TL;DR: A wedding invitation says seven things in a fixed order: who is hosting, the request, the couple, the date, the time, the place and what happens next. Pick the tone that matches your day, then copy one of the 50 wording examples below and swap in your details.
Below you will find formal, traditional, modern, casual, fun and unique wedding invitation wording, plus short invitation text for messages, reception-only wording, the etiquette rules behind formal invitations and 20 opening lines you can borrow. Every example is laid out line by line, exactly as it would appear on the card or screen.
How to word a wedding invitation: the 7 lines in order
Whether your invitation is printed or digital, guests read it from top to bottom and expect the details in the same order. If you follow this order, nobody has to hunt for the date or wonder who is getting married.
| Line | What it says | Formal example | Casual example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Host line | Who is hosting (parents, both families or the couple) | Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith | Together with their families |
| 2. Request line | The invitation itself | request the honour of your presence | invite you to celebrate with them |
| 3. Couple | Both full names | at the marriage of their daughter Jessica Lynn to Michael Thomas Brown | Jess & Mike |
| 4. Date | Day and date (year optional on formal cards) | Saturday, the fifth of June | Saturday, June 5 |
| 5. Time | Start time of the ceremony | at half after four o'clock | at 4:30 pm |
| 6. Place | Venue name, city and state | Saint Mary's Church, Charleston, South Carolina | The Old Barn, Asheville |
| 7. What follows | Reception line or RSVP line | Reception to follow | Dinner, drinks and dancing to follow |
Everything else, such as the dress code, hotel blocks, registry and directions, belongs on a details card or on a separate section of a digital invite, not in the main wording. Before you write anything, check our wedding invitation timeline so your wording and your send date match.
Formal and traditional wedding invitation wording (Examples 1–12)
Traditional wedding invitation wording names the hosts first, spells out the date and time, and uses the classic request lines. Use it for a religious ceremony, an evening reception or any black-tie event.
When the bride's parents are hosting
Example 1 – Religious ceremony
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Jessica Lynn
to
Michael Thomas Brown
Saturday, the fifth of June
two thousand twenty-seven
at half after four o'clock
Saint Mary's Church
Charleston, South Carolina
Example 2 – Secular venue
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of their daughter
Jessica Lynn
to
Michael Thomas Brown
Saturday, the fifth of June
at six o'clock in the evening
The Harbour Club
Charleston, South Carolina
Dinner and dancing to follow
Example 3 – Bride's mother hosting
Mrs. Linda Smith
requests the honour of your presence
at the marriage of her daughter
Jessica Lynn
to
Michael Thomas Brown
Saturday, the fifth of June
at four o'clock
Saint Mary's Church
Charleston, South Carolina
When the groom's parents are hosting
Example 4
Mr. and Mrs. David Brown
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of
Jessica Lynn Smith
to their son
Michael Thomas Brown
Saturday, the fifth of June
at five o'clock
Lakeside Gardens
Madison, Wisconsin
When both families are hosting
Example 5
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith
and
Mr. and Mrs. David Brown
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their children
Jessica Lynn Smith
and
Michael Thomas Brown
Saturday, the fifth of June
at half after four o'clock
Saint Mary's Church
Charleston, South Carolina
Example 6
Together with their parents
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith
and Mr. and Mrs. David Brown
Jessica Lynn Smith
and
Michael Thomas Brown
request the pleasure of your company
at their marriage
Saturday, the fifth of June
at six o'clock
The Grand Ballroom
Chicago, Illinois
When the couple is hosting (formal)
Example 7
The honour of your presence is requested
at the marriage of
Jessica Lynn Smith
and
Michael Thomas Brown
Saturday, the fifth of June
at four o'clock
Saint Mary's Church
Charleston, South Carolina
Example 8
Jessica Lynn Smith
and
Michael Thomas Brown
request the pleasure of your company
at their marriage
Saturday, the fifth of June
at six o'clock in the evening
Hotel du Lac
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Black tie
Divorced parents, remarried parents and a parent who has passed
When parents are divorced, each parent's name goes on its own line, and a remarried parent can be listed with their spouse.
Example 9 – Divorced parents hosting together
Mrs. Linda Smith
and
Mr. Robert Smith
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Jessica Lynn
to
Michael Thomas Brown
Saturday, the fifth of June
at four o'clock
Saint Mary's Church
Charleston, South Carolina
Example 10 – Remarried parent hosting
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Carter
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of Mrs. Carter's daughter
Jessica Lynn Smith
to
Michael Thomas Brown
Saturday, the fifth of June
at five o'clock
The Rose Garden
Portland, Oregon
Example 11 – Remembering a parent
Jessica Lynn Smith
daughter of Linda Smith and the late Robert Smith
and
Michael Thomas Brown
son of Mr. and Mrs. David Brown
invite you to celebrate their marriage
Saturday, the fifth of June
at four o'clock
Saint Mary's Church
Charleston, South Carolina
Example 12 – Religious wording with a blessing line
With joyful hearts and the blessing of God
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith
request the honour of your presence
at the Holy Matrimony of their daughter
Jessica Lynn
and
Michael Thomas Brown
Saturday, the fifth of June
at two o'clock in the afternoon
First Baptist Church
Dallas, Texas
If your family is blended or the hosting lines feel complicated, our guide to modern wedding etiquette for blended families covers every combination.
Wedding invitation etiquette: the formal rules
Formal wedding invitation wording follows a few rules that guests (and grandparents) notice. The Emily Post Institute remains the reference for classic etiquette; here is the short version.
| Rule | Formal wording | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ceremony in a house of worship | "request the honour of your presence" | Traditionally reserved for religious ceremonies. |
| Ceremony anywhere else | "request the pleasure of your company" | The standard line for secular venues and receptions. |
| Dates | "Saturday, the fifth of June" | Formal invitations spell out the day and date; the year is optional. |
| Times | "at half after four o'clock" | Spelled out, no "pm"; add "in the evening" only if it could be unclear. |
| Names | Full names, including middle names | Nicknames belong on casual invitations. |
| Spelling | "honour" and "favour" | The British spelling is traditional on formal cards; either is correct. |
| Reception | "Reception to follow" | Use when the reception is at the same venue; otherwise add a reception card. |
| Gifts and registry | Never on the invitation | Share them on a details card or your invite's separate section. |
| Who is invited | Shown by the names on the envelope or digital invite | Do not write "no kids" or "no plus-ones" on the main card. |
For guest-list wording, see our posts on plus-one wording and adults-only wedding wording. For attire, our dress code wording guide explains what each term means to guests.
Modern wedding invitation wording (Examples 13–22)
Modern wording keeps the clear structure of a formal invitation but drops the third-person host line. It works for most weddings today, especially when the couple is hosting or the whole family is contributing.
Example 13
Together with their families
Amanda Rose Lee
and
Daniel James Ortiz
invite you to celebrate their marriage
Saturday, September 18, 2027
at 4:00 pm
Willow Creek Vineyard
Napa, California
Example 14
Amanda and Daniel
are getting married
and would love for you to be there
September 18, 2027 · 4 pm
Willow Creek Vineyard, Napa
Example 15
Please join us
for the wedding of
Amanda Lee & Daniel Ortiz
Saturday, the eighteenth of September
at four in the afternoon
Willow Creek Vineyard
Napa, California
Dinner and dancing to follow
Example 16
With full hearts
Amanda and Daniel
invite you to witness the beginning of their forever
Saturday, September 18, 2027
Ceremony at 4 pm, reception to follow
Willow Creek Vineyard, Napa
Example 17
Amanda Lee and Daniel Ortiz
invite you to join them
as they exchange vows
Saturday, September 18
4:00 in the afternoon
The Glass House
Austin, Texas
Example 18
We're saying "I do"
and we want you there.
Amanda & Daniel
09.18.2027
The Glass House, Austin
Ceremony 4 pm · Celebration until late
Example 19
Because you have shared in our lives
with your friendship and love
we
Amanda Lee and Daniel Ortiz
invite you to share the beginning of our new life together
Saturday, September 18, 2027
at four o'clock
Willow Creek Vineyard, Napa
Example 20
Two families, one celebration.
The Lee and Ortiz families
invite you to the wedding of
Amanda and Daniel
Saturday, September 18, 2027 · 4 pm
Willow Creek Vineyard, Napa
Example 21
Amanda & Daniel
Saturday, September 18, 2027
Ceremony 4 pm · Dinner 6 pm · Dancing 8 pm
Willow Creek Vineyard
Napa, California
Kindly reply by August 15
Example 22 – Minimal
Amanda Lee
&
Daniel Ortiz
are getting married
18 September 2027
Napa, California
Casual and fun wedding invitation wording (Examples 23–32)
Casual and fun wording suits backyard weddings, brunch receptions and couples who want guests smiling before they arrive. Keep the joke short and the details clear: the date, time and place still need their own lines.
Example 23
We're tying the knot!
Join Chris & Sam
for vows, tacos and a lot of dancing
Saturday, July 10 · 3 pm
The Miller Backyard
1420 Oak Street, Boise
Example 24
Eat, drink and be married.
Mia & David
Saturday, July 10, 2027
5 pm until the music stops
Red Barn Farm, Lancaster
Example 25
Good food, bad dancing, great people.
Alex and Jordan are finally saying "I do"
Saturday, July 10 · 4 pm
Riverside Park Pavilion, Denver
Example 26
After eight years, one dog and two apartments,
we're making it official.
Emma & Liam
Saturday, July 10, 2027 · 4 pm
The Boathouse, Minneapolis
Example 27
Free food. Open bar. Oh, and a wedding.
Kate & Ben
Saturday, July 10 · 6 pm
The Warehouse, Detroit
Example 28
Grab your dancing shoes!
Nina and Omar are getting married
and the party starts right after the vows
Saturday, July 10 · 5 pm
Sunset Terrace, San Diego
Example 29
Come as you are, stay for the cake.
Lucy & Tom
Backyard wedding
Saturday, July 10 · 2 pm
Grandma Rose's garden, Savannah
Example 30 – Brunch wedding
Mimosas, waffles and wedding vows.
Join Priya & Sam
Sunday, July 11 · 11 am
The Garden Café, Seattle
Example 31
Ready, set, wed!
Hannah and Josh invite you
to a laid-back celebration of love
Saturday, July 10 · 4 pm
Lakeview Lodge, Lake Tahoe
Example 32
She said yes, he said "obviously."
Now we want you to say "I'll be there."
Olivia & Jack
Saturday, July 10 · 5 pm
Hilltop Winery, Paso Robles
Unique wedding invitation wording (Examples 33–40)
Browse invitation layouts that fit your plan.
Compare layouts for schedules, travel details, guest guidance, and RSVP information before choosing one for your invitation.
Unique wording tells a little of your story or borrows a line that means something to you. Use one personal sentence at the top, then keep the rest of the invitation structured.
Example 33 – Story-led
It started with a wrong number
and ends with a right answer.
Sofia & Mateo
invite you to their wedding
Saturday, October 2, 2027 · 4 pm
Casa Verde, Santa Fe
Example 34 – Travel
Pack your bags!
Grace & Leo are getting married in Tuscany
Saturday, October 2, 2027
Villa San Michele, Florence
Travel details at the link below
Example 35 – Quote-led
"Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same."
Ella & Noah
request the pleasure of your company
at their wedding
Saturday, October 2 · 5 pm
The Library Hall, Boston
Example 36 – Book theme
Chapter one: we met.
Chapter two: we fell in love.
Chapter three: you're invited.
Ruby & Henry
Saturday, October 2, 2027 · 4 pm
Old Mill Library, Burlington
Example 37 – Seasonal
As the leaves turn gold
Clara and Ethan
will begin their forever
Saturday, October 2, 2027 · 3 pm
Maple Ridge Farm, Woodstock
Example 38 – Love-letter
To the people who made us who we are:
we're getting married, and it wouldn't be the same without you.
Ava & Sam
Saturday, October 2 · 4 pm
Seaside Chapel, Newport
Example 39 – Cultural blend
Two cultures, two families, one love.
The Patel and Murphy families
invite you to the wedding of
Anika and Ryan
Saturday, October 2, 2027
Ceremony 11 am · Reception 6 pm
Riverside Estate, Edison, New Jersey
Example 40 – Countdown
3 years together. 2 families. 1 big day.
Maya & Chris
Saturday, October 2, 2027 · 5 pm
Skyline Rooftop, Nashville
If your invitation is in two languages, our guide to bilingual wedding invitations shows how to lay out both versions without crowding the card.
Short wedding invitation text for messages and digital invites (Examples 41–45)
Short wedding invitation text works on a phone screen, in a WhatsApp or text message, or as the first screen of a digital invitation, with a link to the full details.
Example 41
We're getting married! Emma & Liam, Saturday, June 5, 4 pm, Willow Creek Vineyard. Details and RSVP: [link]
Example 42
You're invited to the wedding of Mia & David on Saturday, June 5 at 5 pm. We'd love you to join us. Please RSVP by May 1: [link]
Example 43
Save your Saturday! Chris & Sam are tying the knot on June 5 in Austin. Everything you need is here: [link]
Example 44
Together with their families, Anna and Ben invite you to their wedding on Saturday, June 5, 2027 at 3 pm, The Rose Garden, Portland. Kindly reply by May 1: [link]
Example 45
Jess & Mike · June 5 · Charleston. Ceremony 4:30 pm, reception to follow. Tap for directions and RSVP: [link]
Need a faster RSVP flow?
Use AreOne to collect guest replies, meal choices, and reminders in one clean workflow.
For message formats and etiquette, see our guide to WhatsApp wedding invitations, and for everything a digital invite should include, read what to write in digital wedding invitations.
Reception, evening and small-wedding invitation wording (Examples 46–50)
Not every guest is invited to every part of the day. These examples cover reception-only invitations, evening guests and small or private ceremonies.
Example 46 – Reception only
Please join us
for dinner and dancing
to celebrate the marriage of
Jessica Smith and Michael Brown
Saturday, the fifth of June
at seven o'clock
The Harbour Club
Charleston, South Carolina
Example 47 – Formal reception card
Reception
immediately following the ceremony
The Harbour Club
Twenty Bay Street
Charleston, South Carolina
Example 48 – Evening guests
Emma and Liam
would love you to join them
for their evening celebration
Saturday, June 5 from 8 pm
The Old Barn, Asheville
Drinks, dancing and late-night pizza
Example 49 – Private ceremony, larger reception
Following a private ceremony
Amanda and Daniel
invite you to celebrate their marriage
Saturday, September 18, 2027
at six o'clock in the evening
Willow Creek Vineyard, Napa
Example 50 – Small wedding
We're keeping it small
and you're one of the people we can't imagine it without.
Lucy & Tom
Saturday, June 5 · 2 pm
Lucy's parents' home, Savannah
Planning an intimate celebration? Our micro wedding invitation wording examples include more small-wedding versions. If you eloped and are inviting people to a party afterwards, see our elopement announcement wording.
Wedding invitation phrases and opening lines
Sometimes you only need the right first line. Mix and match these phrases with the structure above.
Opening lines
- Together with their families…
- With joy in their hearts…
- Please join us as we begin our forever…
- You are cordially invited to the wedding of…
- The pleasure of your company is requested at…
- Love brought us together, and we'd love you to be there…
- We're getting married, and we want you there…
- Join us for the best day of our lives…
- Two hearts, one lifetime…
- Because you have shared in our lives…
Request and celebration lines
- request the honour of your presence at their marriage
- invite you to share in their joy
- invite you to witness their vows
- would be delighted by your presence
- invite you to celebrate the beginning of their new life together
Reception and RSVP lines
- Reception to follow
- Dinner, drinks and dancing to follow
- Adult reception to follow
- The favour of a reply is requested by the first of May
- Kindly reply by May 1
For reply wording on its own card or online, see our guide to online wedding RSVPs and these RSVP reminder messages.
Wedding invitation quotes
A short quote at the top of the invitation adds feeling without crowding the details. Choose one that sounds like the two of you, keep it to one or two lines and put it above the host line.
- "Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same." – Emily Brontë
- "I love you and that is the beginning and end of everything." – F. Scott Fitzgerald
- "You are my today and all of my tomorrows." – Leo Christopher
- "Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction." – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
- "A hundred hearts would be too few to carry all my love for you." – Unknown
Common mistakes + better alternatives
Most invitation mistakes are small, but each one creates guest questions. Check your wording against this list before you send it.
| Common mistake | Why it fails | Better alternative |
|---|---|---|
| "No kids allowed" | Sounds harsh to parents. | "We respectfully request an adult-only celebration." |
| "Bring whoever you want" | Breaks your budget and seating chart. | "We have reserved two seats in your honour." |
| "Gifts expected" or registry on the card | Poor etiquette on the main invitation. | Put gift details on a details card or a separate section of your invite. |
| "Dress nice" | Leaves guests guessing. | "Black tie optional" or "Cocktail attire." |
| "4:30" with no am/pm on a casual card | Guests misread the time. | "4:30 pm" (casual) or "half after four o'clock" (formal). |
| Mixing tones | A formal host line with a joke underneath reads oddly. | Choose one tone and keep it across every card or screen. |
| No reply date | Late replies and follow-up calls. | "Kindly reply by May 1." |
How to add your wording to a digital invite
On a digital invitation, the main wording goes on the first screen in the same seven-line order: host, request, couple, date, time, place and what follows. Everything else gets its own section, so the first screen stays clean and easy to read for older guests.
- First screen: your chosen wording example, with the date, time and venue.
- Schedule section: ceremony, dinner and party times.
- Details: dress code, hotel block wording, directions and gift information.
- RSVP button: placed directly under the wording, so guests can reply in one tap.
Pick a design from our wedding invitation templates, paste in your wording and collect replies with online RSVP, all in one link.
Write your wording today
Choose the tone that matches your day, copy the closest example, then check it against the seven lines and the etiquette table. Clear wording means fewer guest questions and more replies on time.
Ready to bring your words to life?
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to common questions about this article.
No approved comments yet.