Classic wording

Classic wording follows the shape British invitations have used for a century: the hosts invite, the couple are named in full, the date is written in words, and a church ceremony earns the phrase “the honour of your presence” — “pleasure of your company” is the traditional choice everywhere else. It suits church weddings, black tie, and any day where the formality is part of the pleasure.

Example 1 — Bride’s parents hosting, church ceremony

Mr and Mrs Jonathan Hartley request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Emma Grace to Mr Liam Thomas Bennett at St Lawrence’s Church, Bourton-on-the-Water on Saturday, the twelfth of June two thousand and twenty-seven at two o’clock in the afternoon and afterwards at The Manor House Hotel, Castle Combe Kindly reply by the first of May to Mrs J. Hartley, Rose Cottage, Lower Slaughter

Example 2 — Both sets of parents hosting together

Mr and Mrs Jonathan Hartley together with Mr and Mrs David Bennett request the honour of your presence at the marriage of Emma Grace Hartley and Liam Thomas Bennett at St Lawrence’s Church, Bourton-on-the-Water on Saturday, 12 June 2027 at 2.00 pm Reception to follow at The Manor House Hotel, Castle Combe Please reply by 1 May 2027

Example 3 — Formal, venue ceremony and evening reception

Mr and Mrs Jonathan Hartley request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Emma Grace to Mr Liam Thomas Bennett at The Manor House Hotel, Castle Combe on Saturday, the twelfth of June two thousand and twenty-seven at half past two in the afternoon followed by dinner and dancing Carriages at midnight Kindly respond by the first of May

How it is put together

“Request the honour of your presence” — Reserved, by tradition, for a ceremony in a place of worship. For a register office or venue ceremony, classic wording uses “request the pleasure of your company”.

Dates in words — “Saturday, the twelfth of June, two thousand and twenty-seven” — the full written-out date is the clearest signal of a formal invitation.

Titles and full names — Mr, Mrs and full names including middle names where they exist. The bride is traditionally named before the groom.

Good to know

Send classic invitations 8–12 weeks ahead; the reply date is usually 4–6 weeks before the wedding.
Dress code, directions and gift information traditionally go on a separate insert or the invitation page — never on the invitation itself.
If the reception is at a different venue, “and afterwards at …” is the standard bridge line.