Wedding Words- Invitation Wording Made Simple

Elegant wedding invites, envelopes, photo, and flowers in a flat lay arrangement. Diverse colors and shapes create visual interest. Cover for 'Wedding Words: Invitation Wording Made Simple' blog post.
Elegant wedding invites, envelopes, photo, and flowers in a flat lay arrangement. Diverse colors and shapes create visual interest. Cover for 'Wedding Words: Invitation Wording Made Simple' blog post.

While most couples tend to focus on the big features like the wedding dress, location, and catering, invitations are also an important highlight. Your invitation is your signature piece of bridal stationery, the first look at your wedding style. Since first impressions matter, this is why you should take some time to consider your wedding invitation style and wording carefully so guests know what to expect.

Wedding invitations can be broken down into five sections: the host names, the greeting, the couple’s names, the important details, and the reception. To avoid confusing your guests, it’s best to keep your invitation as concise as possible so the recipients don’t have a hard time hunting for the date or location.

Create a stunning wedding invitation

Browse hundreds of gorgeous designs for every style wedding!

Exquisite wedding invitation with golden frame, meticulously arranged floral bouquets. Elegant green text complements for a touch of sophistication.
Exquisite wedding invitation featuring a golden frame adorned with meticulously arranged bouquets of flowers. The elegant green text complements the intricate design, exuding a touch of sophistication.

Create a stunning wedding invitation

Browse hundreds of gorgeous designs for every style wedding!

The invitation style is also important because it paints an image of what your wedding day will be like. From the wording to the venue to the dress code, a formal wedding invitation will look a lot different from one that begins with a love for all things rustic or a dream that is definitely destination. Coordinate the level of formality of your ceremony with the invitation design for the most harmonious result. Remember to consider how much open space is needed for the text you have in mind.

While it’s understandable to feel stressed out planning one of the most special days of your life, the good news is that creating a breathtaking invitation is a lot simpler than you think. Keep reading this guide to learn more about wedding invitation must-haves and some sample wording ideas.

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Gardens of Delphi wedding invitation featuring a minimalist design with two olive branches. Crisp white background, elegant black text. Positioned beside a color swatches banner and a graceful olive branch.
Gardens of Delphi – Wedding Invitation

Host Names, Greeting, and Couple’s Names + Sample Wording

Opening with the names of the parents (or hosts), is a format your grandmother would likely recognize, but the warm inclusion of family and the underlying acknowledgement of their foundational role in your life are timeless. A bit of a modern twist places the names of the bride’s family members above her name and the groom’s directly after his. For sample suggestions of just how to say, “Come to our wedding,” we’ve compiled a list of over 50 sample phrases that extend your invitation.

The question of how to list the names of non-traditional parent combinations may seem thorny at first, but it’s less prickly than one might think. Order the names as you normally would, but keep the names separated, as in “Mr. Dad of the Bride and Mrs. Mom of the Bride invite you…” or “Mrs. Mom of the Groom and Mr. Mom’s Husband and Mr. Dad of the Groom and Mr. Dad’s Wife invite you…” 

Marble-themed wedding invitation with gold accents, set on a white and gold-lined envelope, adorned by a nearby golden ribbon.
Marble – Wedding Invitation

In the case of a deceased parent, it is appropriate to say “Mrs. Mom of the Groom and the late Mr. Dad of the Groom” or vice versa.

If you love the idea of including the names of your support system, but it would fill the page, consider the template for “together with their families.” It embraces and honors all the love surrounding you in a similar way but expresses that sentiment in one short phrase.

The overwhelmingly accepted etiquette is to list the Bride’s name first on all wedding stationery. But wedding rules have relaxed and your Great Aunt Mary may be the only one bothered if you break this protocol. Still, “ladies first” and all that.

Invitations given in the names of the parents of the Bride and Groom:

  • (Bride’s parents) and (Groom’s parents) invite you to celebrate the marriage of (Bride & Groom)
  • (Bride’s parents) and (Groom’s parents) invite you to celebrate with us the marriage of our children (Bride & Groom) 
  • (Bride’s parents) and (Groom’s parents) invite you to the Marriage of their Children (Bride & Groom)
  • (Bride’s parents) and (Groom’s parents) request the honor of your presence at the wedding ceremony uniting their children (Bride & Groom)
  • (Bride’s parents) request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter (Bride) to (Groom) son of (Groom’s parents)
  • (Bride’s parents) would be delighted if you could join them in celebrating the wedding of (Bride and Groom

Invitations given in the names of the Bride and Groom and their families together:

  • The (Bride’s last name) and (Groom’s last name) families invite you to celebrate the marriage of (Bride & Groom)
  • Together with our families / (Bride & Groom) request the pleasure of your company at the celebration of their marriage
  • Together with our families, we request the honor or your presence as we unite our lives in marriage
  • Together with their families (Bride & Groom) invite you to celebrate their marriage
  • Together with their families (Bride & Groom) invite you to their wedding
Cherry blossom wedding invite: Elegant gold geometric border, adorned with blossoms. Black text. Rests on a light pink surface, surrounded by real cherry blossoms.
Floral Sakura – Wedding Invitation

  • Together with their families (Bride & Groom) request your presence at their wedding ceremony on (date)
  • Together with their families (Bride & Groom) request your presence at the celebration of their marriage
  • Together with their families / You are cordially invited to the wedding of (Bride & Groom)  
  • Together with their loving families (Bride & Groom) invite you to celebrate their marriage
  • Together with their parents (Bride’s parents, Groom’s parents) / (Bride & Groom) request the honor of your presence at their marriage
  • With our families (Bride & Groom) invite you to celebrate their marriage
Geometric & Flowers Wedding Invite: Gold border with stunning flower illustrations. Elegant black text. Rests on light green surface with a verdant branch on top.
Geometric & Flowers – Wedding Invitation

Invitations given in the names of the Bride and Groom only:

  • (Bride & Groom) are tying the knot
  • (Bride & Groom) cordially invite you to their wedding
  • (Bride & Groom) cordially invite you to their wedding celebration
  • (Bride & Groom) invite you to celebrate their marriage
  • (Bride & Groom) invite you to their wedding ceremony
  • (Bride & Groom) request your presence at the ceremony and celebration of their marriage
  • (Bride & Groom) / We request your presence as we begin our lives as one.

Invitations preceding the names of the Bride and Groom:

  • Add to the joy of our wedding day! Celebrate the marriage of (Bride & Groom)  
  • Celebrate our marriage with us!
  • Celebrate the love of (Bride & Groom)  
  • Join us as we celebrate the beautiful marriage of (Bride & Groom)  
  • Join us for the wedding of (Bride & Groom)  
  • Kindly join us for the wedding
  • Please add the blessing of your presence as (Bride & Groom) are united in Holy Matrimony
  • Please honor us with your presence as (Bride & Groom) exchange marriage vows
  • Please join us as we celebrate the Holy Union of (Bride & Groom)  
  • Please join us at our wedding ceremony
  • Please join us for the wedding of (Bride & Groom)  
  • Please join us in celebration of the Holy Union of (Bride & Groom)  
  • Please share our special day as witnesses to our wedding
Peach Flowers Wedding Invite: Delicate peach blooms adorn corners, complemented by deep green text. Resting on a light grey surface, crowned by a pink blossom.
Peach Flowers – Wedding Invitation
  • The honor of your presence is requested at the marriage of (Bride & Groom)  
  • We joyfully request the honor of your presence as we are wed
  • We request the honor of your presence as two are joined to become one in marriage
  • We would love to have you at our wedding
  • You are cordially invited to attend the wedding ceremony of (Bride & Groom)  
Botanical & White Flowers Wedding Invite: Illustrated flowers grace corners, with dark green text. Rests on light grey surface, accented by two small leaves.
Botanical & White Flowers – Wedding Invitation

  • You are cordially invited to the wedding of (Bride & Groom)  
  • You are invited to a wedding on (date)
  • You are invited to celebrate the wedding of (Bride & Groom)  
  • You are invited to join the celebration as (Bride & Groom) are joined in marriage
  • You are invited to the Wedding joining the lives of (Bride & Groom)  
  • You are invited to the wedding of (Bride & Groom)  
  • You are warmly invited to attend the wedding ceremony of (Bride & Groom)  
  • You are warmly invited to the marriage celebration of (Bride & Groom)  
  • You’re invited to our wedding. (Bride & Groom) will be united in marriage on (date)
  • You’re kindly invited to join us for the wedding of (Bride & Groom)

Create a stunning wedding invitation

Browse hundreds of gorgeous designs for every style wedding!

Exquisite wedding invitation with golden frame, meticulously arranged floral bouquets. Elegant green text complements for a touch of sophistication.
Exquisite wedding invitation with golden frame, meticulously arranged floral bouquets. Elegant green text complements for a touch of sophistication.

Create a stunning wedding invitation

Browse hundreds of gorgeous designs for every style wedding!

Non-traditional Invitations:

  • In a dizzying development, (Bride & Groom) are tying the knot! See it for yourself!
    Date/Time/Location
    Come for the vows, stay for the party!
  • It is our great joy to invite you to our garden wedding!
  • Our sweet romance becomes our wedding dance
  • You are cordially invited to a Wedding Fiesta

Invitations that place the Groom’s name and family first:

  • (Groom Parents/Hosts) cordially invite you to grace the wedding of their son (Groom) and (Bride), daughter of (Bride Parents/Hosts)

The Important Details + Sample Wording

Figuring out how you’d like to phrase the host names, greeting, and couple’s names is arguably the hardest part of writing a wedding invitation. Once you have those components ready, all you have to do is share any other important information that will help your guests be prepared. The most important details are the date, time, and location so your guests can show up.

Other information that’s worth including is RSVP deadlines, a dress code, plus-one options, a link to your gift registry or wedding website, and whether or not you’d like children to be present. Some couples also like to request that guests refrain from taking photos during the ceremony so they don’t get in the way of the professional photographers. Take some time to discuss these matters with your partner and then try to include a brief summary on the invitation.

Modern Fluid Wedding Invite: Sea wave illustration, centered black text. Rests on white surface beside a cream envelope and an old photograph.
Modern Fluid – Wedding Invitation

Sample Wording:

  • June 1st, 2021
    At 5 pm
    Happily Ever After Chapel
    56 Meadow Drive, Portsmouth
    Please dress in smart casual clothing
  • SATURDAY, AUGUST TWENTY-SIXTH 
    TWO THOUSAND TWENTY
    AT HALF PAST SIX IN THE EVENING
    HAVE AND TO HOLD WEDDING CHAPEL
    241 NORTH 34TH STREET, HANOVER
    ADULTS ONLY

Tropical Leaves Wedding Invite: Geometric golden border, tropical leaves surround. Centered black text for an elegant touch.
Tropical leaves – Wedding Invitation
  • Sunday 04/30/2021
    At 7 in the evening
    Watch the sunset at Ormond Beach
    Meet reception at Chateau Mar Beach Resort
    507 S Atlantic Avenue
    Kindly RSVP by mail or phone
    No later than 04/01/2021
  • SEP | 6 | 2020
    7 O’CLOCK IN THE EVENING
    MAJESTIC BALLROOM
    1152 DARK STAR LANE
    SAN DIEGO, CA
    THE BRIDE AND GROOM
    KINDLY REQUEST THAT GUESTS
    REFRAIN FROM TAKING PHOTOS
    DURING THE CEREMONY
Painterly Tropical Wedding Invite: Floral and greenery border, centered black text for an artistic touch
Painterly Tropical – Wedding Invitation
  • 30th | May | 2020
    Church of Faith
    3112 West River Road
    Milwaukee, Wisconsin
    6 pm
    Visit our wedding registry
    BrideAndGroomGetMarried.com
  • 08.16.20
    AT SIX O’CLOCK IN THE EVENING
    MAGNOLIA WEDDING CHAPEL
    MIAMI, FLORIDA
    Guests may bring a plus-one

The Reception + Sample Wording

Many receptions take place at a different location that can accommodate a big celebration. This is where everyone can eat, toast to the happy couple, bring gifts, dance, and have a blast. Creating a separate section on your wedding invitation with the reception address will help prevent your guests from confusing the ceremony and reception addresses. Remember: white spaces and bold fonts are your friends when it comes to highlighting these important details.

Marine Nautical Wedding Invite: Seashells and marine plants border, elegant centered text. Rests on light cream background with envelope and beach photograph.
Marine Nautical – Wedding Invitation

Sample Wording:

  • Toast to our happily ever after
  • At Party Fun Studio
    577 N Woodland Blvd
  • Reception to follow
  • Join us for our first dance
Climbing Roses Wedding Invite: Black background with rose illustration, white text. Rests on light grey surface with a vibrant yellow flower atop
Climbing roses – Wedding Invitation
  • Dinner and dancing to follow
  • Open bar and dance contest afterwards
  • Celebrate our union with good food and company
  • Kick off your shoes for a beach luau reception
  • Cake and champagne to follow
Hydrangea Wedding Invite: Elegant black background, floral illustration, white text. Rests on a light grey surface with a vintage stamp nearby.
Hydrangea – Wedding Invitation
  • Join us for a celebration following the wedding ceremony
    At 61 Meyer Street
  • With cocktails and hors d’ouevres to celebrate

Bonus: Add a romantic quote to your invitation.

Invitation Wording Made Simple: Pinterest Banner with Cover Image and Title