How do you word a wedding invitation?
By The awaiting.rsvp team · Updated November 9, 2026
Wedding invitation wording has one job: it tells guests who is marrying, when, where, and how to reply. Everything else is style. Formal invitations traditionally open with the hosts, then invite you to the marriage of their child; casual invitations can open with the couple themselves and speak plainly. Both are correct when the details are unmistakable.
Each example below is complete as written: swap the [bracketed] parts and send. Note how every version still makes the RSVP path obvious, whether that is a card, a phone number, or a personal link that guests tap from WhatsApp.
Formal and traditional wording
For evening weddings, religious ceremonies, and invitations signed by parents or grandparents as hosts.
[Host names] request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter [Name] to [Name], [day], the [date] of [month], [year], at [time], [venue, city]. Reception to follow.
The classic formal formula; honour with a u for Canadian spelling.
Together with their families, [Name] and [Name] invite you to celebrate their wedding, [date] at [time], [venue, city]. Dinner and dancing to follow.
Formal but couple-led; works when both families co-host.
Mr. and Mrs. [Host] request the pleasure of your company at the wedding celebration of their son [Name] and [Name], [date], [venue]. Your blessings mean the world to our family.
Common at South Asian weddings; blessings over presence for religious elders.
Casual and modern wording
For backyard weddings, city hall ceremonies with a party after, and anything where tuxedos are optional.
We are getting married! [Name] and [Name], [date], [venue, city]. Ceremony at [time], then food, drinks and dancing. Come celebrate with us.
Plain and joyful; the couple speaks directly.
After [five] years together, we are finally doing the thing. Join [Name] and [Name] for our wedding, [date] at [venue]. Cocktail hour starts at [time], speeches mercifully short.
Playful modern voice; keep the details straight even when the tone is light.
[Names] are getting married in the mountains. [Date], [venue, city]. Ceremony outside (weather permitting, mountain always permitting), dinner inside. RSVP by [date]: [link]
Good for destination and outdoor weddings; sets expectations about conditions.
Multi-day and diaspora wording
For weddings spanning multiple functions or blending Indian and western traditions in one weekend.
[Names] invite you to their wedding weekend: Mehndi, [date] at [time]; Sangeet, [date] at [time]; Wedding and Reception, [date] at [time]. All at [venue]. Your link shows the events you are invited to: [link]
One invitation listing every function; personal links track attendance per event.
Two ceremonies, one marriage. Join us for the Anand Karaj at [time] and the western ceremony at [time], followed by dinner and dancing, [date], [venue]. RSVP for each event: [link]
For blended-tradition days; note both ceremonies explicitly so guests plan attire.
We are flying home to get married. [Names], [date], [venue, city]. We know the distance is real; a video call link for the ceremony is in your invitation, and we would love you there too.
For diaspora weddings where close family abroad cannot travel; offering the stream kindly.
Frequently asked questions
Do wedding invitations have to name the hosts?
Traditionally yes, formally the hosts are whoever is paying or officiating the invitation, usually parents. Modern invitations led by the couple are equally accepted; consistency matters more than convention.
How do we ask for RSVPs on the invitation?
Name the channel and the deadline: a reply card and envelope, a phone number, or a link with RSVP by [date]. An invitation without a reply path is an announcement.
Should we mention dress code on the invitation?
If the dress code is specific, say it in one line on the invitation or event page. Guests would rather be told than guess, especially across cultures.
Keep reading
Use this wording tonight
Paste any of these into an awaiting.rsvp event and guests reply with one tap from WhatsApp, with your deadline tracked automatically.
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