WeddingSeptember 28, 2020February 17, 2023

Wedding Invitation Wording: Formal & Casual Samples

Sending out wedding invitations is an exciting step in the process of planning for your big day. Still, you want to make sure you put care into this task. The specific wedding invitation wording you use on your invites can set the tone for your event.

The invitation must reflect the wedding style and include all essential wedding information the couple needs to provide. Whether you need a wedding invitation sample or some examples of wedding invitation sayings, this guide will help you choose the perfect words.

What to include in a wedding invitation?

1. The Names of the Hosts

Who is paying for the wedding? In some traditions, the family of the bride is the one who foots the bill for this event. No matter who is putting forth the funds for your big day, their name should go on the invitation along with the couple’s names as the people welcoming guests to the event. If many people are contributing, you may wish to find a more sensible wording as to not crowd the card with names.

2. The Official Request

Next, include the official request to attend the wedding. You will often see phrases like “we request your presence…” or “we request the pleasure of your company…” leading into this part of the invite.

You can pick whatever wording makes the most sense for the tone of the wedding you have planned. A more formal affair, for example, should include wedding invitation wording that reflects this aesthetic.

3. The Happy Couple

After the request, you want to list the names of the happy couple. Traditionally, the bride’s name will go first. However, modern couples and same-sex unions tend to break from this style.

You can sit and discuss with your significant other which name should be listed where. It is your wedding, so the choice is up to the two of you.

please join us to celebrate:happy couple

4. The Location

Now, it is time to start getting into the pertinent details of your big day. The invitation is meant as a way of providing all relevant data to guests so that they can plan accordingly for the event.

The first bit of info to put on the invite is the location. Put the full address of the venue where the couple will be wed, including zip code, so guests can look up directions with ease.

5. The Date and Time

After the location, include the date and time of the wedding ceremony. Traditionally, formal invitations dictate that all of the numbers be written out with words instead of using numerals.

However, more casual events don’t need to adhere to this rule. It really is a matter of preference, so try it both ways to see which options look best in your opinion and stick with the one that you enjoy most.

6. The Reception Info

Most of the information listed on the invitation at first is related to the ceremony. A majority of couples these days hold receptions in separate locations than their ceremonies. This means you need to include the reception info after the ceremony data.

In the chance you are hosting both ceremony and reception in the same venue, be sure to note this on the invitation so guests are aware they don’t need to travel far.

7. The RSVP Details

Bringing the invitation to a close, you want to let guests know how long they have to get back to you about attendance. Including a separate response card with prepaid postage can be the best way to ensure your guests will get back to you.

These days, it is also common to have guests RSVP in a digital way, such as through an online form or by text. Do whatever works best for your style and include all information in the wedding invitation wording.

8. The Additional Points

There may be some extra information that you want to provide to your guests. Perhaps there is a dress code or you need all guests to bring a particular item in order to take part in a family tradition you have planned. Anything that doesn’t fit into the above categories should be included as additional points somewhere toward the end of the invite, in a placement that is noticeable but not distracting.

Related post: Top 10 Wedding Invitation Etiquette Questions You Should Know

Formal Wedding Invitation Wording Samples

Sometimes, it can be helpful to see some examples with your own eyes in order to understand what a standard invitation will look like. These examples of wedding invitation wording showcase a range of options you can go with when it comes to your own invitations.

Look over the samples and use one of the templates. You can also take an example, personalize it and put your own touch on things.

wedding invitation sample: invitation template

Couple Hosting

Example:

The honor of your presence is requested at the marriage of

Talia Camila Flores

and

Stephen Anthony Byrne

Saturday, the tenth of June two thousand and seventeen

at twelve o’clock in the afternoon

Arctic Club Hotel

700 Third Avenue Seattle,

Washington

Reception to follow

Couple & Parents Hosting

Example 1:

Together with

Mr. & Mrs. Jon Flores and Mr. &

Mrs. Tom Byrne Talia Camila Flores & Stephen Anthony Byrne

request the honor of your company at the celebration of their union

Saturday, the tenth of June

two thousand and seventeen

at twelve o’clock in the afternoon

Arctic Club Hotel

700 Third Avenue

Seattle, Washington

Reception to follow

Bride’s Parents Hosting

wedding invitations ideas: wedding-invitation

Example 1:

Mr. & Mrs. Jon Flores

request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter

Talia Camila Flores

Stephen Anthony Byrne

Saturday, the tenth of June

two thousand and seventeen

at twelve o’clock in the afternoon

Arctic Club Hotel

700 Third Avenue

Seattle, Washington

Reception to follow

Example 2:

Kenzie M. Smith and Jennifer L. Smith

request the pleasure of your company

at the marriage of their daughter

Olivia Rose

John Michael Reyes

Saturday, the seventeenth of May

two thousand and twenty

at half past four in the afternoon

traditional wedding invitations: floral invitation

Groom’s Parent Hosting

Example 1:

Mr. and Mrs. John L. Smith

request the pleasure of your company

at the marriage of their son

Jack Alexander

Mason Jacob Kim

Saturday, the seventeenth of May

two thousand and twenty

at half past four in the afternoon

Example 2:

Mr. & Mrs. Tom Byrne

request the honor of your presence

at the marriage of

Talia Camila Flores

to their son

Stephen Anthony Byrne

Saturday, the tenth of June

two thousand and seventeen

at twelve o’clock in the afternoon

Arctic Club Hotel

700 Third Avenue

Seattle, Washington

Reception to follow

Couple’s Parents Hosting

Example 1:

Mr. & Mrs. Flores

and Mr. & Mrs. Byrne

request the honor of your company

at the marriage of their children

Talia Camila Flores

Stephen Anthony Byrne

Saturday, the tenth of June

two thousand and seventeen

at twelve o’clock in the afternoon

Arctic Club Hotel

700 Third Avenue

Seattle, Washington

Reception to follow

Example 2:

Kenzie M. Smith and Jennifer L. Smith

Mark Franklin and Mary Elizabeth Reyes

request the honor of your presence

at the marriage of their children

Olivia Rose

and

John Michael

Saturday, the seventeenth of May

two thousand and twenty

at half past four in the afternoon

Casual Wedding Invitation Wording Samples

Wedding invitation wording doesn’t always need to feel so stuffy or formal. If your event is more relaxed, then your invitations should definitely reflect this point. These examples lean on the casual side and can be the ideal way to invite friends and family to a low-key night of celebrating your union.