There are several issues that should be considered in properly wording a wedding announcement or invitation – issues concerning a death of a parent, divorce, open house verses a wedding reception, etc. Additionally, the manner in which invitations are worded can denote certain things.
If the invitation is issued by the bride’s parents, it will contain language similar to this example:
“Mr. and Mrs. William Stevens request your company at the wedding reception of their daughter…”
Being written in this way shows that the bride’s parents are a) paying for the event; b) have given their “blessing” to the event; or c) want to honor their daughter by having a reception for her.
If the invitation is issued by the bride and groom, it will contain language similar to this example:
“Jonathan and Stephanie have chosen…”
This example could mean a) this is a second marriage where the bride is not being “given away” by her father; b) this marriage does not have the blessing of the parents; or c) the bride and groom are paying for and hosting their own reception.
Wedding announcements and wedding invitations are quite different in their function and just as their names imply, one announces an event, the other invites guests to attend the event. Wedding announcements are always sent out after the event, never before.
It is inappropriate to announce an event to which you do not invite the person. For example, sometimes an announcement of a marriage ceremony at a religious location appears first in the text then, usually in a second paragraph, appears an invitation for guests to attend the reception at a seperate location. If this invitation format is mailed outside of this geographical region it may be offensive to the recipient. This problem can be rectified by simply placing a corner copy at the bottom of the invitation stating, “Marriage solemnized in the (place).”