How to Word Those Wedding Invitations — Even When Life Throws Curveballs

Old-fashioned etiquette and oh-so-modern dilemmas: these two combined can perplex even the savviest bride when it comes time to word your wedding invitations.

Couples often struggle with the demands of formal language when one or both sets of parents are divorced. Not to worry, though — we'll cover some common situations, including this one. It's easier than it seems at first blush to get the wording right.

Divorced or Deceased Parents

The Divorced Parents, Remarried

Here's how you word it when the bride's divorced parents are co-hosting the wedding:

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Cuomo
and Mr. Adrian Penn
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter ...

The Divorced Parents, Not Remarried

Here's another example, for parents of the bride who divorced but haven't remarried:

Mr. Mitch Benn
and Ms. Holly Voss
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter ...

When the groom's parents are divorced, just use the same approach. For example:

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Bender
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Selinde Anne Bender
to
Eric Allen Frazier
son of Mr. Travis Frazier
and Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Rikowski

The Deceased Parent

Another tough spot some couples encounter is the parent who's deceased. In many cases, you'll simply want to refer to the living parent as as the host. For example:

Mrs. Elias Araya
requests the honor of your presence
at the marriage of her daughter ...

Sometimes, though, the bride or groom wants to include the deceased parent's name on the invitation, and that's perfectly all right. Simply insert "the late" before the name of the deceased parent. The only caveat: avoid making it sound like the deceased parent is hosting. Here's an example:

Lydia Alice Abbott
daughter of Mr. Joshua Abbott and the late Mrs. Abbott
and Christian Amin Salemi
son of Mr. and Mrs. Midi Salemi
request the honor of your presence ...

Every family is different, so feel free to adapt these approaches to your own particular situation. The most important thing about invitation wording, other than it passing the basic "appropriate" test, is that you feel comfortable with it — and no one's feelings get hurt.

Who's the Host?

There's plenty of ways to word your invitations depending on who's hosting — but what exactly does hosting mean?

The answer's changed over time. In days gone by, when the bride's parents typically paid for the wedding, the honored hosts were often those who footed the bill. These days, who you deem a host depends more on your personal preference than who's literally burning up their credit cards on your behalf.

Some common options:

The Traditional "Host"

- the couple pays for the wedding themselves, but lists the bride's parents as hosts, because it's traditional.

The Inclusive "Hosts"

- the couple pays for the wedding themselves, but lists both sets of parents as hosts, because it's gracious.

The Grooms' Parents as Hosts

Occasionally, the couple will list the groom's parents by themselves as hosts, sometimes because the bride's parents are no longer living. In that case, simply word your invitation like so:

Mr. and Mrs. Clement Becker
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of
Miss Amanda Jackson
to their son
Jason Michael Becker

The Couple as Hosts

And it's not at all uncommon for the couple to present themselves as hosts of their own wedding, like so:

The honor of your presence
is requested
at the marriage of
Ms. Mikal Farina
and
Mr. Jeffrey Evans

A Few More Sticky Widgets

"Kids not allowed."

Many couples want to say it, but wonder if there's a gentler way to put it across. Ms. Post would never approve, but in real life, we see invitations with "Adults Only" or "Adults Only Reception" printed across the bottom. Although it's done, it's still not kosher. The only proper way to address this is to include just the parents and not the children's names on the invite. And as with other sensitive areas of wedding planning, it's also helpful to lean on a family friend on or relative to help spread the word.

Registry Cards

Plus, it surely goes without saying that slapping registry cards in with your invites is never a good idea (no matter what those cheery clerks might tell you). Once again, this is a word-of-mouth deal. It's also common to include registry info in bridal shower invitations, and these days, plenty of couples publish it in their wedding web sites. With so many big brands offering free sites for couples, this is a no-brainer.

Be Thoughtful, But Flexible

Your own situation might look a little daunting when you first try to translate it into the formal language of wedding invitations. The best approach: start with what you're comfortable with, and use etiquette to guide, not dictate, your choices. Say what's best for you and your fiancé, and you can't go wrong.

Since 1999, Invitation Consultants, Inc. has been a leading online resource for invitations, stationery, and accessories, providing customers with quality products and service. In 2011, Invitation Consultants (www.invitationconsultants.com) celebrated twelve years in the invitation industry.

314 Responses to How to Word Those Wedding Invitations — Even When Life Throws Curveballs  Add a New Comment »

  1. Rosemary

    My fiance & I like the invitation wording where our children are hosting the wedding. For example:

    (Our kid’s names here)
    invite you to the ceremony
    that will make them sisters
    as their parents
    (my name)
    and
    (his name)
    unite as one in marriage
    etc…

    We want to list their names, but we’re unsure on the order. I have 2 girls Savana (7yrs) & Alivia (3yrs). He has 2 girls also Alexandra (6yrs) & Abby (4yrs). Do we list in order by age, alphabetically or do we list them separately like my kids first since my name appears first & then his kids next? We don’t want to just say “Our children…”. They’re just as much a part of this union as us & will be included in our vows.
    Thanks!

  2. Crystal

    I am having a difficult time with the wording for our post-wedding reception invites. Our wedding will be a private ceremony at the courthouse. My father and step-mother are hosting the reception at their home and composing the invitation list. For that reason, I hope to include their names in the invitation. Please help!

    • Stacey@FavorIdeas

      Crystal,

      Mr. and Mrs. Steven Johnson request
      the pleasure of your company
      at the wedding reception of his daughter
      Bride
      and
      Mr. Groom
      Date
      Time
      Address

      OR

      Please join
      COUPLE
      for a post-wedding celebration
      DATE
      at TIME
      ADDRESS
      CITY, STATE

      Given by:HOSTS

  3. Brie

    I am having an outdoor wedding at my parents house. My fiance wants both of our parents as the hosts so how should I word the location of the wedding?

    • stacey

      Brie,
      I didn’t know if both sets of parents were paying or you and your fiance were chipping in too.
      * here are some tips for that.

      Since it is a home celebration, request the pleasure of your company should be used instead of request the honor of your presence.
      * this is a great example
      ( just list your parents address at bottom of invitation) no need for a name.

      Mr. and Mrs. John L. Smith &
      Mr. and Mrs. Mark Franklin Jones
      request the pleasure of your company
      at the marriage of their children
      Mary Ann Smith
      to
      Edward Malcolm Jones
      On Tuesday afternoon, June the fifth
      two thousand fourteen
      at 4 o’clock
      42 Johnson Lane
      Santa Barbara, California

      Reception Immediately Following Ceremony

  4. Jaime

    HELP! I dont know how to word my invitations! Here’s the breakdown.
    We have both been married before
    We both have small children from previous marriages
    Were getting married (just the 2 of us) in Jamaica
    Having a small reception when we return
    Also, we would like to include our children in this BUT they will leave before alcohol is served…how do we indicate that to our guests..in reference to them bringing children? The reception sight is a sports bar with separate dance/banquet club and the establishment itself has a certain time minors must leave.
    Thanks!

    • stacey

      Jaime,
      The only thing you would need here is a Post Reception Invitation. It is much easier to list no children unfortuately this would mean not including your children too. I am worried that alot of adults if they bring their children to the reception, if you, for example, state on the invite “dinner reception 7p.m.” then below have adult cocktail party 10p.m. it will confuse guests and guests bringing kids will not have babysitting, once they leave they may not be able to return. limiting the guests for the afterparty.

      * some ideas

      I would simply state Adult only reception or “my preference which indicates alcohol will be served it

      Bride and Groom
      together with their children ( you can list the childrens names if you wish)
      are happy to announce their marriage
      on day year
      city state
      Please join them for a dinner celebration
      on day year
      time
      location
      city state
      ( skip a couple spaces or toward the bottom have this or in lower left hand corner)

      Adult Cocktail Reception or Adults Only Cocktail Party and Dancing following Dinner Reception 11 p.m.
      21 years of age and above.

      * like here
      * forum

  5. LJ

    Can you include a wedding website in the invitation if so, how?

    • Ali Jasken

      my husband and i went to office max and bought some of those diy business cards and printed, “to rsvp, for reservations and other fun things, please visit us at www,.jaskenmartinez.com.” not too original but it worked.

  6. tara

    i’m having trouble writting out my wedding invitations, cuz my dad passed away dont really get a long with my mom and my fiance and i are paying for the wedding our self…do i put my mom or his parents or no host at all for the wedding on the invitations??? :? :? :?

    • stacey

      Tara,
      you put your fh and yourself,
      * like this
      or this….
      Miss Isabella Marie
      and
      Mr. Edward Jonathan Callahan
      request the honor of your presence
      at their marriage

  7. Divya

    I’m struggling to word invitations for my sister’s wedding (hosted by Bride’s family) as both our Dad & Mom have passed away. We have another sister younger to the 2 of us and do have close relatives.

    On the invite, we want us sisters and my husband to be main hosts. Should we mention the other relatives (like my aunt & cousins on Dad’s side as we are living with them now)?

    Kindly help us word the invitation most appropriately with the mention of our deceased parents and as being hosted by us.

    • stacey

      Divya,
      Someone who is paying for the wedding will be listed. It is easier to say Together with their families ( when there are multiple hosts)
      or:
      Joint Hosts – Multiple Friends and Families

      Please join family and friends
      in celebrating the Marriage of
      Jane Marie Smith and Thomas Allan Johnson
      Saturday, the sixteenth of July
      Two thousand and eight
      at six o’clock in the evening
      Peachtree Presbyterian Church
      3434 Roswell Road
      Atlanta, Georgia

      Reception to follow at
      the home of Dave and Carol Murphy
      543 Main Street

      • stacey

        Divya, you can have the invites just like previous link:
        to mention the your deceased parents, just have:
        Jane Marie Smith
        daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward Smith
        and Thomas Allan Johnson
        son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Johnson

        Then mention your names ( the hosts) on the reception card.
        on the given by:

        I have seen wedding invites with multiple hosts listed. It just usually depends on how they want the invite to look.

        For example:
        Mr. and Mrs. Howard Jones
        Janet Thompson
        Judy Thompson
        request the honor of your presence at the wedding of
        Jane Marie Thompson
        daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward Thompson
        etc.

        If there are other hosts like aunts and uncles, i would just have together with their families. it would be alot of names to list.

  8. Brandi

    I am having the hardest time trying to find a proper wording for my wedding invitations. Both of my parents are deceased, but I am still very close to my step father and want to include him on the invitation. :?

    • stacey

      Brandi,
      Is your stepfather hosting the wedding?

      * tips
      * listing him in the program
      * more tips
      * ideas

      Q: My fiancé’s dad, girlfriend and grandparents are hosting our wedding. On my invitations I also want to include the names of my deceased mom, stepdad and father. How should the invitation be worded? —Atlanta, Georgia

      A: You have quite a few names to mention, but I can certainly understand your wish to honor all your loved ones who have passed on. Your fiancé’s dad and girlfriend are on the first line, followed by his grandparents. Your mom and stepdad are listed below your name, followed by your father. Here’s how your invitation should read:

      Mr. David Smith and Ms. Susan Jones
      and
      Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Smith (grandparents)
      request the honour of your presence
      at the marriage of
      Andrea Wynnfield
      daughter of
      the late Mrs. Ann Blake and Mr. John Blake
      and
      the late Mr. Eric Wynnfield (your dad)
      to
      Robert Joseph Smith, etc.

      I hope this is what you were looking for. This invite shows the mother was married to the “stepfather, yet lists the father. Now it will change up, if you and your fh are hosting the wedding yourselves but still list the daughter of the same.

  9. Amanda

    Hi,
    I know a thousand people have asked about the no children thing but I just don’t feel like any of the wording fits. I have no problem with kids and it isn’t a money issue, it is the fact that we have a lot of friends with very young kids and my fiance and I want to actually hear each others vows. We are having a catholic wedding so a little longer than most… We have been to too many weddings where the parents don’t have the courtesy to take their kids out of the church or use the crying room! Can we say please no children under the age of 8? I understand it is all in the envelope addressing but I know 60% of the people with kids are clueless when it comes to wedding etiquette and invitation wording. Can we say no children at the ceremony since there will be about a 2 hour break between the ceremony and the reception anyway?

    Thanks!

    • stacey

      amanda,
      *tips
      you could put something like We love children but this will be an adult only wedding event.

      *more tips

      word of mouth is key also a wedding website.

  10. Tricia Johnson

    Hi,

    I’ve been going back and forth on so many aspects of my wedding invitations. One moment I think I have it, then I read a new guide/post/discussion on wedding etiquette and I am up in chaos again. This is what’s going on:

    1) My parents divorced when I was 11
    2) My Mom remarried when I was 12
    3) My mom and step-father divorced when I was 20
    4) My Dad remarried when I was 22
    5) My step-father is still a huge part of my life and I still call him dad even legally now he is not
    6) We will not be serving alcohol at the reception but might possibly have a champagne toast
    7) We do not want kids under the age of 15 attending for location and budget reasons

    All parties here are chipping in for the cost of the wedding along with me and my fiance. I don’t want to leave anyone exluded and have worded my invitation for the hosting as:

    “Together with their families
    Tricia Elaine Johnson
    and
    Brandon Charles Jones…”

    As for the no children part, I included the last line with,

    “Adults only reception to immediately follow in the back gardens”

    On the reception card, I want to somehow name out all my parents and would like to use previous advice with,

    Ms. Annette Rene Ashby
    Mr. and Mrs. Richard William Johnson
    Mr. Mark Thomas Ashby
    Request the pleasure of your company
    at the wedding reception
    following the ceremony
    in the back gardens of the mansion

    Does this ramble too much? Is there a way to streamline it a bit?

    Also, I want to include more information on the ‘no-kids’ part by somewhere including our wedding site address where we speak more on our reason not to include kids along with the cut off age. Where would be the best place to include this information? On the invitation or the reception card?

    • stacey

      tricia,
      i commented on your post right after you posted it and my post isnt here!! :thinking: :wave: there is nothing wrong with what you have. under the circumstances together with their families would be most appropriate and not to mention easier.on the reception card you could write 15 and older only in the bottom corner or in under the main info. along with my wedding website.

  11. Jessica

    My fiance and I are struggling to word our wedding invitations. My parents are married and footing most of the bill. However, his mom has been married three times. The first, to my fiance’s biological dad (who will be at teh wedding, but was not a big part of his life). Second, to his stepdad (who he considers his father); we are using his stepdad’s large backyard to hold the wedding and reception. The worry is that with my parents paying, and his stepdad hosting the ceremony in his yard, that we will leave out his mother. And even if we include her somehow, then we leave out his biological dad.

    Thanks!

    • stacey

      Jessica,
      to keep it easy you could put, bride and groom along with their parents etc……
      *tips
      or
      mr. and mrs. brides parents
      invite you to share in the joy as their daughter
      brides name
      joins hands with
      grooms name
      son of
      Mr. and Mrs. (MOM”S new name),
      grooms real father name, and stepfather.

      *wording
      *more wording
      *invite wording

  12. Beatrice

    :thinking: How do we let our friends and family know that we will be paying for soda, lemonade, coffee, Tea, etc. but NO ALCOHOL at the reception. Alcohol is available to purchase, but we simply can not afford to do everything. Thank you for all your help.

    • stacey

      Beatrice, you really dont have to state anything on the invites or reception card but if you want to as a courtesy do as follows on link…..
      *this should help

      have a wonderful wedding!! :D

  13. Luann

    My son recently got married. I paid for the wedding and her father only paid for the hall. I asked my ex if he wanted to help pay for the wedding and he said no way. (he doesn’t like the new daughter in law)
    so when we did the invitations I only put myself and her parents(only cause he paid for the hall) on the invitaitons. now my ex is ticked, but i did ask to help and i paid close to $5000.00 for a small wedding and i did all the flowers, food and all wedding stuff myself. . so was i in the wrong not to include him on the invite.??

    • stacey

      Luann,
      it can go two ways. first the ones hosting can be listed on the invite. a way to list him would have been
      bride
      daughter of
      mr. and mrs. brides parents
      and groom
      son of
      grooms father and grooms mother ( since you are not together)
      request the presence of your honor as they
      join hands in marriage
      etc…
      that way his name would be listed ( even just being honored as the father) which would be very thoughtful.

  14. Amy

    My parents are paying for the reception, and our invitations say “together with our parents..” I would like to honor my parents by mentioning them in the reception card. Any suggestions on how to language?

    Thanks!

    • stacey

      amy,

      Mr. and Mrs. Alfred E. Smith
      request the pleasure of your company
      at the wedding luncheon
      following the ceremony
      The Sheridan Plaza Hotel
      Boston, Massachusetts

      it will be the same wording as invite hosting. good luck!!

  15. Julie

    I need help wording our wedding invitation. Here’s the specifics:
    -My married parents are paying for the entire reception.
    -His mother and stepfather are paying for either the DJ or photos (not finalized yet).
    -His dad is paying for the rehearsal dinner.
    Should take this to mean my parents are hosting the wedding and put their names at the top and somehow include his parents further down in the invitation? I’d appreciate any help you have.
    Thank you!

    • stacey

      julie,
      look below to the previous posts. just state the groom is the son of. this will be sufficient for the invites. if they were hosting the wedding it could also be this…. ( which if they pay for anything they are considered hosts.
      together with their parents
      or
      Mr. and Mrs. brides parents
      and
      Mr. and Mrs. grooms parents
      invite you to to the marriage
      as bride name
      and
      grooms name
      as they join hands etc.

  16. Nicky

    Hi Stacey,

    My fiance and I are having a pretty traditional Catholic wedding. While his parents are chipping in here and there, my widowed mother is paying for 90% of the wedding. My fiance REALLY wants the traditional “Mrs. Susie Smith requests the honor of your presence at the marriage of her daughter Nicky Jeanne to Mr. Thomas Johnson”.. but I’m concerned this is a little dated and from the dowry days (the woman’s parents are excited that THEIR daughter (only first and middle name) is being married TO a man (title, first, last name.)

    My fiance does not like the “Together with their families”, so I’m wondering if there’s a way to stay traditional and not offend anybody, without insinuating the woman is being given away TO someone? I’m not some militant feminist or anything, but it just feels inappropriate to me. I thought about maybe “at the marriage of her daughter (FULL NAME) AND (GROOM NAME)?

    • stacey

      nicky,
      why not have something like this….
      Ashley Beatrice Smith
      daughter of Marcy Anne Smith and the late Steven Andrew Smith
      and
      Rodney Allen Jones
      son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Thomas Jones
      request the honour of your presence
      at their marriage

      since his parents are chipping in i would mention them on the invite and this is the way to do it. i like the way this is worded, its proper and traditional without the “to” you dont care for. i hope you like it.

    • Christine

      I too do not like the old giving the daughter away… she is my daughter, no one gives her away… so when the Priest asks “who gives this woman to this man” we are having:

      (Name) gives herself to this man with the love and support of her Mother and I.

  17. Terri

    I have a question:
    How should I write the Invitation with the Bride’s parents hosting and the Grooms parents providing the location.
    Should I put there names up at the top with my parents or the bottom with the location’s address?

    • stacey

      terri,
      if they are paying/providing the location technically they are hosting also. so it would be up top
      whoever contributes more should be listed first.
      like:
      brides parents
      and
      grooms parents
      request the honor of your presence etc…..
      OR

      Mr and Mrs (brides parents)
      request the pleasure of the company of
      (guest)

      at the marriage of their daughter
      (brides name)
      to
      (grooms name)
      son of Mr and Mrs (grooms parents)
      at (ceremony)
      (ceremony address)
      on (date)
      at (time)

      and afterwards at
      (reception)
      (reception address)
      at (time)

      (i like the second one the best) :D

      • stacey

        terri,
        on the second one, i would leave out the guest name( example above is usually for ultra formal weddings) here is my modified version…..
        Mr and Mrs (brides parents)
        request the pleasure of your company
        at the marriage of their daughter
        (brides name)
        to
        (grooms name)
        son of Mr and Mrs (grooms parents)
        at (ceremony)
        (ceremony address)
        on (date)
        at (time)

        (reception)
        (reception address)
        at (time)

        ( if in same location as ceremony, use:
        Reception to Follow
        Great Room)

  18. Ali

    So I am getting married on October 24th, I am having a very difficult time wording my invitations. Issues are as follows:

    1-my fiancees parents are divorced
    2-we want both sets of parents mentioned.
    3-my parents are hosting
    4-his father, although, he has since passed was a MAJOR influence in my fiancees life
    5-I hate boring wedding invites

    I chose wording that I liked and the day before I sent it to the printer, we got his brothers wedding invitation in the mail…guess what?!? They have almost word for word the wording I chose.

    HELP! :? :thankyou:

    • stacey

      ali,

      Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Myers
      request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter
      Anne Catherine
      to
      Theodore Joseph Johnson
      son of (insert mothers full name here with no mrs.preceding her name ) and the late Kwame Johnson, in blessed memory,
      to share in the beginning of a
      new journey
      as they become one.
      Saturday, December 6, 2014
      at 6 o’clock in the evening
      Mistin Golf and Country Club
      6496 Grand Oasis Road
      Sarasota, Florida

  19. Michelle

    I am getting married on august 21st, and its just going to be a small wedding, parents, grandparents, siblings. and the following day we are having a big reception and inviting everybody, i need to know how to word it, with both set of parents because they are both helping pay. and i also need to know how to word it and fit in that we have a daughter. i need to mention her, we are a family and she is in this as much as we are. any suggestions??

    • stacey

      michelle,
      Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Myers
      and
      Mr. and Mrs. Kwame Johnson
      invite you to share in their joy
      at a reception to honor the marriage of
      Micheal and Janie Myers Johnson
      ,together with their daughter, ( insert her name), as they celebrate family and new beginnings
      Saturday, the eleventh of October
      two thousand and eight
      six o’clock in the evening
      San Bay Yacht Club
      42 Burgundy Drive
      Los Angeles, California

  20. Krissa

    I am having a very informal outdoor ceremony and reception. However, we are trying to keep the actual ceremony very small with just immediate family(parents, grandparents, etc) and a few very close friends. But I also want to send out invitations seperately for the reception but not sure how to word them in a casual way but still not to insult anyone.

  21. Karma

    Invitation frustration!!! we are having a cash bar and we are not registering any were we would like cash..so how do you politiely say we want money? lol :meh: thanks karma

    • stacey

      Karma,
      the best way to state this is by word of mouth. be prepared for some guests to buy items anyway. another way to do this is google search cash wedding registry. its really a neat thing to do! another idea is a honeymoon registry.

  22. Karly

    Hey I have a question:

    I am getting married in Florida, and I am sending out invitations but do not know how to word the invitation. I want to invite everyone but I want to word it in a way that shows we understand everyone will not be able to attend and that is fine with us and also how would I word that there will be a hometown celebration for everyone that couldn’t make it?

    I also have no idea if I need to extend the invite to my aunts and uncles, I do know one or two of my aunts would make the trip but I dont want to just send them the invitations and worry about the other aunts and uncles finding out because I am not as close to them?

    Any advice would help …Thanks

    • stacey

      Karly, send invites to ALL of them. even if they cant make it, its rude not to send one, just cause they cant make it doesnt mean they shouldnt be remembered in the invites. i wouldnt say anything just send out the wedding invites. okay i just came across something that said dont indicate that you understand they cant make it, that its understandable not wanting them to feel pressured, but it will make them look like you dont want them to come. it will have the opposite reaction.
      here is the link:
      * RE: Invitation Wording destination wedding at home reception(gellchom’s post)

      *Wedding invitation wording help? ( i love the wording here, that goes on the reception card)
      *wedding invitation wording( this might help some)

      for the hometown celebration:
      *Post Wedding Reception – Wedding Invitation Wording / Verses
      some great wording here! keep it simple like #3 or this..
      Please join
      COUPLE
      for a post-wedding celebration
      DATE
      at TIME
      ADDRESS
      CITY, STATE

      Given by:HOSTS
      ( i would make sure to put the dress code also, so they will know what type party it is.) hope this helps and have a wonderful day!! :mrgreen:

  23. nicole

    I am divorced, this will be my second wedding, i have 2 girls from my first marriage. I never changed my last name back to my maiden name because of the girls. I am not sure how to word the invitations because i really don’t want to use my ex-husbands name.
    would it be ok to just use my first and middle name if my parents full names are on the invites?

    • stacey

      nicole,
      sure that is fine, as long as their name isnt listed like theyare the hosts. i am assuming you are. if you put the parents request the honor of your presencce at the wedding of ( this means they are hosting). usually in this case you use your legal name, but if it makes you uncomfy then use the name you prefer, valerie in the post below has a link i gave her “which last name to use”.
      here is an example:
      Please join us for a celebration of love as
      bride first and middle name
      daughter of mr. and mrs. name
      and
      grooms first and middle name
      son of mr. and mrs. name
      join their hands in marriage
      Date
      Time
      Place
      city, state
      reception ( put type like dessert reception for example) to follow ceremony

      but put the address on the envelopes from your legal name so everyone will know who it is from. some may not know you as maiden name. but this is the way to keep it of the invite and it does confirm who yur parents are( your maiden name) at same time. but keep it to both of your first and middle names so it looks intended.

  24. merryanne

    what is the polite way to say on the invitation that there are no children allowed.

  25. Valerie

    Here’s my situation. This is my second marriage and I never changed my last name from my first marriage. I don’t feel right putting my ex’s last name on my invitations, but that’s my last name still. Also, how do I word an invitation for a reception with appetizers, cash bar, and dancing?

    • stacey

      valerie,
      if this makes you uncomfy then go ahead and use this, does everyone know you by either name? or just your married name. i would use what guests know.
      *Q & A – Which Last Name Should I Use?

      i ran into the cash bar question earlier. i wouldn’t put cash bar on my invites so have a simple white card if your not using reception cards that read….

      As we continue in celebration
      please join us for appetizers, dancing and cash bar
      immediately following the ceremony
      place
      address.

      or
      Please or Come join us for
      appetizers, dancing, and cash bar
      at time
      venue
      address

      you will definitely want to list cash bar before hand, so they will know to bring $$$, have these printed with your invites(like a reception card) or go to a simple office supply and find plain white business cards, take them to a print shop and voila.

      • Valerie

        Thank you for the suggestions Stacey. I forgot to mention that we’re not having everyone at the ceremony, so the invitations will be for the reception only. I won’t have a separate card for the reception inside the invitation. That’s where I’m not sure how to word the invitation itself.

        • stacey

          valerie, ahhh! got it!! just have you and your husbands names
          mr. and mrs. (him and you)
          request the pleasure of your company
          for appetizers and dancing
          at time
          venue
          address

          cash bar available ( i just love this approach!!)

          ( center this a few spaces below in a tasteful spot below the information, where it wont be missed, if its at bottom of invite it may be overlooked)

          okay i really like this option where it says cash bar available, it sounds so much better…..

          *Cash Bar at a Wedding

          *Q&A: Invitation Wording: Reception-Only Invites?

          *Reception Only

        • Valerie

          Thank you! That’s what I was looking for, I just couldn’t get the words out!

        • stacey

          valerie, you are so welcome and have a wonderful wedding and marriage!!

  26. Soontobemrs

    I didn’t see this anywhere, so sorry if it was already answered! My father is deceased, and my mom is remarried. I really want to include my dads name on the invitation, which would obviously state “the late…” but where does it go?? And how do I word it? And then could it be the same on the programs?

    • stacey

      soontobemrs,

      Wedding where mother is remarried, father deceased:

      Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the honor of your presence at the marriage of her daughter Lisa Rodriguez, daughter of Joe Rodriguez to Mr. Richard Jones on Saturday the tenth of June, two thousand and nine at one o’clock in the afternoon, St. Jude’s Church, Springfield, Arizona (for father where mother is deceased, replace the names accordingly and change “her daughter” to “his daughter”).

      here ya are, they say dont do this on invites but my father is deceased, if it were me i would do the same, i think its a beautiful sentiment. just mention his name and not put “the late”. i wish you the best!!

      • Delores

        I would add “the late” because if you don’t you risk people thinking that the father is divorced from the mother and still alive. “The late” makes everything clear and is perfectly appropriate.

  27. Ciru

    We are having cocktails (with hors d’oeuvres and cash bar) and reception. How do I word this to let guests know that alcoholic beverages are NOT free.

    • stacey

      ciru, hi! i looked back over invitation wording. Do not word it in your invitations. Put it on your reception card. Something like this: “Dinner Reception and Cash Bar” or “No-Host Bar. But make sure everyone knows what a no host bar is. another idea was buy simple plain business sized card and include reception and cash bar to follow and slip it in your invitation envelopes (in case your not using reception cards. I have read many posts asking what it was. Also spread by word of mouth. I would definitely pay for the toasting beverage. champagne a signature cocktail(the welcome drink)? have it at a time slot, during dinner and BEFORE the cash bar is open to guests, otherwise it will be harder to keep up with.

  28. Tiffany

    My fiance and I are getting married in the fall. My parents are divorced and my mom is paying for 80% of the wedding..how should I word the invitation to not leave my father completely out but emphasize it is relaly my mom doing most all of it!!?!??

    • stacey

      tiffany, i like this the absolute best. it mentions your father and really doesnt state who is paying for what. it doesnt matter all that matters is your special day with your loved ones. this according to what i read on etiquette is the best way to handle a sticky situation. it may hurt your fathers feelings and embarrass him on the wedding finances. so i would do the following.
      The wording of the invitation has nothing to do with who is paying, both sets of parents’ are included so the guests know whose families the bride and groom belong to -
      Lisa Marie,
      daughter of Frank Smith and Linda Jones
      and
      Henry Mark,
      son of Luke and Mary Williams,
      request the honour of your presence….

      i hope this will help!! i think the invitation should be about who is coming together to share in happy occassion, instead of showing who hosted/paid for the wedding!! smile!! i wish you the best of luck!

    • Dawn@InvitationConsultants

      Hello Tiffany,

      Thank you for your inquiry with http://www.invitationconsultants.com.

      I would suggest one of the following options. The easiest way would be for the invitation to be from your mother as traditionally the person doing the inviting is the one hosting the event.

      Mrs. Samantha Randy Pierce
      request the honor of your presence
      at the marriage of her daughter
      Rebecca Cynthia Pierce
      to
      John Michael Kollins
      on Saturday, February nineteenth
      at five o’clock in the evening
      Cypress Country Club
      1078 Cypress Road
      Cypress Point, Florida

      Then, you can honor your father some other way, such as in your programs.

      Otherwise, it is impossible to indicate that one parent paid for more than the other, but you can at least list your mother’s name first in the wording:

      Mrs. Samantha Randy Pierce
      Along with Mr. Gray Pierce
      request the honor of your presence
      at the marriage of their daughter
      Rebecca Cynthia Pierce
      to
      John Michael Kollins
      on Saturday, February nineteenth
      at five o’clock in the evening
      Cypress Country Club
      1078 Cypress Road
      Cypress Point, Florida

      If you have any other questions, please let us know.

      Thanks,
      Dawn
      InvitationConsultants.com

  29. Amanda

    Hi,
    My fiancee and I are getting married in Las Vegas and we are having get together in November for family and friends. However it will be a month after we are married and we were considering a “potluck” and supplying the cake and drink and hamburger and hotdogs. Nothing formal just a get together can you please tell me how to word this invitation? I am sending out my wedding announcements this week and I am debating if I should send that with the announcements or not. Please Help!!!

    • stacey

      Hi Amanda! found this on a website and thought fit your situation to a t!!! smile!!

      Very recently married here. My wife and I had the same struggle and came up with the below text (with different names obviously). We thought this served well both as an announcement and invitation:

      brides name
      &
      groom name
      Will be joined in marriage
      Whenever 2005
      At the
      Place
      City, State

      Please join them in celebration
      At a cocktail & hors d’oeuvres reception
      Hosted by whoever
      Date 2005
      Time
      Place
      posted by horseblind at 9:36 AM on April 15, 2005

      oh! Also we wanted no gifts to be brought and we did not register anywhere so we put: “The only gift the happy couple requests is the gift of your presence!”

      i think this should do it. yes send it like this that way it is combined. hope this helps!!

  30. Dee smith

    how can i word out an email wedding ceremony only invitation to my coworkers? Please help!

    • Dawn P.

      Hi Dee, you can write:

      The honour of your presence is requested at the wedding ceremony
      of
      You
      and
      Groom
      Date …
      Place ….

      However, this sounds like a recipe for some seriously hard feelings when you get back to work. People are going to think, “I rate an invite but not a plate at dinner?” In addition, you’re putting coworkers in the uncomfortable position of feeling obliged to bring a gift even though they aren’t invited to the reception.

      A less hazardous route might be to be to celebrate with coworkers at a work-based bridal shower. Much of the time, everyone understands with these celebrations are usually work-only and you aren’t able to invite everyone from HR to your wedding. Still it’s best to make that clear ahead of time, and discourage the buying of expensive gifts.


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