We hear this questions often – and it’s an important one to ask!
Our brides sit down at a computer to fill out their wedding submission form, and then they panic. “What verbage do I use?” “Do I want the parents’ names on the invitation, or do I just want it to say “along with our families”?” “Do I use first person or third person?”
While there really is no “right” way to write your invitation wording, there are definitely ways to do it that sound better, flow easier, and look more aesthetically pleasing on your beautiful piece of stationary. We are here to help! We have listed some tips below to help give you an idea, and we are always available through email for one-on-one consultation.
- Less is more. Truly we live and breathe this rule, and it applies to more than just Graphic Design. Well, in this case it is incorporated into the design of your invitation, but still. We find that few guests want to read a novel on the front of your invitation, so get to the point! Not only does this allow for easier reading, but it also allows your invitation to appear more clean and crisp… simplified, cohesive. lovely.
- It is up to you (or the design you are choosing) whether you would like to use first-person or third-person in your invitation. However, typically there is almost always wording before the names of the bride and groom if using first-person, and this can be optional for third-person! For example, first-person could read like this: “With great joy, we, Larissa and Eli, invite you to our wedding on ….” and third-person could simply read “Larissa and Eli, along with their families…”
- The actual invitation sentence can be worded different as well in accordance to the formality of the wedding. A formal wedding would word it as, “Request the honor of your presence at…” while a more informal wedding could state it as “invite you to celebrate with them..”.
- Family information can be worded different as well. You can choose to add “along with their families…” or write out the parents’ names like, “Steven & Susie Chadwick request the honor of your presence at the wedding of..”. Some brides choose to leave this out altogether, and that is okay as well. Once again – clear and concise is always best. We do not recommend writing every name of every family member!
- RSVP information, accommodations, registry details, and more should be on a separate piece of stationary. Otherwise there is way too much on the front of the invitation and it takes away from the design and aesthetic of the piece of stationary. You can even choose to add your reception information to another enclosed card as well!
Once again, we are always here with opinions and advice whenever you need it! In the meantime, happy writing, from us to you.
XOXO
