Wedding invitations set the tone for your celebration, but they also convey important details about your big day - so how the heck do you word them so that they are elegant and yet informative?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the wording process, whether you’re planning a traditional celebration, a more modern event, or something in between.

And, if you’re looking to create your own stunning wedding invitations with ease - and to be honest a big leg up when it comes to wording - then be sure to check out our DIY template bundles at Belle Measure. Our DIY templates make it simple to design invitations that perfectly reflect your unique style and personality and it means you’re not starting from scratch with the wording.

1. Host Line

The host line is where we traditionally call out who is inviting guests to the wedding. In most cases (especially in a traditional sense) this is the couple’s parents, but it can also be the couple themselves, or even a combination.

Traditional Wording:

“Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the honor of your presence to celebrate the marriage of their daughter [Bride’s Name] to [Groom’s Name].”

Modern/Non-Traditional Wording:

“Together with their families, [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name] request the pleasure of your company at their wedding.”

When the Couple is Hosting:

“[Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name] invite you to celebrate their wedding.”

Design Your Own Invitations: If you love the idea of adding a personal touch to your host line but you’re considering DIY that already includes suggested wording? That’s totally fine, all of the wording on our DIY template bundles are customisable to allow you to make it yours. Browse our templates now!

2. Couple’s Names

After the host line, the names of the bride and groom are listed. This is typically a formal introduction to the couple.

“...request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter [Bride’s Name] to [Groom’s Name].”
“...request the pleasure of your company as they unite in marriage, [Bride’s Full Name] and [Groom’s Full Name].”

3. Wedding Date

Double and triple check the date and time to make sure it’s accurate.

Traditional Wording:

“On Saturday, the Twentieth of June, Two Thousand and Twenty-Four at Four O’Clock in the Afternoon.”

Modern Wording:

“Saturday, June 20, 2024 | 4:00 PM”

Customizable Design Templates: Our DIY template bundles let you easily input your date and time details into stunning designs. Check out our templates now!

4. Venue Information

This section includes the location of your wedding ceremony. It’s essential to provide the name of the venue and its address. If the venue has a formal name, use it here.

“At [Venue Name], [Venue Address].”

“[Venue Name] | [Venue Address]”

5. Reception Details

If your reception is at a different location than the ceremony, include a separate line or card with the reception details. If your ceremony and reception are at the same venue, this can be noted directly on the invitation.

Separate Reception Card:

“Please join us for dinner and dancing at [Reception Venue Name], [Reception Address], immediately following the ceremony.”

Reception at the Same Venue:

“Dinner and dancing to follow.”

6. Dress Code

If you’d like to include a dress code, you can add a line that provides a hint on the attire. This is especially helpful for more formal or themed weddings.

Examples:

“Black Tie”
“Cocktail Attire”
“Casual Chic”

Belle Measure Tip: Keep it short - if you’re needing to add in more information or a lengthier recommendation for attire, we recommend using the details card. All of our DIY bundles include detail cards for this reason!

7. RSVP Information

To make it easy for guests to RSVP, include clear instructions for how to respond. You can add this in on your main invite card however we recommend that this be done with an RSVP card included with the invitation or a digital RSVP link.

RSVP Wording Example:

“Please respond by [RSVP Date].”
“Kindly reply by [RSVP Date] at [Wedding Website Link].”

Customizable RSVP Cards: Our DIY template bundles include RSVP cards that are perfectly designed for your wedding. Start designing now!

Tips for Writing Your Wedding Invitations:

Keep it simple: It’s easy to get carried away with wording, but remember that less is often more. Focus on what your guests need to know.
Be clear and consistent: Make sure the information is easy to find and understand. Include only the essential details. If you are including too much information, opt for a detail card or a wedding website instead.
Use formal language when in doubt: Wedding invitations are traditionally formal, but feel free to incorporate your own personality!
Proofread: This is one of the most important documents you’ll send out, so double-check for typos or errors. Dates and times are where we see errors the most, so check that twice and have someone else have a read too!

With these tips and examples, you should feel more confident in how to word your wedding invitations. Whether you choose a traditional, modern, or completely unique style, your invitations are a beautiful reflection of the love and excitement you feel about your big day.

If you’re ready to get started on designing your wedding invitations, browse our range of easy-to-use, customizable DIY template bundles.

How to word wedding invitations? A Complete Guide for Couples