Wedding invitations are one of the first glimpses your guests will have of your special day, and they set the tone for your celebration. One of the most important aspects of crafting your wedding invitation is how you word it, especially if both sets of parents are hosting the event. While traditional wedding invitations typically feature the names of the bride’s parents as hosts, modern weddings often see both the bride’s and groom’s parents sharing in this responsibility. Knowing how to word wedding invitations when both sets of parents are hosting can be tricky, but with the right guidance, you can create an elegant and inclusive invitation that reflects the unity and joy of your big day.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down different ways to word your wedding invitations when both sets of parents are involved. We’ll explore traditional, modern, and unique formats, ensuring that you get the perfect wording for your wedding invitations.
Why It’s Important to Get the Wording Right
Wedding invitations serve as a formal announcement of your upcoming celebration and reflect your wedding style. The wording sets the tone, communicates the level of formality, and informs guests about the key details of the event. The phraseology used for who is hosting the wedding is particularly important because it acknowledges the people who have helped bring the couple together.
If both sets of parents are hosting, the wording can show respect for both families, offering an equal voice in the celebration. Proper wording ensures that both families are recognized, and it avoids any awkwardness that might arise from leaving one side out or making them feel less involved. Additionally, getting the right wording allows you to express the formality and personal style of your wedding—whether it’s traditional, contemporary, or somewhere in between.
Traditional Wording for Wedding Invitations When Both Parents Are Hosting
If you want to stick to a more classic, traditional approach, the invitation wording can follow a formal structure. This style is typically seen in more formal or religious weddings, and it maintains an air of sophistication.
Standard Traditional Wording Format:
The wording typically starts with a request to attend the wedding followed by the names of the bride and groom’s parents.
Example:
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
together with
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Johnson
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their children
[Bride’s Full Name]
and
[Groom’s Full Name]
on [Date]
at [Time]
[Venue Name]
[Venue Address]
In this traditional format, the names of both sets of parents are listed at the top, typically in the order of the bride’s parents followed by the groom’s parents. The phrase “request the honor of your presence” is used to express a formal invitation, particularly for a religious ceremony, such as a church wedding. If you’re hosting the wedding at a more casual venue or have a more modern style, you can adjust the tone of the wording accordingly.
Modern Wording for Wedding Invitations When Both Parents Are Hosting
For a more modern or casual wedding, the tone of the invitation can be slightly less formal while still giving both sets of parents equal representation. This format often omits some of the more traditional elements and focuses on a more relaxed, contemporary approach.
Example of Modern Wording:
With joyful hearts,
[Bride’s Full Name] and [Groom’s Full Name]
together with their families
invite you to celebrate their wedding
on [Date]
at [Time]
[Venue Name]
[Venue Address]
In this version, the invitation starts with the names of the couple followed by “together with their families.” This wording is more modern and inclusive, and it ensures that both sets of parents are acknowledged without emphasizing formality. If you prefer a more relaxed tone or are planning a less traditional wedding, this wording will work well.
Alternatively, if you’d like to include the parents’ names more explicitly, the following format can be used:
Together with their families,
[Bride’s Full Name], daughter of [Bride’s Parents’ Names],
and [Groom’s Full Name], son of [Groom’s Parents’ Names],
request the honor of your presence
at their wedding celebration
on [Date]
at [Time]
[Venue Name]
[Venue Address]
This wording keeps things formal but still gives both sets of parents an equal presence by mentioning them right after the couple’s names. It maintains a modern, but respectful, feel.
Non-Traditional or Informal Wording for Wedding Invitations When Both Parents Are Hosting
Some couples prefer to create wedding invitations that are more informal or non-traditional in tone, especially if they’re hosting a less conventional or very casual celebration. This can be a great option for destination weddings, elopements, or more relaxed celebrations that don’t require the formality of traditional wording.
Example of Informal Wording:
[Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]
along with their families
invite you to join them
as they tie the knot
on [Date]
at [Time]
[Venue Name]
[Venue Address]
This style eliminates the “honor of your presence” or “request the pleasure of your company” language, which is typically used in more formal invitations. Instead, the tone is warm, welcoming, and laid-back, focusing on the joy of the occasion.
Another option for an even more casual style could be:
[Bride’s First Name] & [Groom’s First Name]
and their families
are getting married!
Join us for our celebration on [Date]
at [Time]
[Venue Name]
[Venue Address]
This is a very informal, friendly way of wordsmithing the invitation, and it’s often used for fun weddings that are more relaxed in nature—like a backyard wedding or a destination ceremony with a more carefree vibe.
Creative Wording for Wedding Invitations When Both Parents Are Hosting
If you want to add a creative or whimsical touch to your wedding invitation, there are numerous ways to play with language. This style is often used for themed weddings, destination weddings, or couples who want their invitations to be fun and unique. Creativity can add a personal and memorable touch that reflects your personalities and style.
Creative Wording Example 1 (Whimsical Style):
Two families, one love.
[Bride’s Name] & [Groom’s Name]
together with their parents,
invite you to join them
as they begin their next chapter
on [Date]
at [Time]
[Venue Name]
[Venue Address]
This creative approach brings a bit of playfulness to the wording, using the idea of two families coming together in a warm, inviting way. It’s an unconventional yet elegant method of wording that feels personal and fun.
Creative Wording Example 2 (Poetic Style):
With joy and love,
[Bride’s Name] & [Groom’s Name]
along with their families
invite you to celebrate their love
as they unite in marriage
on [Date]
at [Time]
[Venue Name]
[Venue Address]
This version brings an elegant, almost poetic tone to the invitation. It works well for couples who prefer a more artistic or refined invitation design and wording.
Things to Keep in Mind When Wording Your Wedding Invitation
While there are several ways to word wedding invitations when both sets of parents are hosting, it’s essential to keep a few important factors in mind:
1. Clarity Is Key
Your wedding invitation should clearly communicate the key details: who is getting married, when the event is happening, where it is taking place, and any other important information. This is especially important when both sets of parents are hosting, as it’s essential to ensure that there is no confusion about who is involved in the celebration.
2. Avoid Overcomplicating the Wording
While you may want to get creative with your wording, avoid overcomplicating it. The goal is to ensure that the wording flows well, is easy to read, and is respectful to both sets of parents. Too many embellishments or overly intricate wording can confuse your guests.
3. Consider Your Wedding Style
Your wedding invitation should match the overall tone of your wedding. A formal, traditional wedding will require more formal wording, while a casual, informal event can have more relaxed and creative wording. Make sure the style of the invitation aligns with your vision for the day.
4. Address Cultural or Religious Considerations
If your families come from different cultural or religious backgrounds, be sure to consider how this might impact the wording of the invitation. Some traditions may have specific customs for how parents’ names are listed or how invitations are phrased.
Conclusion
Crafting the perfect wedding invitation when both sets of parents are hosting requires thoughtful wording that respects both families while reflecting your style and tone. Whether you choose a traditional, modern, informal, or creative approach, make sure the language feels authentic to you and your partner. The key is to make both sets of parents feel included and respected while ensuring your invitation provides all the necessary information for your guests.
With the guidelines and examples provided, you can now confidently choose the right wording for your wedding invitations when both families are involved. By balancing tradition with personalization, you’ll be able to set the stage for a celebration filled with love, joy, and unforgettable memories.
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