The words on your invitation set the tone before guests see a single flower. A formal invitation says black tie and string quartet. A relaxed one says garden party and lawn games. Here is how to find wording that fits your day, with examples you can adapt.
The basic structure
Almost every wedding invitation follows the same order:
- Who is hosting (you, your parents or both families)
- The request line, inviting guests to attend
- Your names
- The date and time
- The ceremony location and city
- Reception details, if the reception follows at the same place
Keep everything else, like dress code and hotel details, for a separate details card. It keeps the invitation clean and easy to read.
Formal wording
Formal invitations write everything out in full, including the date and time.
Together with their families, Olivia Grace Bennett and James Henry Carter request the honor of your presence at their marriage. Saturday, the sixteenth of May, two thousand twenty-seven, at four o’clock in the afternoon.
Traditionally, “honor of your presence” is used for a religious ceremony, and “pleasure of your company” for a ceremony held somewhere else. Many couples now choose whichever they prefer.
Modern wording
Modern invitations are a little shorter and use numerals.
Olivia Bennett and James Carter invite you to celebrate their wedding. Saturday, May 16, 2027, at 4 p.m. Dinner and dancing to follow.
This style pairs beautifully with clean, minimal designs like our Minimal Black & White Arch invitation.
Relaxed wording
For a backyard wedding or casual celebration, let your personality show.
Olivia and James are getting married! Join us for good food, great company and a little dancing under the stars.
When parents are hosting
If one or both sets of parents are hosting, their names go first.
Mr. and Mrs. David Bennett request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter, Olivia Grace, to James Henry Carter.
When both families are hosting, “together with their families” is a graceful way to include everyone without listing every name.
Small details that matter
- Times. Write “four o’clock in the afternoon” for formal invitations, or “4 p.m.” for modern ones. Avoid “4:00.”
- Years. Formal invitations spell out the year. Modern ones can use numerals or leave it off.
- Reception lines. “Reception to follow” works when it is in the same place. If it is somewhere else, put the details on a separate card.
- Children. Don’t write “adults only” on the invitation. Instead, address envelopes only to the adults invited, and mention it on your website.
Before you print
Read your wording out loud. If it sounds stiff, loosen it. If it sounds too casual for your venue, add a little formality. Then have someone else proofread every name, date and spelling.
All of our invitations can be edited on Zazzle, so you can use any of these examples or write your own. Our Elegant Blush Floral Monogram suite works well with formal wording, while a modern design suits shorter, simpler lines.
