Wedding Invitation Wording Template

PHOTO: COURTESY OF A PRINTABLE PRESS

The following are general examples of correct invitation wording, so if you don't see your particular situation outlined below, take the appropriate information from a close example and inquire about the remaining specifics with your stationer, or check an etiquette book such as BRIDE'S Book of Etiquette, available for purchase at bookstore.
Traditionally, the bride's parents are the hosts of the wedding, and are named at the top of the invitation. Hosts do not necessarily pay for the event, but are simply honored as a sign of respect.

When the bride's parents host the wedding:

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Thomas Chrzanowski

*request the honour of your presence

at the marriage of their daughter, Colleen Marie

to

Ryan Michael Cronin

Saturday, the twenty-third of October

at four o'clock

Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church

New York, New York

When the groom's parents are included on the invitation:

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Thomas Chrzanowski

*request the honour of your presence

at the marriage of their daughter,

Colleen Marie

to

Ryan Michael Cronin,

son of

Mr. and Mrs. Jason Rigby Cronin

Saturday, the twenty-third of October, etc.

or

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Thomas Chrzanowski

and

Mr. and Mrs. Jason Rigby Cronin

*request the pleasure of your company

at the wedding reception of their children,

Colleen Marie and Ryan Michael

Saturday, the twenty-third of October, etc.

Generally, when a bride's parents are divorced, the invitation is sent by the parent who raised her.

When the bride's divorced parents are both listed on the invitation:

Diane Jean Chrzanowski (or Mrs.Robert Cheney, if remarried)

and

Daniel Thomas Chrzanowski (or Mr. Daniel Thomas Chrzanowski)

*request the honour of your presence

at the marriage of their daughter,

Colleen Marie to

Ryan Michael Cronin, etc.

When the couple would like to host the event themselves:

*The honour of your presence

is requested at the marriage of

Miss Colleen Marie Chrzanowski

to

Mr. Ryan Michael Cronin

Saturday, the twenty-third of May, etc.

A simple way to add everyone when the couple would like to include their families (divorced or married) and host their own wedding:

Colleen Marie Chrzanowski and Ryan Michael Cronin

together with their parents

*request the pleasure of your company at their wedding, etc.

*Only ceremonies taking place in houses of worship should have the phrase "the honour of your presence" used on the invitations. Otherwise, it's appropriate to use "request the pleasure of your company."