Regardless of your wedding style, your invitation should always include these key details:
✅ The Hosts – Who is hosting (paying for) the wedding? Traditionally, it’s the bride’s parents, but today many couples host their own weddings.
✅ The Couple’s Names – The names of the bride and groom (or both partners) should be clear and prominent.
✅ The Request Line – A formal or casual phrase inviting guests to the wedding.
✅ The Date & Time – Include the full date and time in a clear format.
✅ The Venue – List the ceremony and reception locations, including the address if needed.
✅ Dress Code (Optional) – If applicable, note a dress code such as black tie or cocktail attire.
✅ RSVP Details – Specify how and by when guests should respond.
Formal vs. Casual Wedding Invitation Wording
Formal Wedding Invitation Wording (Traditional)
For elegant weddings, the wording should be graceful and polished. Traditionally, the bride’s parents host the wedding, so their names are listed first.
Example:
Mr. and Mrs. James Thompson
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Emily Jane
to
William Robert Carter
on Saturday, the tenth of June
two thousand twenty-five
at four o’clock in the afternoon
at Salisbury Cathedral, Wiltshire
If both families are hosting, you can modify it:
Example:
Together with their families,
Emily Jane Thompson
and
William Robert Carter
request the honour of your presence at their wedding
Casual Wedding Invitation Wording
For a more relaxed, modern wedding, the invitation can feel warm and personal while still including all essential details.
Example:
Emily & Will are getting married!
Join us for a celebration of love and laughter
Saturday, June 10, 2025, at 4:00 PM
Salisbury Barn Venue, Wiltshire
Dinner, dancing & fun to follow!
RSVP by May 1st to [email or website]
This works well for outdoor, rustic, or intimate weddings, where a formal tone may not fit.
How to Handle Special Situations in Wedding Invitations
Including Divorced or Remarried Parents
If your parents are divorced but are co-hosting the wedding, list their names on separate lines:
Example:
Mr. James Thompson & Mrs. Sarah Wilson
request the honour of your presence
If one or both parents are remarried, you can include their spouses if appropriate:
Example:
Mr. and Mrs. James Thompson
and
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wilson
invite you to celebrate the marriage of their children
No Kids Policy
If your wedding is adults-only, the wording should be clear but polite:
✅ We love your little ones, but this is an adults-only celebration.
✅ To allow all guests to relax and enjoy, we request no children at the wedding.
✅ We kindly request an evening just for grown-ups.
Avoid wording like “No kids allowed”, which may come across as too harsh.
Plus-Ones & Guest Clarity
If you are limiting plus-ones, address invitations directly to the invited guest(s):
✅ Ms. Charlotte Smith (No plus-one included)
✅ Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Green (Couple invited)
✅ Mr. Jacob Brown & Guest (Plus-one included)
If your invitation is unclear, some guests may assume they can bring a date, so be as specific as possible.
Destination Wedding Wording
For destination weddings, include additional details such as travel information, accommodations, and itinerary:
Example:
Pack your bags! We’re getting married in Italy!
Join us in Tuscany for a weekend of love, wine, and celebration
August 15–17, 2025
Ceremony & reception at Villa Rosa, Florence
Visit [wedding website] for travel details & RSVP by May 1st
This ensures guests have all the information they need to plan ahead.
RSVP Wording & Etiquette
Formal RSVP Wording
If your wedding is formal, use traditional language:
Example:
The favour of a reply is requested by the first of May
M___________________
Accepts with pleasure / Declines with regret
Casual RSVP Wording
For a relaxed wedding, the RSVP can be more fun:
Example:
Let us know if you can make it!
– Yes! Can’t wait!
– Sorry, celebrating from afar.
If you want to collect dietary preferences, add:
✅ Please let us know any dietary restrictions
5. Wedding Invitation Do’s & Don’ts
✅ DO send invitations 8–12 weeks before the wedding.
✅ DO proofread carefully before printing.
✅ DO include RSVP details with a deadline.
✅ DO match the invitation style to your wedding theme.
✅ DO ensure names are correctly spelled, especially for family members.
❌ DON’T include registry details on the invitation itself (this should go on your wedding website or a separate insert).
❌ DON’T use unclear wording that may confuse guests about who’s invited.
❌ DON’T forget to include an RSVP deadline to ensure a proper headcount.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding invitation is the first impression of your big day, and getting the wording right ensures clarity, elegance, and excitement for your guests. Whether you’re planning a formal affair or a relaxed celebration, following proper wedding invitation etiquette will help you create invitations that feel warm, welcoming, and perfectly suited to your event.