A Few Choice Words: Choosing The Right Wording For Your Invitations

by Mia Bolaris-Forget (Staff Writer NYCityWeddings)

When it comes to saying something, it’s not just what you say, but also how you say it. And, that applies to the wording of your invitations. You certainly want them to be warm and welcoming but at the same time elegant and formal, and appropriate for your particular celebration and situation.

Brides Parents Hosting:

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
Request the honor of your presence
At the Marriage of their daughter,
Jane Smith
To
John Doe
Saturday, the first of April
At five o’clock
Temple Bethel
Woodmere, New York.

Grooms Parents “Co-Hosting”:

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
Request the honor of your presence
At the marriage of their daughter,
Jane Smith
To
John Doe,
Son of
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Doe
Saturday, the first of April, ……

OR

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
And,
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Doe
Request the pleasure of your company
At the wedding of their children
Jane Smith and Eric Doe, etc.

Wedding Hosted By Divorced Parent:

Generally speaking the invitation is worded to reflect an event hosted by the parent who raised the child

Both (Divorced) Parents Hosting And Included On Invitation:

Ms. Judy Smith (or Mrs. Judy Lane, if remarried)
And Mr. Ted Smith
Request the honor of your presence
At the marriage of their daughter
Jane Smith
To
John Doe, …………….

Couple Hosting The Event:

The honor of your presence
Is requested at the union (or marriage) of
Miss (or Ms.) Jane Smith
To
Mr. John Doe
Saturday, the first of April, etc

Or (to include everyone):

Jane Smith and John Doe
Together with their parents
Request the pleasure of your company
At their wedding, ……………

Note: Only ceremonies conducted in houses of worship should feature the phrase “the honor of your presence” on the invite.