The Ultimate Guide To Wedding Invitation Etiquette

Your wedding invitation is more than just an announcement; it’s the first glimpse your guests will have into your celebration, setting the tone for your entire day.

While design plays a huge role, knowing exactly what to include is just as important. Here’s the ultimate guide to wedding invitation etiquette — everything you need to have written on your invitations to ensure clarity, elegance, and an unforgettable first impression.


1. The Host Line

Traditionally, the host line is at the top of the invitation, letting guests know who is hosting the wedding. If it’s your parents, you would write something like:

"John and Sarah Smith together with Frank and Lisa Brown request the pleasure of your company to celebrate the marriage of"

If you’re hosting the wedding yourself or with your partner, simply state your names:

"Together with their families, [Your Name] and [Partner’s Name] request the pleasure of your company..."

Having a host line is a more traditional way of wording for invitations. This is also entirely optional, with lots of modern day couples keeping their invitations more minimal with just their first/and last names on the invitation.


2. The Couple’s Names

Your names should appear prominently, typically after the host line (if using one). A more tradition way is to use your full names (first, middle, and last).

If you’re going for a more formal approach, include middle names — or keep it simple with first and last names, or a minimal way, to just use your first names.


3. The Date and Time

Whether you take a formal or casual approach, it is still important to somehow communiate the date and time of the event.

A formal approach is to write the date and time out in full. For example:

"Sunday, the Twenty-Fifth of May, Two Thousand and Twenty-Five at Four O'Clock in the Afternoon"

A more casual or minimal approach could be:

25.05.2025 - 4:00pm.

There are several ways to write the date and time, whether formal, causual or a mix of both.


4. The Location

Be specific! Include the full name of the venue, the street address, and city. (Unless the venue is so well known to everyone you are inviting).

If the ceremony and reception are at different locations, you may want to include the reception details on a separate card not to make the invitation too messy or confusing with lots of writing.


5. RSVP Details

It’s crucial to include instructions on how to RSVP. This can be a simple line like:

"Please RSVP/respond by [date]"

You can include a separate RSVP card or provide a website link for digital RSVPs. Lots of couples opt for a QR code which is printed either on the back of the invitation, or details card. When guests scan the QR code, it will automatically take them to either a wedding website, or even something as simple as a Google Form which the couple have created and will easily keep track of.


6. Dress Code (If Applicable)

If you have a specific dress code, include it with a simple line like:

"Black Tie" or "Cocktail Attire"


7. Additional Information

Include extra details like the wedding website, accommodation info, or an itinerary of the day on a separate card or on your wedding website.

You can also add a note for guests on where they should park or if there is provided transport, if necessary, or any special instructions.


Creating the perfect wedding invitation is a mix of etiquette, design, and personal flair. By including all the necessary details — while keeping the tone of your day in mind — you will create an invitation that feels both elegant and informative.

If you need help crafting a bespoke invitation suite that perfectly reflects your style, we would love to help!