Wedding Invitation Wording Examples (UK): Formal, Relaxed & Everything Between

Wording is the part of wedding stationery couples worry about most, and it needn’t be hard. Every UK invitation, from the most formal church wedding to a relaxed barn party, uses the same building blocks. Pick the version that sounds like you, swap in your details, and you’re done. When you order with us we check every word on your digital proof, so nothing gets printed until you’re happy.

The order of wording on a UK wedding invitation

1. The host line: who is inviting (you, your parents, or “together with their families”).
2. The request line: “request the pleasure of your company”, or a relaxed “invite you to celebrate”.
3. The couple’s names: first names on relaxed invitations, full names on formal ones.
4. The date: written out in words for formal invitations, in numerals for modern ones.
5. The time: when the ceremony starts, ideally with guests asked to arrive 20–30 minutes earlier.
6. The venue: name, town and postcode (guests will put it straight into their sat nav).
7. What follows: “reception to follow”, or “followed by dinner and dancing”.

When the couple are hosting

Most UK couples now host their own wedding, often with help from both families. These are some of the most popular wordings.

When parents are hosting

Traditionally the bride’s parents host and their names come first. It’s still a lovely way to thank parents who are contributing, and it reads beautifully on a formal suite.

If a parent has passed away, you might include them gently with “Jessica, daughter of Sarah and the late David Taylor”. There’s no single right answer here, so choose what feels kindest for your family. We’re always happy to suggest wording if you email us.

Church and religious ceremonies

For a church ceremony the traditional request line is “request the honour of your presence”, always with the British spelling of honour. For civil ceremonies and receptions, use “the pleasure of your company”.

Evening invitation wording

Evening guests receive their own invitation, sent at the same time as the day invitations. Make it clear the invitation is for the evening only and give a start time.

“Carriages at midnight” is the traditional British way to tell guests when the evening ends and to book their taxis.

Destination and abroad weddings

For a wedding abroad, include the full address with country, and send invitations earlier (six to eight months ahead) so guests can book flights. A details card is the place for travel tips, hotels and transfers.

Writing the date and time

In the UK, write the day before the month (21st August, or 21.08.27), never the American month-first style.

RSVP and details card wording

Your RSVP card needs three things: space for names, a yes/no choice and a reply-by date. A details card covers everything else guests ask about. On our suites they come as matching cards in the same envelope.

Not sure what else to include? Our details checklist lists everything we ask couples for, from the venue postcode to the dress code.

Common wording mistakes to avoid

• Spelling the venue or a name wrong. Check against the venue’s own website, and ask someone else to read your proof.
• Forgetting the postcode, or giving the venue’s office address instead of the ceremony location.
• An RSVP date after your venue’s final-numbers deadline. Set it a week or two before.
• Mixing styles, such as a formal written-out date with a jokey request line.
• Squeezing everything onto one card. If it feels crowded, add a details card.

Invitations to put your wording on

All our invitations are personalised with your own wording, and you’ll see a digital proof first. Not sure which design? Start with a sample pack to see the paper and colours in person.