A wedding invitation needs to answer five questions for your guest: who's getting married, when, where, what to do next (RSVP), and whether they're bringing anyone. Everything else is optional. Here's how to write invitations that are clear, on-brand, and cover everything guests need to know.
What every wedding invitation must include
- The couple's names — How formal depends on your style
- Date and day of the week— “Saturday 14th June 2026”
- Ceremony time — Guests need to know when to arrive
- Venue name and address (or postcode) — Full address for formal invitations; postcode for digital
- RSVP instructions — How to respond and by when
- Whether plus-ones / children are invited — Be clear; ambiguity causes problems
Optional but useful
- Dress code
- Reception time (if different from ceremony)
- Evening reception time (for day guests)
- Accommodation details or hotel block
- Wedding website / information page URL
Wording examples by style
Traditional / formal
Used for formal church ceremonies, country house receptions, and conservative family contexts.
Mr & Mrs James Thornton
together with
Mr & Mrs David Hartley
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of their children
Emma Louise Thornton
and
Oliver James Hartley
on Saturday, the fourteenth of June 2026
at two o'clock in the afternoon
at St Mary's Church, Kensington, London
and afterwards at Pemberton House
Kindly reply by 1st May 2026
Modern / informal
Works for barn weddings, city celebrations, and couples who prefer a warmer, more personal tone.
Emma & Oliver are getting married!
We'd love you to join us
on Saturday 14th June 2026
Ceremony at 2pm
Pemberton House, Oxfordshire
Please RSVP by 1st May at [link/QR code]
Couples hosting themselves (no parents mentioned)
Together with their families,
Emma Thornton & Oliver Hartley
invite you to celebrate their marriage
on Saturday 14th June 2026
at 2 o'clock
Pemberton House, Burford, Oxfordshire
RSVP by 1st May: [link or address]
Elopement / celebration party
We did the thing.
Emma & Oliver got married in the Cotswolds and now we want to celebrate with you.
Join us for dinner and dancing
Saturday 14th June 2026, from 7pm
The Swan Hotel, Burford
Let us know you're coming by 1st May: [link]
How to address plus-ones
The most reliable method: address the envelope or email specifically to the people invited. If a guest has a plus-one, include their partner's name if you know it:
- Mr James Cooper & Ms Sarah Lin
- James Cooper & guest (if you don't know the name)
- James Cooper alone (if no plus-one is offered)
If using a digital RSVP, the plus-one question is handled in the form — guests can add their partner's name when they respond.
How to indicate children aren't invited
Don't rely on the envelope addressing alone to communicate this. If your wedding is adults-only (or adults plus specific children), include a line on the invitation or information card:
Whilst we love your little ones, our celebration is an adults-only occasion. We hope this gives you a chance for a wonderful night out.
Due to limited numbers, we're unable to accommodate children on the day (with the exception of babies under 12 months).
Keep the tone warm — it's a practical constraint, not a rejection of your guests' children.
Dress code wording
| Dress Code | What It Means | Standard Wording |
|---|---|---|
| Black tie | Tuxedo / floor-length gown | “Black tie” |
| Formal | Morning suit / cocktail dress or longer | “Formal attire” or “Lounge suits” |
| Smart / smart casual | Suit / smart dress or trouser suit | “Smart casual” |
| Casual / festive | Smart but relaxed; no tie required | “Casual chic” or just “Come as you are” |
| Colour theme | Guests wear a requested palette | “We'd love our guests to wear shades of blue and green” |
Dress code tip:Always specify a dress code — even if it's just “smart casual.” Guests would rather have guidance than guess. Ambiguity causes anxiety and last-minute calls asking what to wear.
Adding a QR code for digital RSVPs
Include a QR code on your invitation that links directly to your RSVP form. Guests scan it with their phone and respond immediately — no stamp required, no reply card to lose. Add a short URL as a text alternative for guests who can't scan.
See our guide on QR code wedding invitations for how to set this up properly.
Common invitation mistakes to avoid
- Wrong date on the invitation— Happens more often than you'd think. Triple-check the day of the week against the date.
- Missing the RSVP deadline— State a specific date, not “please reply soon.”
- Wrong venue address or postcode — Many venues have similar names; confirm the exact address before printing.
- Unclear plus-one policy — Ambiguity here causes more uncomfortable conversations than almost anything else.
- Sending too late — UK: 6–8 weeks before the wedding minimum; earlier for peak season or destination weddings.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should you send wedding invitations?
Send formal wedding invitations 6–8 weeks before the wedding for UK guests, or 10–12 weeks for destination or international weddings. Send save the dates 6–18 months in advance (earlier for peak season Saturday dates).
Do I need to send physical invitations or can I do it digitally?
Digital invitations are completely acceptable for most modern weddings. Physical invitations remain preferred for very formal occasions and for older guests who may prefer paper. Many couples do both: physical invitations for family and older guests, digital for everyone else.
What size should wedding invitations be?
Standard UK wedding invitation sizes: A6 (105×148mm), A5 (148×210mm), or DL (110×220mm). A5 and DL are the most popular — large enough for clear wording with room for design, and standard envelope sizes.
Collect RSVPs once invitations are sent
Once invitations go out, ForeverAfter handles your RSVPs — personalised RSVP cards for each guest, automatic tracking of responses, dietary requirements, and more.
Related guides: The Complete Wedding RSVP Guide, QR Code Wedding Invitations, Wedding Guest List Tips.