Wedding invitation: what to include and when to send it
Updated 1 October 2026 · by Ludvig Lindqvist Rovira, Lysela
Send the wedding invitation two to three months before the wedding, once the venue, times and schedule are settled. It should say who is getting married, when and where, how guests reply and by what date. Everything else, like the dress code, children and gifts, can go on the invitation or on your wedding website. Here is what to include, with wordings to start from.
Try it yourself, no account neededWhen should the invitation go out?
Two to three months before the wedding is usual. Guests have time to plan, and you know enough about the day to give times and places. If you sent a save the date, guests have already kept the weekend clear, so the invitation can wait until the details are settled. For a wedding abroad or far away, send it a month earlier.
Set the RSVP deadline four to six weeks before the wedding, see the RSVP guide.
What goes on a wedding invitation?
Who is inviting
Your names, and your parents' if you like. Traditionally the bride's parents did the inviting; today most couples invite guests themselves.
Date, time and place
Time and address for the ceremony, and for the reception if it is somewhere else.
How and when to reply
The deadline and where to reply: an address, a QR code or a phone number.
Dress code
One line is enough, like "Dress code: dark suit". What the codes mean is in the dress code guide.
Children or not
If the party is for adults, say so plainly and kindly. See the wordings further down.
Gifts
Only if you have a wish, such as a contribution to your trip. More in the cash gift guide.
Where to find the rest
Hotels, transport, the day's timeline and how to reach the toastmaster rarely fit on a card. Point guests to your wedding website.
Wedding invitation wording
Replace whatever is in square brackets.
[Name] and [name] request the pleasure of your company at their wedding on [day and date] at [time] at [church or venue], [town]. Dinner and celebrations to follow at [venue]. Dress code: [code] Please reply by [date] at [address or phone number].
We are getting married and would love to celebrate with you. Join us on [date] at [venue] in [town]. We say yes at [time] and party until late. Everything about the day is at [address]. Please reply there by [date]. [name] and [name]
We love your children, but this evening will be a party for grown-ups. We hope you can come and celebrate with us.
The party is for adults, though nursing babies are of course welcome.
How do you say children are not invited?
Say it once, clearly and kindly. A common mistake is leaving it implied, writing only the parents' names on the envelope and hoping they understand. Not everyone does. A clear sentence makes it easier for parents to book a babysitter in time.
If you are making exceptions, say for nursing babies or children in the family, write that too. Otherwise every parent will ask you one by one.
A printed card or a link?
A printed card feels formal and ends up on the fridge. A wedding website holds everything that will not fit on a card and can be updated if times change. Many couples do both: a card with the essentials and an address or QR code for the website, where guests also reply. What the website should include is covered in the wedding website guide.
Invitation and wedding website in one with Lysela
With Lysela your save the date becomes the invitation at the same address. You add venues, the schedule, the dress code and the RSVP when you are ready, and guests keep opening the same link. Put the address or QR code on a printed card, or send the link by text. With Premium each household gets its own link that greets them by name.
Common questions
How far ahead do you send wedding invitations?
Two to three months before the wedding. For a wedding far away or abroad, three to four months.
Do we have to send a save the date first?
No. A save the date helps when the date is far off or many guests need to travel, but for many weddings an invitation sent in good time is enough.
Does every guest need their own invitation?
No, one per household is most common. Write the names of everyone invited, so it is clear who the invitation is for.
Can we send the invitation digitally?
Yes, and more couples do. A link by text or email arrives straight away, and you can post a printed card to those who would like one.