Invitation Wording: How to Write the Perfect Wedding Invite Text
Staring at a blank page and wondering what to say on your wedding invitation? You’re not alone. The words you choose set the tone, give guests the basics, and show a slice of your personality. Below you’ll get a clear rundown of what to include, plus fresh ideas for every kind of wedding vibe.
Basic Elements Every Invite Needs
First things first: the must‑have info. Skipping any of these can lead to confused guests or a rushed RSVP.
- Hosts: Usually the parents or the couple. Write “Together with their families” or “Request the honour of your presence.”
- Couple’s Names: Full names, and if you’re using nicknames, keep them consistent.
- Wedding Date & Time: Spell out the day of the week, month, date, and year. Example: “Saturday, 12 October 2025 at 4 pm.”
- Venue Details: Name of the place and address. If the ceremony and reception are at different sites, list both.
- Reception Cue: “Reception to follow” or “Dinner and dancing at…” helps guests know what’s next.
- RSVP Information: Include a deadline, email or phone, and a link if you’re using an online form.
Keep this section straightforward. Use a clean font and stick to one‑line per item to make it easy to read.
Creative Wording Ideas for Different Wedding Styles
Once the basics are covered, you can inject personality. Below are three popular styles and sample copy you can tweak.
Classic & Formal: “Mr. and Mrs. James Carter request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Emily to Mr. Thomas Reed on Saturday, 12 October 2025, at 4 pm, St. Mary’s Church, London. Reception to follow at The Grand Hall.”
Modern & Casual: “Emily & Tom are getting hitched! Join us on 12 Oct 2025, 4 pm, at St. Mary’s. Food, drinks, and dancing at The Grand Hall after. RSVP by 1 Sep.”
Rustic & Boho: "Together with their families, Emily & Tom invite you to celebrate their love under the oak trees of Willow Farm on Saturday, October 12th, 2025, at 4 pm. Picnic style dinner to follow. Let us know if you can make it by September 1st."
Pick the tone that feels most like you and stay consistent across all stationery, from the save‑the‑date to the thank‑you cards.
Don’t forget small details that make a big impact: a short poem, a quote, or a fun fact about how you met. Just keep it short—no more than two lines—so the main info stays front and centre.
Finally, proofread! A typo on the date or venue can cause chaos. Ask a friend, run a spell‑check, and double‑check the RSVP details before you print.
With the right wording, your invitation becomes a mini‑preview of the day—informative, stylish, and true to you. Now grab that template and start typing. Your guests will thank you for the clear, warm invite, and you’ll feel confident that everything’s set for the big day.
Whose Name Goes First on a Wedding Invitation?
Deciding whose name goes first on a wedding invitation involves tradition and modern considerations. Typically, the bride's name is placed before the groom's on formal invitations, reflecting historical customs. However, contemporary couples may choose to list names alphabetically or by personal preference. Understanding these conventions and the reasoning behind them can help couples create invitations that respect tradition while reflecting their unique relationship.