Ultimate Guide on how to address wedding invitations

.....and Handle Plus-Ones or Family Members)?

By Charlotte Garcia – Digital Wedding Invitation Expert

Introduction

When I sat down to address my wedding invitations, I thought it would be a breeze. I mean, how complicated could names and stamps be?

Turns out, very. And for this reason "Ultimate Guide on how to address wedding invitations"

There were divorced parents, plus-ones I didn’t know personally, titles I was nervous to get wrong, and a surprising number of people with the same first name. I stared at my guest list, pen in hand, and realized this wasn’t just about envelopes. It was about making everyone feel thoughtfully invited.

If you’re there now—somewhere between etiquette anxiety and wedding excitement—this guide is for you. Let’s break down what to include on your wedding invitations, how to handle plus-ones and families, and the extra magic digital wedding invitations can offer.

1. The Host Line

Traditionally, the host line goes at the top and indicates who is hosting (aka paying for) the wedding.

Classic:

"Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the honor of your presence..."

Modern:

"Together with their families, Alex and Jordan invite you to celebrate..."

Solo Couple Host:

"Alex and Jordan joyfully invite you to their wedding celebration..."

No matter who’s footing the bill, choose wording that feels comfortable and inclusive.

2. The Request / Invitation Line

This is your warm welcome. Use wording that reflects the vibe of your day.

Formal:

"Request the honour of your presence..."

Casual:

"Would love for you to join them..."

Add a little personality if you’d like:

"Come for the vows, stay for the dance floor!"

3. The Couple’s Names

Whose names go where?

If one set of parents is hosting: traditionally, their child’s name goes first.

If the couple is hosting: alphabetical order or whatever feels best.

Example:

"Samantha Leigh Parker & Taylor James Brooks"

If you go casual:

"Sam & Taylor are getting married!"

4. Date and Time

Be clear, and spell it out if you’re going formal.

Formal:

"Saturday, the Fifth of October Two Thousand Twenty-Five At Four O’Clock in the Afternoon"

Casual:

"Saturday, October 5, 2025 at 4:00 PM"

5. Location

Include the full venue name and city. Add the address if it’s not well known.

"The Lavender Fields 102 Harvest Lane Franschhoek, Western Cape"

For digital invites, you can also embed a map or link directly to the location.

6. Dress Code

Don’t leave guests guessing. Add a dress code in a gentle, visible way.

"Formal Attire | Garden-Friendly Footwear Recommended" "Cocktail Attire | Bring a Jacket for Evening Chill"

Pro tip: you can expand on this on your wedding website if needed.

7. RSVP Instructions

Make this as simple as possible. If you’re using digital wedding invitations, guests can usually RSVP with one click.

Traditional:

"Kindly reply by August 15th, 2025"

With RSVP link:

"Please RSVP by August 15 at www.samandtaylor.com"

RSVP Example With Meal Choice:

"We kindly ask for your RSVP by August 15, 2025. Please indicate your attendance and meal preference at www.samandtaylor.com."

RSVP Example With Plus-One Option:

"We have reserved 2 seats in your honor. Please RSVP by August 15 and let us know if you and your guest will be joining us."

Informing Guests of Their Plus-One

To inform a guest they are welcome to bring someone, use language on the envelope and RSVP form:

Address: "Mr. Daniel Park and Guest"

Invitation wording: "We’re so excited to celebrate with you! A plus-one has been reserved in your name."

RSVP Form: Include a field such as "Guest’s Full Name (if bringing one):_________"

Digital RSVP forms make this easy and help avoid confusion about who is actually invited.

8. Nearby Accommodation

This is optional, but super helpful—especially for out-of-towners.

Add a line like:

"Rooms are reserved at The Rosewood Inn. Mention ‘Sam & Taylor’s Wedding’ for a discount."

If you’re using a wedding website or digital wedding invitations, you can list multiple hotels, links, and group codes.

9. How to Address Invitations (and Handle Plus-Ones or Families)

Single Guest:

"Ms. Emily Reynolds"

Married Couple:

"Mr. and Mrs. James Bennett"

Unmarried Couple Living Together:

"Ms. Emily Reynolds and Mr. Brian Carson"

Plus-One Unknown:

"Mr. Daniel Park and Guest" (Or, specify if you know the name: "Mr. Daniel Park and Ms. Hannah Lee")

Whole Family:

"The Johnson Family" (Or list individually: "Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, Olivia and Jack")

Tip: Be intentional. Only include "and Guest" if you're offering a plus-one. And make sure your RSVP options reflect who was actually invited.

11. Digital Wedding Invitations: Bonus Features That Make Life Easier

Going digital? You can include more info than you ever could on paper—and make it look stunning.

Add These Extras:

1. Wedding Schedule

Ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, after-party? List it all out.

2. Gift Registry Links

Embed or link to your registry—no awkwardness or separate cards needed.

3. Photo Gallery

Share engagement pics or a slideshow of your love story.

4. Wedding Video (Post-Wedding)

Add your highlight reel later for guests to relive the magic.

5. Wedding Program

Include a digital version of your ceremony program or itinerary.

Final Thoughts

Your wedding invitation is more than a date and time. It’s the first glimpse of the celebration you’re creating—and the love you’re sharing.

Don’t get caught up in doing things "perfectly." The best invitation is the one that feels true to you. 

Whether you go printed, digital, or a mix of both, remember:

Be clear

Be thoughtful

Be kind to yourself

And if you’re feeling stuck or unsure, just know: you're doing beautifully. The people who love you will feel it—no matter how the invite arrives.

Big hugs, deep breaths, and happy planning.