— Guide
Wedding invitation wording, formal, casual and short
Good wedding invitation wording says who is inviting, who is getting married and asks your guests to come, then lets the date and venue do the rest. Every example below was written for this page, copy one and change the names.
Formal
Together with their families, Elif Yılmaz and Can Demir invite you to celebrate their marriage.
Elif and Can would be honoured to have you with them as they begin their married life.
You are warmly invited to the wedding of Elif Yılmaz and Can Demir.
Elif and Can ask for the pleasure of your company at their wedding ceremony and the dinner that follows.
With great happiness, Elif and Can invite you to witness their marriage.
Please join Elif and Can as they exchange vows and begin a new chapter together.
From the parents
Ayşe and Murat Yılmaz would love you to join them at the wedding of their daughter Elif and Can Demir.
The Yılmaz and Demir families are delighted to invite you to the wedding of Elif and Can.
Together with Can's parents, Ayşe and Murat Yılmaz look forward to welcoming you at the wedding of their daughter Elif.
Our children are getting married, and our two families would love to celebrate with you.
Casual and modern
We're getting married, and the day wouldn't be complete without you.
One question, one yes, and now a party. Come celebrate with us.
Good food, a long table and everyone we love. We'd like you to be there.
After nine years, two cities and one very patient dog, we're making it official.
Clear your calendar and charge your dancing shoes. We're getting married.
We've planned the ceremony, chosen the music and saved you a seat.
Come for the vows, stay for the dancing.
The short version is we're getting married. The long version is best told in person, over dinner.
Short
We're getting married. Please join us.
Two people, one yes, all our favourite people.
Join us as we say I do.
Save us a seat and a dance.
Our wedding, your company.
Destination wedding in Turkey or the Balkans
We're getting married by the sea in Bodrum, and we'd love you to make the trip.
It's a long way to travel, which is exactly why having you there will mean so much.
Join us in Istanbul for a wedding with Turkish food, live music and a very big family.
We're celebrating in Montenegro, between the mountains and the sea. Come for the wedding, stay for the view.
Travel tips, hotel suggestions and directions are all inside this invitation.
RSVP line
Kindly reply by 20 May.
Please let us know if you can join us by 20 May.
You can reply right from this invitation, it takes a few seconds.
We'd be grateful for your reply by 20 May so we can plan the seating.
Details line
Our celebration is adults only, thank you for understanding.
The ceremony is outdoors, so bring a light layer for the evening.
Dress code, summer formal.
Envelope line
Envelope greeting
An invitation is waiting for you
Envelope greeting
Open me, there's good news inside
Line above the names
Short line above the names
We're getting married
Short line above the names
Together with our families
Closing line
A short line at the foot of the invitation
We can't wait to celebrate with you
A short line at the foot of the invitation
See you on the dance floor
A short line at the foot of the invitation
Thank you for being part of our story
What goes on a wedding invitation, in order
- Who is inviting, the couple or the families
- The couple's names
- The date, day and time
- The venue and address
- A line asking guests to reply, with a date
- Anything guests need to know, like dress code, children or travel
Honour of your presence or pleasure of your company?
In traditional English wording, "request the honour of your presence" is used for ceremonies held in a place of worship. For other venues, "request the pleasure of your company" is the usual choice. If your wedding is in a hotel, a garden or a wedding hall, the second phrase, or one of the plainer lines above, will sound more natural.
Where the wording goes on a digital invitation
A digital invitation has four places for words. The single line on the envelope, the short line above your names, a short note to your guests, and a closing line at the very bottom. Each card says where it fits best, cards without a label suit the note. Names, date, time and address have their own fields, so you don't need to repeat them in the text.
Frequently asked questions
Whose name goes first on a wedding invitation?
Traditionally the bride's name comes first, but there is no fixed rule. If the parents are hosting, their names come before the couple's.
How do I word an invitation if both families are hosting?
Name both families together, for example "The Yılmaz and Demir families invite you to the wedding of Elif and Can."
How should I write the date?
"Saturday, 14 June 2027" is common in British English and "Saturday, June 14, 2027" in American English. Pick the style most of your guests use.
Can I use these examples on my own invitation?
Yes. All of them were written for this page and you can change them however you like.