Wedding Invitation Phrases
From LoveToKnow Weddings
Wedding invitation phrases eloquently provide your guests with all of the information they need to know about your big day. From how to dress to what to bring, the magical solution to all etiquette issues is found in that one piece of paper that presents upcoming nuptials to your world.
What Wedding Invitation Phrases Are Used For
Wedding invitation wording goes far beyond the phrases explaining who is getting married. Rather, those phrases set the tone for the entire day. Without an invitation, your friends and family would have no idea what to expect until they arrive at your ceremony, which could cause a potentially embarrassing situation for either you or them.
Some of the information proper phrases will convey to your guests include:
- Proper attire
- Length of reception
- Who in the household is invited
Below are some sample phrases to help you in each of these important areas of your wedding planning.
Proper Attire
Do you have a specific dress code you’d like your guests to follow? Using the proper phrases will ensure everyone knows how to dress. If your wedding is in the late afternoon or evening, it is perfectly acceptable to have a formal dress code. Some common phrases to instruct guests may include:
- Your attendance in black tie appropriate dress is appreciated.
- Please dress in accordance with our white tie celebration.
Remember that most weddings are not formal nowadays, and chances are guests will not pick up on the dress code unless it is officially spelled out for them.
Semi-formal dress is much more common at evening weddings. You may want to say:
- Please join us for our reception in your favorite cocktail attire.
- All guests are invited to join the happy couple for a semi-formal reception following the ceremony.
Note: While many modern invitations contain a note on attire, it is considered inappropriate according to traditional wedding etiquette.
Gift Giving
Gift giving can be tricky in this day and age. Many couples live together before they tie the knot, meaning they already own many of the essentials an engaged couple would typically register for.
Others are marrying straight out of high school or college, and they have no desire to acquire the typical wedding items such as fine china or expensive linens. So what is the appropriate phrasing to let your gift wishes be known?
The true polite answer is to say nothing at all. Everything related to gift giving should be tactfully phrased on bridal shower invites, staying far away from your actual wedding invitation. Instead, inform your maid of honor and/or best man of your intentions, and leave it to them to notify your guests by word of mouth.
Length of Reception
Some receptions last hours, while others are very brief. A few fun phrases to use:
- Join us and dance until sundown following our ceremony.
- Eager to start their married life, the happy couple will be saying goodbye shortly after the ceremony.
- Enjoy our open bar reception, which will last until (specific time).
Limiting Invitations
Even if the grapevine is that children aren’t welcome at your nuptials, there will always be families that assume they’re the exception. Nip this in the bud by making it clear with wedding invitation phrases that ban kids from wreaking havoc on your special day, if that is your intention:
- Please no children.
This is a simple and concise way to get your point across without being rude.
- Please join us for an adult only reception following the ceremony.
Make it about the atmosphere, and parents will hesitate to bring their children.
- Childcare will be provided in the east wing of the reception hall.
If you are getting married at a church or have some teenagers in your life that you know well, you may want to ask them to babysit during the reception if you are worried about hurting feelings.
Wedding invitation phrases can prevent awkward scenarios and ensure everyone who attends your wedding and after party feels welcome in the celebration of your love.
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