Correct Invitation Wording

With so many blended families, levels of formality, and types of hosts, it can be difficult to know what the correct wording is for your situation.

Traditional Wording
For the bride and groom who cherish long-standing traditions, conventional wording and spelling will govern their invitation choices. Some specific rules for formal wedding invitations are as follows:

The invitation to a wedding ceremony in a house of worship reads “Mr. and Mrs. Julian Bruce Clemens request the honour” (using the traditional “u” spelling) “of your presence.” “Favour,” as in “the favour of a reply,” also uses the traditional spelling.
No punctuation is used, except after abbreviations such as “Mr.” and “Mrs.” or when phrases requiring separation occur in the same line, such as in the date.
Numbers in the date are spelled out, as in “the twenty-sixth day of July,” but long numbers in a street address may be written in numerals: “1345 Hubarb Drive.”
Half hours are written as “half after four o’clock” -- not as “half past four” or as “four-thirty.”
Less Formal Wording
When less formality is desired, alternatives to traditional wording can be used.

Semiformal wording may read, "The pleasure of your company is requested at the marriage of..."
Informal wording may read, "Please join us as we celebrate the marriage of...”
Destination Weddings
You needn’t add anything special to your destination-wedding invitations, but you should mail them much sooner than you would typical wedding invitations -- at least four months prior to the wedding. You should also strongly consider sending save-the-date cards or emails prior to the wedding invitations so that guests can arrange their schedules accordingly (and perhaps make a vacation out of their trip). If your destination is a popular vacation spot, you should definitely get in touch with guests early on.
Additional information, such as guest lodging and travel information, can be mailed separately to those who send positive response cards; don’t try to stuff it all into your wedding invitations. Posting such information on your personal wedding website is ideal and will speed the process for your guests -- they can book travel and hotel accommodations right online.