The Wedding Wording Dilemma: Tradition Meets Modern Style
🎩 Traditional Wording: Timeless & Formal
Traditional wedding invitation wording tends to follow long-established etiquette. It's often more formal and structured, making it perfect for classic weddings or more formal affairs.
Key Features:
Full names (no nicknames)
Parents' names often included
British spelling and grammar conventions
Formal language ("request the pleasure of your company", etc.)
Example:
Mr and Mrs John Smith
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of their daughter
Emily Jane
to
Mr Thomas Andrew Clarke
on Saturday, 15th September 2025
at 2 o'clock in the afternoon
at St Mary's Church, Oxfordshire
and afterwards at The Old Rectory, Henley-on-Thames
💡 Tip: If both sets of parents are hosting, both names can be listed. If the couple is hosting themselves, the wording can be adjusted slightly to reflect that while keeping the formal tone.
🌿 Modern Wording: Stylish & Personal
Modern wedding invitation wording allows for much more flexibility and creativity. It’s great for couples who want to express their personality, set a relaxed tone, or host a more contemporary celebration.
Key Features:
More conversational tone
First names or nicknames can be used
Couple often hosts the invitation
Simple, friendly language
Example:
Emily & Tom
are getting married!
Join us for a celebration of love
on Saturday, 15 September 2025
at 2:00pm
St Mary's Church, Oxfordshire
Reception to follow at The Old Rectory
💡 Tip: Modern invitations work beautifully with minimalist or boho designs, especially if you're going for a relaxed, intimate vibe.
🖋 Which Should You Choose?
Ultimately, it depends on your wedding style and personality as a couple. If you're planning a formal, traditional event — such as a church ceremony with a sit-down reception — classic wording might feel more appropriate. But if your wedding is relaxed, rustic, or uniquely ‘you’, a modern format might feel more natural.
You can also mix elements — for example, using formal wording but modern fonts and design, or traditional structure with a warm, personal tone.
✨ Final Thoughts
Your invitation sets the stage for your wedding day. Whether you lean traditional or modern, the most important thing is that it reflects your story and makes your guests feel warmly welcomed.
Need help crafting the perfect wording? At Larosier Prints, we offer both traditional and contemporary designs with editable templates — so you can make them truly yours.
