Wedding Invitation Wording: Complete Guide with Examples & Templates

The Essential Elements

Every wedding invitation needs these core pieces of information, regardless of style:

• Host line - Who's hosting/inviting (parents, couple, etc.)
• Couple's names - Full names of both people getting married
• Date and time - Day of week, date, and time
• Location - Venue name and full address
• RSVP information - How and when to respond
• Dress code - Optional but helpful

Formal Wedding Invitation Wording

Traditional formal invitations follow strict etiquette rules. Use third person, full names (no nicknames), and formal titles.

Formal Invitation Rules

• Use "honour" (British spelling) instead of "honor"
• Spell out all numbers: "fifteenth" not "15th", "four o'clock" not "4:00"
• No abbreviations except "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Dr."
• Use "request the honour of your presence" for ceremonies in places of worship
• Use "request the pleasure of your company" for secular ceremonies
• Year is written out: "two thousand twenty-five"

Modern Formal Wording

A slightly relaxed version that maintains elegance but feels more contemporary.

Casual & Contemporary Wording

Perfect for backyard weddings, beach ceremonies, or couples who want a relaxed vibe.

Special Situations

Divorced Parents

Deceased Parent

Same-Sex Couple

Couple Hosting Themselves

Elopement Announcement

Date & Time Formatting

Formal Format

"Saturday, the fifteenth of June, two thousand twenty-five, at four o'clock in the afternoon"

Modern Formal Format

"Saturday, June 15, 2025, at 4:00 PM" or "Saturday, June 15, 2025, at four o'clock in the afternoon"

Casual Format

"Saturday, June 15, 2025, 4:00 PM" or "June 15, 2025 at 4 PM"

RSVP Wording

Formal RSVP

"Kindly reply by [date]" or "The favour of a reply is requested by [date]"

Modern RSVP

"Please RSVP by [date]" or "Kindly respond by [date]"

Casual RSVP

"RSVP by [date]" or "Let us know by [date]"

Dress Code Wording

Include dress code on the bottom of your invitation or on a separate details card. Here are common options:

• Black Tie: "Black tie requested" or "Black tie optional"
• Formal: "Formal attire" or "Cocktail attire"
• Semi-Formal: "Semi-formal attire" or "Dressy casual"
• Casual: "Casual attire" or "Come as you are"
• Beach: "Beach formal" or "Beach casual"
• Theme: "1920s attire encouraged" or "Garden party attire"

Additional Information Cards

Use separate cards for details that don't fit on the main invitation:

Reception Card

Directions Card

Accommodations Card

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Inconsistent tone: Don't mix formal and casual language
• Missing information: Double-check date, time, and address
• Typos: Have multiple people proofread
• Unclear RSVP: Specify method (email, phone, website) and deadline
• Wrong names: Use full legal names on formal invitations
• Abbreviations: Avoid them on formal invitations (except titles)
• No response deadline: Always include an RSVP date

Final Tips

Your wedding invitation wording should reflect your personalities and the tone of your celebration. Whether you choose formal, modern, or casual, consistency is key. When in doubt, err on the side of clarity—guests need to know when and where to show up!

Remember: there's no "wrong" way to word your invitations if they're clear, accurate, and true to you as a couple. The most important thing is that your guests understand the essential information.