Wording Invitations So Guests Know What’s Really Up

Invitations are your guests’ first glimpse into what your wedding will be like, so take the opportunity to share that feeling and mood with them. It’s important to pick words that reflect the experience you want to create with your Big Day. If, for example, you’re having a casual, informal affair, you don’t want to be very formal with the language of your invitations. Consistency is key.

Not sure where to start? Here are some considerations to keep in mind when creating your invitations.

The Basics
No matter what your invitations look like or the wording you choose, there are several must-haves that you’ll need to include: your names, your wedding date, the ceremony time and the ceremony location’s name and address. If you’re having a reception at the same place, you can write “reception to follow,” but if your reception is elsewhere or at a different time, you’ll want to include that information separately – either on the invitation itself or on a separate reception card.
If you have a wedding website, you can also include this on the invitation so guests will know where to look for more information. The way every piece of your invitation is worded should reflect the feeling, mood and personality of you and your fiancé’s Big Day.

The Plus One Debate
First of all, no – you don’t have to give everyone a plus one. However, you do need to make it clear who is invited. This should be clearly stated on the invitation’s envelope. If, for example, you were inviting a friend and his or her girlfriend, you would include both of their names on the envelope. On the other hand, if you’re inviting a cousin and allowing them to choose a plus one, you would address it to your cousin “and guest.” If you were just inviting an uncle with no plus one, you would simply address the envelope directly to him.

What’s Trending?
We’ve noticed that invitation wording, and stationery wording in general, has become more playful over the years. Rather than sticking to the old-fashioned “You are cordially invited to,” couples are using everyday language and slang to convey what they really want it to say. This is a fun trend and gives you more flexibility to truly evoke your personalities. It can be fun and playful, witty, silly, or simple and short – write them however it feels right!
As more and more couples are realizing that there’s no need to be buttoned up and formal, we’ve been seeing more and more personalization, which is always a great thing. Just be yourself and have fun with it!