2. The Request Line: Setting the Tone
This is where you formally invite your guests. The wording here often depends on the formality and nature of your ceremony.
For a Religious Service
request the honor of your presence (This traditional phrase is usually reserved for religious ceremonies.)
For a Non-Religious Ceremony
request the pleasure of your company
For a More Casual Vibe
invite you to celebrate with them
would love for you to join them
join them as they celebrate the union of their two hearts
3. The Action Line: What Are We Celebrating?
This line clarifies the reason for the invitation. Again, the wording will vary based on who is hosting and the formality of your event.
If the Bride’s Parents are Hosting
at the marriage of their daughter
If Both Sets of Parents are Hosting
at the marriage of their children
If the Couple is Hosting
in celebration of their marriage
at the celebration of their union
as they say “I do!”
4. The Couple's Names: Yours to Decide
When it comes to listing your names, there's no strict right or wrong. Do what feels most authentic to you both.
Traditional
The bride's name typically comes first, followed by the groom's.
Same-Sex Couples
You can choose alphabetical order by last name, or simply arrange them in a way that looks best with your invitation design.
Less Formal
For a more relaxed feel, opt for first names only.
5. Date & Time: What To Spell Out
The formality of your invitation often dictates how you write the date and time.
For Formal Invitations
Spell everything out in full. Capitalize the day of the week and month, and keep the year lowercase. Avoid "and" when spelling out the year.
Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-five, at half after four in the afternoon
Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-five, at half past four o’clock
For Less Formal Invitations
You have more flexibility.
Saturday, September 15th, 2025 at five in the evening
Saturday, September 15th, at 4:00 in the afternoon
Saturday, September 15th, at 4:00 p.m.
Time Tips: Afternoon runs from noon until four o'clock, with evening beginning at five o'clock.
6. Location: Where the Magic Happens
List the venue name on one line, followed by the city and state on the next.
The state name is usually spelled out.
Street Address & Zip Code are generally omitted unless the venue is a private residence.
7. The Reception Line: The Party Details
Let your guests know what to expect after the ceremony.
Same Location Reception
Reception to follow
Dinner and dancing to follow
Different Reception Location
You can list the venue on the next line or use a separate "reception card"
Meal or No Meal? Be Clear
Join us after the ceremony for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and dancing
Cake, punch, and merriment to follow
Dining, dancing, and happily ever after to follow
Other Important Considerations
Dress Code
This is optional but can be very helpful for your guests. If your wedding is black-tie, you must include it on the invitation. Otherwise, guests will usually infer the dress code based on the invitation's overall formality. Place this line after the reception location.
Examples: Black-tie, Formal attire, Cocktail attire, Beach-casual
Wedding Website
Typically, your wedding website isn't printed on the main invitation. Instead, include it on a reception card or an additional information card.
By thoughtfully crafting each line, your wedding invitation will be a beautiful introduction to your joyous celebration. Are you going formal or fun with your wedding invitation wording? Leave a comment below!
