A Simple Guide to Casual Wedding Invitation Wording

Your wedding invitation sets the tone for your entire big day. How? As soon as it arrives in your guests’ mailbox, it immediately lets them know what to expect, from the date to the venue and everything else in between. It also establishes the formality of your soirée, alerting guests to whether or not you're hosting an event that's super formal or laid-back. That's why you and your partner should be aware of the way write up your invites, paying close attention to the language you use, especially if you're planning to host a casual celebration.

“Crafting a casual wedding invitation is like telling your guests, ‘Hey, come join us for the best day ever, but feel free to wear those fancy sandals!’” says wedding planner Jamie Wolfer. “The key is to blend warmth with clarity, ensuring your guests know this is a celebration, not a stuffy affair.” After all, if you're choosing to host a casual wedding, you're likely opting to ditch tradition and plan a fête that's personal to you and your partner—so use your words to help convey that sentiment and, ultimately, your personality.

Interested in learning more? Here, Wolfer and Christopher Wu, co-founder of Paper Culture, highlight everything you need to know about casual wedding invitation wording. Read on for more.

What to Write in a Casual Wedding Invitation

When sending a wedding invitation for a casual celebration, the key is to use less formal, more conversational language—especially when it comes to the opening line, since that's what guests will read first. “Start with a friendly opening, something that feels like you're inviting them over for a backyard BBQ but with a touch more sparkle,” advises Wolfer. “Think: ‘We're tying the knot and you're invited to join the fun!’ instead of the traditional ‘You are cordially invited.’” Your guests will get the picture right away. What's more, instead of using full names (or your parents’ names) within the introduction, consider using just your and your partner's first names. “Instead of formal titles and full names, maybe it's just ‘Join Amy and Alex for a day of love, laughter, and happily ever after," Wolfer adds.

You should also write all the pertinent information about your wedding—the time, venue, date, etc.—in a casual and conversational manner, the wedding planner advises. “Wrap these details in the same casual, inviting language that matches your event's tone,” she explains. You can even add an easy URL driving guests to a fun and playful wedding website for more information. “This is where you can dive into the nitty-gritty of the day without cluttering your beautiful, breezy invite,” shares Wolfer. “A simple ‘For more details, visit our wedding website’ will do the trick.” 

Additional Casual Wedding Invitation Wording Tips

More informal celebrations allow couples to let their personalities shine, as they aren't confined to formal wedding conventions. So, when it comes to personalizing your casual invitation, have a little fun and lean into the characteristics that make you and your partner unique. For instance, “If you're known for your love of puns, why not a ‘We decided on forever... and a day filled with love, laughter, and a casual get-together?’” shares Wolfer. “This sets the tone for a laid-back vibe while still celebrating the importance of the day.” Or, if you’re a comic book nerd or adventure seeker, lean into those hobbies and use references from your favorite activity within the invitation. You can even add a snippet of your wedding song lyrics or incorporate your favorite colors when creating this type of invite.

That being said, no matter how casual your special day might be, you still want to ensure your guests get all the relevant information they need for any specific theme, venue, or dress code. Think about it: If your wedding is in the backyard, guests will probably want to skip the stilettos in favor of flats or block heels and bring sunscreen or bug spray, so be sure to let them know. “Be clear about what 'casual' means for you,” says Wolfer. “If you're envisioning a beach wedding where flip-flops are more than welcome, say so! A line like, ‘Dress for a fun day in the sun, where love is in the air and sand might be in your shoes,’ gives a clear picture and keeps the mood light.”

One final tip? Don’t forget about the RSVP portion of your invite. Regardless if you’re sending RSVP cards or having guests share their attendance status online, Wu recommends tweaking the traditional language here, too. “Rather than the traditional ‘Yes, I will attend’ or ‘No, I can’t attend,’ you might get creative with ‘Please say you do,’ ‘Yes, I’ll bring my dancing shoes,’ or ‘No, I can’t believe I’m going to miss the fun.’”