Wording for our wedding invitation?

My long-term boyfriend and I are finally getting married, now that he’s ready and now that we live in a state where we can. We’ve worked through a lot of our wedding issues (like any couple), but one we’re stuck on is how to properly word our wedding invitation.

One of the key differences I’ve noticed among gays and lesbians who are marrying, versus their heterosexual counterparts, is that more often that not you are throwing your own wedding—not your parents. So unless they are (if that’s the case, bravo to them and you), the invitation wording should come directly from you. For example:

Samuel Gershon and Daniel Litwack
Cordially invite you to join them as they exchange vows
In a celebration of marriage

Simple, to the point. In case you’re wondering, there’s no rule as to which name comes first. When in doubt (or at odds with each other), alphabetical order is a good rule to follow.

You did mention that you’ve been together a long time, but didn’t say whether separately or together you have children. For those who do have kids or close family, this is a good way to approach it:

Together with our families
We invite you to celebrate our wedding
Molly O’Malley and Sarah Steinberg

Or:

Please join us at Town Hall
As we celebrate the occasion of our marriage
In the company of our children, family and loved ones
Fred Rymer and George Mendes

A final note: Evites and other e-mail invitations are fine for bachelor parties, wedding showers, and baby showers these days, but generally not for your wedding. If anything, it’s wonderful for you and your guests to have a keepsake of the momentous occasion.