Wedding Invite Wording

Invite wording is one of those aspects of wedding planning that seems to be extra loaded with tradition and etiquette and because of that, people can be surprisingly opinionated and sensitive about it. So tread cautiously; these could be the hardest words you ever have to write (well, unless you’re creating your own vows).

Traditionally, the bride’s parents’ names always appeared at the top since they were the ones paying the bill. And if this is your situation, this may be a tradition you want to continue (or are told to continue). But if it’s not your situation, then you have a lot of options in front of you.

First off, do keep in mind who’s paying. Like pretty much everything else to do with your wedding, the less you’re contributing, the less say you have. So if your wedding bills are being largely paid by family, make sure they get to see your wording before you head to the printers.

Secondly, the wording on your invite should “match” the theme and tone of your wedding so basically, the more formal the wedding, the less cutesy the copy.

Thirdly, your invite copy should be appropriately informative. The actual invite needs to include the why as well as the ceremony when and where, including an actual address. Most invites also include reception details though some fancier/more formal ones include that on a separate sheet of paper. But however you chose to present those details, make it clear in your invite package that yes, there is a reception and here’s when and where it is.

While this does vary from circle to circle, most people assume that a wedding reception involves an open bar and a seated dinner. If you’re doing something different, make this clear (again, this information doesn’t have to be included on the actual invite). The same thing goes for dress codes, no-children weddings and any other need-to-know details.

But don’t include anything about registering or how you’d prefer just cash. While it’s fine to put that info on your wedding website (which can certainly be mentioned on your invite), don’t include it in any shape or form in your invite package.

While many brides want their wedding to be as original as possible, invite copy is one area where it's usually safer to copy something existing than come up with something totally fresh. Take a look at the dozens of invite copy examples over at Invitation Consultants or use TheKnot.coms invite wording wizard, perfect for those of you with complicated family situations.

Whatever wording you go with, make sure that at least two other people proof your invite copy because all the etiquette in the world doesn’t matter if your wording contains a typo.