Getting the wording just right on your wedding invitations is critical – not only does the language you use communicate the facts, it also sets the style and tone of the occasion. There is a certain etiquette; however, nowadays there are a variety of formats to follow, ranging from the more formal to the casual. Whearas traditionally the bride’s parents hosted the wedding celebration, wedding invitation etiquette now encompasses the different household arrangements of today’s society. So, if you’re stuck for words, check out the samples we’ve provided here…
Photo courtesy Green Wedding Shoes, Photographer Stephanie Williams
If the Bride and Groom Are Hosting…
Sample 1
Julia Esabella Mendes and Nicholas Kristoff Demett, together with their parents, request the honour of your presence at their marriage on Sunday, the fifth of March, Two thousand and eleven at six o’clock in the evening Holy Trinity Church 210 Musgrave Road
Corner of Musgrave and St Thomas Roads Musgrave, Durban
Sample 2
Mary Stevens and Chuck Henderson have chosen the first day of their new life together to be the 20th June 2011. You are invited to share in their joy as they exchange marriage vows at 4:00 pm Holy Trinity Church 210 Musgrave Road
Corner of Musgrave and St Thomas Roads Musgrave, Durban
Sample 3
Please celebrate with us, Maureen McAuliffe and Tony Galliano, as we begin our best work together on
21st February 2011 at 4:00 pm Holy Trinity Church 210 Musgrave Road
Corner of Musgrave and St Thomas Roads Musgrave, Durban
Sample 4
Please celebrate with us a new life and new love
as we, Kathy Baker and Louis McNeely, exchange our wedding vows on 10th October 2011 at 5:00 pm Holy Trinity Church 210 Musgrave Road
Corner of Musgrave and St Thomas Roads Musgrave, Durban
If the Bride and Groom’s Parents Are Hosting…
Sample 1
Mr and Mrs Thomas King and Mr and Mrs Frederick Langston invite you to share in the joy of the marriage of their children, Ashley Marie and Patrick Everett, on Saturday, the 8th of April 2011 at eleven o’clock in the morning, The Royal Cape Yacht Club Small Craft Basin, Duncan Road,
Table Bay Harbour Cape Town
Sample 2
With Joyful Hearts, Jon and Cheryl Perry and Larry and Sandy Ferguson invite you to the marriage ceremony uniting Jessica Sue Perry and Brian James Ferguson on Saturday, the fifteenth of October two thousand and eleven at 4 o’clock in the afternoon The Royal Cape Yacht Club Small Craft Basin, Duncan Road,
Table Bar Harbour Cape Town
Sample 3
The Smith family and the Johnson family invite you to share in the joy of the marriage uniting their children, Rachel Ann and Thomas Christopher, on Saturday, the sixth of July two thousand and eleven at eleven o’clock in the morning, The Royal Cape Yacht Club Small Craft Basin, Duncan Road,
Table Bar Harbour Cape Town
Reception immediately following ceremony
Sample 4
Mr and Mrs Saul Goldberg and Mr and Mrs Tim Burrough request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their children, Sharon Lynn and David, as they happily unite their hearts, their lives and their cultures through marriage.
Saturday, 27th November 2011 at six o’clock in the evening
The Royal Cape Yacht Club Small Craft Basin, Duncan Road,
Table Bar Harbour Cape Town
If the Divorced Parents of the Bride and Groom Are Hosting…
Sample 1: If both sets of parents are divorced Mr Leon Trenton and Ms Sarabeth Trenton and Mr Salvadore Charleston and Ms Elisa Charleston request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their children, Nicole Trenton and Victor Charleston, on Sunday, the fourteenth of May Two thousand and eleven at ten o’clock in the morning.
French Hills Community Church 756 Oaklands Drive, Midrand
Gauteng
Sample 2: If the bride or groom’s parents are divorced
Mr Leon Trenton and Ms Sarabeth Trenton and Mr and Mrs Salvadore Charleston request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their children, Nicole Trenton and Victor Charleston, on Sunday, 14th May 2011 at ten o’clock in the morning
French Hills Community Church 756 Oaklands Drive, Midrand
Gauteng
If the Bride’s Parents Are Hosting…
Sample 1
Mr and Mrs Oliver Durand request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter, Sophie Lynn to Jeffrey Gordon, son of Mr and Mrs Michel Lautrec Saturday, 4th March 2011 at 2.00 pm
Main Clubhouse, Mount Edgecombe Country Club Flanders Drive, Mount Edgecombe
Umhlanga
Sample 2
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Mills request the honor of the presence of ____________________________ at the marriage of their daughter, Jacqui Louise to Mr Tim Montgomery on Saturday, the fourth of March Two thousand and eleven at two o’clock in the afternoon.
Main Clubhouse, Mount Edgecombe Country Club Flanders Drive, Mount Edgecombe
Umhlanga
Sample 3
Mr and Mrs Patrick O’Reilly request the honor of your presence at the Nuptial Mass at which their daughter Melanie and Mr John Smith will be united in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony
at the
Holy Trinity Catholic Church 210 Musgrave Road,
Corner of Musgrave and St Thomas Roads Musgrave, Durban
on the seventh of May, two thousand and eleven at 5 o’clock in the evening. Thereafter, a reception will be held at
The Main Clubhouse, Mount Edgecombe Country Club Flanders Drive, Mount Edgecombe
Umhlanga
Sample 4
With joyful hearts, we ask you to be present at the ceremony uniting Jessie Hall and Bill Chalk on 17th November 2011
at 5:00 pm
Main Clubhouse, Mount Edgecombe Country Club Flanders Drive, Mount Edgecombe
Umhlanga
Tim and Janet Hall
If the Wedding Ceremony is to be Private, Followed by an Invitation to the Reception…
Sample 1 On Saturday, 26th June 2011 We slipped a ring on each other’s finger And made a promise for life. Join us as we celebrate now that we’re husband and wife!
You are invited to attend a reception to honor the newly married couple, Kim and Michael Biggs
At their home 225 22nd Street Kempton Park, Johannesburg
Saturday, 4th September, 2011 from 4:00 pm
Sample 2 Join us in celebrating the marriage of Sarah Loretti and Nathan Johnstone with a reception marking
our wedding ceremony.
The Clubhouse Zimbali Lodge and Country Club,
Zimbali Estate, Ballito
Sunday, 8th August 2011 at 4:00 pm
Sample 3 We will be married in a private wedding ceremony on Saturday, 13th October 2011.
Please celebrate with us at our reception following the ceremony,
At six o’clock in the evening.
The Clubhouse Zimbali Lodge and Country Club,
Zimbali Estate, Ballito
Jill Weiss and Tim Trump
And What if You’ve Eloped?
Sample 1
Because you are good friends we thought you’d like to know that we ran off and got married We did it on the go!
Jaime Jessica Lester and Hamilton Becker tied the knot on 4th October 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada and are now at home at 45 Green Place Hillcrest, Durban
Sample 2
We’ve Eloped! Join us at a Brunch Reception on Sunday, 31st July at 11:00 am at the
Quarters Hotel 101 Florida Road Morningside, Durban
Derek and Francine Junes
Sample 3
We’ve Eloped! We invite you to attend a casual celebration party at our house,
159 Spaanschemat River Road Constantia, Cape Town on 25th June at 5:00 pm
RSVP: Jenny or John Dender 082 756 8714
Sample 4
Time moves so quickly and so, too, does life We were so anxious to be husband and wife Our days were filled, our schedules too So we ran off and said our ‘I do’s’!
Mary Tessa and Marty Flanagan eloped on 22cnd March 2011 and are now at home at 128 Camphor Circle Sandton, Johannesburg
Save the Date Cards
Sample 1
Save the Date! Jennifer Edwards and Rick Tyler are getting married on Friday, 22cnd June 2011 at Tala Game Reserve
Invitations to follow
Sample 2
Please Save the Date! We will be getting married on 15th May 2011
Invitation and details to follow
Nadine Wagner and Jim Wells
Sample 3
Save the Date 9th June 2011 to share in the joy of Yvonne Lutz and John Muller as they are married
Invitation to follow
Mindy and Shane Lutz
Sample 4
Phyllis and Mark Lewis Look forward to celebrating with you at their daughter’s wedding on 21st November 2011 at the Drakensburg Gardens Hotel, Southern Drakensberg
Invitation and weekend itinerary to follow
And If You’re Indulging in a Destination Wedding…
Sample 1 It all begins at Twilight but be prepared to stay the night!
Alexis Daley and Grant Weber invite you to share the beginning of their new life together when they exchange marriage vows on Saturday, 13th May 2011
The Symphony Ship, departing at 5:30 pm from Dock 38, Durban Harbour
Engagement Invitations
Sample 1 We would be pleased to have you join us for a party announcing our engagement
Sunday, 9th April 2011 at 1pm
Under the Marula Tree, Old Shongweni Road Shongweni, Hillcrest
Sample 2
The honour of your presence is requested at a Dinner Party celebrating the engagement of Shelly and Brian on 30th January 30 2011 7.00 for 7.30pm.
Under the Marula Tree, Old Shongweni Road Shongweni, Hillcrest
Sample 3 Mr and Mrs Bob Stevens request the pleasure of your company at a Dinner to celebrate the engagement of Gina and Tommy on 3rd October 2011 at 6 o’clock.
Under the Marula Tree, Old Shongweni Road Shongweni, Hillcrest
Sample 4
You are cordially invited to attend an Engagement Party given in honor of Stephanie and John on 31st March 2011 at 6:00 pm
Under the Marula Tree, Old Shongweni Road Shongweni, Hillcrest