Here are wording templates for every function, written two ways: the traditional version from the parents, and the modern version from the couple. Hindi templates are in Devanagari. Change the names in [brackets] and use them on a printed card, a digital invite, or both.
First, who is inviting?
This decides the whole tone. Traditionally the bride’s or groom’s parents (sometimes grandparents) are the hosts, and the card is written in their voice: “Mr and Mrs Sharma request the pleasure of your company…” Many couples now host themselves, or write jointly: “Together with their families, Ananya and Rohan…”
Neither is more correct. A simple rule: whoever is paying for and hosting the function is the one inviting. If both families are hosting together, name both.
The parts of a traditional card
- Invocation: “॥ श्री गणेशाय नमः ॥” or a line for your family deity, at the very top.
- Blessings: “With the blessings of Smt. [grandmother] and Late Shri [grandfather]”. Get these names exactly right — this is the line that gets checked.
- Hosts and the request: who is inviting, and the invitation line itself.
- The couple: with honorifics. In Hindi cards the groom is often “चि.” (Chiranjeevi) and the bride “सौ. कां.” (Saubhagyakankshini), followed by “सुपुत्र/सुपुत्री” and parents’ names.
- Functions: each with day, date, time and venue.
- Closing: “स्वागतोत्सुक” (eager to welcome you) and “दर्शनाभिलाषी” (hoping for your presence) with family names, plus RSVP details.
A digital invite can hold the same structure but splits it nicely: the invocation and couple on the opening screen, then a section per function, each with its own map. See more on our shaadi card and wedding invitation wording pages.
Main wedding (pheras) wording
With the blessings of the Almighty and our elders, Mr and Mrs [father’s and mother’s name] request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of their daughter [bride] with [groom] (son of Mr and Mrs [names]) on [day, date] at [muhurat time] [venue, city]
Together with our families, [bride] & [groom] invite you to celebrate our wedding [date] · pheras at [time] [venue, city] Come hungry, leave married-adjacent.
॥ श्री गणेशाय नमः ॥ श्रीमती [दादी] एवं स्व. श्री [दादाजी] के आशीर्वाद से [पिता] एवं [माता] अपनी सुपुत्री सौ. कां. [दुल्हन] का शुभ विवाह चि. [दूल्हा] (सुपुत्र श्री [नाम]) के साथ [तिथि] को [समय] शुभ मुहूर्त में होना निश्चित हुआ है। आप सपरिवार सादर आमंत्रित हैं। स्थान: [पता] स्वागतोत्सुक: [परिवार के नाम]
हम दोनों एक नई शुरुआत करने जा रहे हैं, और चाहते हैं कि आप उस पल में हमारे साथ हों। [दुल्हन] ♥ [दूल्हा] विवाह: [तारीख़], [समय] [स्थान]
Haldi wording
Haldi is informal and usually for close family. The one practical line you must include: wear something you don’t mind getting yellow. Turmeric does not wash out of silk.
The [surname] family invites you to the haldi ceremony of [name] [date] · [time] [venue] Dress code: yellow, and clothes you won’t miss.
Things are about to get yellow. Join us for [name]’s haldi [date] · [time] · [venue] Wear old whites or yellows. You will be haldi-ed.
हल्दी की रस्म में आप सादर आमंत्रित हैं। [नाम] की हल्दी [तारीख़], [समय] स्थान: [पता] पीले रंग के वस्त्रों में पधारें।
Mehendi wording
Please join us for the mehendi ceremony of our daughter [bride] [date] · from [time] [venue] Mehendi, music and good food.
Henna, songs and too much chaat. Come for [bride]’s mehendi [date] · [time] · [venue] Dress code: shades of green.
मेहंदी की रस्म में आपकी उपस्थिति प्रार्थनीय है। सौ. कां. [दुल्हन] की मेहंदी [तारीख़], [समय] से स्थान: [पता]
Sangeet wording
Sangeet invites can be the cheekiest card in the set. If there are family dance performances, say so — it’s fair warning for the cousins who need to rehearse.
An evening of music and dance to celebrate [bride] & [groom] Sangeet · [date] · [time] [venue] We hope you will join us.
Dhol, dance-offs and one very nervous groom. Our sangeet is on [date] at [time], [venue]. Dress: glam. Dancing: mandatory. Talent: optional.
संगीत संध्या [दुल्हन] एवं [दूल्हा] के विवाह के उपलक्ष्य में [तारीख़], [समय] स्थान: [पता] नाच-गाने के लिए तैयार होकर आइए!
Reception wording
Reception lists are usually the widest — office friends, neighbours, the extended circle. Keep it graceful and clear. More options on our reception invitation wording page.
Mr and Mrs [names] request the pleasure of your company at the reception of their son [groom] with [bride] on [date] at [time] [venue]
We did the pheras. Now, the party. Celebrate with [bride] & [groom] Reception · [date] · from [time] [venue]
शुभ विवाह के उपलक्ष्य में आयोजित प्रीतिभोज में आप सपरिवार सादर आमंत्रित हैं। [तारीख़], [समय] से स्थान: [पता] दर्शनाभिलाषी: [परिवार के नाम]
Small wording mistakes that cause big drama
- Missing an elder. List the grandparents (including late grandparents, with “Late” or “स्व.”) the way the family expects. Check with both sides.
- Inconsistent names. If the bride is “Ananya” on one card and “Anu” on another, someone will ask which. Pick one form per card.
- Unclear timing. Write “Baraat assembles at 6 pm” or “Pheras at 9:15 pm muhurat” — not just “Evening”.
- No dress code for themed functions. If you want yellow at haldi or pastels at the day ceremony, say it on the card. Our what to wear guide has colour ideas.
- RSVP with no deadline. “RSVP by [date] to [name, number]” — or, on a digital invite, a reply button per function.
Printed, digital, or both?
Many families now print a small run of cards for elders and send everyone else a digital invite on WhatsApp. If you’re weighing it up, we wrote an honest comparison of digital vs printed cards. And when you send, these WhatsApp etiquette tips save you from the dreaded family-group dump.