We often get questions about how to choose the right wording for wedding invitations. It can be a little confusing trying to figure out how to clearly communicate the details and the style of your event. Most importantly, remember that the wording should reflect the overall style of your special day. Whether you're having a formal affair or a backyard shindig, we have a simple guide to help you navigate wedding wording etiquette. 

Invitations:
Below are some examples of wedding invitations we have printed recently with different wording variations, as well as some other tips.

For the bride and groom's names, if  you're having a traditional wedding, use full names: Sarah Elizabeth Smith and Adam Thomas Brown
If you're having a more casual wedding, you can use just your first names: Sarah and Adam

For the parents hosting a traditional wedding: Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
For the parents hosting a more informal wedding: John and Rachel Smith

If  your ceremony is in a place of worship: request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter
If your ceremony is in a secular location: request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter

If the ceremony and reception take place in the same venue: Cocktails, dinner and dancing to follow
If the ceremony and reception are at different locations: Reception immediately following, Countryside Hotel
Or you can use a totally different separate reception card, but make sure to mention the time if the reception does not immediately follow.

Couple Hosting with Both Parents

Couple Hosting

Bride's Parents Hosting

Bride and Groom's Parents Hosting Together

Bride's Parents Hosting; mention Groom's Parents

Divorced Parents Hosting

Response Cards:
Response cards should always have a respond by date, shown clearly at the top or bottom of the card. You can opt for a simple design, with a blank space for your guests to write a note, or spell everything out for them to make sure they provide with all the pertinent information.

Sometimes, you will need your guests to choose an entree option. In this case, you can use wording such as: Please initial an entree option for each guest

If you have many events, and need to know how many of your guests will be attending each, you can add a space that says: Number Attending

You may also provide a space for guests to let you know of any dietary restrictions by noting it and leaving a space at the bottom of the card.

Open Response Card

Response with Events

Response with Meal Choices

Open Response on Colored paper