Wedding Invitation Etiquette: What You Need to Know

Photo Credit - Weddings by Laura Jane

1. Formal Wedding Invitation Phrases

Opening Line (hosts invite guests):

• Mr and Mrs John Smith request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter

• Together with their families, Emily Smith and James Brown invite you to celebrate their wedding

Ceremony Details:

• on Saturday, the twelfth of June, two thousand and twenty-six, at St Mary’s Church, London

Reception Details (optional, if separate):

• Reception to follow at The Grand Hotel, London

2. Casual Wedding Invitation Phrases

Opening Line:

• Emily and James are tying the knot!

• Please join us to celebrate the wedding of Emily Smith and James Brown

Ceremony Details:

• Saturday, 12 June 2026 at St Mary’s Church, London

Reception Details:

• Drinks and dinner to follow at The Grand Hotel

3. RSVP Wording

Formal RSVP:

• The favour of a reply is requested by 1 May 2026

• Kindly reply by 1 May 2026

Casual RSVP:

• Please let us know if you can join us by 1 May 2026

• RSVP by 1 May 2026 via [email/website]

Accept/Decline Options:

• Accepts with pleasure / Declines with regret (formal)

• Yes, I can come / Sorry, I can’t make it (casual)

4. Plus-Ones

Formal:

• Mr John Smith and guest

• Ms Jane Doe and guest

Casual:

• Emily and guest

Tip: Only include plus-one wording if you are allowing guests to bring someone.

5. Children

• Adults only (polite way to indicate children are not invited)

• To give all of our guests the opportunity to celebrate without having to worry about little eyes and ears, we politely request no children. (friendly version)

• Children welcome (if kids are allowed)

• Leave blank if it’s implied by the type of event.

6. Dress Code Wording

• Black tie (formal)

• Smart casual (semi-formal)

• Garden party attire (informal/outdoor)

  
  

Tip: Place dress code at the bottom of the invitation or on a separate enclosure card.

Your invitation sets the tone for your wedding, invest in high quality card and professional printing.

7. Optional Additions

• Directions or Map: Directions to the venue can be found at (website)

• Wedding Website: For more details, visit (website)

• Special Notes: Dietary requirements?

A clear, well-designed RSVP or Details card with a QR code ensures timely responses and smooth planning.