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You Are Cordially Invited by Holly Lefevre

The rules for wording the wedding invitation are evolving as quickly as the etiquette that applies to invitations. Most importantly the invitation informs the guests of the vital logistical information, including the who, what, when, and where. However, keep in mind the wording and style of the invitation says a lot about the wedding's formality and style.

Wording the Invitation

How do I know what wording I should use for my invitation? The following are samples of basic invitation wording for many common circumstances. Quotes, poems, and other specialized wording may be added to invitations as well. Use these samples as a guideline for determining your wording.

Traditional

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Dye request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Jaclyn Ann to Mr. Arthur Jackson Saturday, the eleventh of July two thousand twelve at three o'clock in the afternoon Holy Trinity Lutheran Church New York, New York

Bride and Groom's Parents Sponsor

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Dye and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jackson request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their children Miss Jaclyn Ann Dye and Mr. Arthur James Jackson

Traditional, Bride's Parents Sponsor, Groom's Parents Listed

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Dye request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Jaclyn Ann to Mr. Arthur Jackson son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jackson

Groom's Parents Host

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jackson request the honor of your presence at the marriage of Miss Jaclyn Ann Dye to their son Mr. Arthur James Jackson

Bride and Groom Host

The honor of your presence is requested at the marriage of Miss Jaclyn Ann Dye and Mr. Arthur James Jackson or Miss Jaclyn Ann Dye and Mr. Arthur James Jackson request the honor of your presence at their marriage

Bride's Mother Hosts

Mrs. Patricia Dye requests the honor of your presence at the marriage of her daughter Jaclyn Ann

Bride's Mother Hosts, remarried

Mrs. Robert Wood requests the honor of your presence at the marriage of her daughter Jaclyn Ann

Bride's Mother and Stepfather Host

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wood request the honor of your presence at the marriage of her daughter Jaclyn Ann Dye

Bride's Father Hosts

Mr. Joseph Dye requests the honor of your presence at the marriage of his daughter Jaclyn Ann

Bride's Father Hosts, remarried

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Dye request the honor of your presence at the marriage of his daughter Jaclyn Ann

Bride's Divorced Parents Host

Mrs. Michael Wood and Mr. Joseph Dye request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Jaclyn Ann Dye

Second Marriage

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Dye request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Jaclyn Ann Dye Reese

More Than Two Sets of Parents Host

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Dye Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wood and Mrs. and Mrs. Andrew Jones request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their children

One Parent Deceased, Living Parent Not Remarried

Mrs. Joseph Dye requests the honor of your presence at the marriage of her daughter Jaclyn Ann

One Parent Deceased, Living Parent Remarried

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wood request the honor of your presence at the marriage of her daughter Jaclyn Ann Dye

Close Relative Hosts

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Morgan request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their granddaughter Jaclyn Ann Dye

Alert

The name of a deceased parent is not included on the invitation. It shows no disrespect to the parent that has passed away, but it is a practical matter, as a deceased parent cannot issue an invitation. It can only come from the widowed spouse, a living person.

Bride and Groom with Children

Jaclyn Ann Dye and Arthur James Jackson together with their children Julie C. Dye, Ryan D. Dye, and Elizabeth A. Jackson

Military Protocol

What is proper for a military wedding? In military weddings, rank determines the placement of names. If the person's rank is lower than sergeant, omit the rank but list the branch of service of which the bride or groom is a member. Junior officers' titles are placed below their names and are followed by their branch of service. If the rank is higher than lieutenant, titles are placed before names and the branch of service is placed on the following line. Check with the specific branch's protocol officer if you have particular questions.

Rank Lower than Sergeant

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Parker request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Renee Christine United States Army to Kevin Avery Lee

Junior Officers

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Parker request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Renee Christine to Kevin Avery Lee First Lieutenant, United States Navy

Rank Higher than Lieutenant

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Parker request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Renee Christine to Captain Kevin Avery Lee United States Navy

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