Invitation Wording and Etiquette Tips

Last Updated on August 16, 2024 by Ryan Conlon | 🕒 5 min Read Time

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When it comes to planning a special event, one of the crucial elements is the invitation. It sets the tone for the occasion and provides guests with all the necessary details. However, getting the wording just right can be a challenge. Whether you’re organizing a wedding, birthday party, or any other event, understanding invitation etiquette is essential. Follow these tips to create elegant and proper invitations that will impress your guests.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding invitation wording etiquette is crucial for creating elegant and proper invitations.
• Include the names of the hosts, bride, groom, and other pertinent details in your invitation.
• Be consistent with spelling, style, and appropriate phrases based on the type of event.
• Use traditional or formal wording for more formal occasions, and get creative with less formal or non-traditional events.
• Adjust the wording for special cases such as divorced or remarried parents.

Wording Etiquette for Invitations

When it comes to invitation wording, following proper etiquette is essential. To create elegant and well-crafted invitations, consider the following dos and don’ts:

• Include the names of the hosts: Start your invitation by mentioning the names of the hosts at the top. This is a polite way of acknowledging those who are initiating the event.
• List the names of the bride, groom, and hosts: Make sure to include the full names of the bride and groom, as well as the names of the hosts, if applicable. This helps guests identify the key individuals involved in the event.
• Be consistent with spelling and style: Double-check the spelling of all names and ensure that the overall style of the invitation remains consistent. This creates a cohesive and professional look.
• Use appropriate phrases for different types of weddings: Adapt your wording based on the formality and theme of the wedding. Use traditional phrases for formal weddings and more casual language for informal events.
• Stack names for unmarried hosts or guests: When hosting a wedding or event as an unmarried couple or individual, stack the names vertically instead of using separate lines. This visually represents the union of hosts or guests.
• Include reception information if necessary: If the event includes a reception, make sure to include the details, such as the venue, time, and any additional activities or instructions.

Following these simple rules of wording etiquette will ensure that your invitations convey the necessary information politely and reflect the style and tone of your event.

Examples of Traditional Invitation Wording

For formal weddings, traditional invitation wording adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. Whether the bride’s parents are hosting, both sets of parents are hosting, or the wedding is held in a church, here are some examples to inspire your own invitations:

“Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

request the pleasure of your company

at the marriage of their daughter

Emma Smith

to

Mr. Michael Johnson”

“Together with their families,

Emma Smith

and

Michael Johnson

invite you to celebrate their marriage”

“The honor of your presence is requested

at the marriage ceremony of

Emma Smith

and

Michael Johnson

at First United Church”

These examples showcase different ways to word your traditional invitations, depending on who is hosting the wedding and the venue. Remember to include the full names of the hosts, bride, groom, as well as the date, time, and location of the ceremony.

Bride’s Parents Hosting	Both Sets of Parents Hosting	Church Wedding
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith	Together with their families	The honor of your presence is requested
request the pleasure of your company	request the pleasure of your company	at the marriage ceremony of
at the marriage of their daughter	at the marriage of their children	Emma Smith
Emma Smith	Emma Smith	and
to	to	Mr. Michael Johnson

These examples demonstrate the traditional invitation wording for different scenarios. Feel free to use them as a starting point and personalize your invitations to reflect your own style and preferences.

Examples of Formal Invitation Wording

When planning a wedding outside of a church, it’s important to use formal invitation wording that reflects the significance of the event. Whether the parents of the bride or groom are hosting, proper wording sets the tone for an elegant affair. Here are some examples of formal invitation wording to inspire your own invitations:

Example 1: Parents of the Bride Hosting

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

request the pleasure of your company

at the marriage of their daughter

Hannah Marie

to

Jonathan Michael Anderson

Saturday, the fifth of June

at six o’clock in the evening

The Grand Manor

123 Main Street

Anytown, USA

Example 2: Parents of the Groom Hosting

Mr. and Mrs. David Anderson

invite you to celebrate the marriage of their son

Jonathan Michael

to

Hannah Marie Smith

Saturday, the fifth of June

at six o’clock in the evening

The Grand Manor

123 Main Street

Anytown, USA

Example 3: Both Sets of Parents Hosting

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

and

Mr. and Mrs. David Anderson

request the honor of your presence

at the marriage ceremony uniting their children

Hannah Marie

and

Jonathan Michael

Saturday, the fifth of June

at six o’clock in the evening

The Grand Manor

123 Main Street

These examples provide a starting point for creating your own formal invitations. Remember to include the names of the hosts, bride, groom, date, time, and location of the event. Customize the wording to match the style and formality of your wedding for a truly memorable invitation.

Examples of Less Formal or Non-Traditional Invitation Wording

When it comes to planning a less formal or non-traditional wedding, the invitation wording offers a great opportunity to showcase your unique style and personality. Get inspired by these creative and unconventional examples that will surely set the tone for your special day.

Wedding Hosted by Both Sets of Parents:

Together with their families,

[Bride’s Parents’ Names]

and

[Groom’s Parents’ Names]

invite you to join in the celebration of the marriage of their children,

[Bride’s Full Name]

and

[Groom’s Full Name]

[Date] | [Time]

[Venue]

Wedding Hosted by the Bride and Groom:

You are cordially invited to celebrate the love and union of

[Bride’s Full Name]

and

[Groom’s Full Name]

as they exchange vows and embark on a lifetime of happiness together.

[Date] | [Time]

[Venue]

Creative Wording for a Unique Wedding:

Love knows no boundaries, so join us for a one-of-a-kind celebration as

[Bride’s Full Name]

and

[Groom’s Full Name]

begin their journey together.

[Date] | [Time]

[Venue]

Feel free to customize these examples to suit your style and preferences. Remember, your wedding invitation sets the tone for your special day, so let your creativity shine through in every word!

Special Cases in Invitation Wording

When it comes to invitation wording, special cases may arise that require adjustments to the traditional format. One such situation is when parents are divorced or when one parent has remarried. It’s important to navigate these special cases with sensitivity and inclusivity. Here are some examples to guide you in incorporating all parents’ names and acknowledging their roles in hosting the wedding:

“Together with their families”

In cases where both parents are divorced and have remarried:

“Together with their parents, [Parent 1 Name] and [Step-Parent 1 Name], and [Parent 2 Name] and [Step-Parent 2 Name],”

If one parent has remarried but the other has not:

“Together with her parents, [Mother’s Name] and [Mother’s New Spouse Name], and her father, [Father’s Name],”

It’s crucial to ensure that all parents are included and acknowledged, regardless of their marital status or remarriage. By customizing the invitation wording to accommodate special cases, you can create an inclusive and respectful tone for your wedding celebration.

Scenario	Invitation Wording
Divorced parents hosting together	“Together with their parents, [Mother’s Name] and [Father’s Name],”
Step-parent hosting with biological parent	“Together with her mother, [Mother’s Name], and her stepfather, [Step-Father’s Name],”
Parents hosting separately	“[Mother’s Name] invites you to celebrate the marriage of [Bride’s Name],” “[Father’s Name] invites you to celebrate the marriage of [Bride’s Name],”

Wording for Additional Pieces in the Invitation Stationery

Complete your invitation stationery with additional pieces to enhance the overall presentation and provide essential information to your guests. From save the date cards to rehearsal dinner invitations, each piece serves a unique purpose in the wedding planning process. Here are examples of standard wording for each item:

Save the Date

Schedule the date and let your guests mark their calendars with a save the date card. This is especially useful for destination weddings or events held during peak travel seasons. Use the following wording as a guide:

Save the Date

[Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name] are tying the knot!

[Event Date]

Formal invitation to follow

RSVP Card

Make it easy for your guests to confirm their attendance by including an RSVP card. Here’s an example of wording for your RSVP card:

Kindly RSVP by [RSVP Date]

M______________________

Accepts with pleasure

______ attending

______ declining

Information Card

Provide your guests with additional details about the venue, accommodations, or reception with an information card. Use the following example as a starting point:

Accommodations:

– [Hotel Name], [Contact Information]

– [Hotel Name], [Contact Information]

Transportation:

– [Transportation Details]

Reception:

– [Reception Venue], [Time]

Escort Card

Ensure a smooth seating arrangement and guide your guests to their designated tables with escort cards. Use the following format to create your escort cards:

[Guest Name]

Table [Table Number]

Thank You Card

Express your gratitude to your guests for their presence and thoughtful gifts with a heartfelt thank you card. Customize the following wording to fit your unique situation:

Dear [Guest’s Name],

Thank you so much for celebrating our special day with us. Your presence and kind wishes meant the world to us. We are grateful for your generous gift and will cherish it always. Wishing you all the best.

Sincerely,

[Your Names]

Rehearsal Dinner Invitation

Invite your loved ones to the rehearsal dinner with a separate invitation to convey the details of this special event. Use the following wording as a reference:

You’re Invited to

The Rehearsal Dinner

Honoring [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]

[Date]

[Time]

[Location]

Dress Code: [Optional Dress Code]

Please RSVP by [RSVP Date]

Complete your invitation stationery with these additional pieces to ensure that your guests have all the necessary information for a memorable and well-coordinated event. Use the provided examples as a starting point and customize the wording to match your unique celebration.

Tips for Sending Thank You Cards

Expressing gratitude for the gifts you receive before and after your wedding is an important gesture of appreciation. Follow these tips to ensure your thank you cards are thoughtful and well-structured:

1. When to send thank you cards: Send your thank you cards within three months of your wedding. It’s best to send them as soon as possible to show your appreciation promptly.
2. Mentioning the gift: Take the time to specifically mention the gift you received. Personalize each thank you card by acknowledging the item and expressing your gratitude for it.
3. Avoid mentioning the exact amount for monetary gifts: When you receive monetary gifts, it’s considered more polite to express gratitude without mentioning the specific amount. Instead, thank the guest for their generous contribution towards your future together.
4. Addressing guests who attended the wedding: If a guest attended your wedding, it’s thoughtful to acknowledge their presence in your thank you card. Mention how much their presence meant to you on your special day.

Thank you cards serve as an opportunity to show appreciation to your family and friends for their love and support during this important milestone. Your heartfelt words will make them feel cherished and valued.

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” – Oscar Wilde

Remember, sending thank you cards is not only good etiquette but also a thoughtful way to express your gratitude. Take the time to write each card with care, and your guests will feel appreciated.

Gift	Thank You Card Example
Blender	Dear [Guest’s Name], We want to thank you for the beautiful blender you gave us as a wedding gift. It’s such a thoughtful and practical gift that we know we’ll use often in our future kitchen adventures. Your generosity and presence at our wedding mean the world to us. Thank you again for your kind gesture. Warmest regards, [Your Names]
Monetary Gift	Dear [Guest’s Name], We are so grateful for your generous gift to help us start our new life together. Your thoughtfulness and support mean a lot to us. We will be using this gift to save towards our future, and it will always remind us of your kindness. Thank you for being a part of our special day. With heartfelt thanks, [Your Names]

Rehearsal Dinner Invitation Wording

When it comes to planning your rehearsal dinner, sending out invitations is an important step to ensure all your guests know the details of this special event. Here are some general tips and examples of wording for rehearsal dinner invitations to guide you in creating the perfect invitation.

General Tips:

• Send out invitations three to six weeks in advance to allow guests to RSVP and make necessary arrangements.
• Include the hosts’ names at the top of the invitation to clearly communicate who is hosting the rehearsal dinner.
• Specify the date, time, and location of the event to provide guests with all the necessary information.
• Consider the style and tone of the wedding when choosing the wording for your rehearsal dinner invitation. You can opt for formal or casual language, depending on the overall theme.

Wording Examples:

Example 1:

You are cordially invited to join us for a celebration
preceding the wedding of

Emma Thompson

and

Christopher Anderson

at the rehearsal dinner in honor of their union.

Date: Friday, July 10th

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: The Garden Restaurant

Example 2:

Please join us for a relaxed evening with good food and great company
as we celebrate the upcoming marriage of

Sarah Johnson

and

Michael Roberts

at their rehearsal dinner.

Date: Saturday, September 5th

Time: 7:30 PM

Location: The Beach House

Example 3:

We are thrilled to invite you to an intimate gathering in honor of

Emily Davis

and

James Wilson

for their rehearsal dinner.

Date: Thursday, October 15th

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: The Vineyard Estate

Remember, the rehearsal dinner is an opportunity to relax and enjoy the company of loved ones before the big day. Use these examples as a starting point and personalize them to reflect your unique style and preferences.

Conclusion

Crafting the perfect invitation requires a careful balance of invitation wording etiquette and personal style. By following the examples and tips provided in this article, you can create invitations that not only convey the necessary information but also reflect the tone and formality of your event.

Remember to incorporate proper wording etiquette, such as including the names of the hosts, bride, and groom, and being consistent with spelling and style. Whether you are planning a formal wedding, a non-traditional celebration, or a special event, your invitation wording should be tailored to suit the occasion.

Additionally, don’t be afraid to add your personal touch. Get creative with unique invitation wording and make your invitations stand out. Consider the theme of your event, your own personality, and the preferences of the guests you are inviting. After all, your invitations are the first impression your guests will have of your special day.

So, take the time to craft the perfect invitation by incorporating both etiquette and personal style. With the right wording, your invitations will set the tone for a memorable event that your guests won’t soon forget.