Including Your Family on Your Wedding Invitations
A dilemma for many soon-to-be married couples is how to word the invitations. Parents’ names are usually included, but in what order?
Traditionally, the bride’s family is announced first, followed by the bride’s name. Then the groom is announced, followed by his parents. Below is a traditional example of invitation etiquette:
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Smith
Request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Carrie Smith
To
Mark Johnson
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Johnson
However, since it’s common today to have step-parents or divorced parents, invitations can require more strategic planning and name placing. In that case, keep the same format of the invitation, but put both parents’ full names on the invitation:
Mr. Donald Smith
and Ms. Diana Jones
Request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Carrie Smith
By doing this, you’re acknowledging both parents in the most precise and appropriate way possible.
If one or both of your parents are remarried, it’s important to include your step-parents on the invitation:
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Smith
and Mr. and Mrs. Mark Jacobs
Request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Carrie Smith
In other circumstances, such as a parent’s death, it’s acceptable to simply put a single parent’s name.
Of course, everyone’s family is different; therefore, every invitation layout can be different. You should take into consideration your parental situation as well as your fiancé’s situation when writing the invitations. Ultimately, it’s your special day and your invitations should be written the way you see fit.