When you marry in a church

The one wording rule people remember is this one: a ceremony in a church or another house of worship asks for “the honour of your presence”; anywhere else, “the pleasure of your company”. The British spelling, honour, is the formal one even in the United States.

Traditional Warm Modern

Traditional

Mr and Mrs Vikram Rao
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Priya to Etienne Moreau
Saturday, the twelfth of June
at two o’clock

“Honour of your presence” is the house-of-worship form. The rest is the classic sequence; the church itself goes on the card’s venue line.

Warm

Priya & Etienne
invite you to join them
as they marry in the sight of God
Saturday 12 June 2027
at 2pm

A line of faith in the couple’s own voice. Change it to the words of your own tradition.

Modern

Priya & Etienne
are getting married
and would love you there
Saturday 12 June 2027
at 2pm

Short and plain. Put the church on the venue line and the wording does not have to say it.

What people ask

Is “honour” spelled with a u?: Yes, on formal invitations, in Britain and in the United States alike. It is the one place an American card keeps the British spelling.
What if the reception is somewhere else?: Add a line under the venue (“Reception to follow at The Old Rectory”), or put the reception on its own card or on your website.
Can we mention God or a blessing?: Yes. A line such as “in the sight of God” or “with the blessing of their families” is common; keep it to one line so the card stays readable.

Last checked 15 October 2026.

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