Western & American Engagement Invitation Wording.
The formal betrothal, where the families commit and often fix the date.
- Who invites
- Historically the bride’s parents; now just as often the couple themselves, or both families jointly.
- How it opens
- No invocation by convention — most Western invitations open with the hosts’ names
- Register
- Ranges from the very formal (spelled-out dates, "the honour of your presence") to entirely your own voice. Note the convention that "honour of your presence" signals a religious ceremony and "pleasure of your company" a civil one.
Sample wording
Written as common practice, not prescription. Take whichever is closest and change the parts that are not you — that is what these are for.
Eleanor and James are engaged — and would love to celebrate with you. Saturday 14 November 2026, 7 pm Drinks and dinner The Bennett home