Good wedding invitation wording does four jobs: it says who is getting married, who is inviting the guest, when and where it is happening, and how to reply. Everything else is tone. A formal invitation names the hosts and spells out the date in words; a relaxed one speaks in the couple's own voice. Below are UK examples you can copy and adapt, whatever kind of wedding you're planning.
The parts every invitation needs
- Who is hosting: traditionally the bride's parents, now just as often the couple themselves or both families.
- Your full names (first names alone are fine on relaxed invitations).
- The date, including the day of the week, and the time guests should arrive.
- The venue name and full address, with the postcode for sat navs.
- What happens afterwards, such as "followed by a wedding breakfast and dancing".
- How and when to reply, with an RSVP date.
Formal wording, hosted by the bride's parents
This is the most traditional British form. Note that "the honour of your presence" is used for a religious ceremony, and "the pleasure of your company" for a civil one.
Mr and Mrs David Harper request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Ella to Mr James Whitfield, on Saturday the twelfth of June two thousand and twenty-seven at two o'clock, at Hartwell Manor, Cheshire, and afterwards at the reception.
If parents are divorced or remarried
Name each host on their own line. For example: "Mrs Sarah Harper and Mr David Harper request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter…". If step-parents are hosting too, list each couple separately so nobody's name is left out.
Formal wording, hosted by both families
Together with their families, Ella Harper and James Whitfield request the pleasure of your company at their marriage on Saturday 12th June 2027 at 2pm, Hartwell Manor, Cheshire.
"Together with their families" is the most popular modern opening because it includes everyone and works when several people are contributing to the wedding.
Relaxed wording, from the couple
- "Ella and James are getting married! Join us on Saturday 12 June 2027 at Hartwell Manor for a day of love, laughter and far too much cake."
- "We said yes, and now we'd love you to say yes too. Come and celebrate with Ella and James on Saturday 12 June 2027."
- "After eight years, two flats and one very spoilt dog, we're finally tying the knot. Please join us…"
Relaxed wording still needs the practical details. Put the date, time, venue and reply date on separate lines so guests can find them at a glance.
Day guest and evening guest wording
Most UK weddings have two guest lists, so most couples need two versions of the invitation. The day version includes the ceremony time and meal choices; the evening version gives the evening start time and keeps the same warm tone. Our guide to evening invitation wording has more examples.
Day: "Ella and James invite you to share in their wedding day, Saturday 12 June 2027. Arrival 1.30pm for a 2pm ceremony at Hartwell Manor, followed by a wedding breakfast and dancing."
Evening: "Ella and James would love you to join them for their evening celebration, Saturday 12 June 2027, from 7pm until late at Hartwell Manor."
Wording for children and plus-ones
Be clear rather than clever. Name everyone who is invited, including children, on the invitation or envelope. If you're having an adults-only day, a gentle line works best: "We love your little ones, but we've chosen to make our day an adults-only celebration." If a guest can bring a partner, say "and guest" or name the partner.
RSVP wording
- Formal: "RSVP by 1st May 2027."
- Relaxed: "Please let us know by 1 May 2027 whether you can make it."
- With meals: "Please reply by 1 May with your meal choices and any dietary requirements or allergies."
If you're sending your invitations digitally, the reply card can be built in, so guests answer for their whole household and choose their meals in one go. Try it as a guest in our live demo.
Little things that make wording feel finished
- Use "honour" with the British spelling, and be consistent with dates (either "Saturday 12 June 2027" or the fully written-out form).
- Avoid listing gift information on the invitation itself; put it on your wedding website or a separate card.
- Read it aloud. If it sounds stiff when you say it, it will read stiffly too.
- Ask someone else to proofread names, the date and the postcode before anything is sent.
When you're happy with your wording, you can see it on a real animated invitation in a few minutes. Create yours and preview it free.