Invitation Wording

Hosting

Traditionally, the bride's parents were the hosts of the wedding, listed at the top of the invitation. In today's times, you often see both sets of parents helping, or the bride and groom hosting themselves. In the case of multiple hosts—be it one set of parents, a couple, or both sets—any gracious arrangement works, no matter who contributes.

Ceremony

Depending on how formal you wish the invitation to feel, the date and time can be presented in two ways. Written out in full for a more formal and traditional tone, or using numerals and short forms for a more modern look.

Your ceremony address should not include a postal code or country, unless you are holding an out-of-country wedding.

The Request

This is where you formally invite your guests. Here are some examples:

The pleasure of your company is requested
The honour of your presence is requested at the marriage of
[Name] requests the honour of your presence at the marriage of [Name]
Please come help us celebrate our love
Together with our families
We happily invite you to share in the celebration of our marriage
We would love for you to celebrate our marriage

Additional Info

If your reception is at the same location as the wedding, statements such as “Dinner and dancing to follow” or “Reception to follow” work well. If it is at a different time, “Reception to follow at 1:00 pm” is often placed at the bottom of the invite in a smaller font.

You can also include notes such as “Formal Dress” or “No Children.” Be sure not to add too much information and clutter your invitation. If you find you have a great deal of information to share, detail cards are an excellent option.

Wording Samples

Both Parent Parties Inviting

Charlotte & James Tremblay,
together with Mr. and Mrs. Elliott Millar,
invite you to celebrate the marriage of their children,
Isabella & Travis,
on their wedding day,
Saturday, August 24, 2034,
three o'clock in the afternoon,
700 Tremblay Drive, Red Deer, Alberta
Reception to follow

Both Parent Parties & Divorced Parent Involved

Mrs. Charlotte Campbell and Mr. James Tremblay,
Mr. and Mrs. Elliott Millar,
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of their children,
Isabella Millar
and
Travis Tremblay
Date • Time • Wedding Location
Reception Location • Additional Details

Deceased Parent Involved

Isabella Tremblay,
daughter of Mr. Adam Tremblay and the late Mrs. Henri Tremblay,
and
Travis Tremblay,
son of Mr. Gordon and Elisabeth Mahoney,
request the honour of your presence at their wedding
Date • Time • Wedding Location
Reception Location • Additional Details

Single Parent Party Inviting

Mrs. Olivia and Mr. Leigh Millar
happily invite you to share in the celebration
of the marriage of their daughter,
Isabella Millar,
to
Travis Tremblay
Date • Time • Wedding Location
Reception Location • Additional Details

Wedding Couple Inviting

With great pleasure,
Isabella Millar
and
Travis Tremblay
invite you to join them
at the celebration of their marriage
Date • Time • Wedding Location
Reception Location • Additional Details

All Parties Inviting

Together with their families,
Isabella Millar
and
Travis Tremblay
request the pleasure of your company
at the celebration of their wedding
Date • Time • Wedding Location
Reception Location • Additional Details