1. What You Need to Include on a Wedding Invitation
Before exploring tone or writing style, make sure your invitation includes every key detail guests need. Forgetting even one can cause confusion, extra emails, and unnecessary stress. Here’s what should always appear on your wedding invitation:
1. The Names of the Couple
Your names are the highlight of the invitation. Traditionally, the host’s name (such as the bride’s parents) comes first on a formal invite. Modern couples often skip this and start with their own names.
Example:
Together with their families,
Emma Taylor and Lucas Hayes
invite you to celebrate their marriage.
2. The Invitation Line
This is the phrase that invites your guests to join you. It can sound traditional or casual, depending on your chosen style.
Formal: Request the honour of your presence at the marriage of…
Semi-formal: Invite you to celebrate their wedding…
Fun: Join us for the best day ever!
3. The Date and Time
Write the date and time clearly so there’s no confusion. Formal invitations often spell out numbers, while casual ones use numerals.
Formal: Saturday, the twenty-first of June, two thousand twenty-five, at half past four in the afternoon.
Casual: Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
4. The Ceremony and Reception Locations
Include the full name and address of the venue, especially if it’s unfamiliar to guests. If the reception is in the same place, you can simply write “Reception to follow”.
Example:
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler
4599 Chateau Blvd, Whistler, BC
Reception to follow.
5. Dress Code (Optional but Helpful)
Guests appreciate guidance on what to wear. Adding “Black tie,” “Cocktail attire,” or “Garden party chic” keeps everyone on the same page.
6. RSVP Details
You can include a reply card, QR code, or link to your wedding website. Make sure guests know how and when to respond.
Example:
Please RSVP by April 15, 2025 at www.emmaandlucas.com.
7. Additional Information – Details Card
If you have more to share, you can also include a details card with information for additional events, accommodations, transportation, parking, a registry, children, the timeline of the day, etc. The main invitation should stay clean, focusing only on core details.
2. Choosing the Right Wording Style for Your Wedding Invitations Text
Once the key details are covered, it’s time to decide how you want your invitation to sound. Your wedding invitations text should match your celebration, whether it’s timeless, romantic, modern, or fun.
Here are seven popular wording styles to consider.
1. Formal Wedding Invitation Text
Formal invitations are classic and elegant. They follow traditional etiquette and are perfect for black-tie weddings or religious ceremonies.
Key traits:
- Full names and spelled-out numbers
- Polite, traditional language
- Emphasis on tradition and formality
Example:
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Taylor
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Emma Rose Taylor
to
Mr. Lucas James Hayes
Saturday, the twenty-first of June
two thousand twenty-five
at half past four in the afternoon
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Reception to follow.
This wording works beautifully with refined typography, calligraphy scripts, and traditional materials like cotton paper or letterpress printing.
2. Semi-Formal Wedding Invitation Text
Semi-formal wording balances elegance with a relaxed tone. It’s ideal for modern weddings that still feel polished but less traditional.
Key traits:
- Conversational but respectful tone
- Mix of classic and modern phrasing
- Simplified date and time format
Example:
Together with their families,
Emma Taylor and Lucas Hayes
invite you to celebrate their marriage
Saturday, June 21, 2025 | 4:30 p.m.
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Reception to follow.
This approach feels timeless without sounding overly formal.
3. Casual or Fun Wedding Invitation Text
A lighthearted tone can feel more natural. Fun invitations show off your personality and give guests a hint of what’s to come.
Key traits:
- Playful, friendly language
- Room for humor or creativity
- Short, punchy sentences
Example:
Emma + Lucas
are tying the knot.
Join us for love, laughter, and dancing under the stars.
Saturday, June 21, 2025 | 4:30 p.m.
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Dinner and dancing to follow.
4. Modern Minimalist Wedding Invitation Text
Modern minimalism focuses on simplicity and design. The text is straightforward, letting the typography and layout shine.
Key traits:
- Minimal words
- Clean, bold typography
- Simple structure and spacing
Example:
emma & lucas
june 21, 2025
the fairmont chateau whistler
ceremony 4:30 pm | dinner & dancing to follow
This look pairs perfectly with sleek layouts, monochrome color palettes, and statement design pieces like oversized typography or blind embossing.
5. Romantic Wedding Invitation Text
If you want your wording to feel heartfelt and emotional, a romantic tone is a beautiful choice. This style captures the love and warmth of the day.
Key traits:
- Sentimental, poetic language
- Words like “joyfully,” “lovingly,” or “with hearts full of happiness”
- Flowy script fonts or delicate paper textures
Example:
With joyful hearts,
Emma and Lucas
invite you to share in their love and laughter
as they say “I do”
Saturday, June 21, 2025
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler
This style pairs well with soft colors, floral motifs, and romantic print finishes like foil or deckled edges.
6. Destination Wedding Invitation Text
Destination weddings are naturally more relaxed, so the wording should feel welcoming and clear. You can mix invitation details with travel information or event highlights.
Key traits:
- Inviting, friendly tone
- Highlights location and experience
- May include travel details or website link
Example:
Pack your bags — we’re getting married in Whistler!
Emma & Lucas
invite you to join them for a weekend of celebration and adventure
Saturday, June 21, 2025
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Details at www.emmaandlucas.com
This tone fits perfectly with destination stationery. Think illustrated maps, tropical motifs, or custom monograms.
7. Cultural or Traditional Wedding Invitation Text
If you’re honouring family traditions or cultural elements, your text can reflect that heritage beautifully. You might include bilingual lines or traditional blessings.
Key traits:
- Respectful, inclusive tone
- Cultural or religious phrasing
- Dual-language layouts
Example:
With the blessings of their families,
Emma Taylor
and
Lucas Hayes
joyfully invite you to celebrate their marriage in a traditional ceremony
Saturday, June 21, 2025
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler
This approach adds meaning and personalization while connecting your invitation to your heritage.
3. Tips for Perfecting Your Wedding Invitations Text
- Match the tone to your venue and theme. Your text should feel consistent with your wedding aesthetic.
- Be clear and concise. Guests should find all key details without effort.
- Proofread multiple times. Typos can distract from even the most beautiful design.
- Keep consistency across your stationery. Use the same tone and typography across save-the-dates, menus, and signage for a cohesive experience.
- Let your personality shine. Formal or casual, the words should sound authentic to your couple.
4. Conclusion
The wedding invitations text is more than logistics. It’s storytelling. It tells guests what to expect, reflects your style, and sets the emotional tone for your wedding day. Choosing the right style helps ensure your invitation feels connected to your vision and creates excitement long before the day arrives.
Want to work with a wedding stationer to bring your invitations to life? I handle everything from tone and text, to colors and layouts. Discover everything that’s included in my custom invitations package at this link or inquire now to get started.
