Your wedding invitation is the prologue to your love story’s most beautiful chapter. It’s the first tangible piece of your wedding day your guests will hold, and it does so much more than announce a date and time—it sets the mood, communicates the style, and formally requests the presence of your loved ones.
But let’s be honest: navigating the world of wording and etiquette can feel like a minefield. What’s the difference between “honour of your presence” and “pleasure of your company”? How do you politely say “no kids allowed”? And how do you handle divorced parents on the host line?
Deep breath. This is your complete guide to mastering wedding invitation etiquette and crafting the perfect wording for your special day, with the grace and confidence you deserve.
The Core Components Deconstructed
Every formal invitation is built from a few key pieces of information. Understanding their traditional roles is the first step to crafting your own.
The Host Line: Who is Issuing the Invitation?
This is the very first line, and it traditionally acknowledges who is paying for the wedding. Today, it’s more about who the couple wishes to honor.
- Bride’s Parents Hosting:
Mr. and Mrs. Johnathan Smith - Both Sets of Parents Hosting:
Mr. and Mrs. Johnathan Smith together with Mr. and Mrs. David Jones - Couple Hosting Themselves:
Jane Marie Smith and Robert Alan Jones - Couple & Parents Hosting:
Together with their families, Jane Marie Smith and Robert Alan Jones
The Request Line: How You Ask
This is a small detail with big significance. According to classic etiquette experts like The Emily Post Institute, the phrasing changes based on your venue.
- “request the honour of your presence” is traditionally reserved for ceremonies held in a house of worship (e.g., a church, synagogue, or mosque).
- “request the pleasure of your company” is used for ceremonies at secular locations like a hotel, vineyard, garden, or home.
The Couple’s Names
Traditionally, the bride’s name appears first, either just her first and middle name (if her parents are hosting) or her full name.
The Date and Time
For formal invitations, everything is written out in full—no numerals.
- Correct:
Saturday, the twenty-first of June / two thousand twenty-six / at half past four in the afternoon - Incorrect:
Saturday, June 21st, 2026 at 4:30 PM
The Venue & Address
State the name of the venue and its street address. The city and state are written out on a separate line. It’s traditional to omit the zip code on the invitation itself.
Wording Samples for Your Wedding Style
Now, let’s put it all together. Here’s how the components combine to reflect the unique vibe of your celebration.
For the Traditional & Formal Wedding
This wording is timeless and elegant, perfect for a classic, black-tie affair.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnathan Smith request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Jane Marie to Robert Alan Jones Saturday, the twenty-first of June two thousand twenty-six at half past four in the afternoon Saint Paul’s Cathedral 123 Cathedral Square Providence, Rhode Island
Dinner and dancing to follow
For the Modern & Contemporary Wedding
This style is chic, personal, and focuses on the couple’s partnership.
Together with their families Jane Smith & Robert Jones invite you to celebrate their marriage Saturday, June 21, 2026 4:30 PM The Modern Art Museum 456 Gallery Drive Chicago, Illinois
Reception immediately following
Navigating Tricky Etiquette Scenarios
This is where things can get complicated. Here’s how to handle those sensitive situations with grace.
Divorced or Remarried Parents
List each parent on a separate line. Do not link them with “and” unless they are still married and hosting together. If a parent is remarried, you include their new spouse’s name.
- Example:
Ms. Sarah Smith and Mr. Michael Green request the pleasure of your company...(Here, Ms. Sarah Smith is the mother and Mr. Michael Green is her new husband).
Honoring a Deceased Parent
To honor a parent who has passed away, you can include their name in the host line.
- Example:
Jane Marie Smith, daughter of Mrs. Sarah Smith and the late Mr. Johnathan Smith...
Specifying an “Adults-Only” Reception
This is a major point of concern for many couples. Never print “No children” on the invitation. The way to communicate this is by addressing the invitation envelope only to those who are invited. You can then add a polite note on your wedding website or have a line on the RSVP card that reads:
We have reserved __ seats in your honor.(Then you write in “2”).- Or a line on the details card:
Please note this will be an adults-only celebration.
Indicating a Dress Code
A brief, simple note in the bottom-right corner of the invitation or on the reception card is the appropriate place for this information.
- Examples:
Black tie,Cocktail attire,Formal attire requested
The Invitation Suite: Wording for Your Inserts
A great invitation is often a suite of cards working together. This is where you can provide extra information without cluttering the main invitation.
- The RSVP Card: Include a clear “Reply by” date, a line for guests to write their names, and checkboxes for them to accept or decline. You can also include meal preference options here.
- The Details Card: This is your information hub! Use it for hotel accommodations, transportation details, pre-wedding event info, and the address of your wedding website. It is also the most appropriate place to mention registry information, often phrased as
For more details and registry information, please visit our website at [YourWebsite.com].
Bring Your Perfect Words to Life
Mastering the wording and etiquette is the hard part—designing a beautiful invitation suite shouldn’t be. Once you have your wording perfected, the final step is to present it in a way that truly captures the essence of your day. The texture of the paper, the glint of foil, and the crisp impression of letterpress all work together to create an unforgettable first impression.
At Nimto, we live for these details. Explore our complete wedding invitation suites, where every piece is designed to be cohesive, beautiful, and perfectly printed. From the main card to the RSVP and details inserts, we ensure every element honors your carefully chosen words and sets the stage for your celebration.
