Wedding Invitations from Parents - Wording and Tradition

Tradition - why parents invite

In Polish culture, a wedding is not only the union of two people but also of two families. Traditionally, it was the bride’s parents (as hosts of the reception) or both sets of parents who invited guests to the celebration. It is an expression of respect, hospitality and family tradition.

An invitation from the parents is still preferred in several situations:

• A church wedding with a traditional setting.
• The parents are paying for the reception - it is natural for them to invite as hosts.
• Older guests (such as grandparents) expect the traditional form.
• Both families have known each other for a long time and want to invite loved ones together.

Wording for invitations from parents

Etiquette - what to watch for

• Order of names - traditionally the bride’s parents first, then the groom’s. You can also go alphabetically.
• Full first names - Maria and Piotr, not Marysia and Piotrek. An invitation calls for the formal version.
• Academic titles - if the parents hold titles (Dr, Prof.), you can include them, but it is optional.
• Consistent format - if some parents have titles and others do not, it is better to leave titles out for everyone.
• “Have the honour” vs “invite” - the first form is more formal, the second warmer and more natural.

Special family situations

Not every family looks the same. Here is how to handle delicate situations:

• Divorced parents - list them separately, each with their current surname. For example, “Maria Kowalska and Piotr Kowalski” (without a joining “and” between a couple’s names). If they have new partners, whether to include them depends on your relationships.
• A parent who has passed away - you can leave them out or add a gentle remembrance: “Anna, daughter of Maria Kowalska and the late Piotr Kowalski”.
• A single parent - one name is enough. There is no need to explain the situation on the invitation.
• Foster or step-parents - treat them like biological parents if they play that role in the couple’s lives.

A modern approach

More and more couples combine tradition with a modern touch. Popular compromises:

• An invitation from the couple with the added line “Together with our parents” - it respects tradition but puts the couple in the foreground.
• Two sets of invitations - traditional (from the parents) for older guests, modern (from the couple) for their peers.
• The parents’ names on the inside of the invitation, and the couple’s names on the cover.

The most important thing is to talk to your parents about their expectations early - before you commission the invitation design. You will find detailed information about all the formats in our complete guide to wedding invitations (in Polish).