Whose Name Goes First on a Wedding Invitation?

Whose name goes first on a wedding invitation? What about whose name should go first on a save the date? We’re tackling this wedding etiquette question from bride-to-be, Tara. She writes,

“Hi Emmaline, we’re putting together our invites and I was wondering, whose name goes first on a wedding invitation? I think I put mine first on the save the date but I’m not sure whose name goes first bride or groom? Thanks for your input.”

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the answer to whose name is listed first on an invitation for a wedding, why, and that the modern etiquette dictates. We’ll also tackle whose name goes first on wedding invitations for same-sex couples. Plus, we’ll illustrate the answers with some beautiful invitation examples so you can get inspired for your on invitation design.

Let’s get started!

Hi Tara! Great question, one that I think everyone wonders as they’re editing or modifying their wedding invitation template. For this answer, let’s first go with the most traditional etiquette response. As a rule of thumb, the bride’s name typically goes first on a wedding invitation, followed by the groom’s name. This applies to both wedding stationery: whose name goes first on a wedding invitation and save the date is the same — the bride. This is, of course, traditionally speaking, so there are some variations that we’ll cover below.

For classic and formal invitations, particularly where the bride’s parents are hosting, the bride’s name is always listed first along with her middle name. The bride’s name is then preceded by the groom’s full title and last name.

Sometimes you’ll even see the bride’s first, middle, and last name in full (usually when the couple is hosting).

However, most modern invitations begin with the bride’s first, middle, and last name, preceded by the groom’s first, middle, and last name.

Wedding Invitation Wording Together with Their Families

If you’re looking for an example of wording together with their families, here’s how you would list the names in order:

No Last Name on Wedding Invitation

If you’re planning a more casual celebration, you can write them however you wish, even using first names with an ampersand to separate the names, but names should always be at the center of attention on the invite. (It musn’t be centered in a design sense per se, more on the side of being the biggest and boldest part of the invitation itself. It is the names, after all!)

If you’re opting for no last name on wedding invitations, be sure to include it on your return address stamp with your name(s) in full to eliminate any confusion.

No Middle Name

Don’t want to use your middle names? No worries. You can use your first names separated by an ampersand symbol or use your full names, first and last, ampersand, then your partner’s first and last name.

Here’s an example:

Name Order for Same-Sex Couples

For same-sex couples, you can choose whose name to go first based on simply which name you think sounds best first. You can use first and middle names or first names only.

Want full names? Go for it! Here’s an example of first and last names:

Some couples decide to put the first names in alphabetical order or whichever sounds best. Some names simply sound better going first with “and” the other partner’s name. Play around with your invitation template a bit and see how the initials are in that order, too, then decide! You really can’t go wrong.

Most importantly, choose whichever name you wish to go to first on the invitation if it is a more modern wedding or you’re hosting it. Putting the bride’s name first is the most traditional and classic option, but if that’s not right for you, then skip it. It’s your wedding, so everything you choose should be decided ultimately by you as a couple.

I hope it helps and thanks so much for writing!

Happy Planning!

xo
Emma