Wedding Invitation Wording Etiquette: A Complete Guide with Samples for 2026
Your wedding invitation is the very first chapter of your celebration. Long before vows are spoken or champagne is poured, the words printed on those cards invite your loved ones into the story you are about to tell.
But when it comes to writing them, many couples find themselves asking: What is the right way to word an invitation?
The answer: there is no single “right” way. Etiquette exists not to restrict you, but to guide you. With a few timeless principles and a touch of personalization, you can create invitations that are both graceful and true to who you are.
Why Wording Matters
An invitation does two things. First, it shares the essential details — who, what, when, and where. Second, it sets the tone. Your words can whisper of formal elegance, sing with playful joy, or offer the warmth of intimacy.
Whether your gathering takes place beneath cathedral arches or beneath string lights in the garden, your invitation wording should reflect the spirit of the day.
The Anatomy of a Wedding Invitation
Think of your invitation as a gentle unfolding. Each line reveals a part of your story.
1. Host Line
Traditionally, the invitation opened with the names of the bride’s parents. Today, many couples prefer to word it in ways that reflect their reality.
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Traditional: Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the honour of your presence
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With Both Families: Together with their families, Emily and Jordan invite you
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Couple Hosted: Emily Marie Johnson and Jordan Michael Davis joyfully invite you
2. Request Line
This is where the welcome is extended.
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For a formal ceremony: request the honour of your presence
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For a joyful celebration: request the pleasure of your company
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For a heartfelt moment: invite you to celebrate with them
3. Names of the Couple
Tradition once placed the bride’s name first, but love takes many forms. For same-sex couples, non-binary partners, or simply those who wish to do things differently, the order is yours to decide. Some choose alphabetical order, others the way their names are most often said together, and some simply choose what feels most meaningful.
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Use full names for formality.
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Use first names only for warmth and intimacy.
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Titles (Mr., Ms., Mx., Dr.) are optional. Always use the title — or the absence of one — that reflects your identity with respect.
4. Date and Time
Write it out fully, as though penning a storybook.
Saturday, the fifteenth of November, two thousand twenty five, at four o’clock in the afternoon
Avoid numerals, and leave out “and” in the year. For formal invitations, write “half after” for half-hour times.
5. Ceremony Location
Give the full name of the venue. Add the city and state if many guests are traveling from afar.
6. Reception Line
This may be as simple as:
Reception to follow
Dinner and dancing immediately following the ceremony
7. Enclosure Cards
Keep the main invitation uncluttered. Place details like accommodations, directions, or your wedding website on separate cards.
Inclusive Etiquette for LGBTQIA+ and Non-Binary Couples
Love blooms in every shape and form, and invitations should celebrate that truth. Etiquette here is not about tradition but about affirmation and care.
Name Order
There are no rules about whose name comes first. Choose what feels most natural: alphabetical, the way friends and family usually say your names, or simply what feels right to you as a couple.
Titles and Pronouns
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Use titles if they reflect your identity: Mr., Ms., Mx., Dr., or none at all.
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For non-binary partners, Mx. is widely accepted, though you can also forgo titles altogether.
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Always respect and use current names and pronouns.
Gender-Neutral Language
If “bride” and “groom” don’t feel right, replace them with:
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Partners
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Spouses
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Beloveds
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Or simply your names
Processional Flexibility
Just as with wording, there is no rule about who walks first or with whom. Couples may walk together, walk individually, or be escorted by loved ones in a way that feels symbolic and true.
Sample Wording Templates
Formal and Traditional
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Williams
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Elizabeth Anne
to
Mr. Michael John Smith
on Saturday, the fifteenth of November
two thousand twenty five
at half after four o’clock in the afternoon
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Reception to follow
Modern and Elegant
Together with their families
Elizabeth Williams and Michael Smith
request the pleasure of your company
as they exchange vows
on Saturday, the fifteenth of November
two thousand twenty five
at four o’clock in the afternoon
The Grand Ballroom in Springfield
Dinner and dancing to follow
Casual and Intimate
Elizabeth and Michael
joyfully invite you to celebrate their marriage
on Saturday, the fifteenth of November
two thousand twenty five
at four o’clock in the afternoon
Meadowbrook Farm in Springfield
Festivities to follow, casual attire encouraged
LGBTQIA+ Inclusive
Taylor Morgan and Ash Rivera
invite you to join them
as they promise their love and begin their life together
on Saturday, the fifteenth of November
two thousand twenty five
at four o’clock in the afternoon
Moonlight Gardens in Springfield
Reception to follow
Non-Binary Inclusive
Mx. Jordan Lee and Casey Morgan
joyfully invite you to witness their union
on Saturday, the fifteenth of November
two thousand twenty five
at four o’clock in the afternoon
Willow and Pine Venue in Springfield
Festivities to follow, celebration attire encouraged
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Abbreviating details: always write out words such as Street, Boulevard, and California.
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Mixing tones: keep your style consistent — formal throughout, or warm and casual throughout.
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Including registry information: save this for your website or an insert.
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Creating confusion about who is invited: name every guest or household clearly to avoid misunderstandings.
A Note on Modern Etiquette
Etiquette is not about perfection, but about consideration. It helps you share your details with clarity and grace, while leaving room for your story and identity to shine. Whether you embrace time-honored traditions or craft something entirely your own, the most important rule is simple: your invitation should feel like you.
Ready to Begin Your Story?
Your wedding day deserves words as lovely as the memories you are about to create. If you are ready to design your own suite, we invite you to explore the Love Blooms collection — each piece is crafted to honor tradition while celebrating the romance of your journey, in whatever form it takes.
