Funny wording (handle with care)

The test for funny invitation wording: read it aloud as your most traditional guest. A raised eyebrow is fine; confusion is not. The humour should sit in one or two lines — the names, date and venue stay dead straight, because guests will copy them into calendars and sat-navs.

Example 1 — Light touch, all details straight

Emma Hartley & Liam Bennett finally did the maths and found that a wedding is cheaper than a lifetime of separate holidays So: Saturday 12 June 2027, 2.00 pm St Lawrence’s Church, Bourton-on-the-Water Dinner and dancing afterwards at The Manor House Hotel, Castle Combe Dress code: your best. Dancing shoes advised. Please reply by 1 May — the caterer is counting chairs

Example 2 — The story does the joking

It started with an argument about a crème brûlée. It ends (well, begins) with a wedding. Emma & Liam Saturday 12 June 2027, 2.00 pm St Lawrence’s Church, Bourton-on-the-Water Party afterwards at The Manor House Hotel, Castle Combe There will be cake. There will be dancing. There will not be a seating plan argument — we have a spreadsheet. Reply by 1 May

Example 3 — Evening invitation with a wink

Emma & Liam are getting married in the afternoon. You’re invited to the better bit. Evening celebration — Saturday 12 June 2027 from 7.30 pm The Manor House Hotel, Castle Combe First dance at 8. Buffet, band, and Liam’s uncle’s dancing by 9. Reply by 1 May, please

How it is put together

One joke, early — The funny line works best near the top, where it sets the tone — then the invitation gets on with its job.

Details stay straight — Names, dates, times and venues in plain language. Nobody should need the joke explained to find the church.

Warm, not mocking — Jokes about the couple are safe; jokes about marriage, exes, cost or guests are where invitations go wrong.

Good to know

If you would not say it to your grandmother’s face, do not print it — she is definitely invited.
Funny wording suits relaxed weddings; for a formal church day it can read as not taking it seriously, however unfair that is.
Test the invitation on one honest friend before sending: if they laugh and can repeat the date back, it works.