How to Word Your Wedding Invitations (and What to Avoid)

Your wedding invitation is more than just a piece of paper—it’s the official announcement of your big day and the first impression your guests will have of your wedding style. Whether you’re planning a formal black-tie affair or a casual backyard celebration, how you word your invitation sets the tone for the event.

In this guide, we’re diving into how to properly word your wedding invitations, when to use formal or casual language, what information is essential, and common pitfalls to avoid. Let’s make sure your invitations are polished, clear, and perfectly you.

Understand the Anatomy of a Wedding Invitation

A traditional wedding invitation typically includes the following elements:

1. Host LineWho is hosting (i.e. paying for or inviting people to) the wedding.

2. Request LineA line that formally invites guests to attend.

3. Names of the CoupleThe full names of both partners.

4. Date and TimeThe day of the week, date, and time of the ceremony.

5. Ceremony LocationThe venue name and full address.

6. Reception LineDetails about the reception if it is in a different location or time.

7. Dress Code (Optional)Clarity around expected attire.

8. RSVP Details (Usually Separate)This is often included on a separate RSVP card or website.

 The Host Line: Who’s Inviting?

Traditionally, the bride’s parents are listed as the hosts, but modern weddings have shifted to include various hosting scenarios.

Examples:

• Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the honor of your presence...

• Together with their families, Emma Rose Taylor and Jack Michael Lee invite you...

• Emma Taylor and Jack Lee invite you to celebrate their marriage...

Choose a format that reflects your situation and preferences. If you're hosting the wedding yourselves, it's perfectly appropriate to leave off the host line entirely or start with your names.

The Request Line: Formal or Casual?

This line introduces the purpose of the invitation. It typically uses formal or semi-formal language.

Formal Wording:

• "Request the honor of your presence" (typically used for church weddings)

• "Request the pleasure of your company" (for other venues)

Casual Wording:

• "Would love for you to join them"

• "Invite you to celebrate with us"

Choose a tone that matches your overall wedding vibe.

Naming the Couple: Whose Name Goes First?

Traditionally, the bride’s name comes before the groom’s. For same-sex couples or modern weddings, alphabetical order or personal preference works just as well.

Examples:

• Emma Rose Taylor and Jack Michael Lee

• Samantha Morgan and Olivia James

Keep the names consistent in style (e.g., both with full middle names or without).

Date and Time: Spell It Out

For formal invitations, all numbers should be spelled out.

Formal:

• Saturday, the twenty-fourth of August Two thousand twenty-five At half past four in the afternoon

Casual:

• Saturday, August 24, 2025 4:30 p.m.

Avoid abbreviations in formal invites, including days, months, and times.

The Location: Keep It Clear

Include the full name of the venue and the complete address (street name, city, state). For formal invites, you can omit the zip code.

Example:

• The Carolina Barn 4821 Carolina Avenue Pinehurst, North Carolina

If the reception is at the same place, you can write: "Reception to follow." Otherwise, list the new location with a start time.

Dress Code: When to Include It

Including the dress code can help guests plan their attire and avoid awkward fashion moments.

Options:

• Black Tie

• Formal Attire

• Cocktail Attire

• Garden Party Attire

Add it to the bottom right corner or on the details card.

RSVP Etiquette

Your RSVP card or link should:

• Include an RSVP deadline (typically 4–6 weeks before the wedding)

• Give guests a clear way to reply (online or mailed card)

• Optionally include meal preferences or song requests

Don’t forget: Include a stamped and addressed envelope for paper RSVPs.

Wording Mistakes to Avoid

Too Much Information: Keep the main invite clean. Save extras (accommodations, registry, travel info) for an enclosure card or your wedding website.

Using Abbreviations: Avoid abbreviating street names, months, or titles (write out "Street" instead of "St.", "August" instead of "Aug.") in formal invites.

Incorrect Capitalization: Only proper nouns and the start of lines should be capitalized. Not every word!

Overly Informal Language: Even casual invites should maintain a level of elegance. Avoid overly slangy or jokey phrases.

Forgetting Key Details: Always include the ceremony time and clear location information. Cross-check everything twice.

Modern Alternatives and Personal Touches

Today, many couples are infusing personality into their invites:

• Watercolor venue illustrations

• Custom monograms or wax seals

• Letterpress or vellum overlays

• Personal messages or poems on the back

Even with formal wording, your invitation can reflect your personal style through color, paper type, and design elements.

Wedding invitation wording is all about striking the right balance between clarity, tradition, and your unique voice as a couple. Whether you go ultra-formal or fun and fresh, the key is to keep your guests informed and excited to celebrate with you.

Take your time crafting the right message and review it carefully for tone and accuracy. A beautifully worded invitation sets the stage for the celebration to come.

Need help designing or proofreading your invitation suite? We’d love to help you create paper goods that are just as beautiful and intentional as the rest of your day. Reach out to Styled Events to begin designing your dream invitation set!