When both families are hosting

When both sets of parents are hosting, both are named, one family per line, joined by “and”. Which family goes first is a choice, not a rule. Tradition puts the bride’s family first; many couples now lead with whichever family is hosting more.

Traditional Warm Modern

Traditional

Mr and Mrs Vikram Rao
and
Mr and Mrs Luc Moreau
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of their children
Priya & Etienne

Each family on its own line, the classic “Mr and Mrs” form, and “their children” so neither side is the guest of the other.

Too long for The Overprint, whose names fill the card. Fits The Crest and The Date.

Warm

Together with their families,
Priya & Etienne
invite you to celebrate
their marriage

Everyone included without naming anyone: useful when one family is large, or when “Mr and Mrs” does not describe both sets of parents.

Modern

The Rao and Moreau families
invite you to the wedding of
Priya & Etienne

Surnames only, both families equal, one line. Plain enough for a modern card.

What people ask

Which family goes first?: Traditionally the bride’s. Today most couples put first whichever family is hosting more, or simply go alphabetically. For two brides or two grooms, alphabetical by surname is the usual answer.
“Mr and Mrs Vikram Rao” or “Anita and Vikram Rao”?: The first is the formal convention; the second names both parents and is now widely accepted, even on a formal card. Pick one and use it for both families.
One set of parents is divorced. Does that change it?: Traditionally, yes: that set is named on separate lines, as on the divorced-parents page, and the other family stays on one line. Three households can be more names than a card holds comfortably; “Together with their families” is the graceful way round it.

Last checked 4 October 2026.

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