A Simple Guide to Casual Wedding Invitation Wording
How to Keep Things Warm, Welcoming, and Just Right for Your Laid-Back Celebration
When it comes to wedding invitations, not everyone wants formal calligraphy or stiff wording. If you’re planning a relaxed, fun, or outdoor wedding—maybe in your backyard, on the beach, or at a cozy barn—then casual wedding invitation wording might feel more “you.”
Whether you’re going all out with a rustic celebration or keeping it super low-key with an intimate elopement, casual invitation wording sets the tone from the moment your guests open the envelope (or email!). This guide will walk you through how to word your invites so they match your vibe perfectly.
Why Go with Casual Wedding Invitation Wording?
Let’s be honest—traditional wedding invites can feel a little stuffy. Lines like “request the honour of your presence” are classic but not everyone’s style. Casual invitations strike a balance between elegance and approachability. They feel warm, welcoming, and real—just like your celebration.
Here’s why couples choose casual wedding invitation wording:
- 💛 It feels more personal – like you’re inviting loved ones to a meaningful celebration, not a formal gala.
- 🪩 It matches your vibe – especially if your wedding is informal, non-traditional, or held at a relaxed venue.
- 📝 It gives you more freedom – to be playful, sweet, or even a little funny if that fits your personality.
What to Include in Your Casual Wedding Invitation
Even if the tone is relaxed, your wedding invite still needs to cover all the essential info. Here’s what you shouldn’t leave out:
- The couple’s names
- The date and time of the ceremony
- The venue/location
- Reception details (if different)
- RSVP information
- Optional: Dress code, wedding website, or accommodation info
Casual Wedding Invitation Wording Examples
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wedding-invitation-wording-facebook-steph-sorenson-12-11-b1e24d40b3064d82a7489bbcfc0d5380.jpg)
Here are some easygoing templates you can use or tweak to fit your style. Feel free to mix and match!
1. Chill Backyard Wedding
Together with their families
Emma & Lucas
invite you to join them for
a laid-back backyard wedding
on Saturday, May 24th at 4:00 PM
2045 Oak Ridge Lane, Asheville, NC
BBQ, dancing, and celebration to follow
RSVP at emmaandlucas.com
2. Beach Elopement Celebration
We did the thing!
Now let’s celebrate.
Join us for a beach bash honoring
Sophie & Mark’s
I-do’s in Tulum
Saturday, November 2nd | 5:00 PM
Playa Azul Beach Club
Casual attire & good vibes only
RSVP by Oct 10 to: beachparty@wedmail.com
3. Simple Ceremony at Home
You’re invited to
celebrate love, laughter, and happily ever after
as Maya & Jordan
say “I do” in their backyard
Sunday, June 16th | 3:30 PM
121 Maplewood Drive, Portland
Dinner & drinks to follow
Please RSVP by June 1
4. Destination Wedding with a Fun Twist
Pack your bags!
Rachel & Ben are getting hitched in Italy
Join us in Florence
for a weekend of love, wine & laughter
September 10-12, 2026
Full schedule + RSVP: rachelandbenwed.com
5. Couples Hosting Themselves
No parents, no pressure, just love.
Katie & Drew
invite you to their wedding
Saturday, October 8th, 2025
4:30 PM | The Garden Grove
Reception to follow
Kindly RSVP at katieanddrewwedding.com
Tips for Writing Your Own Casual Wedding Invite
Want to DIY your invite wording? Here are a few tips to keep things smooth and stress-free:
✅ Be yourself
Use language that sounds like you! If you’d never say “cordially invited” in real life, don’t include it on your invite.
✅ Keep it clear
Even in a casual invite, the key info should be easy to find. Date, time, location, and RSVP details should stand out.
✅ Add a personal touch
Whether it’s a quote you love, a line of humor, or a playful phrase (“come hungry, dance wildly!”), make it reflect your personality.
✅ Consider your guests
Even with a casual tone, keep your audience in mind. Grandma still wants to know what time to show up and what shoes to wear.
Casual vs. Formal Invitation Wording: Quick Comparison
| Element | Casual | Formal |
|---|---|---|
| Couple’s Names | Emma & Lucas | Emma Marie Smith and Lucas James Davis |
| Greeting | You’re invited / Join us | Request the pleasure of your company |
| RSVP Wording | Let us know at [site/email] | Kindly reply by the fifth of June |
| Tone | Friendly, conversational | Traditional, elegant |
When to Use a Casual Tone (and When to Skip It)
Go casual if…
- Your wedding is informal or outdoors
- You’re paying for the wedding yourselves
- You want a modern, non-traditional feel
- You’re inviting close friends and family only
Stick to formal if…
- Your wedding is black-tie or at a formal venue
- You have a large guest list including distant relatives or VIPs
- You’re blending traditional elements (like a religious ceremony)
- Your families expect or prefer formal etiquette
Optional Details You Can Add to Casual Invites
Want to give your guests a little extra info without making the invite too crowded? Here are a few extras you might include:
- Dress code – casual, cocktail, barefoot on the beach?
- Your wedding website – for RSVP, registry, and details
- Kids welcome (or not) – kindly let guests know upfront
- Accommodation info – if many guests are traveling
- Registry info – add a note or include it on your website
FAQs About Casual Wedding Invitation Wording
Q1: Can we still include parents’ names in a casual invite?
Yes! You can totally include parents’ names in a relaxed tone. Example:
Together with their families, Emma & Lucas invite you…
Q2: Is it okay to send a digital invitation?
Absolutely. Casual weddings often go hand-in-hand with eco-friendly or modern digital invites. Sites like Paperless Post, Greenvelope, and Evite work great.
Q3: Can we use humor or puns?
Go for it—as long as it feels authentic to your personality. Something like “Let’s taco ‘bout love” for a taco truck wedding? Yes, please.
Q4: Should we still include RSVP details?
Yes, always. Even the chillest wedding needs a headcount. Include how and when to RSVP (email, website, or card).
Q5: How early should we send casual invitations?
Send your invites 6–8 weeks before the big day. If it’s a destination wedding, aim for 3–4 months ahead, with a save-the-date even earlier.
Conclusion: Set the Tone with Words That Feel Like You
Your wedding is a celebration of your love—and your invitation should reflect that! Whether you’re saying “I do” under twinkle lights in your backyard or celebrating on a sunny beach with flip-flops, casual wedding invitation wording keeps things simple, sweet, and true to who you are.
There’s no one right way to write a wedding invite. The key is to make it feel personal, easy to understand, and full of the same love and joy your big day will bring. So go ahead—ditch the stuffy language and speak from the heart. Your guests will appreciate the relaxed tone just as much as the invite itself.