How to Word Your Wedding Invitation When Parents Are Hosting
Writing your wedding invitation wording can feel surprisingly tricky, especially when you want to honor family traditions, include everyone appropriately, and still keep it personal. One of the most common situations we help couples navigate is how to word an invitation when one or both sets of parents are hosting.
In today’s post, we’ll walk you through different wording options and etiquette tips to help you confidently word your invitation when parents are involved, whether it’s a formal affair or something more relaxed.
Why Does the Host Matter?
Traditionally, the “host” of the wedding—often the people footing the bill—is listed first on the invitation. This is why so many formal invitation wordings begin with the parents’ names. Even if you and your partner are contributing financially, listing parents as hosts can be a respectful nod to tradition and their support.
Formal Wording When Bride’s Parents Are Hosting
This is the most traditional format:
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Emily Rose
to
Michael James Johnson
Saturday, the twenty-fourth of September
two thousand twenty-five
at half past four in the afternoon
The White Garden Estate
Charlottesville, Virginia
Wording When Both Sets of Parents Are Hosting
This is often used for more formal weddings where both families are involved in hosting:
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
and
Mr. and Mrs. David Johnson
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their children
Emily Rose
and
Michael James
Wording When One Set of Parents Hosts (But Includes Both Families)
You can still acknowledge both families even if only one is formally hosting:
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Emily Rose
to
Michael James Johnson
son of Mr. and Mrs. David Johnson
Less Formal Options
If you’re having a more relaxed wedding but want to include parents as hosts, try this softer approach:
Together with their families
Emily Rose
and
Michael James Johnson
invite you to celebrate their marriage…
Or:
With joy, Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
invite you to celebrate the marriage of their daughter…
Tips for Getting It Right
Double-check spellings and formal titles (like “Doctor,” “Reverend,” or suffixes such as “Jr.” or “III”).
If parents are divorced or remarried, the formatting may vary—don’t hesitate to ask for guidance.
Keep consistency with the rest of your suite: formal wording works best with classic design, while informal options match well with more modern or casual styles.
Final Thoughts
Wording your invitation when parents are hosting can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The good news? There’s no one “right” way—just what feels most respectful and meaningful for your family dynamic. Whether you’re going full formal or opting for a more modern or casual tone, we’re here to help ensure your wording feels perfect for your big day.
Not sure what format to choose? At Raspberry Creative, we offer wording guidance with every invitation order so you feel confident from the very first impression.
