A wedding invitation is the first impression you make on your guests regarding your special day. It marks the beginning of your journey as a married couple and is the initial glimpse into the newlyweds’ style, personality, and the tone of the wedding. The wedding invitation not only communicates the date, time, venue, and other important details but also sets the tone for the entire wedding. So, what should the wedding invitation say? In this blog, we will help you understand what exactly the wedding invitation should include, with some examples to boot!
Who is hosting the wedding?
The first thing that the wedding invitation should say is who is hosting the event. Traditionally, the bride’s parents host the wedding and are listed as the hosts on the invitation. However, this is not always the case, as it could be both the bride and groom’s parents or the groom’s parents, or the bride and groom themselves!
With that said, the invitation should clearly state who is hosting the wedding, whether it is the bride’s parents, the groom’s parents, both sets of parents, or the couple themselves.
Who is getting married?
It may seem obvious, but the wedding invitation should say who is getting married. This may include the full names of the bride and groom. You can also include a short phrase that captures the essence of your relationship, such as “Together in Love” or “Two Hearts, One Love.” (More examples of how to do this below).
Date, time, and location
The wedding invitation should clearly state the date, time, and location of the event. This info should be displayed in a clear and easy-to-read format. It is also helpful to include the time that both the ceremony and reception will begin. If the ceremony is at a different location than the reception, make sure to include the address and directions.
Dress code
Casual, white-tie, black-tie, semi-formal, formal, festive, themed, black-tie optional, come-as-you-are, and cocktail are a few of the different types of dress codes you can utilize for your wedding. It is important to include this on the invitation to help your guests prepare and dress accordingly. You can include the dress code on the bottom right-hand corner of the invitation or include a separate card with the dress code details if it’s a little more complicated, like a themed dress code (pirate party, anyone?!).
RSVP Information
Don’t forget about the RSVPs! It’s arguably the most important thing because if you don’t get RSVPs, you can’t plan your wedding accordingly. The RSVP should include a response card with a pre-stamped envelope for your guests to mail back to you. It is also becoming increasingly popular to include a website where guests can RSVP online. This is a convenient and eco-friendly option that can save time and money.
Accommodation Information
If you have out-of-town guests coming, it is helpful to include information about accommodations (hotels, Airbnb, etc.). This can include a list of recommended hotels or a block of rooms reserved for your guests. You can also include transportation information, such as the nearest airport or train station.
Gift Information
Many people wonder if it’s okay (or too tacky) to include their wedding registry in the invite. The verdict is out: it is technically considered a “no-no” across the wedding industry, but there is a way around it: include your wedding website, which should have the registry posted there.
Examples of wedding invitation wordings
Still no clue what to write on your wedding invite? No worries, we got you. See below for a few different examples to get you started on your wedding invite wording journey.
Formal wedding invitation wording:
Mr. and Mrs. [Host Last Name]
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage ceremony of their daughter,
[Full Bride Name]
to
[Full Groom Name]
Saturday, the [Date] of [Month], [Year]
at [Time] o’clock in the [Morning/Afternoon/Evening]
[Location Name]
[Location Address]
A reception will follow
at [Reception Location]
[Reception Address],
[Time]
Out-of-town guests may find accommodations
at [Hotel Name]
[Hotel Address]
Dress Code: Black Tie
Kindly respond by the [RSVP Date] of [Month]
M_________ Accepts with pleasure
_____ Declines with regrets
We request the honor of your presence on this joyous occasion.
Sincerely,
[Host Last Name]
Casual wedding invitation wording:
Together with our families,
[Host Names]
request the honor of your presence
at the wedding of
[Bride/Groom Names]
On [Date] at [Time]
[Location Name]
[Location Address]
Accommodations have been reserved at [Hotel Name]
for your convenience.
Please RSVP by [RSVP Date] to [Contact Information]
Dress Code: [Casual/Formal/Semi-formal/Black Tie, etc.]
We look forward to celebrating with you on our special day!
Destination wedding invitation wording:
Pack your bags and grab your passports,
because [Couple’s Full Name]
are getting married in [Destination Name]!
You are cordially invited to join us
as we exchange our vows and start our adventure together
at our tropical wedding celebration.
Date: [Date]
Location: [Destination Name]
Address: [Destination Address]
Dress Code: Beach Chic
Accommodations have been arranged for our guests
at [Hotel Name]
[Hotel Address]
Please reserve your room by [Reservation Date] to receive our group rate.
For more details, check out our wedding website here [insert link].
We can’t wait to share this beautiful day with you,
and look forward to making unforgettable memories together.
Please RSVP by [RSVP Date] to [Contact Information]
We hope to see you soon!
Second wedding invitation wording:
Together with their children
[Full Name of Bride] and [Full Name of Groom],
come together in the union of marriage.
Date: [Date]
Time: [Time]
Location: [Venue Name]
Address: [Venue Address]
Dress Code: Semi-Formal
We are excited to share this special moment
with our cherished family and friends.
As we have already been blessed with the necessities of life,
we kindly request no gifts. However, your presence is a gift in itself.
Please RSVP by [RSVP Date] to [Contact Information],
and let us know if you will be joining us
in celebrating the next chapter of our love story.
Thank you for being a part of our lives
and supporting our journey.
Sincerely,
[Full Name of Bride] and [Full Name of Groom]
Religious wedding invitation wording:
The grace of God has brought together
[Full Name of Bride] and [Full Name of Groom]
in a union blessed by our Lord.
Please join us as we celebrate their wedding
with a religious ceremony.
Date: [Date]
Time: [Time]
Location: [Church Name]
Address: [Church Address]
Dress Code: Formal
Following the ceremony, we will be holding
a reception at [Reception Venue Name]
Address: [Reception Venue Address]
Time: [Time of Reception]
We ask for your prayers and blessings
as we begin our journey as a married couple,
guided by our faith and devotion to God.
Please RSVP by [RSVP Date] to [Contact Information],
and let us know if you will be joining us
in this joyous celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the wedding invite:
You may still have questions, so we’ve gathered a few commonly asked questions below:
Q: What is the appropriate way to indicate a dress code on a wedding invitation?
A: It’s important to be clear about dress code expectations on your wedding invitation, so guests know how to dress appropriately. A common way to indicate dress code is to include a line such as “Black Tie” or “Cocktail Attire” on the invitation. You can also include more specific information about attire if needed, such as “Semi-Formal with a touch of whimsy” or “Beach Formal.”
Q: Can I include registry information on my wedding invitation?
A: It is generally considered poor etiquette to include registry information directly on your wedding invitation. Instead, you can share registry information on your wedding website or through word of mouth. If guests ask directly, it is okay to provide registry information.
Q: How far in advance should I send out wedding invitations?
A: Wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements and RSVP. Some people do “save the date” notices that go out six to ten months prior to the wedding to make sure people can block out their wedding date, especially if it’s out of town for some folks.
Q: How do I handle RSVPs for my wedding?
A: It’s important to provide clear instructions for RSVPs on your wedding invitation. This can be done through a separate RSVP card or by including RSVP information on the invitation itself. Make sure to include a response deadline so you can get an accurate headcount for your wedding.
Q: What should I do if I need to make changes to my wedding invitation after it has been sent?
A: If you need to make changes to your wedding invitation after it has been sent, it’s important to do so quickly. Reach out to your guests ASAP to inform them of the changes and provide updated information. You may also want to consider sending out an updated invitation if the changes are significant.
Q: Should I include accommodation information on my wedding invitation?
A: If you have guests coming from out of town, it is helpful to include information about accommodations. This can include a list of recommended hotels or a block of rooms reserved for your guests in a specific hotel. Things like the nearest train stations and airports may also be helpful.
Conclusion
The wedding invitation is an essential part of the wedding if not THE most important part. I mean, what is a wedding without the guests, right? It should be carefully worded to reflect all of the most crucial details, such as bride and groom names, ceremony and reception time and location, RSVP info, and more. Happy writing!
Nicole Sheehey is the Head of Legal Content at HelloPrenup, and an Illinois licensed attorney. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to prenuptial agreements. Nicole has Juris Doctor from John Marshall Law School. She has a deep understanding of the legal and financial implications of prenuptial agreements, and enjoys writing and collaborating with other attorneys on the nuances of the law. Nicole is passionate about helping couples locate the information they need when it comes to prenuptial agreements. You can reach Nicole here: [email protected]
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