Should we include all wedding events on the invitation?

The main wedding invitation should focus on the wedding ceremony and reception. Pre-wedding events (mehendi, haldi, sangeet) can be included as a separate insert within the invitation suite or communicated through the wedding website. Close family members who are invited to all events receive the full insert; wider social circle guests who are only invited to the reception receive the main card only. This avoids confusion about which guests are invited to which events.

What information must be included on an Indian wedding invitation?

Essential elements: host names (parents or families), bride and groom names, wedding date and day, ceremony time and type, venue name and full address, RSVP contact and deadline. Recommended additions: dress code, wedding hashtag, wedding website URL, parking or valet information, and dietary notes (vegetarian/non-vegetarian). For religious ceremonies, include the specific ritual time (muhurat for Hindu, nikah time for Muslim). For multi-day weddings, include a schedule of all events the guest is invited to.

How do you word a wedding invitation when the couple is hosting?

When the couple hosts their own wedding (increasingly common for independent or NRI couples), the invitation reads: 'Together with their families, [Bride's Name] and [Groom's Name] request the pleasure of your company at their wedding.' Alternatively: '[Bride] and [Groom] joyfully invite you to celebrate their marriage.' The couple's names replace the parents' names as the primary hosts. Parents can still be acknowledged: 'Daughter of [parents] and Son of [parents]' below the couple's names.

Indian Wedding Invitation Wording (2026) — 30 Templates for Every Style & Religion

Q: What is the correct order of names on an Indian wedding invitation?

In traditional Indian wedding invitations, the bride's family hosts and their names appear first on the bride-side invitation, while the groom's family names appear first on the groom-side invitation. Modern invitations often list both families equally. The standard order is: parents' names (father then mother, or both together), followed by the phrase 'request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter/son,' followed by the bride's or groom's full name. For joint invitations, the bride's name traditionally appears before the groom's name.

Q: How do you word a Hindu wedding invitation?

A Hindu wedding invitation traditionally opens with 'Shree Ganeshaya Namah' or 'Om' as an auspicious invocation, followed by the parents' names, the invitation line ('request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of their daughter/son'), the couple's names, the date and time (with Hindu calendar details if desired), the venue, and RSVP details. The muhurat (auspicious time) is often mentioned. South Indian Hindu invitations may include the nakshatra (birth star) and gotram of both bride and groom.

Q: When should wedding invitations be sent in India?

Physical wedding invitations should be sent 6–8 weeks before the wedding for local guests and 10–12 weeks before for outstation or international guests. Digital save-the-dates can go out 4–6 months before the wedding. For destination weddings, send save-the-dates 6–8 months in advance and formal invitations 3–4 months ahead so guests can arrange travel and accommodation.

Q: How do you word a destination wedding invitation?

A destination wedding invitation should include all standard wedding details plus: the destination city and country, a brief note about the location ('amidst the beaches of Goa' or 'in the gardens of Bali'), travel and accommodation information or a link to a wedding website with details, RSVP deadline (typically 6–8 weeks before the wedding), and a note about the dress code. Many couples include a separate insert or website link with flight recommendations, hotel blocks, and itinerary details.

Q: How do you word a bilingual Indian wedding invitation?

Bilingual invitations typically have English on one side and the regional language (Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Gujarati, etc.) on the other. The content should be identical in both languages, not a summary. For digital invitations, the regional language version can be a second page or a toggle option. The religious invocation is usually in the traditional language (Sanskrit for Hindu, Arabic for Muslim, Gurmukhi for Sikh) regardless of the invitation's primary language.

The wedding invitation is the first design artefact of your wedding. Before the decor, before the outfits, before any function begins, the invitation tells your guests what kind of celebration to expect. The wording sets the tone — formal or relaxed, traditional or contemporary, grand or intimate. Getting it right matters more than most couples realise, because families scrutinise invitation wording with a precision they apply to almost nothing else in the wedding planning process.

This guide provides 30 complete, ready-to-use invitation wording templates across religions, styles, and formats. Every template has been refined through real use — these are not theoretical examples but formats that have been printed, sent, and approved by Indian families. For broader wedding planning context, see our 2026 Indian wedding trends guide and South Indian Hindu wedding ceremony guide.

Hindu Wedding Invitation Wording

Template 1 — Traditional Hindu (Formal)

Template 1 || Shree Ganeshaya Namah || Shri [Father's Name] & Smt. [Mother's Name] request the pleasure of your gracious presence at the auspicious wedding ceremony of their beloved daughter [Bride's Full Name] with [Groom's Full Name] Son of Shri [Groom's Father] & Smt. [Groom's Mother] on [Day], the [Date] of [Month], [Year] Muhurat: [Time] at [Venue Name], [Venue Address] With warm regards, [Family Name] Dinner / Lunch to follow RSVP: [Phone Number]

Template 2 — Modern Hindu (Semi-Formal)

Template 2 With the blessings of Lord Ganesha and the love of our families [Bride's Parents' Names] & [Groom's Parents' Names] joyfully invite you to celebrate the marriage of [Bride's Name] & [Groom's Name] [Day], [Date] [Month] [Year] [Time] [Venue Name] [Venue Address] Kindly join us for dinner following the ceremony RSVP: [Phone] | [Email]

Template 3 — South Indian Hindu (Iyengar/Iyer)

Template 3 || Sri || Chiranjeevi [Bride's Name] (Daughter of Sri [Father's Name] & Smt. [Mother's Name], [Gotram], [Nakshatra]) weds Chiranjeevi [Groom's Name] (Son of Sri [Father's Name] & Smt. [Mother's Name], [Gotram], [Nakshatra]) The Muhurtham is fixed on [Day], [Date] [Month] [Year] at [Time] ([Lagna] Lagna) at [Venue Name], [City] [Full Address] We cordially invite you to grace the occasion and bless the young couple Yours sincerely, [Bride's Father's Name] Lunch / Dinner will be served

Template 4 — Kannada/Karnataka Hindu

Template 4 || Shubham || Sri [Father's Name] and Smt. [Mother's Name] cordially invite you to the wedding of their daughter [Bride's Name] with [Groom's Name] (Son of Sri [Father] & Smt. [Mother], [Place]) Wedding Ceremony [Day], [Date] [Month] [Year] Muhurta: [Time] Venue: [Name], [Address], Bangalore Reception: [Time] onwards at the same venue With best compliments, [Family Name] RSVP: [Number]

Template 5 — Telugu Hindu

Template 5 || Shubha Vivaha Patrika || By the grace of Lord Venkateswara Sri [Father's Name] & Smt. [Mother's Name] invite you to the auspicious wedding of their daughter Chi. [Bride's Name] ([Gotram], [Nakshatra]) with Chi. [Groom's Name] ([Gotram], [Nakshatra]) Son of Sri [Father] & Smt. [Mother] Muhurtham: [Time], [Day], [Date] [Month] [Year] Venue: [Name], [Full Address] Your gracious presence will be a blessing Lunch / Dinner: [Time]

Muslim Wedding Invitation Wording

Template 6 — Traditional Muslim Nikah

Template 6 Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Mr. [Father's Name] & Mrs. [Mother's Name] request the honour of your presence at the Nikah ceremony of their daughter [Bride's Full Name] with [Groom's Full Name] Son of Mr. [Father] & Mrs. [Mother] on [Day], [Date] [Month] [Year] at [Time] [Venue Name], [Address] Walima to follow on [Date] at [Venue], [Time] RSVP: [Phone Number]

Template 7 — Modern Muslim

Template 7 In the name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful With hearts full of gratitude to the Almighty, the families of [Bride's Name] & [Groom's Name] invite you to witness and celebrate the joining of their lives in marriage Nikah Ceremony [Day], [Date] [Month] [Year] | [Time] [Venue Name], [City] Walima Reception [Day], [Date] [Month] [Year] | [Time] [Venue Name], [City] [Bride's Parents] & [Groom's Parents] RSVP: [Phone] | [Email]

Template 8 — Kerala Muslim (Malabar)

Template 8 Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem Mr. [Father's Name] & Mrs. [Mother's Name] of [Family House Name], [Place] cordially invite you to the Nikah of their daughter [Bride's Name] with [Groom's Name] Son of Mr. [Father] & Mrs. [Mother] [Family House Name], [Place] Nikah: [Day], [Date] [Month] [Year], [Time] at [Masjid / Venue Name], [Place] Walima: [Date], [Time] at [Venue], [Address] Your presence and prayers are requested

Christian Wedding Invitation Wording

Template 9 — Traditional Christian

Template 9 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." — Ephesians 5:31 Mr. & Mrs. [Bride's Parents' Full Names] request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter [Bride's Full Name] to [Groom's Full Name] Son of Mr. & Mrs. [Groom's Parents' Full Names] on [Day], the [Date] of [Month], [Year] at [Time] [Church Name], [City] Reception to follow at [Venue Name], [Address] RSVP: [Phone]

Template 10 — Kerala Christian (Syrian Christian)

Template 10 In Christ's Love Mr. [Father's Name] & Mrs. [Mother's Name] [Family Name], [Place] invite you to share in the joy of the marriage of their daughter [Bride's Name] with [Groom's Name] Son of Mr. [Father] & Mrs. [Mother] [Family Name], [Place] Holy Matrimony: [Time], [Day], [Date] [Month] [Year] [Church Name], [Place] Wedding Reception: [Time] onwards [Venue Name], [Address] Your presence and blessings are requested

Template 11 — Modern Christian

Template 11 With grateful hearts and joyful spirits [Bride's Name] & [Groom's Name] together with their families invite you to share in the celebration of their marriage [Day], [Date] [Month] [Year] Ceremony at [Time] | [Church Name] Reception at [Time] | [Venue Name] [City] Dinner and dancing to follow RSVP by [Date]: [Phone] | [Email]

Sikh Wedding Invitation Wording

Template 12 — Traditional Sikh (Anand Karaj)

Template 12 Ik Onkar Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh S. [Father's Name] & Smt. [Mother's Name] request the pleasure of your company at the Anand Karaj ceremony of their daughter [Bride's Full Name] with [Groom's Full Name] Son of S. [Father] & Smt. [Mother] on [Day], [Date] [Month] [Year] at [Time] [Gurudwara Name], [City] Langar and Reception to follow RSVP: [Phone Number]

Template 13 — Modern Sikh

Template 13 Ik Onkar With the Guru's blessings and our families' love [Bride's Parents] & [Groom's Parents] joyfully invite you to the Anand Karaj of [Bride's Name] & [Groom's Name] [Day], [Date] [Month] [Year] Anand Karaj: [Time] | [Gurudwara], [City] Reception: [Time] | [Venue], [City] Please join us for lunch and celebration RSVP: [Phone] | [Website]

Casual and Contemporary Templates

Template 14 — Modern Couple-Hosted

Template 14 Together with their families [Bride's Name] & [Groom's Name] invite you to celebrate their wedding [Day], [Date] [Month] [Year] [Venue Name], [City] Ceremony at [Time] Dinner & Dancing at [Time] We cannot wait to celebrate with you RSVP by [Date]: [Website]

Template 15 — Playful / Informal

Template 15 After [X] years of adventures, late-night conversations, and way too many arguments about [funny topic], [Bride's Name] & [Groom's Name] have decided to make it official. Save the date (and clear your schedule): [Day], [Date] [Month] [Year] [Venue Name], [City] Wear your dancing shoes. Details at [Wedding Website]

Template 16 — Minimalist Modern

Template 16 [Bride's Name] & [Groom's Name] [Date] [Venue] [City] Ceremony [Time] | Dinner [Time] RSVP: [Website]

Template 17 — Warm & Personal

Template 17 The love story that began with [how they met] is writing its most beautiful chapter yet. [Parents' Names] and [Parents' Names] are overjoyed to invite you to the wedding of [Bride's Name] & [Groom's Name] [Day], [Date] [Month] [Year] [Venue Name] [City], [Country] Join us for an evening of love, laughter, and celebration RSVP: [Phone] | [Email]

Destination Wedding Invitation Wording

Template 18 — Goa Destination Wedding

Template 18 [Parents' Names] & [Parents' Names] invite you to celebrate the wedding of [Bride's Name] & [Groom's Name] amidst the sunsets and shores of Goa [Date Range — e.g., 14th to 16th February 2026] [Venue Name], South Goa Mehendi & Sangeet | [Date], [Time] Wedding Ceremony | [Date], [Time] Reception Dinner | [Date], [Time] Travel & accommodation details: [Wedding Website] RSVP by [Date]: [Phone]

Template 19 — Bali Destination Wedding

Template 19 An island. A ceremony. A celebration of love. [Bride's Name] & [Groom's Name] together with their families invite you to their wedding in Bali, Indonesia [Date Range] [Venue Name], [Area — Uluwatu / Ubud / Seminyak] A weekend of ceremony, music, and togetherness awaits across the Indian Ocean Full itinerary and travel guide: [Website] RSVP by [Date]: [Email]

Template 20 — Kerala Destination Wedding

Template 20 Where the backwaters meet the mountains [Parents' Names] & [Parents' Names] invite you to the wedding of [Bride's Name] & [Groom's Name] [Date Range] [Venue Name], Kerala A celebration set amongst coconut groves, temple bells, and the warmth of two families becoming one Events schedule and travel details: [Website] RSVP: [Phone]

Bilingual Invitation Templates

Template 21 — English + Hindi

The English version appears on the front or left panel, the Hindi version on the back or right panel. The religious invocation (Shree Ganeshaya Namah) appears in Devanagari script on both sides. All names are transliterated in both languages. The Hindi version uses the same formal structure but with traditional Hindi wedding vocabulary: "shubh vivah samaroh," "aapki shubh upasthiti pranarthit hai."

Template 22 — English + Kannada

For Karnataka families, the Kannada version follows traditional wedding invitation conventions: "Shubha Vivaha Aamantranapatrike" as the header. Names include family surname, gotra, and native place. The Kannada text is typically more formal than the English version. Print in both Nudi or Unicode Kannada font alongside a clean English serif font.

Template 23 — English + Tamil

Tamil wedding invitations traditionally include the family deity (kula deivam), the couple's nakshatra and rashi, and the specific puja timings. The Tamil version opens with "Thirumana Azhaipu" and includes the bride and groom's birth star details. For Iyer families, the invitation includes the Veda branch (Yajur Veda, Rig Veda, etc.) and the Sutra. These details are included in Tamil but may be abbreviated or omitted in the English version.

Multi-Event Invitation Wording

Template 24 — Full Wedding Week

Template 25 — Reception-Only Invitation

Template 25 [Parents' Names] & [Parents' Names] request the pleasure of your company at the Wedding Reception of [Bride's Name] & [Groom's Name] [Day], [Date] [Month] [Year] [Time] onwards [Venue Name], [Address] Dinner to follow RSVP: [Phone]

Special Situation Templates

Template 26 — Single Parent Hosting

Template 26 Mrs. [Mother's Full Name] requests the honour of your presence at the wedding of her daughter [Bride's Name] with [Groom's Name] [Day], [Date] [Month] [Year] [Time] | [Venue Name], [City] RSVP: [Phone]

When one parent is hosting, the invitation uses their name alone without explanation. If the other parent is deceased, some families add "and the late Shri/Smt. [Name]" — this is a personal choice. If the parents are divorced, each parent may send a separate invitation, or the wording "Mrs. [Name] and Mr. [Name]" (without "and") can list both without implying they are together.

Template 27 — Second Marriage

Template 27 With hearts full of gratitude for second chances [Bride's Name] & [Groom's Name] invite you to celebrate their marriage [Day], [Date] [Month] [Year] [Venue Name], [City] Ceremony at [Time] Dinner at [Time] Your presence means the world to us RSVP: [Phone] | [Email]

Template 28 — NRI Wedding in India

Template 28 Across continents and cultures, love brought them home. [Parents' Names], [City, Country] & [Parents' Names], [City, Country] invite you to the wedding of [Bride's Name] & [Groom's Name] [Date Range] [Venue Name], [City], India All events and travel information: [Wedding Website] RSVP by [Date]: [Email]

Template 29 — Cross-Cultural / Interfaith

Template 29 Two traditions. Two families. One love. [Parents' Names] & [Parents' Names] joyfully invite you to celebrate the marriage of [Bride's Name] & [Groom's Name] The ceremony will honour both [Religion/Culture] and [Religion/Culture] traditions [Day], [Date] [Month] [Year] [Venue Name], [City] [Ceremony 1]: [Time] [Ceremony 2]: [Time] Reception: [Time] RSVP: [Phone] | [Website]

Template 30 — Digital / WhatsApp Invitation

Template 30 You're Invited! [Bride's Name] & [Groom's Name] are getting married! [Date] | [Venue], [City] Mehendi: [Date & Time] Wedding: [Date & Time] Reception: [Date & Time] Click here for details & RSVP: [Link] We can't wait to celebrate with you! [Family Names]

Invitation Wording Best Practices

Proofread names obsessively: Misspelled family names on a wedding invitation cannot be forgiven. Print a proof copy and have both families verify every name, spelling, and title before the print run
Include the day of the week: "Saturday, the 14th of February" is clearer than "14th February" alone. Guests mentally register the day faster than the date
Spell out numbers: "Saturday, the fourteenth of February, two thousand and twenty-six" is formal. "Saturday, 14 February 2026" is modern. Both work — just be consistent
Use the venue's official name: "The Taj West End" not "Taj Hotel, Bangalore." Venues are particular about this, and the correct name helps guests with GPS and booking
Include a map or directions: For venue locations that are not obvious (farmhouses, estates, resort properties), a printed map insert or a Google Maps link in the digital version saves confusion on the day
RSVP deadline: Set the RSVP deadline 3–4 weeks before the wedding. This gives you time to finalise the guest count for catering and seating. Include both a phone number and an email or website for RSVP
Dress code (optional): If the wedding has a specific dress code (black tie, ethnic formal, beach casual), mention it on the invitation or on the wedding website. This prevents guests from agonising over what to wear
Digital backup: Even if you send physical invitations, create a digital version (PDF, e-invite, or wedding website) for easy sharing, reference, and for guests who lose the physical card

Timeline for Invitations

Design and content finalisation: 3–4 months before the wedding. Print order: 2.5–3 months before (allow 2–3 weeks for printing and delivery). Send to outstation and international guests: 10–12 weeks before. Send to local guests: 6–8 weeks before. Send digital save-the-date: 4–6 months before. For destination weddings, send save-the-dates 6–8 months in advance so guests can plan travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct order of names on an Indian wedding invitation?

The hosting family's names appear first. On the bride-side invitation, her parents' names lead. Modern joint invitations list both families equally. The standard format: parents' names, invitation line, then bride's name (traditionally listed before the groom's name).

How do you word a Hindu wedding invitation?

Open with an auspicious invocation (Shree Ganeshaya Namah or Om), followed by parents' names, invitation line, couple's names, date/time with muhurat details, venue, and RSVP. South Indian invitations include nakshatra, gotram, and Veda details.

When should wedding invitations be sent in India?

Physical invitations: 6–8 weeks before for local guests, 10–12 weeks for outstation. Digital save-the-dates: 4–6 months before. For destination weddings, save-the-dates go out 6–8 months ahead, formal invitations 3–4 months before.

How do you word a destination wedding invitation?

Include all standard details plus the destination, a brief location note, travel and accommodation information (or wedding website link), RSVP deadline 6–8 weeks before, and dress code. A separate insert or website with flights, hotel blocks, and itinerary is recommended.

Should we include all events on the invitation?

The main card covers ceremony and reception. Pre-wedding events (mehendi, haldi, sangeet) go on a separate insert. Close family get the full insert; wider circle gets the main card only. This avoids confusion about which guests are invited to which events.

How do you word a bilingual Indian wedding invitation?

English on one side, regional language on the other. Content should be identical, not summarised. Religious invocations stay in the traditional language (Sanskrit, Arabic, Gurmukhi) on both sides. For digital, use a second page or toggle.

What must be included on an Indian wedding invitation?

Essential: host names, couple's names, date, day, ceremony time, venue name and full address, RSVP contact. Recommended: dress code, wedding hashtag, website URL, parking information, dietary notes, and event schedule for multi-day weddings.

How do you word an invitation when the couple is hosting?

"Together with their families, [Bride] and [Groom] request the pleasure of your company at their wedding." Parents can be acknowledged below: "Daughter of [parents] and Son of [parents]." The couple's names replace the parents as primary hosts.

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From the First Invitation to the Last Dance

Panigrahana plans weddings where every detail — from the invitation wording to the final farewell — reflects who you are as a couple.

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