Crafting Your Unique Wedding Invitations

Who is Doing the Inviting?

Traditionally, the invitation wording is based on who is paying for the wedding. This is often the bride's parents. However, in modern times, this is not always the case. Here are some different options:

Mr & Mrs X

This option is used when the bride's family is paying for the entire wedding.

Together with Their Families

This phrase is suitable when both families and the couple contribute to the wedding.

Mr & Mrs X invite you to the wedding of their daughter Mary X to Mark Y, son of Mr & Mrs Y

This less common option is quite wordy. It is used when one set of parents is paying fully, but you still wish to acknowledge the other set.

Mr X & Mrs Z invite you to the wedding of their daughter Mary X to Mark Y, son of Mr & Mrs Y

This option is slightly more complicated. It is used in families where parents have remarried. Here, Mrs Z is the "step-mom." Traditionally, Dad goes first, as he is usually the one paying.

The Couple

This option indicates that the two getting married are the sole contributors to the wedding.

You are invited to the wedding of

This phrase does not suggest anyone has paid for the wedding. It is a much more relaxed approach.

Extending the Invitation

Next, we need to extend the invitation with additional phrases. Some of these work better with certain options than others. Here are some choices:

Cordially invite you to attend

A traditional and formal-sounding option.

Request the honour of your presence

Typically used when the ceremony is in a house of worship.

Request the honour of your company

Another option for marriage in a house of worship.

Request the pleasure of your company

This is suitable for marriage in an approved venue or anywhere that's not a house of worship.

Invite you to share in the joy

A relaxed option, ideal for a celebrant-led ceremony.

Come for the wedding, stay for the party

This is a great relaxed option. It works well for celebrant-led ceremonies or a short ceremony at the registry office.

Clarifying the Type of Ceremony

Now more than ever, it's important to tell guests what they are actually coming to. Is it a legal wedding ceremony? Is it a celebrant-led ceremony that allows more of your personalities to shine through? Or perhaps a more spiritual handfasting or vow renewal? Here are some phrases to consider:

At the marriage of

At the wedding of

At the celebration of

At the handfasting of

At the vow renewal of

Anything Else to Add

Here, you can add details about what happens after the ceremony. Is there a suggested dress code? (Remember, you can’t tell guests what to wear!)

Dinner & dancing to follow

Reception to follow

Black tie encouraged / preferred / optional (This also suggests cocktail dresses for the ladies.)

Conclusion

If all of this seems overwhelming and you're looking to take the invitation stress away, you can easily fill out my form to enquire about or bespoke stationery or semi-bespoke options.

Remember, your wedding invitations are a reflection of your unique style. Don't hesitate to make them your own!