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Bride's Parents Hosting
Mr. and Mrs. Robert James Thompson request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Elizabeth Anne to Mr. William Michael Davis son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Davis Saturday, the fifteenth of June two thousand twenty-five at half past four in the afternoon St. Mary's Cathedral Chicago, Illinois Reception to follow
Both Parents Hosting
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Thompson and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Davis request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their children Elizabeth Anne Thompson and William Michael Davis Saturday, the fifteenth of June two thousand twenty-five at four o'clock in the afternoon The Grand Ballroom New York, New York
Traditional Religious
Mr. and Mrs. James Michael Anderson request the honour of your presence at the Nuptial Mass uniting their daughter Katherine Grace to Mr. Thomas Edward Williams Saturday, the twenty-second of September two thousand twenty-five at eleven o'clock in the morning Saint Patrick's Church Boston, Massachusetts Reception immediately following The Harbor Club
Invitation Wording Tips
Spell out numbers
Use 'fifteen' not '15' for formal invitations. Write out the year as 'two thousand twenty-five.'
No abbreviations
Write 'Saturday' not 'Sat.' Write 'Street' not 'St.' Spell out state names.
Time format matters
Formal: 'half past four in the afternoon.' Semi-formal: '4:30 pm.' Never use military time.
Honour vs Honor
'Honour' (British) for religious ceremonies, 'Honor' (American) for civil. Same for favour/favor.
Names and titles
Use formal titles (Mr., Mrs., Dr.) for traditional invitations. First names only for casual.
Keep it clear
Guests should immediately understand who, what, when, and where. Save creative phrasing for casual weddings.
What NOT to Include on Invitations
- ✗Registry information - Use a separate card or wedding website
- ✗"No gifts please" - Considered presumptuous, even if well-intentioned
- ✗Dress code - Unless essential (black tie), use website or enclosure card
- ✗"And guest" - Only if you are truly allowing plus-ones; be specific about who is invited
- ✗Detailed directions - Use a separate enclosure card or website
- ✗Requests for cash - Never mention money or cash funds on the invitation
- ✗Children not invited - Address envelopes specifically to invited guests instead
Essential Invitation Elements
- ✓Host line - Who is inviting guests (parents, couple, or both)
- ✓Request line - "request the honour/pleasure of your presence"
- ✓Couple's names - Full names of bride and groom
- ✓Date and time - Day of week, date, and time of ceremony
- ✓Venue name and location - Ceremony location with city and state
- ✓Reception information - "Reception to follow" or separate venue details
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
Found Your Perfect Wording?
Copy the template that fits your situation and customize it with your details. Remember to proofread carefully before sending to your printer!