Invitation wording follows a simple structure. Once you know it, you can adapt it to any family and any tone.
The structure
- Who is hosting
- The request line
- Your names
- Date and time (often written out in formal invitations)
- Venue and city
- Reception information
- RSVP details (or a separate card)
Examples
The couple hosting
Together with their families Maya Collins and Daniel Reyes invite you to celebrate their marriage Saturday, the twelfth of September at four o’clock in the afternoon Willow Creek Farm · Asheville, North Carolina Dinner and dancing to follow
Parents hosting (traditional)
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Collins request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Maya Elizabeth to Daniel James Reyes …
Divorced parents both hosting
Ms. Laura Bennett and Mr. Robert Collins request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter …
Casual
Maya & Daniel are getting married! Join us for vows, dinner and a very long dance party …
Both families hosting
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Collins and Mr. and Mrs. Luis Reyes request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their children Maya Elizabeth Collins and Daniel James Reyes …
Honoring a parent who has died
Together with their families Maya Elizabeth Collins, daughter of Laura Bennett and the late Robert Collins, and Daniel James Reyes …
A celebration after a small ceremony
Maya and Daniel were married in a private ceremony. Please join us for dinner and dancing to celebrate …
RSVP card wording
The favor of a reply is requested by the fourteenth of August M______________________ ___ joyfully accepts ___ regretfully declines Please indicate your meal: ___ beef ___ fish ___ vegetarian
Pre-print the number of seats reserved (“We have reserved __ seats in your honor”) if you want to be clear about plus-ones.
Special notes
- Adults-only: address envelopes only to the adults; add a kind line on your website. Avoid “no children” on the invitation itself.
- Dress code: a single line at the bottom: “Black tie optional” or “Garden attire.”
- Website: “For details and to RSVP, visit [your website]”.
Dress code wording
| Wording | What guests should expect |
|---|---|
| Black tie | Tuxedos and floor-length gowns |
| Black tie optional / formal | Tuxedos or dark suits; gowns or elegant cocktail dresses |
| Cocktail | Suits; knee- to midi-length dresses or dressy separates |
| Semi-formal / dressy casual | Suits or blazers without ties; dresses, skirts or smart trousers |
| Garden or beach attire | Lighter fabrics and colors; shoes that work on grass or sand |
| Casual | Neat everyday clothes — say so if jeans are welcome |
See what to wear to a wedding for each code in detail.
General information, not legal, medical or financial advice. Confirm details with your vendors, venue, officiant and local authorities.
Questions people ask
How do you word a wedding invitation when the couple is hosting?
“Together with their families, [names] invite you to celebrate their marriage…” is warm and widely used.
Where do you put the dress code?
At the bottom of the invitation or on the details card and website.
How do you word an adults-only invitation?
Address it only to the adults invited, and explain kindly on the website.
How do you include a parent who has died on the invitation?
A common wording is “daughter of Laura Bennett and the late Robert Collins.” You can also honor them in the program or during the ceremony.
What goes on the RSVP card?
The reply-by date, a line for names, accept and decline options and meal choices if needed. Many couples now send guests to their wedding website instead.
