How the heck do I word this one?

wiggsaj

Hey everyone!

So my FH and I are getting married in this upcoming July. I've got a little bit of time, but I'd love to get a head start on wording these invites! See, I have two parents who are divorced and remarried. I'm fairly close with both my stepmother and my stepfather, just as I am with my biological parents, but I still don't refer to them as "mom" or "dad." I understand that usually people in a similar situation would say "together with our parents." However, I'm looking for something a little bit more creative and original. We're having a pretty small wedding that is not extremely formal, if that makes a difference to any ideas you ladies have. Can anyone think of anything that would be cute and creative but not too formal or cliché? Thank you so much for your help!

doeydo

Traditionally, you would put your mom and step-dad on the first line and then your dad and step-mom on the second line.  Example:

"Mr. and Mrs. Edward William Burch

Mr. and Mrs. John Albert Smith
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Anna Grace Smith
to
John Andrew Price
Saturday, the fifth of July
two thousand and fourteen
at half after ten in the morning
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Syracuse, New York"  (Note: the use of the word "honour" is used for when the ceremony is in a house of worship.  If the ceremony is in a secular location you should put "request the pleasure of your company")

ETA you could write
"Together with their parents    OR     Together with their families
Anna Grace Smith
and
John Andrew Price
request the honor of your presence
at the celebration of their wedding
Saturday, the fifth of July
two thousand and fourteen
at half after ten in the morning
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Syracuse, New York" 

HisGirlFriday13

Ditto @doeydo. Normally, you don't include the bride's last name, but that stems from days of etiquette when the bride's parents were assumed to be still married, so there was no confusion about who the biological parents were.

The wording doey suggested is perfect, regardless of formality

CMGragain

If you stick with established traditional wording, you will have no problems.  Generally the formality is indicated by the paper and design of your invitation, not by the wording.  Very formal weddings = white or ecru heavyweight paper with raised printing.  Less formal weddings = lots of color and designs.

Mr. and Mrs. John Stepfather
Mr. and Mrs/ James Bridesfather
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of
Bride's Full Name
to
Mr. Groom's Full Name
Day, Date
time
Venue
Address
City, State

or

Together with their families
Bride's Full Name
and
Groom's Full Name
request the pleasure of your company
as they are united in marriage
(etc.)

Be very careful with phrases like "celebration of marriage", or "celebration of love".  That can be interpreted as a party to celebrate a wedding that already took place  (Vow renewal), or as a reception only invitation.  You must be very clear to what you are inviting people.  Remember that a wedding invitation states who, what, when and where. (Not why!)

lovetulips04

Girl I had the same problem!! I went to WeddingPaperDivas.com and ask their experts and I got aome really good options.