Mastering the Art of Wedding Invitation Wording: Tips & Examples

Introduction:

Wedding invitations are more than just a means to inform guests about your special day; they set the tone for your wedding and give a glimpse of the love and joy you wish to share. Crafting the perfect wedding invitation wording can feel like a daunting task, but with our guide, you’ll soon become a master of this delicate art.

In this post, we’ll explore the essentials of wedding invitation wording, including traditional etiquette, useful tips, templates, and examples to help you create a memorable and heartwarming invitation.

Basic Elements of Wedding Invitation Wording

Every wedding invitation should include the following key elements:

a. Host line: Introducing the hosts of the wedding, typically the couple’s parents or the couple themselves.

b. Request line: A phrase that politely asks the guests to attend the wedding.

c. Names of the couple: Full names of the bride and groom.

d. Date and time: The specific date and time of the wedding ceremony.

e. Location: The full address of the wedding venue.

f. Reception information: Details about the post-ceremony reception, if applicable.

g. RSVP information: Instructions on how to RSVP, including a deadline.

  1. Wedding Invitation Wording Etiquette

When it comes to wedding invitation wording, following etiquette guidelines will ensure that your invitations are both respectful and effective:

a. Use formal language: Traditional wedding invitations employ formal language, with phrases like “request the honor of your presence.”

b. Spell out numbers and dates: Write out dates, times, and addresses in words to maintain formality.

c. Double-check names and titles: Make sure to include correct names, titles, and spellings for all involved.

d. Use proper capitalization and punctuation: Pay close attention to grammar, and avoid using exclamation points or casual abbreviations.

  1. Wedding Invitation Wording Templates

Here are three customizable templates for wedding invitation wording:

Traditional Template:

[Host Line] [Request Line] at the marriage of their children [Full Name of Bride] and [Full Name of Groom] [Date and Time] [Location] [Reception Information] [RSVP Information]

Modern Template:

Together with their families, [Full Name of Bride] and [Full Name of Groom] invite you to celebrate their union [Date and Time] [Location] [Reception Information] [RSVP Information]

Casual Template:

You’re invited to join the celebration! [Full Name of Bride] and [Full Name of Groom] are getting married! [Date and Time] [Location] [Reception Information] [RSVP Information]

  1. Examples of Wedding Invitation Wording

Here are some examples of wedding invitation wording, based on the templates above:

Traditional Example:

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Emily Elizabeth Smith to James Michael Johnson Saturday, the twenty-second of June two thousand twenty-three at half-past four in the afternoon St. Paul’s Church 123 Main Street, Springfield Reception to follow at the Springfield Country Club Please RSVP by June 1st

Modern Example:

Together with their families, Sophia Adams and Mason Walker invite you to celebrate their union Saturday, August 10, 2023 at five o’clock in the evening The Rose Garden 765 Floral Drive, Willow Creek Reception to follow Kindly RSVP by July 20

Casual Example:

You’re invited to join the celebration!

Olivia Thompson and Benjamin Moore are getting married! Sunday, October 6, 2023 at 3:00 PM The Rustic Barn 257 Country Lane, Pine Grove Dinner, drinks, and dancing to follow Please RSVP by September 15

  1. Tips for Choosing the Right Wording

To craft the perfect wedding invitation wording, consider the following tips:

a. Reflect your wedding style: Your invitation should reflect the tone and theme of your wedding, whether it’s formal, modern, or casual.

b. Personalize it: Don’t hesitate to inject your personality and unique touches into the wording, as long as you maintain proper etiquette.

c. Be mindful of space: Keep in mind that invitations are typically small, so avoid cluttering the design with too much text.

d. Proofread: Always double-check your wording for any errors or inconsistencies before sending it to print.

  1. Don’t Forget the Enclosures

In addition to the main wedding invitation, consider including the following enclosures:

a. RSVP cards: Allow guests to easily confirm their attendance and provide any dietary restrictions.

b. Accommodation information: Suggest local hotels and lodging options for out-of-town guests.

c. Directions and maps: Help guests navigate to your wedding venue and reception site.

d. Wedding website: Provide a link to your wedding website, where guests can find additional information and updates.

Conclusion:

Creating the perfect wedding invitation wording is a delicate balance of formality, etiquette, and personalization. By following our guide and using the templates and examples provided, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a memorable and heartwarming invitation that captures the spirit of your big day. Remember to proofread your invitations carefully and don’t forget to include essential enclosures to ensure your guests have all the information they need. Happy planning!