Your wedding invitation sets the tone for your special day, and it’s important to get it just right. But what if you and your partner are hosting the wedding yourselves? How should you word the invitation to reflect this?
Traditionally, the bride’s parents are listed as the hosts on wedding invitations. This stems from the practice of the bride’s family paying for the wedding. However, times have changed, and it’s now common for the couple to pay for their own wedding. Additionally, same-sex couples and blended families may have different hosting situations altogether.
The good news is that there are many ways you can word your wedding invitation to reflect your hosting situation. Here are some options for you to consider when creating your wedding invitations.
1. Use “Together with their families”
One way to acknowledge that you and your partner are hosting the wedding without leaving anyone out is to use the phrasing, “Together with their families.” This can be a beautiful way to signify the union of two families. You might have something like this:
“John Doe and Jane Smith
Together with their families
Invite you to celebrate their marriage”
This phrasing shows that you and your partner are taking the lead in organizing the wedding, but that both of your families are invited and included in the celebration.
2. List only your names
Another option is to simply list the names of you and your partner as the hosts on the invitation. You might choose to include your parents’ names beneath yours, but without the words “request the pleasure of your presence” or “invite you to celebrate their marriage.” Instead, you might have something like this:
“John Doe and Jane Smith
Invite you to celebrate their marriage
On Saturday, the twelfth of June
At two o’clock in the afternoon
1234 Main Street
Reception to follow”
This wording still recognizes that you and your partner are the ones hosting the wedding, but leaves out any phrasing that might suggest parents are front and center.
3. Be creative with your wording
There are no hard and fast rules for wedding invitations. If you’re looking to have a more playful or creative tone, there are plenty of opportunities to do so. You might use phrases like “Join us for our wedding,” “We’re getting hitched,” or “We’re tying the knot.” You could even craft a wedding invitation in the style of a movie poster, with your names as the stars and the wedding details as the “coming attractions.” Whatever you choose, make sure the tone and voice feels authentic to you and your partner.
4. Seek the help of a professional
If you’re still unsure about how to word your wedding invitation, consider working with a professional wedding invitation designer or calligrapher. These experts know the ins and outs of traditional and modern wedding invitation wording, and they can help you find the perfect wording to reflect your unique hosting situation.
Conclusion
No matter how you choose to word your wedding invitation if you’re hosting the wedding yourself, the most important thing is that the wording feels authentic and reflects your personalities as a couple. Whether you use traditional phrasing or something more playful and creative, your wedding invitation should be a reflection of your love and excitement for your big day. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to create an invitation that sets the tone for a memorable and joyful celebration.
FAQ
How do you address an invitation to a couple living together?
Addressing an invitation to a couple living together can be tricky, especially if you want to avoid any potential misunderstandings. The first thing you need to consider is the couple’s relationship status. If they are married, you can address the invitation using their formal titles such as “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.” However, if they are unmarried and living together, the addressing protocol is slightly different.
When addressing an invitation to an unmarried couple residing at the same address, it is appropriate to address both partners by name connected by the word “and.” This shows that both individuals are being invited and that their relationship is acknowledged. For example, you could address the invitation to “Ms. Jane Doe and Mr. John Smith.” You can also reverse the order and address the invitation to “Mr. John Smith and Ms. Jane Doe.”
It is important to note that when addressing formal invitations, it is best to avoid using abbreviations or middle initials. Using the full names of both individuals makes the invitation more formal and adds a touch of elegance to the event. Also, it is crucial to ensure that both names are written in full and spelt correctly. Misspelling a name can offend or lead to confusion, which is not an ideal situation when planning an event.
Addressing an invitation to a couple living together requires a little thought, but it is not complicated. Address both individuals by name, connected by “and” and use full names, avoiding abbreviations or middle initials. Ensure both names are spelled correctly to avoid any misunderstandings. By following these simple guidelines, you can be sure that your invitation will be well received and that your guests will feel honored to attend your event.
What is the formal term for live in partner?
In some countries, there are legal and formal terms for couples who live together. For example, in Canada, the term “common-law partner” is often used. This term refers to a couple who live together for a period of time – usually two years or more – and are in a conjugal relationship without being married.
Common-law partners in Canada are recognized by the government and have some of the same rights and responsibilities as married couples. For example, they may be eligible for spousal support, immigration sponsorship, and survivor benefits.
In the United Kingdom, the term “cohabiting partner” is often used to describe couples who are living together but are not married. Similarly, in Australia, the term “de facto partner” is used to describe couples who live together in a domestic relationship.
While there may be legal terms and recognition for couples who live together in some countries, this is not always the case. In many places, there is no formal recognition of partners who live together unless they are in a legally recognized marriage or civil union.
It is also worth noting that some couples who live together choose to create their own formal arrangements. For example, they may draw up a legal agreement called a cohabitation contract or living together agreement. This can help to formalize aspects of their status as a couple, such as financial responsibilities and property ownership.
While there are some formal terms for couples who live together in certain countries, this is not always the case. Couples who live together may choose to create their own formal arrangements to clarify their status and responsibilities.
