Your wedding invitations set the tone for the whole day. They're often the first real glimpse guests get of your wedding style, and they carry a lot of practical information too. If you're not sure where to start with wording, this guide walks you through everything you might want to include — with some example phrasing to inspire you.
The Essential Information
Whatever style or format you choose, every wedding invitation should clearly communicate the following:
- The names of the couple — in whatever order and format feels right to you
- The date — written out in full to avoid any ambiguity (e.g. Saturday, the fourteenth of June 2026)
- The ceremony time — guests need to know when to arrive
- The ceremony venue — including the full address
- RSVP details — how and by when guests should respond
Everything else is optional, and you can tailor your invitation to suit your wedding's formality and your own preferences.
Wording the Invitation: Some Examples to Consider
There's no single correct way to word a wedding invitation. The right tone depends entirely on your wedding — a relaxed garden party calls for something different to a formal evening reception. Here are a few approaches you might adapt:
A simple, modern option:
Emma & James invite you to celebrate their wedding on Saturday, 14th June 2026 at 2.00pm. Venue Name, Town, County. Kindly reply by 1st April.
A slightly more traditional option:
Together with their families, Emma Clarke and James Whitfield request the pleasure of your company at their marriage on Saturday, the fourteenth of June 2026 at two o'clock in the afternoon. Venue Name, Town, County.
A relaxed, informal option:
We're getting married! Join us on 14th June 2026 from 2pm at Venue Name. We'd love to see you there — please let us know if you can make it by 1st April.
These are starting points, not rules. Use whatever wording feels natural to you as a couple.
Who Issues the Invitation?
Traditionally, invitations were issued in the name of the bride's parents. Today, most couples issue their own invitations, or include both sets of parents if they wish. There's no obligation either way — it's entirely a personal choice. Some options you might consider:
- The couple alone: Emma & James invite you to…
- With parents: Together with their families, Emma and James…
- Parents hosting: Mr & Mrs Clarke and Mr & Mrs Whitfield invite you to the marriage of their children…
What Else Can You Include?
Depending on your wedding, you may want to add some or all of the following:
- Reception details — if the reception is at a different venue or time, include those separately
- Dress code — optional, but helpful if you have a preference (e.g. black tie, smart casual, or a colour theme)
- Dietary information — a note asking guests to flag any dietary requirements when they RSVP
- Wedding website — a URL where guests can find accommodation suggestions, travel information, or your gift list
- Children — if your wedding is adults-only, a gentle note on the invitation avoids any confusion
Proofing Before Print
Before your invitations go to print, you'll receive a digital proof showing exactly how your design will look with your personalised wording. This is your opportunity to check every detail — names, dates, times, venue spelling, and RSVP information. We ask all customers to give written approval of their proof before production begins.
It's worth taking your time here. Ask a second pair of eyes to check it too, as it's easy to miss errors in text you've read many times. Once approved, we'll proceed to print — so careful proofing at this stage saves time and avoids any reprinting.
Save the Dates vs Invitations
If you haven't already sent save the dates, it's worth knowing that they serve a different purpose to invitations. Save the dates go out early — typically 12 months ahead — to hold the date in guests' diaries. They don't need to include full details. Your formal invitation, sent around six months before the wedding, is where all the essential information lives.
Prefer a Digital Option?
If you're working to a tighter timeline or budget, our digital downloads are a great alternative. You receive a print-ready file immediately after purchase, which you can take to a local printer or print at home. The same care goes into the design — you just have more flexibility over how and where you print.
Quick Checklist: What to Include
- ✓ Names of the couple
- ✓ Full date (written out clearly)
- ✓ Ceremony time
- ✓ Ceremony venue and address
- ✓ RSVP method and deadline
- ✓ Reception details (if different venue or time)
- ✓ Dress code (if applicable)
- ✓ Dietary request note (if needed)
- ✓ Wedding website URL (if you have one)
- ✓ Children policy (if adults-only)
If you have any questions about wording, layout, or what works best for your design, we're happy to help. Get in touch and we'll do our best to point you in the right direction.