I LOVE the different ways an invite can be worded, especially if we “break the rules” of wedding etiquette. Now I want to start off by saying you don't have to listen to ANYONE when it comes to what information should and should not go on your invitation . This is YOUR invitation and it can say whatever you want. However, just in case, I will walk through some of the traditional and non traditional options along with a few of my favorites. First, let's break down the anatomy of a wedding invitation.
The Host Line Section
The first question you want to ask yourself is “Who is hosting this wedding?” The person and/or people hosting are traditionally the ones that are contributing monetarily, regardless of the amount. This can get a bit tricky when you have a complex family. The best advice I can give you on this subject is PICK YOUR BATTLES. If there is one thing I have learned over the years in this industry, or any industry for that matter, is when people are contributing money, they feel entitled to have an opinion. Adding parent’s names to an invite as opposed to not. You may not want to include your partner’s parents because they are not contributing as much money and your parents are shelling out most of the dough. They feel like they should be included because they are putting in something. This is for you to decide and I recommend talking with your parents, they may not care and in that case it may not be a battle you are willing to fight just to keep the peace.
In most cases, the bride’s family will be written first. This is a traditional thing as the bride is the one “being given away” this also applies to her name being written first on all things stationery. The one thing that wording etiquette doesn't account for is LGBTQ+ weddings and since I am an Ally I will gladly put in my 2 cents. The person that is proposed to is the one whose name would be put first. If the proposal is a mutual event, well then whatever feels right in your heart is the right answer! It doesn't actually matter whose name goes first as long as both your names are written, but I think that one is pretty obvious.
Traditionally the bride’s family contributes a majority and the groom’s family is responsible for the rehearsal dinner and the alcohol. Therefore, both families names wi