Wedding Invitation Wording
WEDDING INVITATIONS STEP 2: WHAT TO WRITE
An Introduction to Wedding Invitation Etiquette
These days, wedding customs are open to interpretation. However, there still are some dos and don’ts that should be adhered to out of respect for both the guests and the couple in question. For starters, let’s look at modern manners for wedding invitations, rules for wedding invitation wording, and the mentioning of gift registries and monetary gifts.
Formal wedding invitation wording has a specific format. This varies from culture to culture, and some families also have their own traditions.
Traditionally, the parents of the bride would host the wedding, so wedding invitation wording would reflect this. Nowadays, there are many different ways to do it. It is not uncommon to see both the bride’s and groom’s families as the hosts, or even two sets of parents on each side when step-families are part of the picture. With many couples paying for and organizing their own weddings, it is also acceptable for the happy couple’s names to be the only ones on the cards. The main rule here is to make sure all parties are happy with the wording on the wedding cards because you don’t want your wedding cards to cause hurt feelings or family strife. Also take special care in using correct, formal language to address people and spell out dates, times and other numerals by referring to online guides or the printers.
Although it is the norm for couples to register with the gift registry at a particular department store, it is still considered bad manners to mention them on wedding cards. To get the word out, you can rely on friends or family. Gift registry services provide enclosure cards, and these days it is quite common for couples to slip these in with the invitations. To be on the safe side, though, it is better to avoid all reference to gifts, and request that registry details be sent directly to your guests from the department store itself. Needless to say, any mention of monetary gifts as a preference is still a definite no-no in western culture.
When unsure about wedding etiquette, seek the advice of a more experienced relative, or do some research. With so many variations in family structure and lifestyles, there are bound to be some instances where there is no set rule. In cases like these, the best guideline to follow is to make a decision that will not offend any of the parties involved.
Wedding Invitation Wording Samples
Wedding Invitation wording can be written formal or informal, depending on your preference and also to match the type of wedding you are planning (intimate, beach, barbeque, elegant, etc.). It needs to have some basic information regardless of the type of verbage used. These are:
The Host(s): The first thing your guest will see on the invitation will be the names of those who are paying for the wedding. Traditionally the parents of the bride host the celebration.
Mr. & Mrs. John Smith or Kelly & John Smith
If the bride and groom are hosting, the wedding invitations’ wording can read:
Ms. Sally Clark & Mr. Ken O’Shea
or Sally Clark & Ken O’Shea
The Request: Is the invitation to attend the celebration
Formal
Request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Informal
Request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of their daughter
If the couple is hosting, the wedding invite wording can read:
Invite you to share in our joyous celebration
of the exchange of our wedding vows
The Happy Couple: Will list the name of the bride and groom (in that order). If the wedding is hosted by the couple, you do not repeat the names, and skip this step.
Date and Time of Ceremony: Will include time, date and day of the week of the event.
Three O’Clock in the afternoon
Saturday, December 24, 2011
The Location: Name of the venue, if applicable and address of event
At the Mariner Chapel
11243 Mariner Dr.
Laguna Niguel, Ca. 92677
or
At the Green Meadow Golf Club
578 Meadow Rd.
Newport Beach, Ca. 92653
Time of the Reception: This informs of the party afterwards. If the ceremony and reception are at different locations, it is a good idea to include a separate reception card with the wedding invitation.
Catered Reception to follow at Green Meadow Golf Club
RSVP: Most couples include RSVP cards to get a faster response from invited guests.
Optional Details: This section can be used for information regarding type of attire such as Black Tie, or Adult Reception if only adults are invited. You can even personalize the wedding invitation wording and include a poem which describes your love for each other.
Happy Wedding Day 
