Wedding Etiquette

✉️ Wedding Invitation Wording Rules: Who’s Inviting, and What Tone Should You Use?

Planning a wedding comes with countless decisions, and one of the most overlooked (but important!) is how to word your wedding invitations. Whether you’re planning a formal celebration or a relaxed gathering in the countryside, the way you phrase your invitation sets the tone for the entire event.

1. Who Is Inviting? Parents or the Couple?

Traditionally, wedding invitations were issued by the parents of the bride, especially when they hosted (and financed) the wedding. Today, however, there are many variations depending on family dynamics and personal preferences.
Here are the most common options:

👉 The Bride’s Parents Hosting (Traditional Formal)

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Emma Smith
to
Liam Johnson
on…

👉 Both Sets of Parents Hosting (Blended Tradition)

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
and
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Johnson
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of their children
Emma Smith and Liam Johnson
on…

👉 The Couple Hosting Themselves (Modern/Informal)

Emma Smith and Liam Johnson
invite you to celebrate their wedding
on…

If you’re hosting the wedding yourselves or sharing costs with your families, you can choose the wording that feels right for your situation.

2. Formal vs Informal Tone: What Suits Your Wedding Best?

The tone of your invitation should reflect the style of your wedding. Is it a black-tie evening in a grand villa or a laid-back garden party in Tuscany? Here’s how to decide:

🎩 Formal Wording (Classic & Traditional)

Use full names and titles (Mr., Mrs., Doctor, etc.).
Dates and times are usually spelled out in full:
Saturday, the twenty-fourth of May, two thousand twenty-five, at four o’clock in the afternoon.
Language is respectful and elegant:
“Request the honor of your presence” (for ceremonies in a place of worship).
“Request the pleasure of your company” (for secular ceremonies).

🌿 Informal Wording (Modern & Friendly)

Use first names and keep it casual:
Emma and Liam are getting married!
Dates and times can be in numbers:
Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 4:00 PM.
Use playful, warm language if that suits your vibe:
Join us for a weekend of love, laughter, and dancing!

3. Tips for Writing Clear and Beautiful Invitations

✔ Keep it simple and concise – Make sure the essential details are easy to find:

Who’s getting married
Date and time
Ceremony and reception locations
RSVP instructions

✔ Be consistent with your style – If your invitation is formal, keep the RSVP cards and any other details in the same tone. The same goes for informal styles.

✔ Proofread carefully! – Double-check spellings, grammar, and times. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in how polished your invitations look.

4. Optional Additions (If You Want to Personalize Even More)

Dress code: Especially important for formal events (Black Tie, Cocktail Attire, etc.).
Wedding website: If you’re using one, include the link for additional information like accommodations and schedules.
Personal note: Some couples like to add a short message expressing excitement or gratitude.

Conclusion: Find the Wording That Feels Like You

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you opt for a formal invitation issued by your parents or a casual invitefrom the two of you, the most important thing is that your wording reflects the spirit of your wedding and makes your guests feel warmly welcomed.