Wedding Invitation Wording
The format used in the wording of a wedding invitation, is usually dependent on whether the occasion will beformal or casual. A formal wedding will use the words that are traditional, and adhere to a standard format. The non-traditional invitation allows you to be more flexible and creative, but should still adhere to accepted wedding etiquette.
Whether an invitation is formal or informal, there are some essentials that are common to both. Your wedding invitation wording should include:
The Host line – This is traditionally designated for the persons that are issuing the invitation. In traditional weddings this would be the bride’s parents. However, this is not the case in less conventional weddings, or in cases where the coupleare the ones paying for the event.If the parents are hosting, then the hosting line would have the parents’ name.If the couple is hosting the wording may read:“Together with their families Miss Jamie Dome and Mr. James Doe.”The wording will also differ in the case of parents that are divorced.
The Request Line – Traditionally this line would simply request the guest to share in the occasion of the wedding. However, the wording will differ depending on whether the wedding is formal or casual. In the case of an informal wedding, words like “request the honor of,” are often replaced with “invite you to share in.”
Bride and groom line–Both names are included, but in the case of the bride, there is no courtesy title such as Miss.
Date and time Lines – This should be very clearly stated, so that there can be no misunderstanding. Traditionally, the numbers are spelt out, and numerals are not used. Therefore instead of writing 4pm, the invitation should read four o’clock in the afternoon.
Location Line – If the wedding is being held in a church, then the church must be named, the address is optional if it is likely that most persons will know it. However, if you happen to put the street address, then there is no need to include the zip code as well.
Reception Line – This can be included on the invitation, only if it is being held at the same location as the ceremony. However, if it is not, then the information about the reception should be put on a separate card.
RSVP Line – It is considered acceptable to include the RSVP information on the invitation. In such cases it is placed in the lower left corner. It should indicate the name, email address, telephone number, to which the guests are required to respond. Of course if you choose to use a separate RSVP card, then that is also fine. In either case, it is important to get this right, so that persons can respond well ahead of time.
The wording of the wedding invitation is important to get the planning in focus. Nowadays, there is room for less traditional wedding invitation wording. This means it is possible for your wedding invitation to have a very personal touch.