How to Word Formal Vow Renewal Invitations

How to Word Formal Vow Renewal Invitations: Etiquette & Examples

Vow renewals, while less formal than weddings, often call for invitations that follow proper etiquette—especially if you’re hosting a formal event. Whether your celebration is black-tie or semi-formal, it’s important to know the traditional guidelines for wording formal invitations. From addressing titles to spelling out the date and time, here’s a guide to ensure your invitations reflect the elegance and significance of your special day.

Names and Titles

In formal invitations, attention to detail is key. The hosts’ names should be spelled out in full, including middle names and titles, and follow these basic rules:

• Titles like Mr. and Mrs. are abbreviated (e.g., Mr. & Mrs. Michael Alvin Barrett), while professional titles such as Doctor should be spelled out unless it makes the name too long.
• For vow renewals held at a house of worship, the phrase “the honour of your presence” is traditionally used. Note that “honour” is spelled in the British style, with a “u.” For ceremonies held elsewhere, use “the pleasure of your company.”

Pro Tip: If you have a hyphenated name, the invitation should reflect this properly (e.g., Mrs. Karie Lynn Boehrns-Barrett).

Time and Date

Dates and times in formal invitations are spelled out fully. Follow these specific guidelines:

• Date: Spell out the date in full, including the year, e.g., “Friday, the second of March, two thousand twenty-three.”
• Time: Use the phrase “half after” rather than “four-thirty” (e.g., “half after six o’clock”).
• Capitalization: The day of the week and month should be capitalized, but the year should not.

Pro Tip: There’s no need to include “in the afternoon” or “in the evening,” as the time of day is implied.

RSVP Etiquette

For formal invitations, RSVP should be included on reception or combination ceremony/reception invitations. There are several correct formats for including an RSVP:

• Correct Usages: RSVP, R.S.V.P., r.s.v.p., or R.s.v.p. All are acceptable.
• Format: If you prefer guests to RSVP by mail, include the return address (or alternate contact information) below the RSVP.

If you’re using reply cards, you don’t need an RSVP unless you want to offer an alternative method (email or phone number) for responses.

Pro Tip: Make sure the RSVP is included in the lower-left corner of the invitation.

Formal Invitation Wording Examples

Traditional Invitation Example:

The honour of your presence
is requested at the renewal of wedding vows of
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Alvin Barrett
on Friday, the second of March
at seven o’clock in the evening
Grace Church
1001 Smith Avenue
Nashville, Tennessee 00001

Less Formal Invitation Example (If you are hosting the event yourself):

The pleasure of your company
is requested at the reaffirmation of the
wedding vows of
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Barrett
on Friday, the second of March
at seven o’clock
at the Skywood Botanical Gardens
Los Angeles, California
Reception immediately following the ceremony
R.S.V.P.

Invitation Including Parents as Hosts:

Mr. Michael Alvin Barrett and Mrs. Karie Lynn Boehrns-Barrett,
together with their parents
Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Barrett and Ms. Cynthia Ann Boehrns
cordially invite you to attend a
renewal of vows
on Friday, the second of March
at seven o’clock in the evening
Grace Church
1001 Smith Avenue
Nashville, Tennessee 00001

If Your Children Are Hosting:

Matthew Jarred Fushia, Morgan Lindsey Fushia, and Hayden Michael Barrett
request the pleasure of your company
as their parents
Michael and Karie Barrett
renew their wedding vows
on Friday, the second of March
at seven o’clock in the evening
Grace Church
1001 Smith Avenue
Nashville, Tennessee 00001

Children as Hosts (Using Couples):

Matthew and Cassandra Jones,
Christopher and Morgan Smith,
and Hayden and Grace Barrett
request the pleasure of your company
at the reaffirmation ceremony
of their parents
on Friday, the second of March
at seven o’clock in the evening
Grace Church
1001 Smith Avenue
Nashville, Tennessee 00001

Additional Notes

• Do not mention gifts on the invitation. If you have a gift registry or other details, share these separately with your guests.
• Attire is generally not mentioned on formal invitations. If the event is black-tie, you may include “Black tie” in the lower-right corner of a reception invitation.

Final Thoughts: Crafting the Perfect Formal Invitation

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your formal vow renewal invitations are both elegant and in line with proper etiquette. Whether your children are hosting the event or you’re hosting yourselves, these examples offer a starting point to personalize your invitations while maintaining tradition. Remember to spell out titles, names, dates, and times fully, and always double-check your RSVP details to avoid confusion.

With the right wording, your invitations will set the tone for a memorable and meaningful vow renewal celebration.