Wedding Wording Etiquette: The Request Line

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Have you ever noticed that some invitations say the honour of your presence is requested or the honor of your presence is requested while still others say request the pleasure of your presence? I'll decipher the "wedding" code for you, and luckily, it's not hard at all. If you are being married in a church, use honor or honour. (That's physically inside the church building.) If you're being married anywhere else, use the pleasure of your presence or another request without the words honor or honour.

I know, I know, you're probably thinking "who cares anyhow?" But it has its use. Many churches can be very traditional and by using the word honor it lets your guests know they should dress appropriately for a church setting. Writing honour or honor is equally correct, as long as you stay consistent. Honour is the British spelling and tradition still uses it on occasion, but be sure to stay consistent such as the words favour or colour.

You can also use variations such as we invite you to join in our joy or would be delighted at your presence or request your presence as a holy witness, etc. The only rule with these variations is that they need to actually invite your guests with words that show that the guests physical presence is wanted- that's the main difference between a wedding invitation and a wedding announcement. A wedding announcement only tells them the wedding is happening but it won't actually invite guests. Any variation you find suitable that invites your guests would work.

p.s. I just wanted to mention...always write wedding and not marriage on your wedding stationery. No one besides your fiance is being invited to the marriage! Custom wedding invitations by Smitten Invitations.