The Ultimate Guide

Planning a wedding is exciting, but getting the wording just right on your stationery can feel overwhelming. A wedding invitation is more than just a formality—it is a reflection of the couple, the families involved, and the overall tone of the celebration. Traditional etiquette has long guided the structure of wedding invitations, ensuring clarity, elegance, and respect for customs.


This guide will walk you through the etiquette for every aspect of your wedding stationery, with modern, traditional, casual, and destination wedding wording examples to fit your style. It will explain the traditions behind each element of a wedding invitation suite and how they have evolved over time.

to Traditional Wedding Stationery Etiquette and Wording

Creating a wedding invitation suite is not just about sending an invite—it’s about telling the couple’s unique love story through words, design, and tradition. Every element of a wedding invitation suite carries meaning, with origins rooted in centuries of etiquette and evolving modern practices. Below is a guide to understanding the significance, history, and best practices for each component of a traditional wedding invitation suite.

The information in a wedding invitation is broken down into five sections: the host, the request, the couple, date and time, location and optional information.

Traditionally, the hosts (often the bride’s parents) are named at the top. If the couple is hosting themselves, their names will appear first. Traditionally, the bride’s parents would be listed first, but today, the hosts could also be the groom’s parents or a combination of both families. If the couple is hosting their own wedding, it is appropriate to word it as “together with their families.” 

Traditionally formal, using phrases such as "request the honor of your presence" for a religious ceremony or "request the pleasure of your company" for a non-religious ceremony. Modern versions can include a more casual tone while maintaining respect.

In a traditional wedding, the names of the bride and groom are written in full, with the bride’s name listed before the groom’s. Modern couples may choose to invert this order, especially in same-sex weddings or where both parties want equal emphasis.

Be specific. While traditionally the day of the week was enough, modern invitations specify the exact date, time, and time zone, especially for destination weddings. Written out fully in text, for example, "The twenty-third of October, two thousand and twenty-five, at four o'clock in the afternoon." Avoid using numbers only.

The venue is usually written with its full name and location. Make sure to include the city, state, and zip code.

If your ceremony and reception are at the same venue, a simple "reception to follow" at the bottom of your invitation keeps things clear and elegant. For celebrations at a separate location, a dedicated reception card ensures guests have all the details they need.

If you’d like to share a dress code — like black tie or formal attire — it’s traditionally placed in the lower right corner of the invitation, offering a subtle yet helpful guide to your guests.

Traditionally, the hosts (often the bride’s parents) are named at the top. If the couple is hosting themselves, their names will appear first. Traditionally, the bride’s parents would be listed first, but today, the hosts could also be the groom’s parents or a combination of both families. If the couple is hosting their own wedding, it is appropriate to word it as “together with their families.” 


Traditionally formal, using phrases such as "request the honor of your presence" for a religious ceremony or "request the pleasure of your company" for a non-religious ceremony. Modern versions can include a more casual tone while maintaining respect.


In a traditional wedding, the names of the bride and groom are written in full, with the bride’s name listed before the groom’s. Modern couples may choose to invert this order, especially in same-sex weddings or where both parties want equal emphasis.


Be specific. While traditionally the day of the week was enough, modern invitations specify the exact date, time, and time zone, especially for destination weddings. Written out fully in text, for example, "The twenty-third of October, two thousand and twenty-five, at four o'clock in the afternoon." Avoid using numbers only.


The venue is usually written with its full name and location. Make sure to include the city, state, and zip code.


If your ceremony and reception are at the same venue, a simple "reception to follow" at the bottom of your invitation keeps things clear and elegant. For celebrations at a separate location, a dedicated reception card ensures guests have all the details they need.

If you’d like to share a dress code — like black tie or formal attire — it’s traditionally placed in the lower right corner of the invitation, offering a subtle yet helpful guide to your guests.

the hosts:

the request:

couple's names:

date & time:

the venue:

optional INFORMATION: