Wedding Invitation Wording: Examples for Every Style (Formal, Casual, Religious, Funny)

Invitation wording feels like it should be simple, right up until you're staring at a blank template trying to figure out whose name goes first. Here's how to think about it, with real examples for each style.

The structure, broken down

Almost every wedding invitation — regardless of tone — follows the same underlying structure: host line (who's inviting guests — parents, the couple, both families), the couple's names, the request ("request the honour of your presence" or something more casual), date and time, venue and location, and a reception note if separate from the ceremony.

Once you see it as five fill-in-the-blank slots, the wording gets a lot less intimidating.

Traditional & formal example

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Jane and John Doe, Saturday, the fourteenth of June at four o'clock in the afternoon, The Grand Hall, Charleston, South Carolina. Reception to follow.

Note: "honour" (with the u) is the traditional spelling used specifically for religious ceremonies; "honor" is used for non-religious ones. A surprising number of guests notice.

Modern & casual example

We're tying the knot! Jane & John are getting married, and we'd love for you to be there. June 14th · 4:00 PM. The Grand Hall, Charleston, SC. Dinner, drinks, and dancing to follow.

Casual wording works well for second weddings, smaller celebrations, or couples who just don't want the formality — there's no rule requiring the traditional structure.

Religious example

Together with their families, Jane and John Doe request your presence as they exchange vows before God and their loved ones — Saturday, the fourteenth of June at four o'clock in the afternoon, The Grand Hall, Charleston, South Carolina.

Many couples add a short scripture line above the names for religious ceremonies — keep it to one verse to avoid the invitation feeling crowded.

Funny & playful example

After years of practice (and a few questionable group chats), we're finally making it official. Jane & John are getting married! June 14th at 4:00 PM, The Grand Hall, Charleston, SC. Come watch us promise to put up with each other forever. Open bar after.

Playful wording works best for casual venues and crowds who'll appreciate it — worth checking the tone fits your guest list before committing.

Who should be listed as the host?

If both families are paying or co-hosting: "Together with their families." If the bride's parents are the traditional hosts, their names lead the invitation. If the couple is paying themselves, most modern invitations simply list the couple as the hosts, with no parent names required.

There's no longer a hard rule here — host wording should reflect who's actually contributing, not tradition for its own sake.

When should invitations go out?

A safe standard: 6–8 weeks before the wedding for a local wedding, and 8–12 weeks before for a destination wedding, so guests have enough runway to book travel. Save-the-dates, if you're sending them, typically go out 6–12 months ahead — especially for any wedding with significant out-of-town travel.

Skip the blank template entirely — generate your own wording in any of these styles instantly with our free invitation wording generator at /free-tools/invitation-wording-generator, then plan your full guest list with the guest list cost calculator.