The Ultimate Wedding Invitation Wording Guide: British Etiquette Explained

Ah, wedding invitations. A beautiful herald of your big day, but also a potential minefield of etiquette and, let’s face it, confusing wording. For couples tying the knot in the UK, navigating the traditional rules can feel like deciphering a historical document. Fear not! I am here to guide you through the intricacies of British wedding invitation wording, ensuring your guests receive the perfect first impression.

Why Does Wording Matter?

In Britain, wedding invitations are more than just a date and location. They reflect your personal style, the formality of your event, and, crucially, adhere to certain social conventions. Getting the wording right shows respect for your guests and sets the tone for your celebration.

The Traditional Approach: Formal Wedding Invitations

For those opting for a traditional or formal wedding, adhering to established etiquette is paramount. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements for this type of wedding invitation:

• The Host Line: Traditionally, the bride’s parents are the hosts. This is reflected in the opening line:
  • “Mr and Mrs [Father’s Full Name] request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter…”
  • If both sets of parents are hosting: “Mr and Mrs [Father’s Full Name] and Mr and Mrs [Other Father’s Full Name] request the pleasure…”
  • If you are hosting yourselves: “The honour of your presence is requested at the marriage of…”
  • Use appropriate titles (e.g., Dr, Professor).
  • Same Sex Couples parents hosting: use “Mr and Mr [Parents Surname]” or “Mrs and Mrs [Parents Surname]”.
• The Couples Names:
  • The bride’s full name is traditionally used, followed by the groom’s full name.
  • For same-sex couples, decide on the order of names and maintain consistency.
• The Date and Time: Spell out the date and time in full: “Saturday, the tenth of June, two thousand and twenty-four at half past two o’clock.”
• The Venue: Include the full name and address of the church or venue.
• The Request: “request the pleasure of your company” or “request the honour of your presence” are standard phrases. The latter tends to be used more for religious ceremonies.
• The RSVP: Include a separate RSVP card. You can also include a website or email address for online RSVPs, but this is often in addition to, not instead of, a physical card for formal occasions. Always state clearly the RSVP deadline.

A Modern Twist: Informal Wedding Invitations

For a more relaxed and contemporary wedding, you can adapt the traditional wording or opt for something entirely different for your wedding invitations. Here are some pointers:

• Relaxed Host Line:
  • “We, [Bride and Groom’s Names], invite you to celebrate our wedding…” or simply, “[Bride and Groom’s Names] are getting married!”
  • For same-sex couples, decide on the order of names.
• Less Formal Date and Time: “Saturday, 10th June 2024 at 2:30pm” is perfectly acceptable.
• Venue Details: A less formal address or even a website link can suffice. For very informal locations, including directions like “look for the fairy lights” can be charming.
• RSVP Options: Online RSVPs are widely accepted for informal weddings. You can also include a phone number or email address. Always state clearly the RSVP deadline.
• Personal Touches: Feel free to inject your personality into the wording. Use humour, a favourite quote, or heartfelt message about your relationship.

Key Considerations

• Children:
  • If children are invited, include their names on the invitation. If not, address the invitation to “Mr and Mrs [Surname]” or “The [Surname] Family.” Make it clear who is invited.
  • If you are having a child free wedding, consider a sentence such as “Whilst we love to see children celebrate, this will be an adults only occasion.”
• Plus Ones: Clearly state whether guests are invited with a plus one.
• Dress Code: If there’s a specific dress code, mention it on the wedding invitation or a separate information card.
• Proofreading: Carefully proofread your wedding invitations for any errors before printing. Ask a trusted friend or family member to double-check.
• Handwriting: Handwrite the guest’s names on the envelopes for a personal touch.
• Food: Include either ‘reception to follow’ for day guests, ‘hog roast and drinks to follow’ for evening guests, or some mention of food on your invitations. This allows guests to know that they will be fed on the day.

Top Tips for Stress-Free Wording:

• Start Early: Don’t leave invitation wording to the last minute. If you opt to have a wedding stationery designer, they can help with the wording, but give this some thought before hand.
• Consider Your Audience: Tailor the wording to your guests and the overall tone of your wedding.
• Seek Inspiration: Look at examples online and in wedding magazines.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: If you’re unsure about anything, consult a wedding planner or wedding stationery designer.

Final Thoughts

By following these guidelines, you can create wedding invitations that are both elegant and informative, setting the perfect tone for your special day. Remember, the most important thing is to create invitations that reflect your unique style and celebrate your love. Happy planning!

To view more of my wedding stationery work, including invitations, RSVPs, save the dates, seating plans, welcome signs and so much more, please take a look at my website links below, Instagram or Facebook pages, or my Pinterest page:

Contact Inkspiration by Gabrielle

If you’re interested in having wedding stationery, whether this be a wedding invitation, a save the date, a seating plan, a timeline sign, an RSVP, or whatever you may need for your wedding day, please get in touch with me today.