Christian Weddings
Christian Wedding Invitation Wording and Etiquette
Christian wedding invitation wording samples for parents or couples hosting, scripture lines, and etiquette for timing, RSVPs, dress codes and children.
Christian wedding invitation wording follows the same basic pattern as any formal invitation (who is hosting, who is marrying, when and where), with the option to add a scripture line or a phrase that gives thanks to God. Below you'll find ready-to-adapt wording for parents hosting, both families hosting and couples hosting, plus samples with a Bible verse. You'll also find the etiquette questions couples ask most: when to mail, how to handle RSVPs, dress codes and children.
Key takeaways
- Choose your wording based on who is hosting: the bride's parents, both families, or the couple.
- "Request the honour of your presence" is traditionally used for ceremonies in a house of worship; "the pleasure of your company" is used for other venues and receptions.
- If you add scripture, keep it to one short verse, name the translation, and place it at the top.
- Many etiquette guides suggest mailing invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding, with an RSVP deadline three to four weeks before.
- Put registry details on your wedding website, not on the invitation.
How a Christian wedding invitation is structured
Most formal invitations follow the same order from top to bottom. Each line has a job, and you can adjust the tone of each one.
- Scripture line (optional). A short verse with its reference.
- Hosts. Traditionally the people paying for or hosting the wedding.
- Request line. The invitation itself.
- The couple's names.
- Date and time. In formal wording, these are spelled out.
- Ceremony location. The church name, street address and city.
- Reception line. For example, "Reception to follow," or a separate reception card.
A note on spelling: formal American invitations often use the British spelling "honour" as a matter of tradition. Either spelling is correct, so choose what suits your style.
Christian wedding invitation wording samples
The names, dates and places below are placeholders. Swap in your own details, and check spelling with both families before you print.
Bride's parents hosting (traditional)
Mr. and Mrs. David Miller\ request the honour of your presence\ at the marriage of their daughter\ Sarah Elizabeth\ to\ James Robert Carter\ Saturday, the twelfth of June\ two thousand twenty-seven\ at two o'clock in the afternoon\ [Church name]\ [City, State]
Both families hosting
Mr. and Mrs. David Miller\ and\ Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Carter\ request the honour of your presence\ at the marriage of their children\ Sarah Elizabeth Miller\ and\ James Robert Carter\ Saturday, the twelfth of June\ two thousand twenty-seven\ at two o'clock in the afternoon\ [Church name], [City, State]
Couple hosting
With joy and thanksgiving to God\ Sarah Elizabeth Miller\ and\ James Robert Carter\ invite you to witness and celebrate their marriage\ Saturday, June 12, 2027, at 2:00 PM\ [Church name], [City, State]\ Reception to follow
"Together with their families"
This modern wording honors both families without naming who is paying.
Together with their families\ Sarah Miller and James Carter\ joyfully invite you to their wedding\ as they are united in Christ\ Saturday, June 12, 2027, at two o'clock\ [Church name], [City, State]
With a scripture line
Place the verse at the top in a smaller or italic font, with the reference and the translation.
"This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."\ Psalm 118:24 (KJV)\ \ Together with their parents\ Sarah Elizabeth Miller and James Robert Carter\ request the honour of your presence at their marriage...
Other short verses couples often choose:
- "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine" (Song of Solomon 6:3, KJV)
- "We love him, because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19, KJV)
- "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour." (Ecclesiastes 4:9, KJV)
Catholic Nuptial Mass
Some Catholic couples mention the Mass on the invitation so guests can plan for a longer ceremony.
Mr. and Mrs. David Miller\ request the honour of your presence\ at the Nuptial Mass uniting their daughter\ Sarah Elizabeth\ and\ James Robert Carter\ in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony...
Wording customs differ by denomination, parish and family, so ask your pastor or priest whether your church has preferences, and let both sets of parents review the final text.
Invitation etiquette
When to send save-the-dates and invitations
Many etiquette guides suggest this rhythm. Give guests more time for destination weddings or dates near major holidays.
- Save-the-dates: six to eight months before the wedding.
- Order invitations: about three to four months before, leaving time for proofs.
- Mail invitations: six to eight weeks before.
- RSVP deadline: three to four weeks before, or earlier if your caterer needs a final count sooner.
RSVPs
Include either an RSVP card with a stamped envelope or a card that points guests to your wedding website. Ask for everything you need in one place: attendance, the names of those attending, meal choices and dietary needs. Expect to follow up with some guests after the deadline.
Plan it in WeddingOS: build your wedding website, invitation suite and RSVP form together, and let guests reply through a simple passwordless link that updates your guest list automatically. Create your free wedding plan.
Dress code
If you have a dress code, put it on the invitation's lower corner or a details card ("Black tie," "Formal attire" or "Cocktail attire"), and explain it on your website. If your church asks guests to cover their shoulders or dress modestly in the sanctuary, say so kindly on the website, for example: "Our ceremony is in a church; you may want to bring a wrap or jacket."
Children and plus-ones
The names on the envelope tell guests exactly who is invited. If children are welcome, include their names. If your reception is adults-only, address the invitation to the adults only, explain on your website FAQ, and be ready to answer the question kindly by phone. Use "and Guest" only where you are offering a plus-one.
Inviting your church family
Some couples invite their whole congregation to the ceremony through a church announcement, while the reception is by personal invitation only. If you do this, make sure printed invitations clearly show which events each guest is invited to. Address your officiant formally, for example "The Reverend Jordan Smith and guest" (adding their spouse's name if they are married), or simply ask how they prefer to be addressed.
Registry and gifts
Etiquette guides generally advise against printing registry information on the invitation itself. List it on your wedding website instead and let family share the link when asked.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct wording for a Christian wedding invitation?
There isn't one correct wording. A traditional Christian invitation names the hosts, uses a request line such as "request the honour of your presence," and then gives the couple's names, the date, time and church. You can add a short Bible verse at the top or a phrase like "with joy and thanksgiving to God."
Should we put a Bible verse on our wedding invitation?
It's a lovely option, but not required. Choose one short verse, place it at the top in a smaller font, and include the reference and translation, such as Psalm 118:24 (KJV). Keep the rest of the invitation simple so the verse stands out.
When should Christian wedding invitations be mailed?
Many etiquette guides suggest mailing invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding, with save-the-dates six to eight months ahead. For destination weddings or holiday dates, send both earlier so guests can arrange travel.
How do we say "no children" on a wedding invitation?
Address the envelope only to the adults who are invited, rather than printing "no children" on the invitation. Add a gentle line on your wedding website FAQ, and consider offering information about local babysitting for families traveling in.
Is "request the honour of your presence" only for church weddings?
Traditionally, that phrase signals a ceremony in a house of worship, while "request the pleasure of your company" is used for other venues and for receptions. Many couples today use either phrase, so pick the one that suits your style.
Related guides
- 50 Beautiful Bible Verses for Wedding Ceremonies
- Christian Wedding Etiquette: What Guests Should Know
- Christian Wedding Checklist: 12 Months to Your Wedding Day
- Wedding Guest List and RSVP Management
- Catholic vs. Protestant Weddings: Traditions, Rules, and Differences
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