How to Word Wedding Invitations With Parents' Names in Every Situation

There's not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Beautiful wedding invitation set
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Heather Bien - The Knot Contributor.
by
Heather Bien
Heather Bien - The Knot Contributor.
Heather Bien
The Knot Contributor
  • Heather contributes wedding, honeymoon, travel and relationship content for The Knot and WeddingWire.
  • Heather also writes for publications including Apartment Therapy, StyleBlueprint, MyDomaine, HelloGiggles and The Everygirl.
  • She holds a degree in Art History and Architectural History from the University of Virginia.
Updated Jan 21, 2025

You've chosen gorgeous invitations that set the tone for your entire wedding weekend. The colors are stunning, the typeface is perfect and you have an amazing calligrapher on the job. But then the loaded question comes up: How do you word wedding invitations with parents' names?

Sometimes, the couple wants to go the traditional route because their parents are paying for the wedding. In other cases, the couple is paying for themselves or multiple relatives are contributing and the situation gets murkier. And when you're planning a wedding with divorced parents, the wedding invitation wording question gets even more complicated.

So, while you're getting inspiration and looking at The Knot Paper for affordable wedding invitations in a range of styles, it's a good idea to also start thinking about the wording that will go on those invitations (and don't worry about addressing wedding invitations—we'll print those for you!).

Whether you're navigating delicately wording the invitation according to who pays for a wedding or going into your next chapter with your names front and center, here's how the wedding and etiquette experts suggest wording your invitations with parents' names.

In this article:

Do You Put Parents' Names on Wedding Invitations?

Traditionally, in the United States, it's common to include parents' names on a wedding invitation. You'll often see, Mr. and Mrs. Smith request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of their daughter to their future son-in-law.

And, if you kicked off planning by asking parents for wedding money, then it may be presumed that they are the hosts of the wedding. Kristen Folzenlogen, owner and designer at Poeme, explains, "Many cultures and religions consider the parents of either the brides, grooms or both, the 'hosts' of the events, which in most recent years, especially in the United States, translates into 'who is paying for the wedding.'"

Since tradition has often indicated that the bride's family pays for the wedding, for a heterosexual couple, do you include the groom's parents on the wedding invitation? It depends! Folzenlogen says that including just one set of parents on the invitation could indicate that the wedding is being hosted by that specific family. Meanwhile, she notes, "If both sets of parents are included, this may indicate that the wedding celebrates the blending of the two families."

This gets murkier if the couple is paying for their own wedding. Etiquette expert Lisa Mirza Grotts explains that this is a situation where who's paying isn't necessarily who's hosting according to the invitation. She says, "Parents' names can still be included as a gesture of respect or gratitude, but it's optional."

A couple may also choose not to include their parents' names on the wedding invitation or simply write, Together with their families. Folsenlogen notes, "This eliminates both sets of parents' names but clearly indicates that everyone shares involvement in the planning and anticipation of the special event!"

Because these simple words are so steeped in tradition, it may be a good idea to give family a heads-up before mailing wedding invitations. Let them know what's been decided so there are no surprises in the mail.

How Do You Write Parents' Names on Wedding Invitations?

If you choose to have parents' names on the wedding invitation, Grotts points out that it's important to remember it's more than just a few simple words. "Thoughtful wording can help ensure your invitation sets the tone for the big day and reflects your unique family dynamics with grace."

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the honor of your presence at the wedding of [their son/daughter] [child's name] and [spouse-to-be]...

Mr. and Mrs. John and Ann Smith request the honor of your presence at the wedding of [their son/daughter] [child's name] and [spouse-to-be]...

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of [their son/daughter] [child's name] and [spouse-to-be]...

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith invite you to celebrate the wedding of [their son/daughter] [child's name] and [spouse-to-be]...

Wedding Invitation Wording With Both Parents' Names

Wording a wedding invitation with both parents' names is similar to wording with one set of parents, except the invitation will generally say "with their children" before the names.

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

and Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Jackson

request the honor of your presence at the wedding of [first child's name] and [second child's name]...

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

and Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Jackson

request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of [first child's name] and [second child's name]...

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

and Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Jackson

invite you to celebrate with their children, [first child's name] and [second child's name]...

Additionally, when it comes to divorced parents, Grotts says, "List their names on separate lines without 'and' to respect their individual statuses." She notes that stepparents should only be included if they are actively hosting or financially contributing to the celebration.

Mr. John Smith

Ms. Ann Smith

and Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Jackson

invite you to celebrate with their children…

Do You Have to Include Parents' Names on Wedding Invitations?

Couples don't have to include parents' names and, if they're paying for their own wedding or have parents that are not involved in planning, they may choose to make it clear they're throwing the celebration themselves. They can either refer to their parents in an all-encompassing "together with their families" or leave out the acknowledgment altogether.

Together with their families, [Fiancé One] and [Fiancé Two] invite you to celebrate…

With great joy, [Fiancé One] and [Fiancé Two] invite you to celebrate…

With open hearts, [Fiancé One] and [Fiancé Two] request the honor of your presence at their wedding…

But, regardless of what they decide, Folzenlogen says, "Couples should do what feels most authentic to them and their loved ones. The wedding invitation, especially a printed one, is a legacy piece, and if you want to revisit it in the future, think about the importance of including (or excluding) the names of your parental figures."

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