding
Jack Alexander
e Mason Jacob
Saturday, May 17, 2023
at 4:30 pm
2 in conclusion:
Kenzie e Jennifer Smith
along with Mark and Sally Reyes
invite you to share and celebrate your children's wedding
Olivia Rose
e John Michael
Saturday, May 17, 2023
at 4:30 pm
The Node Invitations
Wedding invitation text if couple is hosting
If you arepay for the wedding, the format of the wedding invitation looks a little different. Essentially, the greeting skips the host line and starts with the request line - here's an example.
Sample wording for a formal wedding invitation:
The honor of your presence
is mandatory in marriage
Jack Alexander Smith
to Freemason Jacob Kim
Saturday the seventeenth of May
two thousand and twenty-two
at half past three
Casual wedding invitation example:
Jack Alexander Smith &
Mason Jacob Kim
invite you to share your joy at your wedding
Saturday, May 17, 2022
at 4:30 pm
The Node Invitations
Wedding invitation text if everyone is a host
If there are several people at the wedding, the invitation starts with the bride's name, followed by the groom's name, and finally the parents' names, starting with the bride's parents. Or, list the couple's names in alphabetical order, followed by the parents' names in the appropriate order.
Sample wording for a formal wedding invitation:
1 at the end:
Senhor Jack Alexander Smith
E
Herr Mason Jacob Kim
together with your parents
Sr. e Sra. John L. Smith &
Sr e Sra Mark Franklin Kim
ask for the honor of your presence
at her wedding
Saturday the seventeenth of May
two thousand and twenty-two
at half past three in the afternoon
2 in conclusion:
Olivia Rose-Smith
E
Joao Miguel Reis
together with your parents
Kenzie M. Smith e Jennifer L. Smith
e Mark Franklin e Mary Elizabeth Reyes
ask for the honor of your presence
at her wedding
Saturday the seventeenth of May
two thousand and twenty-two
at half past three in the afternoon
Casual wedding invitation example:
Jack Alexander Smith &
Mason Jacob Kim
together with your parents
invite you to their wedding
Saturday, May 17, 2022
at 4:30 pm
Wedding Invitation Text to Include a Deceased Parent
You can absolutely change the wedding invitation script to include the name of a loved one who has passed away. A nice and sensible way to do this is to change the format a bit to accommodate the word "late" before your family member's name. (In addition to your wedding invitation message, you have manyWays to Honor a Deceased Parentduring your wedding ceremony and reception.)
along with their families,
Senhor Jack Alexander Smith,
son of John Smith and the late Eliza Smith,
and Mason Jacob Kim,
son of Mr. and Mrs. Mark FranklinKim,
Ask for the honor of being present at her wedding
Saturday the seventeenth of May
two thousand twenty-three
At six o'clock in the afternoon
Plaza-Hotel
New York, New York
follow the reception
The Node Invitations
Wedding invitation text if another family member is hosting
We understand that every family situation is different. If you were raised by someone other than your parents and they are organizing the wedding, include that in your invitations. Here we show an example of what this might look like, but feel free to make it authentically your own.
Formal wedding invitation text:
Bo und Patti Smith
Claim the honor of your presence
at the wedding of
Jack Alexander
For
Mason Jacob Kim
Casual wedding invitation text:
Bo und Patti Smith
I invite you to participate in the wedding celebration of
Jack Alexander
For
Mason Jacob Kim
Frequently asked questions about wedding invitation text
Still unsure about what you want your wedding invitations to say? We've covered the most common FAQs about wedding invitation writing below, including whose name comes first protocol and proper language for dress code details.
Whose name comes first on wedding invitations?
If you follow traditional etiquette, the bride's name always comes first on wedding invitations. That said, it's up to you to decide whether or not you want to follow this tradition. For couples who do not identify themselves as engaged, or when there are two brides, the names are usually listed in alphabetical order. But here, too, you have the option of following tradition or going your own way.
How do you formulate a pure invitation to receive?
It is important to use the correct wedding invitation wording when asking guests to attend a reception-only event. Make some minor changes to the wedding invitation copy, such as replacing "to request the honor of your presence at the wedding of" with "to request the honor of your presence at the wedding celebration of." If the couple has already performed the ceremony, the invitations can also serve as wedding announcements. Feel free to add a line at the top saying they got married, followed by a request to attend the reception.
The Node Invitations
How do you formulate dress code information?
Are you hanging on to the wedding invitation tag to request a specific dress code? As mentioned earlier, this should be stated at the bottom of your invitations.oron a separate stock card or on your wedding website. There are several ways to formulate this information. Try using one of these simple word ideas for wedding invitations:
Optional black tie.
nightwear
casual clothes.
Can you list multiple locations on your wedding invitation?
Whether you're hosting additional events (think an after party) or the ceremony and reception are at different locations, sometimes it's necessary to include more than one address on your wedding stationery. If the event is on the same day as the ceremony and there is room for more text on the wedding invitations, feel free to add the details in the reception information. If the event takes place the next day or over a wedding weekend, the easiest way to let your guests know without overwhelming your invitations is to add a separate detailed card with the event schedule.
Maddy Sims contributed to the coverage of this article.
FAQs
What is the best RSVP response? ›
Thank you for inviting me to [name of event] on [date of event]. I will be attending, and if you are preparing name tags, please put [your preferred name] on mine. Thank you for your invitation to [name of event] on [date of event], but I am unable to attend. It's that simple, merci beaucoup.
How do you write 3 30 on a wedding invitation? ›Spell Out the Time
You also do not abbreviate the time on formal wedding invitations. Even though we're so used to writing “3 p.m.” or “4:30 p.m.”, numbers are reserved only for addresses on wedding invitations. Definitely do not: at 3 p.m. at 4:30 p.m.
- Be upfront. Give as many exciting details as possible. ...
- Font and design should elevate your event's theme. Good design should be an integrated element of your event, not a supplementary one. ...
- Write engaging copy.
- Use a bright color scheme in your birthday invitation card design. ...
- Combine different font styles that complement each other. ...
- Give your invitation an eye-catching header. ...
- Use a color filter to make text pop from your card's background image.
To limit the number of guests and avoid any confusion, a line will typically be added with the number attending. Sometimes the couple will fill this out themselves or, if their guest list is a bit lenient, let the guest write in the number attending.
What should be included in a response card? ›Typically, a response card will include three elements, according to Wiese Alexander—the first two are essential, the third is good etiquette. One, space to include how many guests are coming; two, space for those guests' names; and three, space for a short personal note to the couple.
What is the average RSVP for a wedding? ›Assuming you've sent your invitations out in time (at least six to eight weeks before your wedding), give your guests four or five weeks to RSVP. This is plenty of time for people to figure out if they want/are able to attend your wedding, as well as to figure out any necessary travel arrangements.
What is the average RSVP rate for weddings? ›According to various reports, the average percentage of wedding guests that attend typically falls between 70% and 85%. So, if you invite 100 people to your wedding, for example, you can generally expect 70 to 85 people to show up.
What are some fun RSVP questions for wedding? ›Additional Questions for RSVP Cards
Here are some other fun questions to include: Can I expect to see you on the dance floor? What is your #1 favorite wedding song suggestion? What song is guaranteed to get you out of your seat and onto the dance floor?
If you spelled out the date, then the time should be too. For example, a 6:30pm ceremony would read: "at Six Thirty in the Evening". Another example, a 3:00pm ceremony could be written: "Three O'Clock in the Afternoon".
How do you write 2022 on a wedding invitation? ›
Date should be spelled out. Date should be preceded by the day of the week, spelled out. Day of the week and date should be separated by a comma. Year is printed on a separate line and may be omitted, if desired.
How can I make my wedding invitations look expensive? ›- use paper with a luxurious feel and heavier weight.
- add texture with foil or embossing.
- customize with vintage accessories.
- print your addresses on your envelopes.
- mail it with cohesive postage.
STREET ADDRESS: Include house number, and street name. Spell out all words; North, South, East, and West should not be abbreviated. Street, Road, Avenue, Boulevard and Lane should always be written out, not abbreviated.
What tense is mostly used in invitation? ›Solution : Simple present tense is to be used.
How do you bow a gracefully invitation? ›- Reply promptly. The faster you reply, the better. ...
- Thank the host. ...
- Explain why you will not be attending. ...
- Keep it short and to the point. ...
- Honesty is the best policy. ...
- Offer to send a representative. ...
- Suggest another time when you can attend. ...
- Send a card or gift.
Formal Invitation Letter – Guidelines and Tips
The purpose of invitation should be clear. The name of the honoree must be mentioned. The event date and time must be written in letters, do not use abbreviations. Venue Name and Venue's Full Address are important.
According to Cathleen Hanson, founder of the International School of Protocol, the response should be written in the same tone as the invitation and should include: your name, that you will be attending (with polite wording such as, “the kind invitation of"), the host's name, the date and time of the event.
What does the M on RSVP mean? ›Many response cards will include an "M" followed immediately by a line. In keeping with more formal wedding tradition, the line is here as a way to kickstart your reply. The "M" stands for the first letter of the title you prefer to go by, be it Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss.
How do you politely say no extra guests? ›Sample wedding invitation wording for no extra guests
Due to limited seating arrangements, invitations are limited to specified guests only. We appreciate your support and appreciation of our union. We are only able to accomodate guests named on the invitations. Thank you for celebrating with us.
With the health and safety of our loved ones in mind, [Name] and [Name] have made the decision to celebrate with a very intimate ceremony on [Date]. We will be limiting our guest list to our immediate family and wedding party only.
How do I tell guests no plus one? ›
If your guest just goes ahead and writes in a plus-one on their RSVP card, you need to address it tactfully. Call them and graciously explain that their plus-one is, unfortunately, not invited. Give a reason like budget or space, or refer back to your hard-and-fast rules to let them know this is the case for everyone.
When should guests RSVP by for a wedding? ›How long should guests have to RSVP for weddings? Ideally, the RSVP date should fall three to four weeks before the wedding, and the wedding invitation should be mailed six to eight weeks prior to the wedding.
Can you write a note on a wedding RSVP? ›Write a gracious note, regardless of accepting or declining.
Also, make sure to include your name, how many in your party will be attending or declining (if someone other than you was invited), and any other information the couple has asked you to provide (such as entree choice or song request).
On average, between 15 and 20 percent of guests will RSVP "no" to a wedding. This year, experts are saying couples should be prepared to host 100 percent of the people they invite.
Is it rude to not RSVP to a wedding? ›It is inconsiderate, but unfortunately common, for guests to fail to RSVP. Anyone who receives an invitation has an important obligation to reply as soon as possible. And yet so many don't. Some forget; others procrastinate and then feel guilty, so they delay even longer.
Is 120 guests a small wedding? ›These numbers may vary a little depending on who you're speaking with, but a small wedding typically includes 50 people or under, a medium wedding has a guest list of anywhere from 50-150 guests, and a large wedding has over 150 attendees.
Is 2 weeks enough time to RSVP? ›According to wedding RSVP etiquette, the respond by date on your wedding response cards should be 2-4 weeks before the wedding date. This deadline is driven mostly by your venue and caterer – they'll need a confirmed number of guests about a week before your wedding date.
Is 70 guests a small wedding? ›Intimate wedding: Between 50 and 75 guests. Small wedding: Less than 50 guests. “That number can fit comfortably in a backyard with 6 or so tables,” she says. Tiny wedding: 15 people or less.
How many wedding guests is normal? ›According to the Brides American Wedding Study, most weddings have less than 200 guests, with the average being 167.
What are common questions wedding guests ask? ›- When's the wedding day? ...
- Am I invited to the wedding? ...
- Who's in the wedding party? ...
- What's your budget? ...
- Which wedding venues are you considering? ...
- Why did you decide to host your wedding there/hire that wedding vendor? ...
- What's your color palette?
What should I write on my invitation card? ›
- Your name.
- Type of party: Let your guests know what special occasion or milestone your party is in aid of, whether that be your 30th birthday or your engagement.
- Date and time of the party.
- Just Your Name. Despite your struggles with writer's block, you should never simply write your name without a personalized message in the wedding card. ...
- Negative Comments About the Wedding. ...
- Inappropriate Remarks and Stories.
- Name of the person invited.
- Title and description of the event.
- Name of hosts and organisers.
- Time and date it will take place.
- Location and how to get there.
- Dress code.
- RSVP deadline.
- Name of host.
- Invitational (requests the pleasure of your company, cordially invites you to)
- Event type/name/purpose (e.g., luncheon, dinner, reception, lecture)
- Date.
- Hour.
- Place.
- Reply instructions (e.g., reply card or phone number)
- Disabled instructions (e.g., fax or email)
How to write invitation card? Writing an invitation card is simple. Address your card to the person you're inviting; name the event you're inviting them to; spell out the date, time and location; and provide contact details so they can RSVP. Be sure to note if your guest should bring anything but themselves.
Why does the bride's name go first on wedding invitations? ›The traditional approach
Tradition dictates that the bride's name always comes first, whether on save the date cards, wedding invitations or anything else. This is because the bride's parents are usually the hosts, paying a greater share of the expenses.