Wedding Invitation Wording – Templates and Etiquette Guide

Your wedding invitation sets the first impression. The wording tells guests the formality, style, and essential details of your celebration.

Essential Information

Every wedding invitation must include:

1. Host line – Who is inviting (parents, couple, both)
2. Request line – "request the pleasure of your company" or similar
3. Names – Full names of the couple
4. Date and time – Day, date, and start time
5. Venue – Name and address
6. RSVP information – Deadline and method

Formal Wording Templates

Traditional (Parents Hosting)

Mr. and Mrs. James Smith
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Emily Rose Smith
to
Michael David Johnson
son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Johnson

Saturday, the fifteenth of August
two thousand twenty-six
at four o'clock in the afternoon

St. Mary's Church
123 Main Street, Anytown

Reception to follow at The Grand Ballroom

Both Sets of Parents

Mr. and Mrs. James Smith
and
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Johnson
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of their children
Emily Rose
and
Michael David

[date, time, venue]

Modern / Casual Templates

Couple Hosting

Together with their families
Emily Smith & Michael Johnson
invite you to celebrate their marriage

August 15, 2026 | 4:00 PM
The Garden Estate, Anytown

Dinner, drinks & dancing to follow

Fun / Playful

Emily & Michael are tying the knot!
And they want YOU there.

Saturday, August 15, 2026
4:00 PM | The Barn at Oak Creek

Eat, drink, and be married!

RSVP by July 1 at emilyandmike.com

Minimalist

EMILY SMITH
&
MICHAEL JOHNSON

08.15.2026 | 4 PM
THE GARDEN ESTATE
ANYTOWN, STATE

RSVP: emilyandmike.com

RSVP Wording

Formal:

Kindly respond by the first of July
M_________________
___ accepts with pleasure
___ declines with regret
Number of guests: ___

Modern:

Please RSVP by July 1
at emilyandmike.com

or text Emily at (555) 123-4567

With Meal Choice:

Please respond by July 1

Name(s): ________________
___ Joyfully accepts
___ Regretfully declines

Entrée preference:
___ Beef  ___ Chicken  ___ Vegetarian

Etiquette Rules

Do:

• Spell out dates and times in formal invitations
• Include full names (no nicknames on formal invites)
• Use "honour" (British spelling) for church ceremonies
• Use "honor" (American spelling) for non-religious ceremonies
• Mail invitations 6–8 weeks before the wedding
• Include a self-addressed, stamped RSVP envelope (formal)

Don't:

• Mention gifts or registry on the invitation
• Use abbreviations (St., Ave., PM)
• Include children's names if they're not invited
• Put "and guest" unless single guests may bring a plus-one
• Use "No children please" (handle privately)

Addressing Envelopes

Recipient	Outer Envelope
Married couple	Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
Unmarried couple (living together)	Ms. Jane Doe and Mr. John Smith
Single guest + guest	Ms. Jane Doe and Guest
Family with children	The Smith Family
Doctor	Dr. Jane Smith

Digital vs. Paper Invitations

Aspect	Paper	Digital
Cost	$2–$8 per invite	$0–$100 total
Formality	High	Casual to medium
RSVP tracking	Manual	Automatic
Environmental impact	Paper waste	Minimal
Timeline	Mail + delivery time	Instant

Recommendation: Paper for formal weddings; digital for casual or destination weddings. Many couples use both — paper save-the-dates + digital RSVP.

Summary

Match your invitation wording to your wedding style. Formal ceremonies call for traditional language; casual celebrations can have fun with it. Whatever you choose, include all essential details and give guests plenty of time to respond.

One line guests always look for: the dress code. Decode every option — from black tie optional to festive attire — in our wedding dress code guide.

Work out how many invitations to order in the invitations calculator, and firm up the list with the guest count calculator.