Wedding invitation wording, made simple
Find words that sound like you, from a relaxed “we’re getting married” to a formal invitation. Start with these easy-to-adapt examples.
By Dear Revel · Published · Updated
Your invitation has two jobs: to make someone feel welcome and to help them understand what you are inviting them to. Start with accurate details, then choose language that sounds natural for you. The examples below use fictional names and venues; adapt them to your own celebration.
Start with the essentials
Write down the couple’s names, the wedding date, the ceremony start time, the venue name and full address. If the reception follows elsewhere, give its location and timing too. Add a reply deadline and a clear way to respond. Dress guidance, travel information and accommodation notes can sit in the supporting details instead of crowding the opening invitation.
Spell out the month rather than using an ambiguous numeric date. If people will travel across time zones, identify the local time. Decide whether your listed time is the ceremony start or the time guests should arrive, and say so explicitly.
Formal wording, with your families
Together with their families, Maya Bennett and Julian Reed invite you to celebrate their marriage on Saturday, the twelfth of June, at four o’clock in the afternoon. Willow House, 24 Orchard Lane. Dinner and dancing to follow. Kindly reply by the tenth of May using your invitation link.
“Together with their families” is one option when several people are hosting or supporting the celebration. You can name your hosts instead, or simply begin with your own names. Choose wording that reflects your relationships; there is no need to force your family into a traditional formula.
Relaxed wording, in your own voice
We’re getting married! Join Maya and Julian for an afternoon of vows, good food and very enthusiastic dancing. Saturday, June 12, at 4 pm. Willow House, 24 Orchard Lane. Please arrive by 3:45 pm and let us know by May 10 if you can celebrate with us.
A relaxed invitation still needs precise information. Warm wording and clear logistics work well together. If you use a playful opening, keep the reply request straightforward so nobody needs to guess what to do next.
Reception-only and separate events
Maya and Julian would love you to join them for a celebration of their marriage. Dinner and dancing begin at 6 pm on Saturday, June 12, at Willow House, 24 Orchard Lane. Please reply by May 10.
Say “celebration of their marriage” or “wedding reception” when guests are invited to the reception rather than the ceremony. For a weekend with different guest lists, make each household’s invitation scope clear. Do not imply that everyone is invited to every gathering.
Write a helpful RSVP request
Put the deadline beside the response instruction: “Please reply by May 10 using your personal invitation link.” Name the invited people and make any plus-one arrangements clear. If meal or dietary information is needed, explain where to supply it. Avoid asking guests to respond through several channels unless you are prepared to reconcile those replies.
Check your proof before sending
Read the invitation aloud and check each name against your guest list. Confirm addresses with the venue, test links and review the invitation on a phone. Ask someone who has not helped plan the wedding to read it: they can often spot missing information. Keep one final copy of the approved wording so later changes are deliberate.
