Wedding Invitation Wording Examples

Add a livestream link

For guests who can't travel. Put it on the invitation or, more cleanly, on your wedding website.

Can't be with us in person? Watch the ceremony live at the link on our wedding website.

The ceremony will be streamed for those who cannot join us. Details at [your website].

Tip: Keep the link itself off a printed card if you can. A short URL to your website is easier to read and lets you update it.

When the couple is hosting

Modern and very common when you are paying for the day yourselves.

Together with their families, Avery Collins and Jordan Reyes invite you to celebrate their marriage.

Avery Collins and Jordan Reyes request the pleasure of your company at their wedding.

Tip: Listing parents by name is optional. "Together with their families" honors everyone without implying who paid.

When both families are hosting

List each family in the order you prefer, or alphabetically to avoid any question.

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Collins and Mr. and Mrs. David Reyes request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their children, Avery and Jordan.

Tip: There is no single correct order. Choose one you are comfortable explaining and use it everywhere.

When parents are divorced

Give each parent their own line, and avoid putting two people who dislike each other on the same one.

Ms. Laura Collins and Mr. Michael Collins request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter, Avery.

Avery Collins, daughter of Laura Collins and Michael Collins, and Jordan Reyes invite you to their wedding.

Tip: If it's tense, the couple-hosting wording above sidesteps the question entirely.

Honoring a parent who has passed

Many couples add a quiet line to the program or website instead of the invitation.

In loving memory of Avery's father, Robert Collins.

We will carry those we love who cannot be here today in our hearts.

Tip: The invitation itself usually stays simple. A program or reception sign is a gentler home for this line.

Adults-only celebration

Say it kindly, say it once, and put it where guests will see it before they RSVP.

We love your little ones, but we've planned an adults-only celebration. We hope you enjoy a night out.

Adult reception to follow. We are unable to accommodate children at this celebration.

Tip: Address the invitation envelope only to the people invited. It does more of the work than any sentence.

Your presence is the gift

Some guests will ask anyway. A line on the website helps.

Your presence is the only gift we need.

Please, no gifts. We just want to celebrate with you.

Tip: Expect a few guests to bring something regardless. Plan a spot for cards.

Cash or honeymoon fund

Put this on the website, not the invitation. It is the traditional place for gift information.

If you wish to give a gift, we'd be grateful for a contribution to our honeymoon fund.

We have everything we need for our home. If you'd like to give something, a contribution toward our future together is warmly appreciated.

Tip: Include the link only on your wedding website.

RSVP deadline and instructions

Ask for a reply date comfortably ahead of your caterer's final-count deadline.

Kindly reply by May 1 at [your website].

Please RSVP by May 1. Regretfully, we cannot hold a seat without a reply.

Tip: Most couples set the RSVP date a few weeks before the vendor deadline so there is time to chase late replies.

Plus-one and named guests

Naming guests on the envelope or RSVP is the clearest way to say who is invited.

We have reserved 2 seats in your honor.

Due to venue size, we can only accommodate the guests named on your invitation.

Tip: Whatever you decide, apply it consistently so it never feels personal.

Dress code

One short phrase in the lower corner of the invitation is enough.

Black tie optional.

Cocktail attire.

Garden party attire. Think comfortable shoes for the lawn.

Tip: If the venue has grass, gravel, or stairs, a short note on the website helps guests choose shoes.

Unplugged ceremony

Ask kindly. It is easier to accept when guests understand why.

We invite you to be fully present with us. Our ceremony will be unplugged.

Please silence your phone and enjoy the moment. Our photographer will share every photo with you.

Tip: Only promise shared photos if you will actually share them.

Destination wedding

Give guests lots of notice and keep logistics on the website.

Join us in [location] for a weekend celebration. Travel and lodging details at [your website].

Save the date. Formal invitation to follow.

Tip: Send the save-the-date earlier than you would for a local wedding. Travel needs lead time.