Among the many details that require your attention when planning your wedding, wedding invitation wording, while a seemingly small detail, is one of those things that will contribute towards setting the tone for your special day.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll delve into the art of wedding invitation wording tailored specifically to UK weddings. So, whether you envision a formal affair, a casual gathering or a destination celebration, I've got you covered!
Wedding invitation wording - essential information:
Whether you're having a formal or casual wedding, there are a few things you'll need to include. The most important information to include on your wedding invitations is the following:
Your names (whether that's bride and groom, bride and bride, or groom and groom)
The date and time of the ceremony and reception
The location of the ceremony and reception
RSVP details
Wedding invitation wording - overview:
Now you know the essentials, what's all the other fluff you've seen on wedding invitations? Let's break it down:
The host line: The opening line on a wedding invitation typically refers to the hosts of the event. In the UK, the hosts are usually the bride's parents. However, if the couple is paying for the wedding themselves, they would usually be the hosts.
The request line: This is the line that asks the guests to attend the wedding. There are many different ways to word this line, but some popular options include:
"Request the pleasure of your company"
"Cordially invite you to attend"
"Would be delighted by your presence"
The couple's names: Your names should be listed on the invitation, along with titles (if any). For example, if the bride is a doctor, her name would be listed as "Dr Jane Smith."
The date and time: The date and time of the ceremony and reception should be clearly written on the invitation. If you've opted for a destination wedding, it's also a good idea to include the time zone.
The location: The location of the ceremony and reception should also be clearly written on the invitation. If the wedding is taking place in a remote location, you may want to include directions or a map as part of your wedding stationery.
RSVP details: If you're putting the RSVP details on the invitation itself, include details such as the date by which guests should RSVP and how they can do so. You may also want to include a phone number or email address where guests can contact you with any questions. It's also fine to have the RSVP as a separate card if things start getting crowded!
Other information: Other info you might want to include on your wedding invitations are the dress code, the wedding website, or the gift registry if you're not having a separate 'Details' card.
Wedding invitation wording - etiquette:
If you want to make sure your invitations are entirely proper and correct, there are a few etiquette considerations when it comes to how your names appear on a wedding invitation.
The order of the names: As outlined above, the traditional order for the couple's names is the bride's name first, followed by the groom's name. However, some couples choose to flip the order or to list their names side-by-side.
The use of titles: If you have any titles, such as Dr or Mr, those should be included on the invitation.
The use of maiden names: If the bride is keeping her maiden name, her maiden name should be included on the invitation.
Here are some examples of how your names could appear on your wedding invitation:
Mr and Mrs John Smith request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter, Jane, to Mr Peter Jones.
Dr Jane Smith and Mr Peter Jones request the pleasure of your company at their wedding.
Jane Smith and Peter Jones request the pleasure of your company at their wedding.
The decision of how to list your names on the invitation is up to you. It's important to be aware of the traditional etiquette considerations so that you can make an informed decision, but that doesn't mean you need to stick to those rules!
Formal wedding invitation wording -elegant and traditional
If you're having a formal wedding, you'll want to use more traditional wording on your invitations. Here are a few examples:
Mr and Mrs John Smith request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter, Jane, to Mr Peter Jones.
The Honorable and Mrs David Brown invite you to celebrate the marriage of their son, James, to Miss Sarah Smith.
Mr Michael Wilson and Ms Susan Jones request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of their daughter, Elizabeth, to Mr Thomas James.
But what if it's a same-sex wedding? In which case, formal wording could go along the lines of:
Mr and Mrs John Smith and Mr and Mr David Jones request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their children, Jane and Sarah.
Mr and Mrs John Smith and Mr and Mr David Jones, together with their families, request the pleasure of your company at the wedding celebration of their children, Jane Smith and Sarah Jones.
Jane Smith-Jones and Sarah Jones request the pleasure of your company at their wedding.
Here are some additional tips for listing your names on a wedding invitation:
Be consistent with the names used throughout the invitation. If you list a hyphenated last name on the invitation, be sure to use the hyphenated last name on the RSVP card and the wedding website.
Use your preferred names. If you have a preference for how your names are listed, embrace it!
Proofread the names carefully. Before you send out your invitations, be sure to proofread the names for any errors.
Casual wedding invitation wording - warm and informal
If you're having a more casual wedding, you can use more informal wording on your invitations. Here are a few examples:
Jane and Peter would be delighted if you would join them to celebrate their marriage.
We're getting hitched! Please join us for the party of a lifetime.
Come celebrate our love with us on our big day!
These wording examples are the way to go if the pair of you are paying for your own wedding. It means your names can be used as a design feature rather than as part of a formal statement.
Destination wedding invitation wording - bold and adventurous
If you're having a destination wedding, you can of course use either the formal or casual wording outlined above. But it would be a shame not to drive home the point that this thing is happening overseas! With this in mind, here's some great wording you can use:
Pack your bags and join us for a Wedding Adventure! Jane and Peter invite you to celebrate their marriage in paradise!
Jane and Sarah are getting married in tropical Hawaii and would be thrilled to have you there!
Love Takes Flight! John and Peter invite you to witness their love soar!
Don't forget you'll need to include some additional information in your wedding information pack if you're having a destination wedding:
The travel arrangements
Accommodation information
Any relevant information about the destination, such as the need for Visas or vaccinations
Conclusion
No matter what type of wedding you're having, it's important to take the time to choose the right wording for your invitations. Here are some additional tips for writing wedding invitation wording:
Keep it simple: don't try to cram too much information onto your invitations. If you have a tonne of extra information to share, use separate cards where necessary.
Use clear and concise language.
Use proper grammar and spelling: your wedding invitations are a formal document, so it's important to use proper grammar and spelling.
Be consistent with your wording: use the same wording throughout your invitations, from the host line to the RSVP details.
Be creative: if you have a unique wedding theme, incorporate that into your invitation wording.
Have fun! Writing your wedding invitation wording should be an enjoyable experience, so if you want to get beautiful with the wording, just do it!
And if this all sounds like a lot, getting a wedding stationer on your event team could be a great way forward. Drop me a line here if you'd want me on your team!