Wedding Invitation Wording Examples: Ideas, Examples & Inspiration

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This is the template that has anchored formal wedding stationery for over a century, and it earns its longevity. The joint-parents hosting line honors both families equally and reflects the traditional understanding of a wedding as a gift from both families to the couple. "The honour of your presence" — note the British spelling — is reserved by longstanding tradition for ceremonies held inside a house of worship, distinguishing a sacred ceremony from a secular celebration. All numbers, dates, and times are spelled out in full, and no abbreviations appear anywhere. This wording works best when the overall wedding is formal to black-tie, when the ceremony takes place in a traditional church or cathedral, and when both families are involved and present. It photographs beautifully on letterpress or engraved stationery in ivory or cream. Complete wording: Mr. and Mrs. James Edward Collins / and / Mr. and Mrs. Robert Andrew Whitfield / request the honour of your presence / at the marriage of their children / Emma Grace Collins / and / Daniel Robert Whitfield / Saturday, the fourteenth of June / two thousand twenty-six / at half after five o'clock in the evening / Saint Michael's Episcopal Church / Charleston, South Carolina / Reception to follow

Best for

Formal to black-tie church or cathedral weddings where both families are hosting together

Pricing

Letterpress suites $10–$18/suite (Minted); ~$1,500–$2,700 for 150 households

Source: Minted Wedding Invitation Wording Guide · Visit Traditional Formal — Both Parents Hosting, Religious Ceremony

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"Together with their families" has become the dominant invitation opening of the 2020s, and for good reason: it acknowledges family without specifying exactly who is contributing financially or logistically — which is increasingly complicated and none of the guests' business. This phrasing is gracious when parents are divorced, when financial contributions are uneven, when family dynamics are complex, or simply when the couple prefers to present the event as a unified family celebration without the formality of a full parent listing. The request line "joyfully invite you to share in their celebration" strikes the semi-formal register that suits most contemporary weddings. Times in numeral form and the inclusion of "Dinner, drinks, and dancing to follow" in place of the plain "Reception to follow" gives guests a warmer, more specific picture of the evening. Complete wording: Together with their families / Emma Louise Collins and Daniel Robert Whitfield / joyfully invite you to share in their celebration / Saturday, June 14, 2026 / at five o'clock in the evening / The Willowbrook Estate / Charleston, South Carolina / Dinner, drinks, and dancing to follow

Best for

Most modern couples who want a warm, polished invitation that works across family structures

Pricing

Mid-range suites $4–$8/suite (Minted, Zola); ~$600–$1,200 for 150 households

Source: The Knot — Wedding Invitation Wording: Examples, Etiquette & FAQ · Visit Semi-Formal — Couple Hosting Together with Families

Catholic invitations follow a specific etiquette that differs in a few meaningful ways from general formal wording. Including the phrase "A Nuptial Mass will be celebrated" is a genuine courtesy to guests, as a Catholic wedding Mass typically runs 60–90 minutes — roughly twice the length of a civil ceremony. Guests who are not Catholic benefit from this advance notice to prepare themselves for a longer, more liturgically structured experience. The diocese and church name should always be fully spelled out without abbreviations. The bride's family is listed as sole host here because this is the traditional formulation when the bride's parents are giving the wedding; if groom's parents are co-hosting, a joint hosting line is appropriate. Note that Catholic weddings during Lent or Holy Week require advance consultation with your parish priest. Complete wording: Mr. and Mrs. James Edward Collins / request the honour of your presence / at the marriage of their daughter / Emma Grace Collins / to / Daniel Robert Whitfield / Saturday, the fourteenth of June, two thousand twenty-six / at half after four o'clock in the afternoon / Saint Patrick's Cathedral / New York, New York / A Nuptial Mass will be celebrated / Reception to follow at The Knickerbocker Hotel

Best for

Catholic weddings with a nuptial Mass where the bride's parents are the sole hosts

Pricing

Letterpress/engraved $12–$22/suite; bespoke calligraphy $25–$50+/suite

Source: Honeyfund — Formal Wedding Invitation Wording: The Complete 2026 Guide · Visit Formal Religious — Bride's Parents Hosting, Catholic Ceremony

Divorced parents on a wedding invitation are handled by listing them on separate lines, never connected with "and" — which implies a current relationship that does not exist. The parent who raised the bride or with whom the couple has the closest relationship is traditionally listed first, though in practice the convention is for the mother to appear first. If both parents are contributing meaningfully to the wedding, both should be listed. If only one parent is hosting, they appear alone. This example covers the common case of divorced, unmarried parents where both are acknowledged. A crucial logistical note: day-of seating for divorced parents should be planned thoughtfully, and the program or officiant can note both parents in introductions. The wording here is dignified and clear — it communicates exactly who is hosting without requiring guests to read between the lines. Complete wording: Mrs. Susan Anne Collins / and / Mr. James Edward Collins / request the pleasure of your company / at the marriage of their daughter / Emma Grace Collins / and / Daniel Robert Whitfield / Saturday, June 14, 2026 / at five o'clock in the evening / The Garden Pavilion / Charleston, South Carolina / Reception to follow

Best for

Couples whose divorced, unmarried parents are both hosting and want both acknowledged

Pricing

Mid-range $5–$10/suite (Minted, Artifact Uprising); ~$750–$1,500 for 150 households

Source: Minted — Wedding Invitation Wording (Divorced Parents) · Visit Divorced Parents — Mother Hosting, Father Acknowledged

When both sets of parents have divorced and remarried, the hosting line becomes more complex — but it is entirely manageable with the right format. Each parent and their current spouse appears on their own line, separated clearly from the other parent's household. The phrasing avoids connecting biological parents in a way that could imply a reunion. Stepparents who have played a meaningful role in the couple's lives should be included; those who have not may be omitted. If this results in a hosting block longer than six lines, the elegant shorthand "Together with their families" sidesteps the complexity without erasing anyone. This example demonstrates the fully inclusive version for couples who want every parent honored by name. Complete wording: Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Garrett / and / Mr. and Mrs. James Collins / together with / Mr. and Mrs. David Chen / and / Mr. and Mrs. Robert Whitfield / joyfully invite you to share in the celebration of / Emma Collins and Daniel Whitfield / Saturday, June 14, 2026 / at five o'clock in the evening / The Willowbrook Estate, Charleston, South Carolina / Reception to follow

Best for

Blended families where both sets of parents have remarried and all four households are hosting

Pricing

Mid-range to premium $6–$12/suite; complex layout warrants a designer review

Source: The Knot — Wedding Invitation Wording Examples · Visit Divorced and Remarried — All Four Parents Hosting

Casual wording inverts nearly every formal convention deliberately and with intention. First-person phrasing, first names only, numerals for date and time, and the warm energy of "celebrate with us" signal to guests that this is a relaxed, joyful gathering rather than a formal rite. This wording works beautifully for garden ceremonies, vineyard weddings, destination beach celebrations, and intimate outdoor events where the overall atmosphere is light and the dress code is garden party or casual chic. The lack of a formal hosting line is appropriate when the couple is fully self-hosting with no parental involvement. Including a reference to the reception as a "party to follow" rather than "reception to follow" reinforces the casual register consistently throughout. A QR code linking to the wedding website can replace a details enclosure card for full digital integration. Complete wording: Emma Collins & Daniel Whitfield / are getting married! / Join us to celebrate / Saturday, June 14, 2026 · 5:00 PM / Thornwood Gardens / 412 Garden Lane · Charleston, SC / Party to follow · dinner & dancing outdoors / RSVP at emmaanddaniel.com or scan the QR code

Best for

Self-hosting couples planning a relaxed garden, vineyard, or beach celebration

Pricing

Budget to mid-range $1.50–$4/suite (Canva, Minted); affordable for all budgets

Source: Paperlust — Casual Wedding Invitation Wording Examples · Visit Casual — Couple Hosting Alone, Outdoor Garden Wedding

Jewish wedding invitations follow specific conventions that reflect the tradition's deep honor of family and communal witness. Both sets of parents are always listed — even when the couple is hosting, parents are included as a gesture of honor rather than financial acknowledgment. The Hebrew date alongside the Gregorian date is traditional and meaningful, connecting the wedding to the eternal calendar of Jewish life. The reception notation "Dinner, dancing, and celebration to follow" reflects the exuberant, community-centered nature of Jewish wedding receptions. The word "honour" in British spelling may be used here for traditional or Conservative ceremonies; Reform Jewish invitations often use American "honor" or the more casual "pleasure of your company." Consult with your rabbi on wording preferences before finalizing. Complete wording: Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Goldstein / and / Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bernstein / joyfully invite you to share in the wedding celebration of / Rebecca Leah Goldstein / and / Joshua Samuel Bernstein / Saturday, the fourteenth of June, two thousand twenty-six / corresponding to the eighteenth of Sivan, 5786 / at half after five o'clock in the evening / Temple Beth-El / Boston, Massachusetts / Dinner, dancing, and celebration to follow

Best for

Jewish couples who want both families honored and the Hebrew date included

Pricing

Mid-range to premium $8–$15/suite with Hebrew typesetting; Judaica stationers available

Source: The Knot — Wedding Invitation Wording (Jewish Ceremony) · Visit Jewish Wedding — Both Families Hosting, Hebrew Date Included

Destination wedding invitations carry a different responsibility than local event wording: guests need to understand immediately that travel is involved and that there are logistical details they should review before committing. Including the country in the venue line is essential for international destinations. Directing guests prominently to the wedding website — where they will find hotel blocks, travel recommendations, and RSVP functionality — is genuinely the most helpful thing a destination wedding invitation can do. Sending invitations 12–14 weeks in advance (vs. 8–10 for a local event) gives guests adequate time to arrange travel. A separate accommodations enclosure card with hotel block details and a booking deadline is strongly recommended for destination events. The tone here is warm and inviting — you are asking guests to make a meaningful commitment, and the language should honor that. Complete wording: Emma Collins & Daniel Whitfield / invite you to celebrate their marriage / at Hacienda San Miguel / Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico / Saturday, October 11, 2026 / ceremony at five o'clock in the evening / Dinner and dancing under the stars to follow / Details, hotel blocks, and RSVP at emmaanddaniel.com / Please reply by August 15th

Best for

Couples hosting a destination wedding where most guests must arrange travel

Pricing

Mid-range $6–$10/suite with accommodations enclosure; mail 12–14 weeks out

Source: Minted — Destination Wedding Invitation Wording · Visit Destination Wedding — Couple Hosting, Travel Details Emphasized

Including a scripture verse on a Christian wedding invitation is warmly traditional across Baptist, evangelical, and non-denominational contexts and signals the faith foundation of the marriage to guests. The verse appears most naturally at the top of the invitation card, above the hosting line, as a heading or epigraph. Ecclesiastes 4:12 — "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken" — is among the most commonly chosen verses for this purpose, as it explicitly speaks to the strength of a covenant made before God. Other beloved choices include Ruth 1:16, Song of Solomon 3:4, and 1 Corinthians 13:4–7. The overall formality of this example is semi-formal, matching the warm pastoral character of most non-denominational ceremonies. Fully spelling out the time and using the church's complete name honors the sacred context without reaching for the full black-tie register. Complete wording: "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." — Ecclesiastes 4:12 / Mr. and Mrs. James Collins / and / Mr. and Mrs. Robert Whitfield / invite you to the marriage of their children / Emma Collins and Daniel Whitfield / Saturday, June 14, 2026 / at five o'clock in the afternoon / Grace Community Church / Franklin, Tennessee / Reception to follow

Best for

Evangelical or non-denominational Christian couples who want a scripture verse on the invitation

Pricing

Mid-range $4–$9/suite with typeset verse; calligraphy elevates the aesthetic

Source: The Knot — Wedding Invitation Wording (Religious Ceremonies) · Visit Protestant Scripture — Semi-Formal with Verse

A widowed parent hosting alone is a situation with meaningful emotional weight, and the invitation wording should acknowledge it with quiet grace. The traditional approach lists the surviving parent as the sole host, with no gap or asterisk where the absent parent might have appeared. If the couple wishes to honor the deceased parent on the invitation itself, one dignified approach is to include the bride or groom as "daughter of Mrs. Susan Collins and the late Mr. James Collins" — a formulation that acknowledges the absent parent while clearly designating the surviving parent as host. The late parent's name appears without the title "Mr." or "Mrs." attached to "the late," as the possessive construction "the late Mr./Mrs." is the correct form. This wording is among the most emotionally considered an invitation can carry; it handles a painful circumstance with the same grace the host is demonstrating in hosting the wedding at all. Complete wording: Mrs. Susan Anne Collins / requests the pleasure of your company / at the marriage of her daughter / Emma Grace Collins, daughter of Mrs. Collins and the late Mr. James Edward Collins / to / Daniel Robert Whitfield / Saturday, June 14, 2026 / at five o'clock in the evening / The Garden House / Charleston, South Carolina / Reception to follow

Best for

A widowed parent hosting alone who wishes to honor the late parent with grace

Pricing

Any price tier; design should match the couple's overall aesthetic

Source: Minted — Wedding Invitation Wording (Widowed Parent) · Visit Widowed Parent — Single Parent Hosting with Dignity