A Guide to Wedding Invitation Wording

Welcome to Wedding Artwork’s inaugural blog post! As an artist and a specialist in bespoke wedding stationery, I am excited to share insights that can make your wedding planning journey smoother and more delightful.

Wedding invitations are not just practical ways of informing your loved ones about your special day; they are also the first taste of the atmosphere you’re setting for your wedding. The wording of your invitations can establish the tone, whether you’re planning an uber-traditional, formal affair or a laid-back and whimsical celebration.

We’re starting our blog with this topic because we believe the right words can beautifully tie your invitations with the essence of your event. In this post, we’ll explore a range of invitation wording styles, from the most traditional to some more casual and quirky ones, with a particular focus on classic and elegant phrasings.

1. The Traditional Invitation:

This style is for those whose wedding is hosted by the bride’s parents or by both sets of parents. with a taste for the classics, the lovers of tradition and formality. Traditional invitation wording often includes the parents as hosts and adheres to formal language. A couple of examples:

Mr and Mrs Stuart Johnson
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter

Sarah Elizabeth
to
James Matthew Bennett
son of Charles and Joanne Bennett

at two o’clock in the afternoon
Saturday, the tenth of September
two thousand and twenty-five

Boturich Castle
Balloch, Alexandria, Scotland

Reception to follow
Black tie

or

Mr and Mrs William Johnson
and
Mr and Mrs Charles Bennett
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their children

Sarah Elizabeth
and
James Matthew

at two o’clock in the afternoon
Saturday, the tenth of September
two thousand and twenty-five

Boturich Castle
Balloch, Alexandria, Scotland

Followed by dinner and dancing
Black tie optional

2. The Formal Modern Invitation:

A modern take on the traditional invitation involves the couple inviting the guests themselves. This style is particularly useful for couples whose parents are not hosting the wedding. The language remains formal, yet slightly more relaxed.

With joyous hearts

Sarah Johnson
and
James Bennett

Invite you to join their wedding celebration
Saturday 10th September 2025
Please arrive at 1pm for the ceremony at 1:30pm

Carlowrie Castle
Edinburgh EH29 9ES, Scotland

An evening of dinner and dancing to follow

Or this example, for those who want to include their parents or families as a “thank you” gesture:

Together with the love of their parents (or say “families”)

Sarah Johnson
and
James Bennett

Request the pleasure of your company
to celebrate their marriage
at two o’clock in the afternoon
Saturday, the tenth of September
two thousand and twenty-five

Carlowrie Castle
Edinburgh EH29 9ES, Scotland

Dinner and dancing to follow

3. The Casual Invitation:

Not every wedding adheres to the classic, formal style. If you’re leaning towards a more relaxed, informal event, your invitation wording should reflect this.

Join us for an afternoon of
love, laughter, and happiness as

Sarah Johnson
and
James Bennett

Tie the knot!
Saturday, 10th September 2025
at 2 PM

Boclair House
Bearsden, Glasgow G61 2TQ

An evening of celebrations to follow
RSVP by 1st August 2025

In all examples, it’s crucial to include the following information: who’s hosting, who’s getting married, when and where it’s happening, and how to respond.

Remember, the invitation sets the tone for your wedding, but it should also mirror who you are as a couple. There’s no one-size-fits-all, and that’s the beauty of bespoke wedding stationery. Your words, your style, your love story – they all weave together to create an event that is uniquely you.

Stay tuned for more advice on making your wedding stationery reflect your style and the beauty of your love story. We can’t wait to help you create an experience that’s as unique as your relationship.

Here’s to love and art,
Daria