Confused about the essential wording you need to include on your wedding invitations? Wording your wedding invitations with a tone and style that matches your wedding doesn’t need to be difficult or time-consuming.

An Invitation Breakdown

Here's an example Invitation from our Lucy suite highlighting the different components that make up the Invitation wording.

1. The Host

Normally your invitation will begin by listing the host(s) and inviting your guests. If the Bride and Groom are hosting, their names can be listed first, followed by the invitational lines.

2. The Bride and Groom’s Names

It is traditional to include both the first and middle names of the bride and groom on the wedding invitation. However, many couples choose to omit the middle and/or last names, and this is acceptable in contemporary wedding etiquette.

3. Wedding Date

The day of the week and the date are traditionally written out in full, although in many contemporary invitations these are abbreviated or written as numerals. In Australia, normally the day of the week is first, followed by the date of the month and the month itself. (e.g. Saturday, fourth of June 2018)

4. Time & Venue

This is where you detail your wedding location along with your starting times.

Times can be written as numerals or written out in full. If writing the time of day in full, you may also like to include the time of day (e.g. “Saturday afternoon”). Within Australia, afternoon begins at twelve o'clock, and evening starts at six o'clock, although this may be different for other countries and cultures.

Be sure to check with your venue as to the correct spelling and wording. Sometimes it can be helpful to list specific spaces as well (e.g. 'In the Chapel' or 'On the Lawn'). Including the full street address of your venues is optional, as is including the state or postcode.

5. RSVP & Dress Code

When a response is required and a response card is not being used, this information can be included on the invitation. A date, contact name, contact address or contact number can be listed. Alternatively, guests can respond in writing to the return address. Email addresses are also becoming more common, and are acceptable on invitations.

Dress code is not essential but can be useful in letting your guests know the style of your wedding day. Some example dress codes include: Black tie, Semi-formal, Lounge Suit, Cocktail, Smart Casual and Casual.

Wording Examples

Below are some example wording suggestions. You can also download these invitation wording suggestions as a PDF for reference, which includes many more alternative suggestions to those shown here. To see some of the designs featured first-hand, request our free Sample Pack on our website:

Bride’s parents hosting

Mrs Lauryn and Mr Robert Devine
request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter
Sophia Anne Devine to Matthew Paul Johnson
on Saturday the sixteenth of October Two thousand and ten
at four o’clock in the afternoon
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Randwick
Reception to follow at six o’clock in the evening
The Argyle, The Rocks Sydney
Kindly RSVP by 25th September, 2020
Dress Formal

Both Bride’s & Groom’s parents hosting

Mrs Lauryn and Mr Robert Devine together with Mrs Dianna and Mr Peter Johnson
request the pleasure of your company to celebrate the marriage of
Sophia Anne Devine and Matthew Paul Johnson
on Saturday the sixteenth of October, Two thousand and ten
at four o’clock in the afternoon
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Randwick
Followed by a reception at six o’clock in the evening
The Argyle, The Rocks Sydney
The honour of a response/reply is requested by 25th September, 2020
Dress Formal

Bride and Groom Hosting

Sophia Devine and Matthew Johnson
invite you to join them as they exchange vows
on Saturday the sixteenth of October 2010
at four o’clock in the afternoon
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Randwick
Followed by an evening of food, wine and dancing
Kindly reply by 25th September, 2020
Dress Formal

Looking for more wording suggestions? Be sure to read our other articles on wording:

Wording 'Adults Only' Wedding Invitations
Addressing your Wedding Invitations
Gift Card Wording

You can read more about wording for your pieces as well as download PDF examples and suggestions on our Wording & Etiquette page. Be sure to browse our Collection for examples and ideas as well.

Looking for more design Inspiration?

Our wedding collection designs showcase many more possibilities and wording examples. Contact us if you need more advice or suggestions for wording your wedding invitations - we are more than happy to help!