Wedding Invitation Wording Ideas

Traditionally, the parents of the bride give the wedding and both their names appear on the wedding invitation. However, more often than not these days, more couples are adding both sets of parents names on their invitations. Especially since families have begun to share expenses more equally. There are many more choices that we have to re-write traditions when it comes to the wording of invitations. Most times it can be difficult when the family dynamic has been changed. In this article are some variations that might help you on your journey to finding the perfect sentiment.

Usually when the bride’s family is hosting, the invitation will look like this:

Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell Carter request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Jessica Sarah to Mr. Gregory Richardson Saturday, the sixth of January Two thousand and seven

St. Mel Catholic Church Woodland Hills, California

Reception immediately following at The Cheesecake Factory Please R.S.V.P.

(also acceptable: the reception information and response request can be put on a separate “reception card.”)

Different situation variations would be:

When the grooms family is hosting the wedding:

Mr. and Mrs. Doug Richardson request the honor of your presence at the marriage of Jessica Sarah Carter to their son Gregory Richardson

When the bride’s father is divorced:

Mr. Maxwell Carter requests the honor of your presence at the marriage of his daughter Jessica Sarah

When the bride’s mother is divorced and remarried, and she and her husband are hosting the wedding:

Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Smith request the honor of your presence at the marriage of her daughter Jessica Sarah Carter

When both parents are divorced and remarried and are co-hosting the wedding, both names should appear with the mother’s name first:

Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell Carter request the honor of your presence at the marriage of Jessica Sarah Carter

When the bride’s mother is widowed:

Mrs. Maxwell Carter requests the honor of your presence at the marriage of her daughter

(when the father is widowed, it’s appropriate to use the fathers name without his title “Mr.” and his daughters name.)

When the bride’s parents are hosting the wedding, but are divorced and not remarried, there are two options:

1) Mrs. Eileen Cohen Carter and Mr. Maxwell Carter

OR

2) Eileen Cohen Carter and Maxwell Carter request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Jessica Sarah

When the couple are hosting their own wedding:

The honor of your presence is requested at the marriage of Jessica Sarah Carter to Gregory Richardson

Take your time in choosing the perfect wording on your invitation. It may be hard due to the dynamics of your families or situations, but your wedding is an event that you’ll remember always. Most people keep one of their invitations along with photos from the wedding, so make sure your invitation is something you can feel proud of, something you’ll cherish.