Wedding Invitation Wording: 60 Examples for Every Style (Formal to Modern)

Wedding invitation wording is one of those tasks that seems easy until you start. Who do you list as host? Do you include "and family"? How do you phrase the dress code without sounding bossy? Here are 60 copy-paste examples across every style, plus the small etiquette rules that make the difference.

Formal wording (10 examples)

Example 1 — Parents hosting:
Mr and Mrs John Smith
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Emily Grace
to
Mr James Andrew Williams
Saturday, the fifteenth of August
two thousand and twenty-six
at four o'clock in the afternoon
St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney

Example 2 — Both sets of parents hosting: "Together with their parents, Emily Smith and James Williams invite you to share in the joy of their marriage…"

Example 3 — Couple hosting: "The honour of your presence is requested at the marriage of Emily Grace Smith to James Andrew Williams…"

Example 4 — Religious / cathedral: "…request the honour of your presence at the nuptial mass uniting their daughter…"

Example 5 — Divorced parents (mother listed first): "Ms Catherine Smith and Mr John Smith invite you to celebrate the marriage of their daughter…"

Examples 6–10: Variations swapping "honour" for "pleasure", adding deceased parents ("…daughter of the late John Smith"), and including a reception line ("Reception to follow at Quay Restaurant").

Semi-formal wording (10 examples)

Example 11: "With great joy, Emily Smith and James Williams invite you to celebrate their wedding on Saturday, 15 August 2026 at 4pm, Centennial Park, Sydney. Reception and dancing to follow."

Example 12: "Together with their families, Emily and James request the pleasure of your company as they say 'I do' on…"

Example 13: "Two hearts. One promise. Emily & James — Saturday 15 August, 4pm, Centennial Park. Stay for the party."

Example 14: "Please join us for the wedding of Emily Grace and James Andrew, Saturday the fifteenth of August at 4 in the afternoon."

Examples 15–20: Variants that name the venue prominently, include hashtags, mention "cocktails to follow", or add a personal "we'd love nothing more than to have you there".

Modern wording (10 examples)

Example 21: "We're getting married! Em & James — 15.08.26 — Centennial Park, Sydney — 4pm onwards — bring your dancing shoes."

Example 22: "After 7 years, 2 cats and one very long lockdown, we're finally doing it. Join us on Saturday 15 August at 4pm…"

Example 23: "Emily & James are getting hitched. Save the date, save the dance floor, save us a seat at the table."

Examples 24–30: Conversational, photo-led, sometimes humorous. "It only took us a decade." "Please come eat with us." "We've planned everything except the weather."

Casual / micro-wedding wording (10 examples)

Example 31: "Em & James — backyard, BBQ, vows, drinks. Sat 15 August, 3pm. Wear what makes you happy."

Example 32: "We're keeping it small and easy. Brunch wedding at 11am, ceremony at 12, lunch right after. We'd love you there."

Examples 33–40: Wording for elopement parties, post-wedding receptions, courthouse + dinner, and "I do" BBQs.

Second marriage wording (5 examples)

Example 41: "Emily Smith and James Williams, together with their children, invite you to share in the joy of their marriage…"

Examples 42–45: Phrasing that includes children gracefully, omits parental hosting lines, and leans warm rather than formal.

Wording for the practical sections (15 examples)

RSVP lines (5): "Kindly RSVP by 30 June." • "Please reply by 30/06/26." • "We'd love to know if you can join us — tap below to RSVP." • "Yes or no, we just need to know — RSVP by 30 June." • "RSVP via the link, plus dietary requirements please."

Dress code lines (5): "Cocktail attire." • "Black tie optional." • "Garden formal — heels not recommended on the grass." • "Smart casual: think linen and loafers." • "Wear what makes you feel beautiful."

Plus-one and gift lines (5): "We've reserved a seat for [Name] and a guest." • "Adults-only ceremony, kids welcome at the reception." • "Your presence is the present — but if you'd like to gift, our wishing well will be at the venue." • "We're saving for our honeymoon, link to contribute is in the RSVP." • "Charitable donations welcome in lieu of gifts."

However you word it, the easiest way to send it is digitally — guests open it on their phone, RSVP in one tap and you keep dietary and plus-one info in one place. Celebrate Magic Moments wedding invitations handle all of that, with optional add-ons like a personalised song to play as the ceremony starts.

The five etiquette rules people forget

1. Spell out the date and time on formal invitations — "Saturday, the fifteenth of August, at four o'clock in the afternoon".
2. List the bride's name first in traditional formats; modern couples list whichever name flows better.
3. If parents are paying, list them as hosts. If the couple is paying, the couple hosts.
4. Don't put registry info on the main invitation — link it from a separate "details" page or website.
5. Always include an RSVP deadline. Without one, expect to be chasing replies at 11pm the week of.

Pick the example closest to your tone, swap the names in, and you're 80% there.

Frequently asked questions

What's the correct order of names on a wedding invitation?

Traditional Australian formatting puts the bride's name first. Modern couples list whichever name flows better aloud, or alphabetical. Both are correct in 2026 — it's a style choice, not an etiquette rule.

How do I word a wedding invitation when both sets of parents are hosting?

Use 'together with their parents' followed by the couple's names. Example: 'Together with their parents, Emily Grace Smith and James Andrew Williams invite you to share in the joy of their marriage…'

Where should I put the dress code on a wedding invitation?

Bottom right of the main invitation card, or on the accompanying details page. Use clear, friendly language ('cocktail attire', 'garden formal') rather than vague terms like 'smart casual' which mean different things to different guests.

Do I need to mention the registry on the wedding invitation?

No — and traditionally you shouldn't. Put registry, accommodation and travel details on a separate details page or wedding website, and link to it from the invitation.

How far in advance should wedding invitations be sent?

Send save-the-dates 6–9 months ahead, and formal invitations 8–12 weeks before the wedding. Destination weddings and December weddings need an extra 4 weeks of notice.