Wording Guide

In this guide you’ll find both traditional invitation wording (along with the reasoning behind it) and alternatives for a variety of circumstances. 

Tradition is not for everyone. I’m happy to inform and recommend, but at the end of the day your invitations should be a reflection of you and your wedding day. Whether that means Emily Post is your gold standard or you prefer to hang out off the beaten path, I’m here for it.

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INVITATIONS

The most formal — the bride’s parents are hosting (paying):

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Cole
request the honour of your presence
at the wedding of their daughter
Cynthia Marie
to
Joseph Lawrence Smith
son of
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Smith
Saturday, the twenty-sixth of June
Two thousand twenty-two
four o’clock in the afternoon
Fountain Street Church
24 Fountain Street Northeast
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Less formal — both families are contributing:

Together with their families
Cynthia Marie Cole
and
Joseph Lawrence Smith
request the honor of your presence
at the celebration of their marriage
Saturday, the twenty-sixth of June
Two thousand twenty-two
four o’clock in the afternoon
Fountain Street Church
24 Fountain Street Northeast
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Traditionally, the bride is listed first.
Same sex couples most often list their names alphabetically by last name.
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The spelling “honour” is used for church weddings.
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Leave the zip code off your formal invitation.

Everyone’s situation is unique, so do what feels right for you and your family.
If you have a specific question, don’t hesitate to ask!

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RSVP

The most formal:

The favour of a reply is requested by
the first of June

M___________________________________
_____ accepts with pleasure
Number attending _____
_____ declines with regret

Please initial each guest’s choice of entrée: (if applicable)
_____ beef _____ chicken _____ vegetarian

Less formal:

Kindly reply by June 1st

Name(s)___________________________________
_____ yes, can’t wait to celebrate
_____ no, but will toast from afar

Please note any dietary restrictions: _______________ (if applicable)

Online RSVPs are becoming more common.
In that case, we will add your reply info to a details card or small insert.
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You can get creative with the response options (will be there with bells on…) or add a line for song requests, but try not to make this card too cluttered or confusing.
—
Make sure you ask your venue when they need your final head count.
This will affect your reply date.

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Reception Card

The Celebration Continues
six o’clock in the evening
The Harris Building
111 Division Street South
Grand Rapids, Michigan

The reception information belongs on a separate card if it’s at a different location than the ceremony. If both events are at the same place, you can add a line to the bottom of the main invitation:

Reception immediately following or Cocktails, Dinner and Dancing to follow
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This is a good place to mention dress code, valet, or adults only if you are not including another details card.