Together With Their Families Wedding Invitation Wording: Etiquette & Examples
Opening
The phrase "together with their families" has become one of the most popular modern wedding invitation openings in recent years. This wording represents a significant shift from traditional, formal invitations that came exclusively from parents. Today's couples are more likely to take control of their own wedding announcements, and this phrase perfectly captures the inclusive spirit of modern celebrations. Whether you're planning a formal affair or a casual gathering, understanding how and when to use "together with their families" will help you set the right tone for your special day.
What Does "Together With Their Families" Mean on Wedding Invitations?
"Together with their families" is a phrase used at the beginning of wedding invitation wording to indicate that both the couple and their families are collectively inviting guests to the celebration. This phrasing acknowledges the importance of family involvement while positioning the couple as active hosts rather than passive subjects of their parents' announcement.
For more inspiration, explore What Should Be Included In A Wedding Invitation.
Historically, wedding invitations began with "Mr. and Mrs." (the couple's parents) issuing the invitation. Modern couples wanted a way to honor their families while also taking ownership of their wedding. The phrase "together with their families" emerged as the perfect solution to bridge tradition and contemporary independence.
For more inspiration, explore this guide to catholic wedding invitation.
This wording works particularly well because it:
For more inspiration, explore Cool Wedding Invitation Wording.
- Acknowledges family contributions without making parents the sole hosts
- Reflects modern wedding planning where couples are typically the primary decision-makers
- Creates an inclusive atmosphere for all family structures and configurations
- Maintains formality while expressing equality between generations
- Feels natural and authentic to contemporary celebration styles
When to Use "Together With Their Families" Wording
Understanding the right context for this phrase ensures your invitation feels appropriate and well-considered.
Divorced or Separated Parents
When parents have divorced or separated, "together with their families" elegantly avoids forcing a choice between hosting parents. This phrasing allows both sides of the family to be equally represented without awkwardness. It's particularly useful when parents have different last names or when the couple wants to honor step-parents alongside biological parents.
Blended Families
For couples from blended families with step-parents and step-siblings, this wording naturally accommodates multiple family units. Rather than listing each parent individually (which can feel confusing or exclusionary), the phrase acknowledges all family members collectively.
Couples Paying for Their Own Wedding
When the couple is self-funding their wedding, "together with their families" maintains respect for family involvement while making clear that the couple is in charge. This removes any implication that parents are primary hosts while still honoring family support and participation.
Informal Wedding Tone
Even when family financial contributions are substantial, couples planning casual, relaxed celebrations often prefer this wording because it feels less formal and more authentic to how they actually present themselves.
Interfaith or Same-Sex Ceremonies
For interfaith couples or same-sex couples, this flexible phrasing avoids gendered language while creating space for both families and different cultural traditions.
Traditional vs. Modern Invitation Wording: A Comparison
Understanding how this phrase fits into the broader landscape of invitation wording helps you make the right choice.
| Opening | Mr. and Mrs. [Father's Name] request the honor of your presence | [Couple] together with their families invite you to celebrate | Modern emphasizes couple agency |
| Host Attribution | Parents are sole hosts | Couple and families share hosting | Reflects modern financial reality |
| Formality Level | Highly formal, third-person voice | Formal but more personal | Modern style feels more genuine |
| Family Representation | Typically one family unit | All families acknowledged equally | Better for blended/divorced families |
| RSVP Direction | Formal reply cards separate | Often included with invitation or digital | Modern convenience |
| Tone | Distant, ceremonial | Warm, inclusive, authentic | Reflects couple's personality |
Traditional Alternatives to "Together With Their Families"
If this phrase doesn't feel right for your wedding, consider these time-honored alternatives:
Classic Parental Host Format:
"Mr. and Mrs. James Anderson request the honor of your presence at the marriage of..."
When Parents Remain Active Hosts:
"Together with their parents, [Couple] invite you to celebrate their marriage"
Couple-Centered Modern Format:
"We invite you to celebrate our marriage"
Respectfully Acknowledging Single Parents:
"Together with their family, [Couple] invite you..."
For Religious Ceremonies:
"Together with their families, [Couple] request the honor of your presence"
Complete Wedding Invitation Wording Templates
Here are 20+ ready-to-use templates covering various formality levels and family situations.
Formal Invitations
Template 1: Classic Formal
Together with their families
[Bride Name] and [Groom Name]
request the honor of your presence
at the celebration of their marriage
Saturday, the fifteenth of June
at four o'clock in the afternoon
[Venue Name]
[City, State]
Reception to follow
RSVP by May 15 [contact info]
Template 2: Formal with Extended Family
Together with their families
[Bride Name] and [Groom Name]
invite you to celebrate their marriage
Saturday, June 15, 2024
at four o'clock in the afternoon
[Full Venue Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Reception immediately following
Dinner and dancing to follow
RSVP before May 15
[Phone or Email]
Template 3: Formal Religious Ceremony
Together with their families
[Bride Name] and [Groom Name]
request the honor of your presence
at the Sacrament of their marriage
before family and loved ones
Saturday, the fifteenth of June
Two thousand and twenty-four
at half past four in the afternoon
[Church Name]
[Address]
[City, State]
Reception to follow at [Venue]
Template 4: Formal Multiday Event
Together with their families
[Bride Name] and [Groom Name]
invite you to celebrate their marriage
Wedding Weekend
June 14-16, 2024
Welcome Dinner
Friday, June 14 at seven o'clock
[Venue]
Ceremony
Saturday, June 15 at four o'clock
[Venue]
Reception
immediately following
Sunday Brunch
June 16 at ten o'clock
[Location]
RSVP by May 15
Semi-Formal Invitations
Template 5: Semi-Formal Classic
Together with their families
[Bride Name] and [Groom Name]
invite you to celebrate their marriage
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Four o'clock in the afternoon
[Venue Name]
[Address]
Dinner and dancing to follow
RSVP by May 15 to [contact info]
Template 6: Semi-Formal Garden Wedding
Together with their families
[Bride Name] and [Groom Name]
joyfully invite you to their wedding
Saturday, June 15, 2024
at four in the afternoon
Garden at [Venue]
[City, State]
Reception and dinner to follow
Cocktails at sunset
Please reply by May 15
[Contact Information]
Template 7: Semi-Formal with Dress Code
Together with their families
[Bride Name] and [Groom Name]
invite you to celebrate their marriage
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Four o'clock in the afternoon
[Venue]
[City, State]
Reception dinner and dancing to follow
Black Tie Optional
RSVP by May 15
Template 8: Semi-Formal with Additional Events
Together with their families
[Bride Name] and [Groom Name]
invite you to celebrate their marriage
Ceremony
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Four o'clock in the afternoon
[Venue]
Reception
immediately following
Dinner and dancing
Accommodations list available upon request
RSVP by May 15
Casual and Fun Invitations
Template 9: Casual Celebration
Together with their families
[Bride Name] and [Groom Name]
invite you to a wedding celebration!
Saturday, June 15, 2024
at four o'clock
[Venue]
[City, State]
Let's celebrate love, laughter, and happily ever after!
Dinner and dancing to follow
RSVP by May 15
Template 10: Casual Modern
Together with their families
[Bride Name] & [Groom Name]
are getting married!
You're invited to celebrate with us
Saturday, June 15, 2024 • 4pm
[Venue]
Casual Cocktail Attire
Dinner • Drinks • Dancing
RSVP at [Website] or text [Phone Number]
Template 11: Fun and Personal
Together with their families
[Bride Name] and [Groom Name]
invite you to witness the magic
as they marry the loves of their lives
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Four o'clock in the afternoon
[Venue]
Come for love, stay for the cake!
Cocktails and reception follow
RSVP by May 15
Template 12: Playful Modern
Together with their families
[Bride Name] & [Groom Name]
Are tying the knot!
Join us for a celebration of love
June 15, 2024 • 4:00 PM
[Venue]
Good food • Great drinks • Epic dancing
RSVP by May 15
Blended Family Invitations
Template 13: Blended Family Celebration
Together with their families
[Bride Name], [Bride's Children Names]
and
[Groom Name], [Groom's Children Names]
invite you to celebrate their marriage
Saturday, June 15, 2024
at four o'clock in the afternoon
[Venue]
Reception and dinner to follow
RSVP by May 15
Template 14: Blended Family with Adult Children
Together with their families
[Bride Name]
and
[Groom Name]
along with their children
[Names]
invite you to their wedding celebration
Saturday, June 15, 2024
at four o'clock in the afternoon
[Venue]
[City, State]
Reception dinner and dancing to follow
RSVP by May 15
Template 15: Blended Family Emphasis
Together with their families
[Bride Name] and [Groom Name]
joyfully invite you to celebrate
as two families become one
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Four o'clock in the afternoon
[Venue]
[City, State]
Dinner and celebration to follow
RSVP by May 15
Same-Sex Couple Invitations
Template 16: Same-Sex Formal
Together with their families
[Partner Name] and [Partner Name]
request the honor of your presence
at the celebration of their marriage
Saturday, the fifteenth of June
at four o'clock in the afternoon
[Venue Name]
[City, State]
Reception to follow
RSVP by May 15
Template 17: Same-Sex Casual
Together with their families
[Partner Name] & [Partner Name]
invite you to celebrate their love
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Four o'clock in the afternoon
[Venue]
Come celebrate two hearts becoming one!
Cocktails, dinner, and dancing follow
RSVP by May 15
Interfaith and Multicultural Invitations
Template 18: Interfaith Formal
Together with their families
[Bride Name] and [Groom Name]
invite you to celebrate their marriage
honoring traditions of both faiths
Saturday, June 15, 2024
at four o'clock in the afternoon
[Venue]
Ceremony, Reception Dinner, and Celebration
to follow
RSVP by May 15
Template 19: Interfaith with Ceremony Details
Together with their families
[Bride Name] and [Groom Name]
invite you to the celebration of their marriage
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Four o'clock in the afternoon
Traditional [Religion] Ceremony
followed by Reception
[Venue]
[City, State]
Dinner and Celebration
RSVP by May 15
Destination and Unique Celebration Invitations
Template 20: Destination Wedding
Together with their families
[Bride Name] and [Groom Name]
invite you to celebrate their marriage
in [Destination]
June 15-16, 2024
Welcome Reception
Friday, June 14 at seven o'clock
[Venue]
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Saturday, June 15 at four o'clock
Accommodations and travel information
available at [Website]
RSVP by May 15
Template 21: Intimate Celebration
Together with their families
[Bride Name] and [Groom Name]
invite you to an intimate celebration
of their marriage
Saturday, June 15, 2024
at four o'clock in the afternoon
[Venue]
[City, State]
An elegant dinner and evening of celebration
RSVP by May 15
Template 22: Weekend Wedding
Together with their families
[Bride Name] and [Groom Name]
invite you to celebrate their marriage
Friday Welcome Dinner
June 14 at seven o'clock
[Venue]
Saturday Ceremony & Reception
June 15 at four o'clock
[Venue]
Sunday Brunch Celebration
June 16 at ten o'clock
[Venue]
RSVP by May 15
How to Handle Specific Family Situations
Your invitation wording should reflect your unique family circumstances with grace and clarity.
Divorced or Separated Parents
When parents are divorced, you have several elegant options:
Option 1: Couple-Centric Approach
"Together with their families, [Couple] invite you to celebrate their marriage"
This keeps the focus on the couple while honoring all family members without highlighting parental separation.
Option 2: Acknowledging Both Parents Equally
"Together with their families, [Bride Name] and [Groom Name] invite you to celebrate their marriage"
Simply using the couple's names avoids listing parents individually, which sidesteps the awkwardness of divorced parents sharing a host line.
Option 3: Both Parents as Hosts (If Participating Equally)
"Together with their families, [Mother's Name] and [Father's Name], [Bride Name] and [Groom Name] invite you to celebrate their marriage"
This works when both parents are equally involved and comfortable appearing together on the invitation.
Step-Parents
When step-parents are involved:
Acknowledge All Parents:
"Together with their families, [Bride Name], [Step-Parent Name(s)], and [Groom Name], [Step-Parent Name(s)] invite you..."
Keep It Simple:
"Together with their families, [Couple] invite you to celebrate their marriage"
The generic "families" phrasing naturally encompasses step-parents without requiring specific naming.
Deceased Parent
When honoring a deceased parent:
Memorial Inclusion:
"Together with their families, and in memory of [Deceased Parent's Name], [Couple] invite you to celebrate their marriage"
Subtle Memorial:
"Together with their families, [Couple] joyfully invite you to celebrate their marriage"
This acknowledges the deceased's presence without heavy-handedness. You might also include a memorial detail on the program or during the ceremony.
Single Parent
For couples with one parent present:
Simple and Natural:
"Together with their families, [Couple] invite you to celebrate their marriage"
The phrase "families" naturally accommodates single-parent households without requiring explanation.
Acknowledging the Parent:
"Together with their family, including [Parent's Name], [Couple] invite you to celebrate their marriage"
Same-Sex Couples
Same-sex couples have the same flexibility as opposite-sex couples:
Standard Approach:
"Together with their families, [Partner Name] and [Partner Name] invite you to celebrate their marriage"
Personal Variation:
"Together with their families, [Partner Name] and [Partner Name] joyfully invite you to celebrate their love and commitment"
Adult Children as Hosts
When adult children participate in hosting:
Acknowledging All Children:
"Together with their families, [Parent 1], [Parent 2], and their children [Names] invite you to celebrate the marriage of [Couple]"
Simpler Version:
"Together with their families, [Couple] invite you to celebrate their marriage"
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even well-intentioned couples can make errors with this wording. Here's what to watch for:
Mistake 1: Inconsistent Grammar
Wrong: "Together with their families, [Bride Name] and [Groom] invite..."
Right: "Together with their families, [Bride Name] and [Groom Name] invite..."
Always use full names for consistency and formality.
Mistake 2: Overcomplicating Family Representation
Wrong: "Together with their families, [Bride Name], [Father Name], [Mother Name], [Step-Father Name], [Step-Mother Name]..."
Right: "Together with their families, [Bride Name] and [Groom Name] invite..."
The phrase "families" does the work—don't list every family member.
Mistake 3: Mixing Formal and Casual Elements
Wrong: "Together with their families, [Bride] and [Groom] request the honor of your presence at their lit wedding celebration"
Right: Either maintain formality throughout or commit to a casual tone consistently.
Mistake 4: Unclear Hosting Responsibility
Wrong: "Together with their families who request the honor of your presence..."
Right: "Together with their families, [Couple] request the honor of your presence..."
Make the couple's agency clear by using their names as the grammatical subject.
Mistake 5: Forgetting Contact Information
Wrong: Ending the invitation without RSVP details or contact information.
Right: Always include clear RSVP instructions, deadline, and contact method.
Mistake 6: Grammatical Disagreements
Wrong: "Together with their families, [Bride Name] and [Groom Name] invites you..."
Right: "Together with their families, [Bride Name] and [Groom Name] invite you..." (Plural verb for two people)
Mistake 7: Contradictory Tone and Formality
Wrong: "Together with their families, [Couple] super stoked to party with you!"
Right: Match your tone to your overall invitation design and wedding style.
Alternative Phrasings and Variations
If "together with their families" doesn't feel quite right, consider these alternatives that maintain similar meaning and formality:
"Along With Their Families"
"Along with their families, [Couple] invite you to celebrate their marriage"
When to use: This feels slightly more casual than "together with" while maintaining warmth and inclusivity.
"Together With Their Loved Ones"
"Together with their loved ones, [Couple] invite you to celebrate their marriage"
When to use: Perfect for couples with chosen family or non-traditional family structures. Includes friends and mentors, not just biological family.
"In the Company of Their Families"
"In the company of their families, [Couple] invite you to celebrate their marriage"
When to use: Offers a slightly more poetic, literary feel while maintaining formality.
"Surrounded by Their Families"
"Surrounded by their families, [Couple] invite you to celebrate their marriage"
When to use: Emphasizes emotional support and warmth, ideal for intimate celebrations.
"With Their Families"
"With their families, [Couple] invite you to celebrate their marriage"
When to use: Most concise option; feels modern and streamlined without being cold.
"With the Joy of Their Families"
"With the joy of their families, [Couple] invite you to celebrate their marriage"
When to use: Emphasizes emotion and celebration; good for warm, personal invitations.
"With Their Families' Blessing"
"With their families' blessing and joy, [Couple] invite you to celebrate their marriage"
When to use: Implies family approval and support; slightly formal and traditional.
Final Thoughts on "Together With Their Families"
The phrase "together with their families" represents modern wedding culture at its best—honoring tradition while embracing contemporary values of equality and inclusion. It works beautifully across family structures, formality levels, and celebration styles.
Whether you choose this exact wording or one of its variations, the key is ensuring your invitation authentically represents your couple and your wedding vision. Your guests care far more about celebrating your love than perfect etiquette.
Remember that your invitation sets the tone for your entire celebration. Choose wording that feels genuine to you, proofread carefully, and send your invitations with confidence.
Ready to Plan Your Perfect Celebration?
Planning your wedding? Upload your invitation—image, video, or PDF—to Lumhe, find and connect with your guests by name, phone, or email, and send it directly. Track RSVPs per function, share Moments, and let guests send digital gifts. You can also share your invitation link on WhatsApp or any platform. Explore Lumhe here and transform how you connect with your wedding guests.
With Lumhe's unified celebration platform, you'll spend less time managing logistics and more time enjoying your engagement. Whether you're handling a small intimate gathering or a large destination wedding, Lumhe brings your guests together around what matters most—celebrating your love.
