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How to word a bilingual or multicultural wedding invitation: layouts, whose names go first, formal phrasing, sample wording, and inserts for events and RSVPs.
A bilingual wedding invitation usually prints the full wording in both languages, either side by side, one above the other, or on the front and back of the card, with the same information in each. Keep the wording parallel, list hosts the way each culture expects, and have a native speaker check every line. If you're hosting several events, such as a mehndi, a tea ceremony and a reception, put the extra events on a separate insert or your wedding website so each guest sees only what they're invited to.
Bilingual invitation layouts: Side by side, Two columns, one per language, Both languages use similar scripts and lengths; Stacked, One language above the other, often split by a motif, Wording is short; Front and back, One language per side, Scripts differ a lot, such as English with Hindi, Arabic or Chinese; Two cards, A separate card for each side of the family, Families expect very different wording or design; One language plus key lines, Full wording in one language, names and a greeting in the other, Most guests share one language.
Whatever the culture, the essentials are the same. The Emily Post Institute's wording guides list what every invitation must say: who is hosting, who is marrying, and when and where. Add the RSVP method and your website on an insert.
If one side of your invitation is formal English, the Emily Post Institute's formal wording guide advises:
These are templates to adapt. Have a native speaker translate and check your final text, because literal translations often sound stiff or wrong.
Design choices carry meaning too. Red is the traditional colour of Chinese weddings, and invitations often carry the Double Happiness) character. Ask older relatives whether any colours or symbols should be avoided in their culture. Our guide to why brides wear red explains some of the meaning behind wedding colours.
If different guests are invited to different events, don't list them all on the main card. Options:
Make the RSVP card or form bilingual too, with the same deadline in each. If you're collecting responses per event, list each event with its own yes or no. Forever Farrah's guest list can take RSVPs separately for each event, with meal choices, from your wedding website. For deadlines, see when should wedding RSVPs be due.
Send them in both languages as well, especially if guests are travelling from abroad. See when to send save-the-dates and invitations and our invitation timeline tool.
There's no rule. Many couples put the language of the hosts or the majority of guests first, or split the card so neither is first. Consistency across the invitation, inserts and website matters more.
No. Keep names as each person writes them, though you can add a transliteration in the other script so guests can read them.
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