Your wedding invitation is more than paper—it’s the first glimpse into your celebration. But after choosing a beautiful design, you’re met with a big question: what do we actually say?
Traditional wording like “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the honour of your presence…” may feel too formal—or not reflect your family dynamic or wedding style. Maybe you’re hosting it yourselves, or your day feels more relaxed than regal.
The good news? Your wedding invitation wording doesn’t have to be a choice between outdated tradition and total casualness. With a little guidance, you can craft wording that’s clear, stylish, and totally authentic. It all starts with understanding the purpose of each line—then making it your own.
The New Foundation of Invitation Etiquette
Modern wedding etiquette starts with two things: warmth and clarity. Your invitation should make guests feel welcome and informed—simple as that.
Forget outdated rules. Today’s wording can reflect your personalities, family dynamics, and the tone of your celebration. As long as you include the essentials—who, what, where, and when—you have the freedom to say it your way.
Who’s Hosting? Modernizing the First Line
Traditionally, the top of the invitation names the hosts (typically the bride’s parents). Today, hosting situations are wonderfully diverse. This first line is your chance to honor who is contributing, whether financially or emotionally.
Here are a few common scenarios and how to word them:
• You and Your Partner Are Hosting
This is incredibly common for modern couples. It places your union at the very heart of the celebration.
Example:
“Together with their families,
Amelia Wren and Noah Carter
invite you to celebrate their wedding”A more casual take:
“You are invited to celebrate the wedding of
Amelia Wren and Noah Carter”
• Both Sets of Parents Are Hosting
This is a lovely way to present a united front and honor both families equally.
- Example:
“Mr. and Mrs. David Wren
and Dr. and Mrs. Samuel Carter
joyfully invite you to the wedding of their children
Amelia Wren and Noah Carter”
• Handling Divorced or Blended Families
When dealing with divorced, remarried, or separated parents, the key is to give each parent their own line. This acknowledges them as individuals. There’s no need to mention relationships; simply list the names.
- Example:
“Ms. Sarah Gable and Mr. David Wren
along with Mr. Samuel Carter and Mrs. Eleanor Vance
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of their children
Amelia Wren and Noah Carter”
The Request Line: Finding Your Voice
This is the line that formally invites your guests to attend. The language you choose here is a powerful signal of your wedding’s formality.
Let’s explore some options, from the grand to the groovy.
1. For a Formal & Traditional Tone
These phrases are timeless for a reason. They carry a sense of gravity and elegance, perfect for a black-tie or religious ceremony.
- “request the honour of your presence” (Note the “u” in honour—it traditionally signifies a religious ceremony.)
- “request the pleasure of your company” (The classic choice for a formal, secular wedding.)
2. For a Modern & Elegant Tone
This is the sweet spot for most contemporary couples. These phrases are warm and celebratory without being overly formal.
- “invite you to celebrate their marriage”
- “joyfully invite you to join them as they are married”
- “ask you to be present for the celebration of their union”
3. For a Casual & Fun Tone
If your wedding is more about laid-back love and a great party, your invitation can reflect that. This is where you can find some truly great casual wedding invitation wording.
- “want you to come party with us!”
- “invite you to eat, drink, and get married with them”
- “would love for you to join them as they say ‘I do'”
Putting It All Together: Wedding Invite Examples
Seeing how all the elements work together can make the process click. Here are a few full wedding invite examples to show how you can mix and match these modern phrases.
Example 1: The Modern, Couple-Hosted Wedding
Together with their parents
Olivia Chen & Maya Jones
invite you to celebrate their marriage
Saturday, the fifteenth of October
Two thousand twenty-four
at five o’clock in the evening
The Glass House
Brooklyn, New York
Dinner and dancing to follow
Example 2: The Casual, Joyful Celebration
Because you have shared in their lives
and supported their love
Leo Rossi & Ben Williams
invite you to join the celebration
as they get married
Saturday, August 20, 2024
4:00 PM
Willow Creek Farm
Asheville, North Carolina
Good food, great music, and bad dancing to follow
Example 3: The Blended Family Approach
Dr. Anna Sharma
and Mr. Robert Kim
along with Mr. and Mrs. Michael Evans
joyfully invite you to celebrate the marriage of their children
Priya Sharma and Liam Evans
Saturday, the twenty-third of July
Two thousand twenty-four
at half past five in the evening
The Botanical Gardens
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Ultimately, there is no right or wrong way to word your invitation. The most important thing is that when you read it, it sounds like you. This is the official announcement of one of the happiest days of your life, a day that is a unique reflection of your partnership.
Your invitation is the first glimpse your guests will have into that celebration. Let it be filled with the same warmth, personality, and love that will define your wedding day.
