Wedding invitations: the wording, the timing and sending on WhatsApp

The invitation is the first thing your guests see of your wedding. The clearer it is, the fewer questions you'll get on the day, and the fewer phone calls.

What to write in the invitation

• The names: the bride's and the groom's, written the way you like.
• The event: the engagement, the katb el-ketab or the wedding. If you have more than one event, give each its own invitation.
• The day, date and time: write the name of the day next to the date, so there's no confusion.
• The place: the venue's name and a link to its location on the map.
• The RSVP date: a clear day to reply by.
• Optional details: the dress code, parking, and whether the wedding is for adults only.

The wording

Choose words that sound like you. Here are three examples, using the names Salma and Karim:

• Formal: "Salma and Karim request the pleasure of your company at their wedding on Thursday 13 May 2027 at 8 pm."
• Warm: "Our joy isn't complete without you. Join us for Salma and Karim's wedding on Thursday 13 May at 8 in the evening."
• Short: "Salma & Karim · Thursday 13 May 2027 · 8 pm · Please reply by 1 May."

If you'd like to open the invitation with the basmala, or a verse from the Quran or the Bible, that's entirely your choice. In Zaghrouta's invitation designer, that line is optional and switched off to begin with.

When should you send it?

• The wedding invitation: the wedding plan schedules sending it a month before the wedding.
• The engagement invitation: three weeks before the engagement.
• The RSVP date: ask the venue when it needs the final number, and set your reply date a few days before that.
• A reminder: a short message a few days before, with the time and the location link.

Sending on WhatsApp

• Send to each person separately: a message with their name feels warmer than one message in a big group, and you know who has received it.
• A line before the link: say in a few words what it is, so the person receiving it feels safe opening it.
• The family's elders: call them first, then send the invitation. If someone isn't used to links, send it to a relative close to them who can help.
• No app needed: guests open the invitation as a web page from the link, without installing anything, and reply with one tap.

On Zaghrouta

In the invitation designer you make an invitation for each event: the engagement, the katb el-ketab and the wedding. You choose the look, the colours, the wording, your photo and the place. Before sending, you see it exactly as a guest will on WhatsApp, with the RSVP buttons.

The invitations are built from Zaghrouta's own templates, so they stay editable and print well. Once the replies come in, carry on with the guest list guide.