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Anatomy of an Invitation↓
Anatomy of a Reply Card↓
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An example of the formal and traditional format for the copy for the main wedding invitation when there is a named, clear host:
An example of the formal and traditional format for the copy for the main wedding invitation when there is a named, clear host:
In the case of multiple hosts
If both families, or multiple parties, are contributing as hosts, the one appropriate choice would be as follows:
The British spelling of “honour” is considered the most formal and traditional call to action on a wedding invitation. Should you choose to use “honour,” be sure to also use the British spelling of “favour” for the reply card to keep consistent. Also note that it is reserved for a wedding ceremony that will take place in a place of worship.
This call to action is appropriate for a wedding taking place at a secular venue.
If the bride’s parents are hosting and she shares their last name, the bride’s last name is omitted.
If anyone other than the bride’s parents (the groom’s parents, an aunt and uncle, etc.) are hosting, the bride’s last name should be used.
The groom’s full name is always spelled out and includes his title.
The word “to” between their names implies a Christian ceremony, where Jewish ceremonies use the word “and” between the bride and grooms’ names.
The date should be written with the day of the week and the month capitalized. The year is not capitalized.
The year can either be formulated as “twenty twenty-one” or “two thousand twenty-one.”
Grammar dictates omitting “and” in the year.
Time, like the date, is spelled out. To indicate the half hour, use the phrase “quarter after/until or “half after” rather than “quarter past” or “half past.”
The phrases “in the afternoon” or “in the evening” are not necessary but can be used if preferred.
“At” can precede the time or not.
State the venue where the ceremony will take place. Omit the address and the zip code, but include the city. Adding the state is optional, but should be spelled out if used.
If the ceremony and reception are being held at the same venue, adding “reception to follow” or something similar under the venue on the invitation is not the most traditional option but is perfectly acceptable and fairly common, particularly for ceremonies held outside a place of worship.
If the reception is held at a different location than the ceremony or you simply prefer not to include “reception to follow” on the main invitation, a reception card is appropriate.
There are countless ways to word a reception card. A couple of examples:
Location format should follow the same guidelines as the ceremony location on the invitation.
If no time is included, guests will assume that they are welcome to arrive at the reception as soon as the ceremony has concluded. Be sure to include a time if this is not the case.
Should you choose to include an attire suggestion for your guests, it would belong on the reception card.
Consult your venue or planner on choosing a date, and always spell it out.
This is where guests will write in their names. The “M” is to designate the first letter of the guest’s formal salutation (Mr., Miss, Mrs., etc.)
The example used shows the most traditional choice of words, but couples can choose many different ways to word these responses, including:
Should you need to ascertain a guest’s meal choice to provide to your caterer or venue, this is where you will request it. The best way is to request guests to initial next to their selection meal options can be written in full or presented using icons.
Do I need to include attire guidelines on my invitation?
Very traditionally, an invitation never includes any mention of attire. However, today’s standards deem it acceptable and even encouraged so that guests aren’t left guessing.
Generally, when attire is omitted, it is to be assumed that guests should wear semi-formal or cocktail attire or use the venue as a guideline.
When you’re hosting a formal or black tie event, it is acceptable and even encouraged to include it.
Regardless, guests should never be instructed on what to wear to a sanctuary, church, or any place of worship. For this reason when the ceremony will take place at one of these types of locations, we include attire on a reception card.
Attire notes are written as phrases, not titles. Therefore, only the first word, not multiple words, should be capitalized.
Everything, with a few exceptions, should be fully spelled out.
Abbreviations aren't used except for Mr., Mrs., Ms., Jr., and Sr.
No punctuation at the end of sentences is required.
Some couples opt to include the groom’s parents’ names by adding son of groom’s parents’ formal titles after the groom’s name.
This is less traditional but often a welcome modern addition. In this case, the groom’s last name would be omitted.