A Guide to Wedding Invitation Wording & Examples

Your wedding invitation isn’t just about the who, what, and where — it’s the first chance to share a little of your love story. It sets the tone for the celebration ahead, offering guests a peek into the kind of day you’re planning. Will it be a black-tie affair in a grand ballroom? A breezy ceremony in your backyard with fairy lights and lawn games? Whatever your vibe, the words you choose for your wedding invitations help bring that vision to life.

Wording matters more than you might think. It’s how you introduce your day, express your personalities, and make guests feel excited (and informed) about what’s to come. From timeless and traditional to modern, playful, and everything in between, the way you word your invites should feel like you.

In this guide, we’re diving into all things wedding invitation wording — what to include, how to say it, and plenty of examples to help you get it just right. Whether you’re sticking with formal etiquette or putting your own spin on things, you’ll find tips and ideas to make your invitations feel thoughtful, polished, and personal.

Jump to:

• What To Include In Your Wedding Invitation Wording
• Wedding Invitation Wording Ideas
• Formal Wedding Invitation Wording Examples
• Casual Wedding Invitation Wording Samples
• Complete Your Wedding Invitation Suite
• Etiquette & FAQs

What To Include In Your Wedding Invitation Wording

All wedding invitations should include the following information:

• Host Line
• Request to Attend
• Couple’s Names
• Date and Time
• Venue Location
• Reception Information
• Dress Code (Optional)
• RSVP Instructions

Wedding Invitation Wording by Line

1. Who’s Hosting

Start by naming the host or hosts of the wedding. This is traditionally the bride’s parents, but it can include both families, the couple themselves, or anyone contributing to the celebration. A few examples:

• Bride’s parents hosting:
  Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Smith request the honor of your presence…
• Both sets of parents hosting:
  Together with their families, Emma Rose Smith and Daniel James Lee invite you to celebrate…
• Divorced parents hosting:
  Ms. Laura Bennett and Mr. Thomas Smith request the pleasure of your company…
• The couple is hosting:
  Emma Smith and Daniel Lee invite you to join them as they say “I do”…
• Everyone’s hosting together:
  Together with their families, Emma Smith and Daniel Lee…

Choose the format that fits your situation best. This line sets the tone, but there’s plenty of flexibility to make it feel right for you and your family.

2. The Request to Attend

This is where you officially invite your guests to the ceremony. The wording can range from formal to casual, depending on your wedding style. Here are a few wording ideas:

Formal:

• request the honor of your presence at the marriage of…
  (Typically used for ceremonies in a place of worship)
• request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of…
• cordially invite you to attend the wedding of…

Semi-Formal:

• invite you to share in their joy as they are united in marriage
• invite you to celebrate with them at their wedding

Casual:

• would love for you to join them as they tie the knot
• invite you to party, dance, and witness their vows
• are getting married — come celebrate!

You can tailor this line to feel as formal or relaxed as your big day will be. It’s all about giving guests a preview of what to expect.

3. The Couple’s Names

List the names of the couple getting married. Traditionally, the bride’s name goes first, but there are no rules here — go with what feels right. Some couples use full names, while others stick with first names only for a more relaxed tone.

4. Date and Time

Clearly state when the ceremony will take place. For classic, formal invitations, it’s common to spell out the date and time (e.g., “Saturday, the twelfth of October at half past four in the afternoon”). For modern or casual invites, you can keep it simple and numerical (e.g., “October 12 at 4:30 p.m.”).

5. Ceremony and Reception Location

Include the full name and address of the ceremony venue, so guests know exactly where to go. If the reception is in a different spot, list that location as well — either directly on the invitation or on a separate details card.

6. Reception Information

If your ceremony and reception are in the same location, you can add a short line to let guests know what comes next. If they’re at different venues, you’ll usually include a separate insert or details card with that information or point guests to your wedding website. Either way, this line helps set expectations and gets everyone excited for the celebration ahead. Here are a few wording options:

Formal:

• Reception to follow
• Dinner and dancing to follow
• Reception immediately following the ceremony at [venue name]

Casual or Playful:

• Let the celebration begin!
• Join us for dinner, drinks, and dancing after the “I dos”
• Food, fun, and festivities to follow

7. Dress Code (Optional)

If there’s a specific dress code you’d like guests to follow — like black tie, garden party, or cocktail attire — be sure to let them know. You can include it subtly at the bottom of the invitation, add it to a separate details card, or mention it on your wedding website if you’re looking to save space. A little heads-up goes a long way in helping guests feel confident and comfortable.

Find more tips in our guide on Wedding Dress Code Wording for Your Invitations.

8. RSVP Instructions

Let guests know how to respond, and by when. You can include a traditional RSVP card with a stamped return envelope or opt for a digital RSVP via your wedding website. Either way, set a clear deadline to make planning easier.

With all of these elements in place, your invitation won’t just tell people where and when — it’ll give them a beautiful glimpse into what your wedding day is all about.

Wedding Invitation Wording Examples & Ideas

Formal Wedding Invitation Wording Examples