By Melanie Walker
Your wedding invitation is your guests' first glimpse of your big day. It’s a challenge to capture the essence of such an important event in just a few lines.
Since 2010, Zion Springs has worked closely with countless couples, helping them navigate the ins and outs of wedding stationery. Now, we’re here to make the process easier for you.
In this article, we’ll explore five essential tips for creating meaningful wedding invitations and offer seven customizable templates to inspire your wording.
When to Send Your Wedding Invitations
It’s generally recommended to send wedding invitations 6-8 weeks before the event. For destination weddings, however, giving guests more notice is helpful. Sending them 3-4 months in advance allows everyone time to plan accordingly.
1. What to Include on Wedding Invitations
Your wedding invitation should provide all the essential details.
Be sure to include:
- Hosts' names (traditionally parents, but it’s your choice).
- Couple's full names—this is your special day.
- Date, time, and location—be specific and include ceremony and reception details.
- Dress code—help guests plan appropriately by including wedding attire details.
- RSVP instructions—make responding easy.
Double-check all details, and include contact information in case guests have questions.
2. Craft the Perfect Tone
Your invitations should reflect your relationship and the style of your wedding.
- Let the design and wording capture who you are as a couple—adventurous or traditional.
- Match the wording to the event's formality, whether a grand venue or a casual setting.
- Share a personal touch, like a quote or note that tells part of your story.
Consider including a photo or a handwritten note for a personal feel for smaller weddings.
3. Get the Wording Right
Choose the correct phrasing to set the tone for your invitation:
- Traditional: "Mr. and Mrs. Smith request the honor of your presence…”
- Modern: "Together with their families, Anna and John invite you…”
- Tricky situations: If you’re hosting yourselves, "Join us in celebrating our union" works well.
4. Additional Information to Include
For a seamless guest experience, you may want to include:
- RSVP cards—request replies by a specific date.
- Maps or directions—helpful for guests unfamiliar with the location.
- Accommodation/transportation—offer options for out-of-town guests.
- Wedding website—share more detailed information here.
- Food allergies—allow guests to inform you of dietary needs.
- Children or adults-only—use considerate wording to clarify your guest policy.
- Gift registry—including this separately, such as on an enclosed card or your website, is best.
5. How to Address Wedding Envelopes
Addressing envelopes properly adds a polished touch:
- Decide between formal titles or casual names based on your relationship with the guest.
- For single guests, specify if they can bring a plus-one.
- When inviting families, list each name for a personal touch.
7 Free Wedding Invitation Templates
Wedding invitations are more than just details—they represent your love story and set the tone for your big day. When you have a clear idea of the story you want to share, finding the right wording becomes much easier.
Below are seven templates to inspire your wedding invitation.
Template 1: Classic & Elegant
Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan White
request the pleasure of your company
at the wedding of their daughter
Amelia White to Luke Brown
Join us on [Date] at [Time], [Venue]
Template 2: Modern & Casual
Join us for the wedding of
Amelia and Luke
We're tying the knot
on [Date], [Venue] at [Time].
Wear your dancing shoes!
Template 3: Couple-Hosted Affair
We found love in a beautiful journey
Amelia White and Luke Brown
invite you to witness their union
on [Date], [Time] at [Venue]
Template 4: Destination Wedding
Pack your bags for a beachside romance!
Amelia and Luke are saying 'I Do' in paradise.
Join us on [Date], [Time], [Exotic Venue]
Template 5: Intimate Gathering
Close friends, close family,
one unforgettable evening.
Celebrate Amelia and Luke’s union
on [Date], [Venue], [Time]
Template 6: Themed Celebration
A midsummer night's dream
Dance under the stars with
Amelia and Luke
on [Date], [Venue], from [Time]
Fairytale attire is encouraged.
Template 7: Elopement Announcement
Just the two of us bound by love
Amelia and Luke eloped!
Celebrate our joy at a reception
on [Date], [Venue], [Time]
Ready to Send Your Invitations? Here’s What’s Next
Your wedding invitation should bring together tradition, your style, and those all-important details—whether elegant or bold, it’s a sneak peek into the celebration ahead.
With your invitations ready, it's time to send them out and shift focus to the rest of your wedding to-do list. Check out our 9-month Wedding Planning Timeline to stay on track. Having a planner can make everything much smoother.
Feeling overwhelmed? Our Answers & Advice page at Zion Springs contains expert tips to guide you through the process. For more helpful insights, don’t miss our article on Hidden Costs When Planning Your Wedding—it’ll help you avoid surprises and stay on budget.
Rachel & Justin, recently married at Zion Springs
"Enjoy wedding planning! Make the most of it and make it fun! We involved our friends and family with creating decorations and mailing invites. You can make your wedding day as special as possible, so get creative! Zion's team loves to make each wedding personalized to the bride and groom."
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