How To Write Wedding Invitations Without Parents?

Wedding invitation wording can be challenging, especially when the parents are not present. However, there are general etiquette rules and creative ways to format and word wedding invitations. For example, if the parents cannot attend due to illness, distance, or strained relationships, the invitation can specify if the wedding allows children. The bride and groom’s names should be listed before their parents’ names at the top of the invitation, with the bride being listed first.

For invitations addressed with guests, it is best to mention both people by name if you have that info. If you are not sure what name to include as the plus-one or allowing someone to bring a casual guest, consider using a classic Blake Frame invitation design.

For couples of opposite sexes, place the names of the bride’s parents at the top of the invitation before those of the groom’s parents. For a formal wedding, request the pleasure of your company, “joyfully request the pleasure of your company,” or “request your presence.” For a casual wedding, say “joyfully invite you”, “cordially invite you”, “invite you to celebrate”, or “invite you to share in their joy.”

When addressing wedding invitations, it is important to consider who is hosting the wedding and use the title “Mr. and Mrs.” for readability. In formal invitation etiquette, the parents are listed with the titles Mr. and Mrs. and the first, middle, and last names of the father are listed.