Engagement party invitation wording, with 22 examples
An engagement is a couple's first official celebration. It can be a dinner with both families, a ring blessing in church or a party with music until the early hours. The invitation sets the tone for all of it. Below are 22 wordings you can copy or adapt, along with when to send the invitation, what it must include, and a short guide to how engagements work in Greek families.
What an engagement invitation should include
Before choosing a tone, make sure the wording answers what guests will ask:
- The couple's names. Usually first names only, or full names if the parents are hosting.
- Date and time. Include the day of the week, to avoid any confusion.
- Location. The venue's name, the address and, if you can, a map link.
- What kind of event it is. A ring blessing, a dinner, a party, or a mix. If there is a dress code, say so.
- RSVP. By when you need an answer, and how.
- Optional: parking, whether children are invited, or whether you would rather have wishes than gifts.
How a Greek engagement works
If you are marrying into a Greek family, or inviting friends who have never been to a Greek engagement, a few customs explain the wording below:
- "Giving the word". Traditionally, the groom's family visited the bride's family to ask for her hand, and the two families "gave their word". Many families still mark it with a dinner at home.
- The ring blessing. Some couples have their rings blessed by a priest, in church or at home, with close family present. It is short and simple, and often followed by a meal.
- The rings. In Greece the engagement rings are often plain bands worn on the left hand, which move to the right hand at the wedding. Families and regions vary.
- The party. Today many couples skip the formal steps and simply throw an engagement party for friends and family.
When to send an engagement invitation
An engagement is organised faster than a wedding, so the timings are shorter:
- Family dinner or small party: 2 to 3 weeks before.
- Engagement party with many guests: 3 to 5 weeks before, so people keep the date free.
- Guests who will travel: tell them with a call or a short message as early as you can, and send the invitation later.
Set the RSVP deadline about a week before the engagement, so you can give the venue final numbers in time.
Classic engagement invitation wording
When the parents are hosting, or the event is more formal.
1. From the parents
It is with great joy that we invite you to the engagement of our children, Helen and Nicholas, on Saturday 15 May at 8 pm, at the Olive Grove estate. We would be delighted to have you with us.
2. Ring blessing
Maria and George will exchange rings with the blessing of the Church on Sunday 9 June at 12 noon, at the Church of St Demetrios. We would love you to join us, and for the lunch that follows.
3. Short and formal
The Papadopoulos and Smith families invite you to the engagement of Katerina and Daniel. Friday 20 September, 9 pm, The Harbour Restaurant.
4. With a nod to tradition
As tradition has it, before the wedding comes the word. Sophia and Alexander are giving theirs, and they would like you to hear it in person. We look forward to seeing you on Saturday 12 October at our home.
5. Warm and family-centred
One table, the people we love and two rings. Join us to celebrate our engagement on Sunday 3 November at 2 pm. Anna and Peter
6. For family far away
We know it is a long way, which is why we are telling you early: on 25 July we are celebrating our engagement on Naxos, and it would not be the same without you. Travel and accommodation details are all on our page.
Modern engagement wording
Simpler, more personal, less formal.
7. Minimal
We are engaged. Come and celebrate. Joanna and Stephen, Saturday 18 May, 9 pm, the rooftop at The Lantern.
8. With your story
We met on a bus that was running late. Since then we have never been late anywhere together, with one exception: we invite you to our engagement, a little later than everyone expected.
9. Question and answer
He asked. She said yes. Now we are asking you: will you come and celebrate? Friday 7 June, 8.30 pm.
10. About the moment
We want this evening with all our people around the same table. Join us for our engagement.
11. In English and Greek
We are engaged. Join us for our engagement celebration on Saturday 21 September at 8 pm. [The same lines in Greek, for example "Arravoniastikame", written in Greek letters on the Greek version.]
12. For a couple who already live together
We already share a home, a sofa and the remote control. It is time to share a ring as well. Come and celebrate with us.
Funny engagement wording
For friends with a sense of humour, who will smile before they even arrive.
13. An answer at last
After years of "so when?" at every family dinner, we finally have an answer. Come and celebrate, and nobody ask us again.
14. Official announcement
It is hereby announced that Costas has managed to convince Despina. Details of the negotiations will be shared at the engagement dinner, Saturday 5 October.
15. The ring
The ring was found, the yes was said, the food is ordered. The only thing missing is you.
16. Weather forecast
Forecast for Saturday 14 June: clear skies, rising spirits and a 100% chance of dancing. Observation point: Nadia and Theo's engagement.
17. For the undecided
We have made the big decision. Yours is simpler: are you coming or not? Let us know by 10 May.
Engagement party wording
When the engagement is really one big party, the wording can carry more energy.
18. Garden party
Fairy lights in the mulberry tree, music and far too much food. We are having an engagement party in our garden on Saturday 29 June, from 9 pm. Your chair is waiting, next to the grill.
19. Beach party
Sand under our feet, a sunset and two rings. Engagement party on the beach, Sunday 4 August, 7.30 pm. Dress code: summery and comfortable.
20. With a dress code
Join us for our engagement party on Saturday 16 November. Dress code: all white. We will dance until they throw us out.
21. A surprise for friends
We invited you for a simple drink. In fact, it is our engagement party. Do not tell anyone until Friday.
22. After a ring blessing
In the morning, the ring blessing with our families; in the evening, the party with all of you. Saturday 7 September, from 9 pm at The Courtyard. Please confirm on our page.
Writing your own
- Choose one tone and keep to it. A funny wording signed formally by the parents is confusing.
- Keep it short. The practical details matter more than the prose. Two to four sentences are enough.
- Think about who will read it. If it goes to aunts and uncles as well as friends, a warm, neutral wording is safer.
- Read it aloud. If it sounds natural, it is ready.
- Check the date and time twice. It is the most common mistake and the most annoying to correct.
If you are already thinking about the wedding, see the destination wedding invitation timeline and how to word bank details on an invitation. The same question will come up again.
Your engagement invitation on its own page
The wording you choose can reach everyone with one link, at an address such as helen-nicholas.day2remember.gr. For a summer engagement there is Riviera spritz, with a striped awning, two spritz glasses and lemons, and for something more playful, Cherry pop. The page has a countdown and an RSVP form that sends replies to your email. From Gold up, a map for the venue and music are added. There is no guest limit, and the page stays online after the engagement. See the engagement and party invitation designs and the prices, from €59, the same for an engagement.
Questions couples ask
How far in advance should you send engagement party invitations? About 2 to 3 weeks for a small dinner and 3 to 5 weeks for a large party. Guests who travel need a message much earlier.
Who hosts the engagement party? Traditionally the parents, often the bride's family. Today many couples host their own, and the wording can come from them.
What is a ring blessing at a Greek engagement? A short blessing of the rings by an Orthodox priest, in church or at home, usually with close family, often followed by a meal or a party.