Wedding Invitation Wording: What to Say and When to Send

[ГОЛОВНЕ ФОТО (прев’ю): елегантні весільні запрошення поруч із букетом білих троянд]

View full-size photo

A wedding invitation is both a practical guide for guests and the first hint of the style of the day. Here is what to include, when to send save-the-dates and invitations, how to set up an e-invitation or a wedding website, plus ready-to-use wording: classic, modern, humorous, from the parents and for an intimate wedding.

More on this topic: wedding wishes in your own words, wedding gift ideas, wedding dress codes.

What to include in a wedding invitation

Essentials: the couple’s names, the date and time of the ceremony, the addresses of the ceremony and reception, a request to RSVP by a certain date and a contact for replies. If the ceremony and reception are in different places, give times for each and say whether transport is provided.

If needed: a dress code or colour palette, whether children and plus-ones are invited, gift wishes and a link to a wedding website with the schedule, accommodation for out-of-town guests and a map. Addressing each invitation personally (“Dear Olena”) makes it warmer.

To describe the style and colours of the day clearly, see our guide to wedding dress codes.For more party planning guides, see how to plan a party.

[фото: друковані весільні запрошення з конвертами, сургучем і гілочкою евкаліпта]

When to send wedding invitations

A save-the-date goes out 4–6 months ahead, especially for a summer wedding, a holiday weekend or a destination wedding. The full invitation follows 6–8 weeks before the day. Ask for replies 3–4 weeks ahead so you can finalise the menu and seating with the venue.

Paper or digital? Older relatives appreciate printed invitations, while friends prefer a digital one with an RSVP button. Many couples combine both: a beautiful card for parents and grandparents and a wedding website link for everyone else. Hand-deliver invitations to grandparents if you can.The hen party usually takes place two to four weeks before the wedding — see our hen party ideas.

[фото: пара підписує запрошення за столом, поруч ноутбук із весільним сайтом]

Classic wedding invitation wording

• Dear [names], we invite you to share the happiest day of our lives — our wedding day. We look forward to seeing you on [date] at [time] at [address]. [Couple’s names].
• [Name] and [name] joyfully invite you to their wedding ceremony on [date] at [time] at [venue], followed by a celebration at [restaurant].
• With love, we invite you to witness the beginning of our family. Your presence will make the day even brighter. [date], [time], [venue]. Kindly RSVP by [date].

Modern and fun wording

• We’ve decided that together is more fun — forever. Come and celebrate! [date], [venue]. Dancing compulsory, happy tears optional.
• He proposed, she said yes — now it’s your turn to say yes to our invitation. [date], [time], [address].
• Without you it’s just dinner. With you it’s the best wedding ever. See you on [date] at [venue].

From the parents and for an intimate wedding

• [Parents’ names] are delighted to invite you to the wedding of their children, [couple’s names], on [date] at [time] at [venue].
• We are celebrating our wedding with our closest people, and we would love you to be there. A small dinner, lots of warmth and no formalities. [date], [address].

Checklist before sending

• Check the spelling of guests’ names
• Double-check date, time and addresses with the venue
• Say whether children and plus-ones are invited
• Add an RSVP deadline and a contact
• Test the website and map links

Wedding flowers

Guests often ask which flowers to bring, and the invitation can gently hint at the colour palette. For the newlyweds themselves, a bouquet the morning after the wedding, once the bustle is over, is a lovely gift.

View full-size photo

See white roses and wedding flowers.

View full-size photo

FAQ

When should you send wedding invitations?

Save-the-dates 4–6 months ahead, the full invitation 6–8 weeks ahead, with an RSVP deadline 3–4 weeks before the wedding.

What should a wedding invitation say?

The couple’s names, the date, time and addresses of the ceremony and reception, an RSVP deadline, a contact and, if needed, the dress code and a wedding website link.

Can you send a wedding invitation by messenger?

Yes, especially for friends and colleagues. For older relatives, a printed invitation or at least a phone call is better.

How do you say children are not invited?

Address the invitation to exactly who is invited (“Dear Olena and Andrii”) and add a polite line: “We are celebrating with adults only and thank you for understanding.”

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

About the author →