Last Updated on May 29, 2025 by Joy Editors
Did you know the formal wedding invitation wording you choose sets the entire tone for your wedding celebration?
While crafting the perfect invitation might seem overwhelming, getting it right communicates essential information and establishes the formality of your event. Traditionally, the bride’s parents are named at the top as hosts, but nowadays, many couples host their own weddings or include both sets of parents. In fact, proper formal wedding invitation wording parents hosting scenarios require specific language that honors their contribution while maintaining elegance.
We understand the challenge of balancing tradition with personal style. From deciding whether to use “the honor of your presence” for religious ceremonies or “the pleasure of your company” for non-religious events, to determining how to spell out dates and times – each element requires careful consideration.
At Joy, we’ve helped countless couples navigate these decisions with our wedding invitations. Throughout this article, we’ll share over 50 elegant examples of wedding invitation wording formal enough to impress your guests, while guiding you through essential elements like host lines, request phrases, and proper formatting for every hosting scenario.
Essential Elements of a Formal Wedding Invitation
A formal wedding invitation isn’t just paper and ink—it’s a carefully crafted announcement comprised of specific components that communicate crucial details about your celebration. Let’s explore each essential element that makes up a properly formatted formal wedding invitation.
Host line
The host line traditionally appears at the top of your invitation and indicates who’s hosting (and often paying for) the wedding. Traditionally, the bride’s parents are listed as hosts, but modern invitations may include both sets of parents or the couple themselves. For example, “Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Williams” is formal, while “Christopher and Sarah Williams” is less formal. If parents are divorced, list the mother’s name first, followed by the father’s name on a separate line—never connected with “and.”
Request line
The request line extends the invitation to guests. For ceremonies in religious venues, “request the honor of your presence” is traditional. Some couples opt for the British spelling “honor” to evoke a more formal tone. For non-religious venues, “request the pleasure of your company” is more appropriate. Additionally, you might choose phrases like “invite you to celebrate with them” or “would love for you to join them” for a less formal tone.
Names of the couple
For different-sex couples following tradition, the bride’s name typically appears first. If her parents are hosting, she may be listed with just her first and middle names (without her surname), while the groom’s full name follows. For same-sex couples, names can be arranged alphabetically by last name or based on esthetic preference. The level of formality will determine whether to use full names, middle names, or first names only.
Date and time
On formal invitations, the date and time should be spelled out completely—no numerals. For example: “Saturday, the twenty-second of November, two thousand twenty-five, at half after four o’clock in the afternoon.” Note that the day of the week should be capitalized, followed by a comma. For times, spell out all numbers and use “o’clock” or “half after” for times on the half-hour. Specify “in the morning” (before noon), “in the afternoon” (12 p.m. to 5 p.m.), or “in the evening” (after 5 p.m.).
Venue and location
Include the venue name and full address. For well-known venues with only one location, you may omit the street address. List “Venue Name” on one line, followed by “City, State” on the next line. Formal invitations typically spell out the state name rather than using abbreviations, and zip codes are usually omitted.
Reception details
If your ceremony and reception are at the same location, simply add “Reception to follow” or “Dinner and dancing to follow” at the bottom of your invitation. However, if they’re at different locations, include a separate reception card with the venue name, address, and time (if not immediately following the ceremony).
Dress code and RSVP
The dress code, when included, typically appears in the lower right-hand corner of the invitation. Options range from “Black-tie” (most formal) to “Cocktail attire” or “Beach-casual” (more relaxed). Your RSVP card should include a reply-by date (typically 3-4 weeks before the wedding), space for guests’ names, and checkboxes for accepting or declining. Traditional RSVP cards feature an “M” line where guests write their titles and names.
At Joy, we understand the importance of getting these elements right on your formal wedding invitations. Our templates help you incorporate all these essential components while maintaining the elegance and tradition your formal wedding deserves.
Formal Wedding Invitation Wording by Hosting Scenario
The hosting party of your wedding fundamentally shapes your formal wedding invitation wording. Knowing the proper language for each scenario ensures your invitations remain elegant while correctly acknowledging those involved in your celebration.
Bride’s parents hosting
Traditionally, the bride’s parents host the wedding and their names appear first on the invitation. For religious ceremonies, the standard wording is:
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Williams request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Emma Rose to Jonathan Michael Williams
For non-religious venues, replace “honor of your presence” with “pleasure of your company.” To mention the groom’s parents while maintaining the bride’s parents as hosts, add “son of Mr. and Mrs.” after the groom’s name.
Groom’s parents hosting
When the groom’s parents host, the wording shifts slightly:
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Harris request the honor of your presence at the marriage of Jessica Marie Lewis to their son Kevin Paul
Alternatively, some invitations place the bride’s name after mentioning the host:
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Harris request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their son Kevin Paul to Jessica Marie Lewis
Divorced or remarried parents
For divorced parents, never place their names on the same line. The mother’s name typically appears first unless she isn’t financially contributing:
Ms. Sarah SmithMr. John Smithrequest the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter
When stepparents are involved:
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas JonesMr. John Smithrequest the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter
Both sets of parents hosting
When both families contribute, there are several elegant approaches:
Mr. and Mrs. William Lewis along with Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Harris request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their children Jessica Marie and Kevin Paul
For a cleaner look with multiple parents:
The families of Charlotte Melissa Hudson and Logan Dennis Nelson request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their children
Couple hosting themselves
Modern couples often pay for their own weddings. The wording becomes:
Caroline Evelyn Samuels and Anthony Edward Burkett invite you with great pleasure to celebrate their marriage
Or more formally:
The honor of your presence is requested at the wedding of Miss Amelia Rose Manning to Mr. Liam Quinlan Cullen
Together with their families
This inclusive phrase acknowledges family support without naming everyone:
Together with their familiesSarah Hall and Evelyn Martinezare delighted to invite you to their wedding
This option works particularly well for blended families or when both sets of parents contribute without being the primary hosts.
At Joy, we understand that finding the perfect wording can be challenging. Our wedding invitations templates offer customizable options for every hosting scenario, ensuring your invitations convey the right level of formality while properly recognizing those involved in your special day.
Remember that regardless of which hosting scenario applies to your situation, consistency in formality throughout all elements of your invitation creates the most elegant impression.
How to Write Each Line with Formal Tone
Crafting the perfect formal wedding invitation involves meticulous attention to detail in each line. Mastering these elements ensures your invitations convey the appropriate level of elegance and formality.
Choosing the right request phrase
First and foremost, your request line sets the tone for your entire invitation. For ceremonies in religious venues, “request the honor of your presence” is the traditional choice. Some couples opt for the British spelling “honor” to indicate a church wedding and enhance formality. For non-religious venues, “request the pleasure of your company” is more appropriate. Other elegant alternatives include “would love for you to join them,” “at the marriage of their children,” or “invite you to celebrate with them.” At Joy, we help couples select request phrases that perfectly match their ceremony type and desired formality level.
Formatting names and titles
Proper name formatting is essential for formal invitations. Traditionally, the bride’s name precedes the groom’s name. Formal invitations issued by the bride’s parents typically refer to her by first and middle name only, while including the groom’s full name and title. For same-sex couples, choose the ordering that sounds most natural—whether alphabetical or personal preference. Never use nicknames or abbreviations on formal invitations. Instead, spell out full names with appropriate titles, ensuring professional designations like “Doctor” are written out completely.
Spelling out dates and times
On formal wedding invitations, dates and times must be spelled out completely—no numerals. For example: “Saturday, the twenty-second of November, two thousand twenty-five.” For times, write “at half after four o’clock” rather than “4:30.” Specify “in the morning” for events before noon, “in the afternoon” for 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., and “in the evening” for after 5 p.m. Interestingly, for noon weddings, simply write “at noon” rather than “12:00 p.m.”
Proper location formatting
Include the venue name on one line, followed by city and state on the next line. The street address isn’t necessary unless omitting it would cause confusion or the wedding is at a private residence. For formal invitations, spell out the state name completely rather than abbreviating it. Zip codes are typically omitted from formal invitations, creating a cleaner, more elegant appearance.
Reception and attire wording tips
For very formal weddings, reception information appears on a separate card. Otherwise, include it on the invitation with phrases like “reception to follow” or “reception immediately following” if at the same location. When the reception is elsewhere, clearly state the venue and time. Dress code information, if included, belongs in the lower right-hand corner of the invitation. Options range from “Black-tie” (most formal) to “Cocktail attire” or “Beach-casual” (more relaxed).
Wedding Invitation Etiquette and Common Mistakes
Proper timing and etiquette are the cornerstones of formal wedding invitations that make a lasting impression. Understanding these unwritten rules helps you avoid common pitfalls while conveying respect for your guests.
When to send invitations
The ideal window for sending wedding invitations is six to eight weeks before your wedding date. This timeline gives guests adequate notice while ensuring their schedules aren’t likely to change. For destination weddings or celebrations during major holidays, extend this to eight to twelve weeks.
Conversely, sending invitations too early (over 12 weeks) risks guests forgetting or changing plans, while anything less than six weeks is considered too late by etiquette standards. Your RSVP deadline should fall three to four weeks before your wedding date, giving you time to finalize headcounts with vendors.
How to handle plus-ones
Addressing plus-ones correctly prevents confusion and potential awkwardness. For guests with a known partner, include both names on the envelope: “Mrs. Valerie Smith and Mrs. Hannah Woods”. For unknown plus-ones, address the outer envelope to your guest, then add “and Guest” to the inner envelope or RSVP card.
According to etiquette, you should automatically extend plus-ones to married couples, engaged couples, those in serious relationships, and your wedding party members. For others, maintain consistency in your policy to avoid hurt feelings.
Where to include registry or website info
Never include registry information directly on your invitation. Instead, direct guests to your wedding website through a separate information card in your invitation suite. Joy’s wedding invitations offer elegant ways to include website details without compromising formality.
The proper approach is having registry information accessible on your wedding website, which guests can visit for additional details about your celebration. Traditional etiquette suggests registry information spreads through word-of-mouth.
Avoiding common wording errors
Proofread meticulously for these frequent mistakes:
- Incorrect spelling of names (especially those with variable spellings like Matthew/Mathew)
- Wrong dates, times, or day of the week
- Inaccurate venue addresses or missing details
- Poor grammar or punctuation
- Stating “Please RSVP” (which is redundant since RSVP means “please respond”)
Furthermore, check all numbers on your invitation, particularly for ceremony and reception times. Having multiple people review your invitation before printing ensures nothing slips through unnoticed.
50+ Elegant Formal Wedding Invitation Wording Examples
Looking for inspiration? I’ve compiled more than 50 elegant examples of formal wedding invitation wording you can customize for your own celebration. These real-world samples showcase the principles we’ve discussed while maintaining the sophistication your formal wedding deserves.
Formal examples with parents hosting
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Vaughn request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Katrina Vaughn to Clayton Gutherie Saturday, the twenty-ninth of October two thousand fourteen at five o’clock in the evening The St. Regis Two East 55th Street New York, New York Reception to follow
Mr. and Mrs. David Russell request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Eliza Louise to John Lowell Walker Son of Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Walker Saturday, the twenty-second of June two thousand fourteen at half past four in the afternoon St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church Reception to immediately follow
Examples for same-sex couples
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bryant and Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Richards request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Caroline Richards to Steven Young Saturday, the fourteenth of March Two Thousand Fourteen Two O’clock in the Afternoon
Mr. Jonathan Rhodes and Mr. Alex Garcia request the pleasure of your company at their wedding ceremony
Together with their families, Kai Smith and Riley Jones invite you to join in a celebration of their marriage
Modern formal examples
Jennifer and Andrew invite you to celebrate their wedding Saturday, the third of July Two thousand and twenty-one At half past four o’clock Surrey-Williamson Inn Saratoga Springs, New York Black tie optional
Together with their families Agee Gretta Taylor and Alexander Charles Leinberry Invite you to join them in the celebration of their love Saturday, the twenty-fourth of July
Creative yet formal examples
With great pleasure Stacey Bullington and Peter Cunningham invite you to join them at the celebration of their marriage Saturday, July 9, 2016 at two thirty in the afternoon
Love is in the air Chloe Marie Sinclair & Matthew James Denton Have the honor of announcing their marriage on Saturday, the twenty-fifth of August
Destination wedding examples
With hearts full of love and joy, we invite you to our wedding in Tuscany, Italy! Brandi Keating and Josh Powell Saturday, May 20th Vero Amore Resort Formal attire requested
Together with their families, Pearl Hogan and Matthew Spindler invite you to their autumn wedding on October 20th Ceremony at 4 p.m. with a reception to follow Wilton Forest Resort Hartford, Connecticut
Reception-only invitation examples
Emily Katherine Schwartz and Sarah Andrew Gordon will be married in a small ceremony on Saturday the sixth of October Please join us in celebration at their wedding reception Saturday the twentieth of October
Because you have shared in our lives Angela Pinero and Jose Ruiz invite you to share in a celebration of love As we exchange our vows On April 23, 2025 In Cancun, Mexico
At Joy, we offer customizable templates for all these styles of formal wedding invitations, making it simple to create the perfect announcement for your special day.
Conclusion
Crafting the perfect formal wedding invitation certainly requires attention to detail and adherence to time-honored traditions. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored everything from essential invitation elements to proper wording for various hosting scenarios, providing you with the knowledge needed to create truly elegant announcements for your special day.
Your wedding invitation serves as the first glimpse guests receive of your celebration. Therefore, choosing the right wording not only communicates crucial information but also establishes expectations for the formality and tone of your wedding. The examples we’ve shared demonstrate how traditional etiquette can blend seamlessly with personal touches to create invitations that feel both proper and authentic.
Remember that consistency across all elements—from spelling out dates and times to properly formatting names—ultimately creates the most sophisticated impression. Additionally, avoiding common pitfalls like including registry information directly on invitations or sending them at inappropriate times helps maintain the elegance your formal wedding deserves.
We at Joy understand the importance of getting every detail right. Our customizable wedding invitation templates at https://withjoy.com/wedding-invitations/ make it easy to incorporate all the formal elements we’ve discussed while reflecting your unique style. Whether you’re following tradition with parents hosting or creating a modern invitation as a couple, our designs help you maintain formality without sacrificing personality.
The perfect invitation awaits you—one that honors tradition, communicates clearly, and sets the stage for your unforgettable celebration. Start crafting yours today and watch as your vision comes to life through elegantly worded invitations that will undoubtedly impress your guests.
