Wedding invitation wording carries more weight than most couples expect. It sets the tone for the entire event — formal vs. relaxed, traditional vs. modern — and communicates practical information that guests need to actually show up.
The traditional etiquette rules exist for a reason. But plenty of couples adapt, modernize, or ignore them entirely. Here's everything you need to write your invitation, whatever style you're going for.
The Standard Elements
Every invitation needs:
1. Host line — who is hosting (paying for / giving) the wedding
2. Request line — the invitation itself
3. Names — the couple being married
4. Date and time — spelled out in formal invitations, numerical in casual
5. Venue — name and address
6. Reception details — if reception follows at the same location, "Reception to follow" is enough; if different location, include it
Formal Traditional
Mr. and Mrs. William James Calloway
together with Mr. and Mrs. Edward Thomas Burke
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their children
>
**Sarah Anne Calloway**
and
**James Edward Burke**
>
Saturday, the fourteenth of June
two thousand and twenty-five
at half past five in the evening
>
St. Michael's Cathedral
214 North Cathedral Avenue
Chicago, Illinois
>
Reception to follow
Modern Hosted by Couple
Together with their families
>
**Olivia Chen & Marcus Webb**
>
invite you to celebrate their wedding
>
Saturday, June 14, 2026 · 5:30 PM
>
The Rooftop at 72nd
720 Park Avenue, New York
>
Dinner and dancing to follow
Couple Hosting Themselves
**James & Sarah**
>
are getting married and want you there
>
Saturday, June 14, 2026
Ceremony at 5:00 PM · Dinner at 6:30 PM
>
Hartley Farm & Estate
422 Orchard Road, Sonoma, CA
One Set of Parents Hosting
Mr. and Mrs. William Calloway
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
>
**Sarah Anne Calloway**
to
**James Edward Burke**
son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Burke
Divorced Parents, Amicable
Lisa Calloway and William Calloway
together with Patricia and Edward Burke
invite you to the wedding of...
Remarried Parent
Mrs. Lisa Calloway-Ross and Mr. Daniel Ross
together with...
Religious Ceremony Wording
Traditional Catholic/Christian:
"the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony"
Jewish:
"the celebration of their marriage
under the chuppah"
Interfaith or secular:
"the celebration of their marriage"
or simply "their wedding"
"Adults Only" Wording
The politest approach is not to write it on the invitation at all, but to address envelopes specifically (list names only — no "and family") and spread the word through parents and word of mouth.
If you must include it: "We kindly ask that this be an adult celebration" works without sounding aggressive.
Dress Code
Include in the lower right corner or on a separate details card:
- •Black tie
- •Black tie optional
- •Cocktail attire
- •Garden party attire
- •Casual / Festive
If it's a theme: "Tropical formal" or "Garden chic" are clear enough.
The Details Card
A separate enclosure card handles logistics that don't belong on the main invitation:
- •Hotel accommodations and room block details
- •Transportation or shuttle information
- •Parking instructions
- •Wedding website URL
- •RSVP instructions (if online)
Keeping logistics on a separate card keeps the main invitation clean and elegant.
With Memorra, your wedding website and RSVP link are always ready to include — guests click a personal link, confirm their attendance, choose their meal, and you see it instantly.