Build in some extra time to track down any non-responses and finalize the numbers. → Return Date: Check with your caterer and/or venue to see when they will need a final headcount.If your invitation is worded “the honor/honour of your presence” then the corresponding response text would be “the favor/favour of a reply.” The phrases “please respond by” or “kindly reply by” are less formal. The phrase “the favor of a response is requested by” is the most formal. → Request Line: The formality of your wording should be consistent with your invitation.black tie) you can add a line regarding attire to the lower right corner of the invitation or reception card. → Attire: If the style of dress is important to note for your guests (e.g.When the reception is held elsewhere, formal invitations include the reception information on a separate card. → Reception Line: If your reception will be held in the same location as your ceremony, you can simply state ‘reception to follow’ or ‘dinner and dancing to follow’ on the last line of the invitation.The street address is unnecessary unless the wedding is taking place at a site that is not well known (e.g., private residence). → Location Lines: The venue, city, and state are written out in full with no abbreviations.Any time from 6 pm or later is considered evening. Designating the time of day with “in the morning/evening” is helpful if the wedding is held at 8, 9, or 10 o’clock otherwise it is optional. It is proper to say “o’clock” and “half after” (not “half past”) to indicate the time.

→ Date & Time Lines: Spell out numbers for the time and date on formal invitations.Formal invitations refer to the groom by his full name, preceded by his title. If the bride’s parents are in the host line above and the bride shares the last name, it is not repeated. → Bride & Groom Lines: The names of the bride and groom are presented on separate lines.For non-religious venues, it is appropriate to say ‘request the pleasure of your company.’ For less formal or non-traditional weddings, choose wording that best fits your event. Either the American or British (with a ‘u’) version is acceptable. The phrase ‘request the honor/honour of your presence’ is used for religious ceremonies held in a church, temple, or another place of worship. → Request Line: Varies according to where the wedding ceremony is being held.In the examples below, you’ll find specific wording options based on different hosting scenarios. While this was traditionally the bride’s parents, nowadays a range of hosts might be included. → Host Line: Usually indicates who is hosting (and paying for) the wedding.

Private event invitation example