Wedding Invitation Wording: How to Word Your Wedding Invitations
Image via Vancity Allie
When it comes to wording your wedding invitations it's easy to feel overwhelmed.
Gone are the days when the wedding invitations were issued only by the bride's parents.
Now you have to struggle with how best to word complex family structures, ensuring you don't offend anyone (especially those footing the bill), as well as adding your unique personalities - and that's just the beginning!
Fear not as there is no need to freak out about your wedding invitation wording...
What To Include
To help get the ink flowing here are some simple steps that you can stick to when writing your wedding invitations.
You don't need to include all of the following, just use what works for you and your event:
The Hosts
Traditionally, the first names that your guests should see on the wedding invitations are those of whoever is paying for the event.
Problem is these days things can get a little tricky when more than one set of parents are chipping in, or when couples fear of leaving anyone out or causing offense.
An easy way to avoid any heartache and make sure everyone gets a mention is to say something along the lines of - "Together with their families"
The Request
Next up is the request for your recipients to attend.
If your wedding ceremony is at a place of worship then formally you should use the words "honor of your presence" as opposed to "pleasure of your company" which you would more commonly use for secular location weddings.
If you're after something a little less stuffy and you are hosting the wedding yourself, then you could always opt for "invite you to join us at the celebration of our marriage."
The Happy Couple
Etiquette has it that the bride's name should be listed before the groom's, featuring first and middle names only.
This should then be followed by the groom's full name and title.
For example -
Jessica Brooke
to
Mr. William David Chapman
If you're after a more modern alternative then leave out the titles and middle names and keep it simple by using just the first and last names.
Date & Time
For a formal affair the date and time should be spelled out so no numbers or abbreviations are included, such as "fourth of July two thousand and thirteen" and "one o'clock in the afternoon."
The month and day should always be capitalized.
For a more relaxed vibe you can write it as you would any other date - "July 4, 2013 at 1pm."
Location
Making sure the venues of your ceremony and reception are clearly stated and understood is vital.
If you feel the need, then you can always include a map card with your wedding invitations.
This way no one will end up getting lost along the way!
If the location of your venue is well known then you needn't include the whole address.
Dress Code
From black tie to smart casual and casual, if you want to avoid guests turning up in jeans and t-shirts with their flip flops on then ironing out your dress code from the onset is a wise move.
Attire plays a major role in setting the tone of your event so get your guests on board by letting them know what is and what isn't acceptable.
Personal Wishes
If you have any special requests that you want to ensure your guests understand, this is your opportunity to let them know.
Whether you don't want children at the ceremony or it is an adult only reception, be polite and you can't go wrong.
Call to Action
Do you want your guests to RSVP or check out your awesome wedding website that you have slaved over for weeks?
Then tell them exactly that.
One of the biggest mistakes couples make is forgetting to help their guests know what to do next.
You should always end your wedding invite with a call to action.
That way you'll avoid confusion and you'll be able to keep on top of your wedding plans.
Faux Pas You'll Want to Avoid
Use this checklist to ensure your invitations make the cut:
- Always put the bride's name before the groom's
- Don't get confused between British and American spellings of 'favor' and 'honor'
- Never mention wedding gifts or registries
- Don't add too many names of hosts
- Use a separate map card for long winded and unknown locations
Breaking From Tradition
If you're not planning a formal wedding, traditional wedding invitation wording is most likely going to make you feel uncomfortable and as if you're trying to be someone you're not.
Couples are getting more and more creative by the day.
Keep in mind that this is your wedding, and you're entitled to word your invitations in any way you choose.
There is no right or wrong answer.
You want your wording to be a true reflection of who you are as a couple.
Forget about formalities and inject your unique flair into the invitations instead.
Example Wedding Invitation Wording
Still not sure how to word your wedding invitations?
Check out our favorite examples below:
Mr. and Mrs Jeffrey R Brooks
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of their daughter
Katie Jane Brooks
to
Daniel Dwayne Volk
Saturday, the thirteenth of February
Two Thousand and Ten
at half past four in the evening
Beacon Hill
East Wellesley
Tiffany Jenner
& Mason Stimson
are getting married and you are invited...
Come and celebrate
Please join us June first twenty-twelve at 4:00pm
Camden Ranch
1521 Williams Road
ELK, Washington
Together with their family and friends
Margaret Chambers
and
Lincoln Schmidt
Embark on a new path as man and wife
Saturday August twenty first
two thousand and twelve
at half past six o'clock in the evening
As they exchange marriage vows
Please join them in celebrating their unity
The Chambers Backyard
1357 West Garfield Place
Spokane, Washington
Your love and friendship have
helped us become who we are
Together with out parents,
we invite you to share our joy
and support our love,
as we exchange vows and
celebrate our marriage
Annie Grantham
and
Joshua Hartford
Friday 31st September at 3 0'clock
The Ashes, Endon, Staffordshire
A celebration with dinner, drinks
and dancing will follow
Your Turn...
What do you think...do you have any tips to add? Share your thoughts in the comments below...