You can probably expect some professional advice on wedding invitation wording if you're working with a custom invitation designer. If you take the more DIY route, you'll definitely want to use these easy rules of thumb as a reference. Wedding invitations should surely be beautiful-this is a fact. But they should also be thorough and constructed with great tactfulness.

The Basics

Be sure to list the names of all wedding hosts at the top of the invitation, not the bottom. You'll want to include all the following information on your wedding invitations:

• Names of the hosts (traditionally, the bride's parents)
• Bride and groom's names
• Ceremony date, day of week, time, and location
• Reception information (on a single line)

Things to Consider

• Avoid using abbreviations.
• Refrain from using the word "and" between two names if the individuals are not married. Names of non-married hosts should be stacked.
• Hosts who are widowed should be addressed according to their late husband's name (i.e., Mrs. Andrew Scott).
• Ditch the reception cards if the ceremony and the reception are to take place in the same location.
• Customarily, the bride's last name should be excluded if her parents are hosting the wedding. If the groom's parents are involved in the planning, include the bride's last name.
• Always double check that you are using correct names for your guests, even the third cousin's girlfriend of 3-months who you have never met. If you have to pick up the phone to call and confirm a spelling, do so to make your guests feel absolutely comfortable and welcomed.
• Registry information should be displayed on your wedding website (if applicable) or communicated through word of mouth. You should not print such information on your wedding invitations-as it would be in poor taste.

Wedding Invitation Wording Examples

Below are a few common wording examples, traditional and casual, that should provide a clear guideline for your own wedding invitations. Take note of each of the special cases below, and be aware that most traditional weddings (as indicated below) may typically take place in a church or place of worship.

One Set of Parents is Hosting (traditional):

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Rossi
Request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Stephanie Elizabeth
to
William Martin Tenley
Saturday, the twenty-fifth of June
two thousand and sixteen
at half-past five o'clock
Olive Branch Church
Washington, DC

Both Sets of Parents are Hosting (traditional):

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Rossi
And Mr. and Mrs. John Tenley
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of their children
Stephanie Elizabeth
to
William Martin
Saturday, the twenty-fifth of June
two thousand and sixteen
at half-past five o'clock
Olive Branch Church
Washington, DC

Both Sets of Parents and Bride/Groom are Hosting (casual):

Together with their families
Stephanie Elizabeth Rossi
&
William Martin Tenley
invite you to share in their joy
at the celebration of their marriage
Saturday, the twenty-fifth of June
two thousand and sixteen
at half-past five o'clock
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Washington, DC

Bride and Groom are Hosting (casual):

Stephanie Elizabeth Rossi
&
William Martin Tenley
joyfully request
the pleasure of your company
at their wedding celebration
Saturday, the twenty-fifth of June
two thousand and sixteen
at half-past five o'clock
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Washington, DC

Divorced Parents are Hosting (traditional):

Ms. Michelle Smith
Mr. Michael Rossi
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Stephanie Elizabeth
to
William Martin Tenly
Saturday, the twenty-fifth of June
two thousand and sixteen
at half-past five o'clock
Olive Branch Church
Washington, DC

Hosted by One Set of Parents of Which One is Remarried (Traditional):

Ms. Michelle Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Rossi
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Stephanie Elizabeth
to
William Martin Tenley
Saturday, the twenty-fifth of June
two thousand and sixteen
at half-past five o'clock
Olive Branch Church
Washington, DC

Remember This ...

Your wedding invitation wording is important, as it will make the first impression amongst guests. Seek to wow them! While there is no hard rule that determines if you should take a traditional or casual approach to your wedding invitation wording, you should-however-remain true to your style as a couple. And style is so much more than a gorgeous stationery design and elegant custom calligraphy.

Featured Photography: Featured Wedding Invitation Wording via PinterestFeatured Wedding Invitation Wording: Paper by Charm CatFeatured Wedding Invitation Wording: CT DesignsFeatured Brush Calligraphy: Lauren Saylor of A Fabulous FeteFeatured Photography: Heather Hawkins | Featured Stationery: Signorae Mare, Script Merchant via Once WedFeatured Photography: Heather Hawkins | Featured Stationery: Signorae Mare, Script Merchant via Once WedFeatured Stationery: Jolie StationeryFeatured Stationery: Script Merchant | Featured Photography: Gregory Ross via Green Wedding Shoes Featured Stationery: Ashley Meyers Design | Featured Photography: Tec PetajaFeatured Envelope Calligraphy: Shannon Kirsten | Featured Invitations by BellaFigura.com via Once WedStationery by Minted via The Classic BrideStationery: Idieh Design via 100 Layer Cake Featured Invitation via From Up NorthFeatured Invitation via Elements of StyleFeatured Stationery: Lavender & Honey | Featured Photography: Jade + Matthew Take PicturesFeatured Invitation: Ruby & WillowFeatured Invitation: Lavender & Mint | Featured Calligraphy: Signora e Mare | Featured Photography: Erich McVeyFeatured Invitations: Sweet Letterpress | Featured Photography: Rachel Havel PhotographyFeatured Invitation via Mama SauceIzzy Hudgins Photography | Featured Invitations: Miss Wyolene

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