How should I word my Wedding invitations?
ONE OF THE ODDEST HURDLES IN YOUR WEDDING INVITATIONS can be FIGURING OUT THE WORDING, it was for me and I had multiple tries on my save the dates and Invites (Covid bride). So Let’s talk about it!
Is there a correct way to word my invitations?
Yes…and no.
IN THE WORLD OF WEDDING STATIONERY, IT FEELS LIKE THERE ARE A LOT OF RULES. For example IF YOU want to state something along the lines of: “The honor of your presence is requested at the marriage of” You only use “HONOR/HONOUR” if you are getting married in a house of worship- IF YOU’RE NOT YOU SAY “PLEASURE”. THERE ARE A LOT OF syntactical nuances THAT STEM FROM VERY OLD TRADITIONS WHEN INVITATIONS WERE EACH HAND WRITTEN AND DELIVERED BY HORSE.
So yes — THERE IS TRADITIONAL WAY TO APPROACH YOUR INVITATION WORDING; and THERE ARE MANY ARTICLES YOU CAN FIND TO HELP GUIDE YOU TO THE CORRECT WORDING. EMILY POST EXPLAINS IN GREAT DETAIL IN THis ARTICLE HERE
Photo by Kelly H PHOTO
WHAT IF…TRADITIONAL WORDING ISN’T FOR YOU?
WELL, I THINK THAT’S GREAT!
YOUR WEDDING INVITATION IS YOUR FIRST OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW YOUR GUESTS WHAT YOUR WEDDING WILL BE LIKE AND SOMETIMES TRADITIONAL WORDING doesn’t really go with who you are or “Your wedding vibe”. I’m a firm believer in being unapologetically yourself, especially in the details of your wedding.
WEDDINGS HAVE CHANGED A LOT SINCE THE DAYS OF YORE. LOTS OF PEOPLE ARE GETTING MARRIED LATER in life AND ARE HOSTING THEIR OWN WEDDINGS. THE LANDSCAPE OF WEDDINGS IN GENERAL HAS CHANGED DRASTICALLY SINCE MARCH OF 2020 and now weddings range from mini elopements and ceremonies—followed by a bigger celebration later on— to a weekend full of festivities. It makes sense that the way the information is laid out on the page changes as well.
Taking a non-traditional route with your invitation wording can be a really fun brainstorm session and can even inspire your invitation designer to create a unique invitation that feels completely like you!
What information Needs to be on the invitation?
Whether you decide to go with a Formal, Semi FOrmal, or non traditional invite style there is certain information that does need to be on your invite.
Note: The invitation is for your ceremony, so if you have a reception in another location that information is included on a separate insert card. IF the reception is in the same location a form of “reception to follow” on the invite will do (here is another place to have fun with wording — in my huble opinion)
Here is what absolutely needs to be included:
the couples names (first, first and middle, or first middle last - that is up to you!)
THe time
the date
The PLace (Venue name + address — zip code is usually not included)
That is all the absolutely necessary information
ADDItional information that can be included on your invitation are:
hosts names — (if family members—ex. your Parents—are contributing financially they should be included on the invitation)
Attire (not strictly necessary if it’s cocktail or semi Formal. if your vision, however, requires that your guests wear something very specific —colors from a certain color palette, all white, costumes etc. including this information on the invite — and as many places as you possibly can is a good idea!)
WHat Doesn’t Belong on THe INVITATION?
But Rachel, there’s a lot of information my guests need like parking information and travel and accommodations!
Yes! Your wedding guests most certainly need All sorts of additional Details. Here’s a list of some information your guests will need that generally is not found on the wedding invitation, and where you could put it instead.
RECEPTION INFORMATION (if it’s at a separate venue than your ceremony)— Details card and website
REGISTRY — DETAILS CARD and/or WEbsite
parking/transportation — DETAILS CARD and/or WEbsite
travel + Accommodations — Details card and/or Website
rehearsal dinner/ welcome reception / farewell party - a separate insert card and/or a private section on your website
Wedding Website - Details (and rsvp card if rsvp-ing through your website)
I bet you’re seeing a common theme.
What did we do before the wedding website?! A wedding website these days is a must, it helps feild a ton of questions from guests as you get closer to the big day and don’t have time to answer the same question over and over and over; RSVP-ing ONline makes keeping track of your guests so much easier!
(Want to see an example of one — you’re in luck, I accidentally paid for ours for an additional year— so take a peak! most Photos on our website by KELLY H PHOTO AND a few by SARAH ELLEFSON)
SHORT + SWEET = easier to read + A BEtter Design!
Keeping the information on your wedding invitation straight forward, clear and concise is the best way to ensure your guests know where to go, when to show up and who to celebrate! somewhat less importantly but something else to consider — the less text (the less clutter) means more room for your invitation design and more room for it to breathe!
so, word your invitations in whatever way feels most like you, make sure to at least include all the vital information and remember, you can always include all the extra information on your wedding website.
