How to word an invitation

One of the most frequently asked questions from my clients is:
“What wording do I use on an invitation?”

It’s a brilliant question because the design, style, paper and wording on your invitation all set the tone for the celebration to come. Invitations give your guests a sense of what kind of event it’s going to be – formal and traditional, or casual and contemporary? A sit-down supper with dancing, or stand-up bowl food with a DJ?

Here are my tips to help you get it right.

Key things to consider

Who does the invitation come from?

For weddings, traditionally it would have been from the parents of the bride, but nowadays there are no rules – it’s whatever feels right for you. Is the invitation coming from you, the host / hostess, from a couple, or are you sending on behalf of someone else?

Absolute must-haves:

• Date
• Start time (end time is optional, but if you’d like guests to head off at a certain time, do make it clear!)
• Address
• Dress code – if there is one
• RSVP details – I always recommend including this

Nice-to-haves

These aren’t essential, but they do make things easier for guests:

• Format of the event: is it drinks and canapés, a sit-down supper, or perhaps dinner and dancing?
• Phrasing you could use:
  • “Dinner and dancing”
  • “Drinks and canapés”
  • “Drinks and bowl food”
• For birthdays or anniversaries, you might want to add: “No presents, please.”

 

Wedding Invitations

This is where wording really matters. The invitation should feel elegant and clear, while also reflecting the circumstances of the hosts.

Traditionally from the parents of the bride

Historically, the bride’s parents would host, so the wording might read:
“Mr and Mrs John Smith request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Anna to Mr James…”

From the couple themselves

Many couples now choose to host their own weddings, in which case:
“Anna Smith and James Brown request the pleasure of your company at their marriage…”

Or more simply

Anna and James request….

When parents are divorced:

“Mr John Smith and Mrs Sarah White, request the pleasure of your company…”

If only one parent is hosting, simply use their name:
“Mrs Sarah White requests the pleasure of your company at the marriage of her daughter Anna to James…”

Examples of other invitation wording

Big birthday

 

• “Please join us for dinner and dancing to celebrate Sarah’s 40th birthday…”
• John Smith, to mark my 70^th birthday, a buffet lunch

At home

• “Mrs Sarah White at home for Anna and James”
• “Charlotte at home on Saturday 31^st May at 8pm

When the hosting is shared

Mary and her daughters Cordelia, Nadine and Eleanor invite you to join them at…

The key is to be clear, concise, and reflective of the event you’re hosting.

 

 

 

A final thought

Your invitation is the very first impression your guests will have of your celebration, so make it count. And of course, if you ever have any questions, I’d be very happy to advise on wording or show you more examples.

Warm wishes,
Pollyanna x