If the idea of traditional wedding invitation wording clashes with your need for self-expression and the ability to invite guests in your own words, then read on for casual and modern ways to word your invitations that will not only give you the freedom to exhibit your personality, but will still accomplish all that etiquette dictates an invitation should.

Essential Elements of Wedding Invitations

In today’s more relaxed culture, where etiquette rules seem to fall through the cracks, weddings are one area where these rules are still important, especially concerning invitation wording. Invitations function as physical reminders of your upcoming wedding and are sent not only to invite guests, but to inform them of your wedding details.

However, you may relax your wording and ease past etiquette mandates that often leave invitations sounding formal and uniform instead of reflecting the personalities of the happy couple. When wording your wedding invitations, keep in mind that you must include the full names of those hosting the wedding, as well as the bride and groom. You must also include the request line, which asks guests to be present for your wedding. Of course, wedding details, such as time of day, date, and location also need to be listed on the invitation. The difference will be the way you word these necessary components.

Casual Wedding Invitation Wording Samples

If your wedding will be traditionally hosted, but you want to loosen up the feel of the wording to match a casual invitation, consider the modern way to introduce the important people: the hosts without formal surnames.

Tom and Sarah Fuller

request the honor of your presence

at the marriage of their daughter

Catherine Anne

to

Patrick John

son of

John and Lilly Miller

If you want to make the invitation wording even more casual, consider changing the traditional request line to a more relaxed phrase that will mimic the tone of your wedding.

Tom and Sarah Fuller

request the pleasure of your company

at the marriage of their daughter

Catherine Anne

to

Patrick John

son of

John and Lilly Miller

Or

Tom and Sarah Fuller

invite you to share and celebrate

the marriage of their daughter

Catherine Anne

to

Patrick John

son of

John and Lilly Miller

If both the parents and the couple are hosting the wedding together, then word the invitation so that everyone is acknowledged.

Catherine Anne Fuller

and

Patrick John Miller

together with their parents

request the pleasure of your company

at their marriage

If the couple will host the wedding, then their parents don’t need to be formally mentioned on the invitation, although their emotional contribution should still be recognized at the wedding.

Catherine Anne Fuller

and

Patrick John Miller

invite you to share their joy

as they exchange marriage vows

You can easily adapt any of these wording samples to reflect your personality. If you have want to tie in your request line with your wedding theme or location, then go ahead as long as the intentions and the main components of a wedding invitation are recognizable to guests. This way you’ll have a unique memento of your wedding worth keeping.