Ivory Gate
Create

Occasion guide

Christian wedding invitations, with proper wording

A Christian wedding invitation names the hosts, the couple, the date, time and church, and notes the reception to follow. Traditionally, 'request the honour of your presence' is used for a ceremony in a church, and 'request the pleasure of your company' for other venues. Add a clear RSVP date and keep registry details off the main invitation.

Create your invitation →See matching designs

Last updated

By the Ivory Gate team, Surrey BC

What to include in a Christian Wedding invitation

  1. 01Who is hosting: the bride's parents, both sets of parents, or 'Together with their families'
  2. 02The couple's full names
  3. 03Date and time, and the church or ceremony venue with its address
  4. 04Reception details, and the cocktail hour if it is at a different time or place
  5. 05An RSVP date, usually 3–4 weeks before the wedding, and any meal choices you need
  6. 06Who is invited: the names on the invitation, and whether plus-ones or children are included
  7. 07Registry and accommodation details on a separate details page, not the main invitation

Christian Wedding invitation wording you can copy

Traditional (church)
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas D'Souza request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Emily Anne to Daniel James Fernandes, Saturday, the fourteenth of August, at two o'clock in the afternoon, St. Andrew's Church, Surrey, British Columbia. Reception to follow.
Non-church venue
Together with their families, Emily and Daniel request the pleasure of your company at the celebration of their marriage, followed by dinner and dancing.
Modern
We're getting married! Join us as we say 'I do', then stay for dinner, toasts and a packed dance floor. Love, Emily and Daniel.

The functions, in order

  1. 01

    Rehearsal dinner

    Optional. A dinner the night before, usually for the wedding party and close family after the ceremony rehearsal.

  2. 02

    Ceremony

    The couple exchange vows and rings before a priest or minister, often with readings, hymns and prayers. Catholic weddings may include a Nuptial Mass.

  3. 03

    Cocktail hour

    Drinks and appetisers for guests while the couple take photos, often at the reception venue.

  4. 04

    Reception

    Dinner, speeches, the first dance, cake cutting and dancing to celebrate the newlyweds.

Tips from families who've done it

  • Send save-the-dates 4–6 months ahead and the invitation 6–8 weeks before, earlier for guests travelling from overseas.
  • Address each invitation by name. It's the clearest, kindest way to show whether plus-ones or children are included.
  • Share the registry on a details page or when guests ask, rather than in the main invitation wording.
  • Some families also hold a cultural pre-wedding night, such as a Goan roce or a mehndi. Add it as its own function with its own RSVP.

Designs made for this occasion

Signature

Cathedral

A gothic rose window kindles in sapphire, ruby and gold, then floods the nave with light to reveal your names.

View design
Signature

Lace Veil

A sheer lace-edged veil lifts away to white roses, sage and your names. Made for white weddings and engagements.

View design
Signature

Wax Seal

A cotton-paper envelope. Guests break the burgundy wax seal and the letter rises out.

View design
Signature

Modern Minimal

Editorial and quiet: a linen book cover opens to crisp type and lots of white space.

View design

Christian Wedding invitation FAQ

What is the difference between 'honour of your presence' and 'pleasure of your company'?

By tradition, 'request the honour of your presence' is used when the ceremony is in a church or other house of worship, and 'request the pleasure of your company' when it is held elsewhere, such as a hotel, garden or banquet hall.

Is it okay to include registry information on a wedding invitation?

Traditional etiquette keeps the registry off the invitation itself. A separate details page, or a section of your wedding website, is the accepted place to share it.

When should the RSVP date be for a wedding?

Three to four weeks before the wedding is typical, so you can give the caterer and venue final numbers and finish the seating plan.

More occasions