How to write a wedding invitation, by people who help couples do it every day
A clear breakdown of every line, plus three full wording examples you can adapt in minutes.
Wedding invitation wording follows a recognizable structure: host line, request line, names, date and time, venue, and reception note. Every variation is just a tweak on those seven lines.
This guide walks through each line, explains the choices most couples wrestle with, and ends with three wording examples (formal, casual, modern) you can drop into a template and personalize.
The seven lines of a wedding invitation
The host line names who is inviting. Traditionally parents, increasingly the couple themselves. Examples: "Mr and Mrs Robert Anderson", "Together with their families", "Anna and David, with their families".
The request line uses verbs like "request the honor of your presence" (formal, often religious), "request the pleasure of your company" (slightly less formal), or "invite you to celebrate" (modern).
Names come next, traditionally bride first, increasingly whichever order the couple prefers. Date and time spelled out for formal invitations, numerals for casual. Venue with city and state spelled out fully.
A reception line follows if the reception is at a different venue or time. "Reception to follow", "Dinner and dancing to follow at [venue]" are common forms. RSVP details come last.