Navigating Wedding Invitation Wording in a Modern World

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Long gone are the days where the bride’s parents are expected to host the wedding. Of course it still happens, but here in the 21st century, the host of the wedding is an anything goes sort of situation. Weddings have evolved in so many ways over the years, and thus have broken from tradition. As traditions and rules have begun to waiver, the only constant that remains is that it is a union of two people that are in love, that want to celebrate their commitment to love each other with their closest friends and family.

While there are a multitude of hosts, I am going to give only a few examples of the most common that come across my desk. I, or any other stationer, will be happy to help guide you through the verbiage that best fits you and your family. That is exactly what we are here for!

A few quick things to note before I get started with the examples. Full names should always be used for invitations. You can choose to omit a middle name, but you should not use an abbreviation. The phrase “the hono(u)r of your presence” is used when the ceremony is in a house of worship. For a ceremony performed outside of a house of worship, the phrase “request the pleasure of your company” is appropriate.

Please note that some wording can be altered, as these are just examples.

Hosts: Bride’s Parents

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Lee Gresham

Request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter

Katherine June

to

Mr. William James Stuart

Hosts: Bride’s Parents and Step-Parents

Mr. and Mrs. John Michael Anderson

and

Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Anderson O’Malley

Request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter

Amelia Anne

to

Mr. Jacob Aaron Hatley

Hosts: Both sets of parents

Together with their families

Jordan Michaelson and Patrick Williams

Invite you to join them as they celebrate their marriage

Once you have the order of names down, there are a few options for wording to use to request that your guests attend.

Here are some suggestions, but this list is not limiting:

  • request the pleasure of your company

  • request the honor of your presence

  • wish for you to join them

  • invite you to celebrate with them

The time and date of the ceremony, and reception location(s) are next on the invitation. Traditionally, the time and date should be written out in full.

If your ceremony is in a place of worship, only the name should be mentioned. The address should be left out.

Hopefully this has given you some answers and guidance. Like I mentioned above, there are so many variations and it is impossible to answer every question, but any stationer will be happy to help tailor your invitations to your event.

xoxo,

Alexandra

Alexandra Kretschmar