How to word your wedding invitations can be confusing as it depends on a number of factors and scenarios. For example, who’s paying? Are your parents divorced? Is a parent widowed? How traditional is the ceremony? Is it a casual affair?
For some couples, this may be straightforward but for others, it can turn into a bit of a headache! Never fear, FairyFrog Wedding Stationery has put together some real-life examples to guide you in the right direction, depending on your family situation.
Traditional – bride’s parents hosting
Traditionally, if it’s the bride’s parents that are paying for the wedding or making a large contribution then this classic wording will be the most suitable to use.
Mr and Mrs David Redfern request the pleasure of the company of… at the marriage of their daughter Sophie to Mr Edward Lindley…
or David and Alison Redfern request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Sophie to Edward…
Divorced parents
Wording can become complicated when parents hosting the wedding are divorced and have married, but here’s how you do it.
Bride’s parents are divorced and not remarried: Mr David Redfern and Mrs Alison Redfern… (Names can appear on separate lines if preferred)
Bride’s parents are divorced and mother has remarried: Mr David Redfern and Mrs Alison Smith…
Bride’s mother and father have both remarried and are hosting with the bride’s stepparents: Mr & Mrs David Redfern and Mr & Mrs Patrick Smith request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Sophie Redfern…
Deceased parents
Finding the right wording if you have a parent who has passed away can be an incredibly hard. Special thought should be given so you don’t upset your family or guests. If you wish to include the name of the deceased parent on your invitation you can add a line that reads ‘daughter of the late’ or ‘son of the late’ followed by the deceased parent’s name.
Couple’s children are hosting
Some couples like to include their children in the wording. If they are adults they may even be hosting the wedding! Depending on the family situation you can word your invitations as follows…
Bride and groom’s children are involved
Together with their children, Sophie Redfern and Edward Lindley request the honour of your presence at their marriage…
Bride’s son is hosting the wedding
Mr Jacob Redfern requests the honour of your presence at the marriage of his mother Sophie Redfern to Edward Lindley…
Bride and groom’s children are hosting (informal)
Jacob Redfern and Victoria Lindley invite you to join our families at the wedding of our parents Sophie Redfern and Edward Lindley…
Bride and groom are hosting
Hosting the wedding on your own can give you more freedom in your choice of wording. You may wish to stick to tradition and use formal wording or you could be more creative and use a quirky style that reflects your personalities and suits the style of wedding you have planned. Here are a few examples to give you some inspiration…
Traditional
The pleasure of your company is requested at the marriage of Miss Sophie Redfern and Mr Edward Lindley…
Informal
Please join us to celebrate the marriage of Sophie and Edward…
Informal and fun
We are getting married!
Please join us for a celebration of love, family and friendship, followed by fabulous food, laughter and embarrassing dancing!
Remember these are guides for your wording, alterations can be made to suit your individual circumstances. Wondering how to theme your wedding stationery to suit the season? Check out our Stationery section today!
