When it comes to marriage invitations, there is a lot of etiquette involved that can make the process seem overwhelming and complicated. There are many different traditions that dictate how you should word your invitation, depending on family ties, religion, and several other factors. While today’s brides often think outside of the box when it comes to wording, there are some tried and true formats that make it easy for an unsure couple to create a beautifully worded invitation that expresses all of the pertinent information for their guests. You don’t have to be a creative genius if you simply fill in the blanks.
The Hosts
The first section of most traditional marriage invitations names the people who are hosting the event. In many weddings, the brides’ parents would be considered the hosts and are listed at the very top. Today, many couples choose to name both sets of parents as the hosts, regardless of who is paying for the wedding. In addition, some couples choose to host their own weddings, either on their own or together with their parents.
The Request
The location of your wedding may dictate the wording of the next section – the request line. In general, there are two phrases you can use. If your wedding will take place in a church or other place of worship, the phrase, “request the honor of your presence” is the formal option that lets your guests know. A more informal ceremony held in a secular location may incite the phrase, “would be delighted by your presence.”
The Bride and Groom
Invitation etiquette dictates that the bride’s name should always precede the groom’s name on marriage invitations. A formal invitation would include the first, middle, and last name of each, though a more casual event does not require the use of titles and is more flexible.
The Date and Time
When wording an invitation for a formal wedding, the date and time are all written out with no numerals. You should use “o’clock” for the time of day, but can choose whether to include a.m. or p.m. if you have a strong opinion.
The Location and the Reception
When listing the location on your invitation, you can leave out the street address, unless your guests will need it in order to find your ceremony more easily. The reception can be included with the location, if both events are to be held at the same venue. Otherwise, you can place the reception location on its own line, along with the time if it is not immediately following the ceremony.
When wording marriage invitations, you can stick to a formal pattern or get creative with your own ideas. The purpose of marriage invitations is to provide pertinent information for your guests, so make sure you cover all the bases. Visit Regal Cards for collection of marriage invitations.
