If you’re anything like me, you’ll know what you want it to look like, but the word for word will be the challenging part. How do I know what to say? Does it really matter? I’m here to tell you - YES, it does matter. But I can help. Because somehow this information occupies a large portion of my brain. Right next to Fergie lyrics and Harry Potter spells.
I encourage you to be intentional! If you want to break the traditional template and use words more authentic to your story, I am all for it. Consider telling people why you’re inviting them. Consider the best way for your recipients to get a feeling of who you are. I can take ANY words and turn them into your invitation.
What the words are is up to you. Let’s take a look at what yours should be…
TWO
OPTIONS
Formal, or un-formal…
the choice is yours.
Each section will explain the formal way, followed by an un-formal option.
But please be aware that this is something the other members of your family helping you plan this wedding care about. Kindly go over this with them before you make any final decisions.
the host line
1 // the top line of the invite should list who is hosting (paying for) the wedding. This can be financially or by service in my opinion, but you should check with your family members to be sure everyone feels properly honored and represented.
If you would like to recognize both families, stack both here at the host line. Typically, the bride’s family would be listed first. You can also opt for alphabetical.
If you are paying for your wedding yourself, or you would like to omit family members’ names, you can opt for something more meaningful and un-formal here, or remove entirely.
The word “and” in between two names traditionally implies that those people are married.
If your parents are divorced and you want to include both, please do! I recommend putting each parent on a separate line.
If you’re going to include the name of stepparent, keep it on the same line.
Hosts who are not married should be on separate lines.
Names do not need be listed in order of who paid more.
If you would like to include a deceased family member, I would love to make that work for you. We wouldn’t want to place them up on the host line, as that might feel confusing to say they are doing the inviting, but I would recommend following your names with “daughter of the late Their Name”
-
Mr. and Mrs. Travis Michael Kelce (very formal)
Mr. and Mrs. Travis Kelce (formal)
Mr. and Mrs. Travis and Taylor Kelce (formal, preferred by mothers everywhere ;)
Taylor and Travis Kelce (less formal)
-
Ms. Sophie Turner
Mr. Joe Jonas
-
Mr. and Mrs. Chase Stokes and Mr. and Mrs. Travis Kelce (formal)
Kelsey and Chase Stokes together with Taylor and Travis Kelce (less formal)
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Together with their/our families
Together with our parents
request line
2 // ask them to come! This is a great area to set the tone of your wedding.
It can feel formal, casual or anywhere in-between.
request the honor of your presence
request the honour of your presence (for formal, religious ceremonies)
request the pleasure of your company
cordially invite you to attend
would love for you to join them
would be delighted by your presence
invite you to celebrate with them
invite you to their wedding
joyfully request the pleasure of your company
invite you to celebrate their marriage
invite you to join them
invite you to the celebration of
invite you to share in the festivities
invite you to share in their joy
would love your presence
action line
3 // outline what you’d like your people to join in. Another great spot to infuse your unique vision and purpose for your wedding day.
at the marriage of their daughter (if the bride’s parents are hosting)
at the marriage of their children (if both sets of parents are hosting)
at the celebration of their union
as they tie the knot
as they say “I do!”
in celebration of their marriage
to celebrate their wedding
your names
4 // let’s get into the nitty gritty of how you’d like to list your names. It’s most formal to use alllll yoiur given names, but we don’t have to.
Perhaps this is something you are open to based on design — let me know!
For different-sex couples, the bride’s name typically goes first, followed by the groom’s name. If the bride’s parents’ names are listed at the top, the bride’s name can just be her first and middle name (without last name), while the groom’s name is listed in full, or his first and middle names are listed, followed by the line “Son of Mr. & Mrs. Nick Cannon.”
For same-sex couples, you can list the names in in any order you want. Perhaps alphabetically? If one name has significantly more letters, design wise - it would look better second.
First names only, First and Middle, First and Last, or First Middle Last —— It’s up to you!
date & time
5 // when…
For traditional and formal wording, spell out the date in full like this example:
“Saturday, the fifteenth of October, two thousand twenty-four, at half after two in the afternoon.”Time of day should be spelled out as “four o’clock” or “half after four o’clock.” You could also use “half past four o’clock” or “four-thirty.”
Using numerals is also preferred for more informal weddings and is great for a modern touch. Let’s just be consistent!
location
5 // where…
List the venue name followed by “City, State” on the following line.
You may want to include an address here, but I do not recommend it. It can make it feel busy and cluttered. If needed, let’s add on the details card!
to follow…
5 // and that’s not all…
Reception to follow
Reception immediately following the ceremony
Dinner and dancing to follow
Cake, punch, and merriment to follow (if you’re not serving a full meal)
Join us after the ceremony for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and dancing. (if you’re not serving a full meal)
A dessert reception following the ceremony (if you’re not serving a full meal)
The celebration continues with a reception
Join us to celebrate the newlyweds
An evening of celebrating to follow
A celebration with dinner, drinks, and dancing will follow
Join us for dinner, dancing, and celebrating
Fabulous food, fun, and festivities to follow
Dine, dance, celebrate…
Some dinner, some dancing, and all eternity to follow
Feasting and merriment to follow
Feasting and fun to follow
Dining, dancing, and happily ever after to follow
To share in our happiness, kindly join us for a dinner reception
Dinner and dancing under the stars