How to Word Your Wedding Invitation: A Step-by-Step Template
- berriesandbloomsst
- Mar 13
- 3 min read
Your wedding invitations are one of the most exciting parts of planning your big day! But when it comes to the information that needs included and the wording, it can feel a little overwhelming—what goes where? What should you say, and how formal should it be? Not to worry; we’ve got you covered!
Here’s a simple breakdown of the different parts of a traditional wedding invitation card, from top to bottom. Plus, we’re sharing wording examples to help you envision how each section might look within your own suite.
1. Announcement Line
This is your opening statement, setting the tone and letting guests know something special is happening! It’s usually a short and sweet phrase that signals the event. This is often a line that gets excluded as it's not completely necessary.
Examples:
-“Together with their families”
-“With great joy”
- “The pleasure of your company is requested”
- “Joyfully invite you to celebrate”
2. The Host(s)
This section acknowledges who is hosting (traditionally the person or people covering the cost of the wedding). It can be the couple themselves, their families, or both.
Examples:
- “Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Whitmore”
- “Along with their parents”
- “Together with their families”
- “Hosted by the bride and groom”
3. Extending the Invitation
This is where you formally invite your guests to attend your wedding ceremony. The phrasing can be traditional or modern, depending on your vibe.
Examples:
- “Request the honor of your presence” (formal, often for ceremonies in a house of worship)
- “Invite you to join them in celebration”
- “Request the pleasure of your company”
- “Would love for you to join them”
4. Unity Description
Here’s where you share a beautiful, succinct line about what’s happening: you’re getting married! This is the heart of the invitation.
Examples:
- “At the marriage of their daughter”
- “As they exchange vows and begin their life together”
- “As they unite in marriage”
- “To celebrate their union in marriage”
5. The Names
This is your moment! The names of the couple getting married typically follow. Traditionally, the bride’s name comes first in a different-sex couple; for same-sex couples, order is entirely up to you.
Examples: - “Emily Grace Whitmore and Daniel James Ellis”
-“Emily and Daniel” (casual or modern vibe)
-“Emily Grace & Daniel James”
6. Date and Time
This section spells out the wedding date and time, typically in full to maintain an elegant, timeless tone.
Examples:
- “Saturday, the twenty-second of September
Two-thousand twenty-five
at Four o’clock in the afternoon”
- “Saturday, September 22, 2025
At 4:00 p.m.” (modern, less formal)
7. Location (Venue Name + City and State)
Share the name of the venue, followed by the city and state. The street address is usually reserved for details cards or your wedding website.
Examples:
- “The Greenhouse at Driftwood
Driftwood, Texas”
- “Willowbrook Estate
Charlottesville, Virginia”
8. Reception Intro
This is where you let guests know if there’s a reception immediately following the ceremony—or at another time or place.
Examples:
- “Reception to follow”
- “Dinner and dancing to follow”
- “Reception immediately following the ceremony at The Greenhouse”
9. Attire
It’s always helpful to guide your guests on what to wear, especially for formal or themed events. This line goes at the bottom of the invitation card.
Examples:
- “Black tie”
- “Formal attire”
- “Cocktail attire”
- “Garden party chic”
Examples:
Each section of your wedding invitation plays a role in setting the tone for your celebration. Whether you’re keeping it traditional or adding modern flair, these guidelines and examples are here to make your wording process effortless.
Need help bringing your vision to life? We design custom and semi-custom invitation suites for modern, detail-oriented brides. Get in touch using the links below—we’d love to create something beautiful together!
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