Complete guide to Chinese wedding invitation wordings (in English)
Your Chinese wedding invitations are the gateway to your big day, setting the tone and portraying the essence of your wedding celebration.
Complete Guide to Wedding Invitation Wording Etiquette
Understanding the etiquette of wedding invitation wording is crucial in communicating the details. Here’s your comprehensive guide to Chinese wedding invitation wording examples, etiquette, and important tips of crafting the perfect wedding invitation suite.
What to Include in Your Chinese Wedding Invite
A well-crafted wedding invitation should include critical details such as:
- The host (e.g. Groom’s parents / bride’s parents / both sets of parents / the couple themselves)
- The request to come to the wedding
- Names of the bride and groom
- Wedding date
- Time
- Venue
- Wedding reception information
- Dress code (Optional)
- RSVP information (Optional)
Chinese Wedding Invitation Wordings Line by Line
1. Host Line
In olden days, parents were the hosts of the wedding because marriage between the bride and groom was always arranged by them. In modern days, it is no longer a blinded marriage and the couple has large degree of freedom in hosting their wedding. It is always a courtesy and respect to their parents by including them as the host, even they are not paying for the wedding.
For example, if the wedding is co-hosted by both families, the invitation can start with:
Mr. and Mrs. [name of bride’s father]
Together with Mr and Mrs. [name of groom’s parents]
Request the pleasure of your presence to celebrate the marriage of
If the wedding is only hosted by either family, only one set of parents need to be stated.
Mr and Mrs. [name of bride/ groom’s father]
Request the pleasure of your presence to celebrate the marriage of
In modern days, you may simply start the wordings like below to indicate both parents and wedding couple are taking part to host the wedding.
Together With Their Families
[Name of Bride] & [Name of Groom]
Invite You To The Celebration Of Their Wedding
2. Request Line
This is to come after the host line, to ask your guests to come to your wedding. Some examples are:
- Request the pleasure of your presence to celebrate the marriage of
- Invite you to the celebration of their wedding
- Joyfully invite you to the wedding of
- Request the honor of your presence at the marriage of
The word “honor” or “honour” is traditionally used when wedding ceremony will be held in church. “Request the pleasure of your presence” is used to denote a non-religious wedding ceremony.
3. Names of the Couple
The wedding couple is the main character of the wedding and their names are usually designed with special font or color on wedding invitation. Under western culture, the name of the bride is listed first, followed by the name of the groom.
In formal invitation, full name (including first and middle names, last names) of the bride and groom are included. If parents’ last names are listed on top, last names of the bride and groom can be omitted.
For a less formal wedding, you can only list the first name of the bride and groom to create a sense of intimacy.
4. Wedding Date and Time
In a formal traditional wedding, date and time should be written in full, with no numerals. Here is an example:
Saturday, the tenth of October, two thousand thirty
at half after four in the afternoon
Time of day is spelled out using “o’clock” or “half after four o’clock”, instead of “half past four”. In a modern informal wedding, you may use numerals to indicate the date and time. See the following:
Saturday, October 10th, 2030
at 4:30 in the afternoon
or
Saturday | 10.10.2030 | 4:30 pm
You may also indicate clearly the time of each event if there are multiple events happening on the same day. For example,
Wedding ceremony: 4:00 pm
Tea ceremony: 5:00 pm
Reception: 6:00 pm
5. Location
It would be important to include on your wedding card the exact location so that your guests know where to go to for your wedding ceremony and reception. Wedding venue name is listed on the first line, followed by city and state. Although the street address is not traditionally listed, you may list it for clarity.
6. Reception Information
If reception will be right after the wedding ceremony, you can simply put “reception to follow”, “dinner and dance to follow”. If wedding reception will be held in a different place, it is always better to include a separate card for reception details, with the location clearly stated.
7. Dress Code
While it is not mandatory on wedding invitation, it is certainly helpful to your guests. Somehow the design of the card and the choice of wordings can tell how formal the wedding is, so the guests will have their own interpretation if dress code is not indicated. However, if there is any particular dress code you want, you may want to include this clearly on the wedding invite.
8. RSVP information
You may include a simple sentence about how to RSVP, but it is optional. If you like to do so, you can simply put it as:
- Kindly RSVP by August 8th, 2030 to Peter at 123-456-78
- Please scan the QR code to RSVP on our website
However, if your wordings on your wedding invitation are already too compact, it will be better to put your RSVP information on a separate card for clarity.
For formal weddings, a separate RSVP card or details card within the invitation suite is always recommended. This will give your guests a more complete and luxurious feeling.
Traditional way is to ask your guests to mail back you the respond cards. Modern approach is to include your wedding website or QR code on response card and details card, so that guests can respond and view the details online.
Tops Tips for Crafting Chinese Wedding Invitation Wording
- Be Mindful of Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Follow traditional wedding etiquette while personalizing your wedding invitation wording.
- Wedding Style: Difference in choices of wordings in formal and casual wedding invitation. You will need to decide before crafting your invitation texts. For example, formal wedding invitation will write out everything in full instead of numerals, while less formal wedding accepts numerals.
- Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure the wording is clear and concise, conveying all necessary information without overwhelming the invite.
- Personal Touch: For casual wedding, you may incorporate your personality and style to create unique wedding invitation wording.
- Proof-reading: Ask different people to proof-read the wordings for your before you print out the wedding cards. This can save you time and money in reprinting a new set of invitations if mistakes are found afterwards.
Why is it Important to Carefully Word Your Wedding Invitation?
Wedding invitations serve as more than mere announcements; they are a reflection of the couple’s style and the formality of the occasion.
Whether it’s a traditional wedding or a casual affair, the wording on your wedding stationery conveys the pleasure of your company to guests, encapsulating the formality or informality of your celebration.
Each word choice reflects your respect to your wedding guests and sets the expectations for your wedding day.
