WEDDING PLANNING
Wedding Invitation Wording Examples — Formal, Modern & Fun
By Gilded Invite Team · August 2026 · 5 min read
Finding the right words for your wedding invitation can feel surprisingly difficult. You want them to sound like you, honour your families, and give guests every detail they need — all in a few elegant lines. The good news is that wedding invitation wording follows a simple structure, and once you understand it you can adapt it to any tone.
The Classic Structure
Every wedding invitation contains the same five parts, usually in this order:
- The host line — who is inviting the guests
- The request line — the formal invitation to attend
- The names of the couple
- The date, time and venue
- The reception or dress-code line
Mix and match these elements to create formal, modern or playful wording. Below are real examples you can use as a starting point.
Formal Wording — Hosted by the Bride's Parents
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hartley
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Eleanor Rose
to
Mr. Thomas James Clarke
Saturday, the twentieth of June
two thousand and twenty-six
at three o'clock in the afternoon
St. Mary's Church, Bath
Reception to follow at the Royal Crescent Hotel
Modern Wording — Couple Hosting
Together with their families
Sophia Anderson
&
Daniel Mitchell
invite you to celebrate their wedding
Saturday 20 June 2026
at 3:00 pm
The Orangery, Kew Gardens
Dinner and dancing to follow
Fun & Relaxed Wording
We're getting married!
Mia & Olivia
would love you to join the party
20 June 2026 · 3pm
The Barn at Willowbrook
Eat, drink and dance with us
How to Handle Tricky Situations
Divorced or remarried parents
List the parent who is contributing first, followed by their spouse, then the other parent and their spouse. Keep lines short and avoid mentioning step-relations unless you want to.
Same-sex couples
Use the same structure as any other invitation. Choose name order by sound, alphabetical order or personal preference. The request line can read "request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of" or "at the celebration of the wedding of".
Adults-only weddings
Never write "no children". Instead, address the envelope to the adults by name, or add a small line on the details card: "We love your little ones, but have chosen to make our wedding an adults-only occasion."
Dress Code Wording
Place the dress code in the lower right corner or on a details card:
- Black tie
- Cocktail attire
- Garden party elegant
- Festive formal
- Smart casual
RSVP Wording Examples
For a traditional reply card:
The favour of a reply is requested
before the first of June 2026
M__________
Accepts with pleasure / Declines with regret
For a digital invitation, keep it even simpler: "Please RSVP by 1 June 2026" with a button or link. Our step-by-step guide explains how built-in RSVPs work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whose name goes first on a wedding invitation?
Traditionally the bride's name goes first, but modern couples often choose alphabetical order or the name that simply sounds better. Same-sex couples may use either order.
How do you word a wedding invitation when the couple is hosting?
Start with "Together with their families" or "Together with their parents", then your names and a request line such as "request the pleasure of your company".
What is the difference between honour and company?
"Request the honour of your presence" is for religious ceremonies. "Request the pleasure of your company" is for civil, garden and secular venues.
Should I include dress code on the invitation?
Yes, if you have a specific dress code. Place it in the lower right corner or on a details card so guests know what to wear.
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