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Inclusive Wedding Language: A Practical Vocabulary

Updated July 25, 2026

Weddings and civil unions belong to every kind of couple. The vocabulary the industry uses is finally catching up. This is a working list of language that works — for invitations, ceremony scripts, vendor briefs, and RSVP forms.

None of this is about policing anyone else's words for their own celebration. Use the terms that feel right to you. But if you want your paperwork, your officiant, and your vendors to reflect who you actually are, the words below are a good starting point.

Partners and the couple

'Partners' works for every couple. 'The couple,' 'the newlyweds,' 'the two of you' all sit comfortably alongside more traditional 'bride' and 'groom' when those terms apply.

For invitations: 'Together with their families, [Name] and [Name] invite you to celebrate their marriage / civil union / commitment.'

The wedding party

'Wedding party' or 'attendants' instead of gendered defaults. Individual roles: 'best person,' 'honor attendant,' 'best team,' 'nearest and dearest.'

'Person of honor' and 'best person' are widely used and universally understood.

Ceremony language

Ask your officiant for a script preview. Confirm pronouns, names as they should be pronounced, and any language you want removed (traditional Christian, patriarchal, or gender-binary phrasing that does not fit).

'By the power vested in me by [state] and by the promises you have made to each other, I now pronounce you married' works for every jurisdiction that recognizes marriage or civil union.

Paperwork and vendor briefs

When booking vendors, lead with names, not roles. 'Alex and Sam' avoids the awkward 'bride and… bride?' guessing.

Marriage license forms in most US states now say 'Applicant 1 / Applicant 2' or 'Spouse 1 / Spouse 2.' A few still say 'Bride / Groom' — you can strike through and write in the correct term.

For guests and family

Include a short note on your wedding website: 'We use they/them for Sam and she/her for Alex. Please use these when introducing them.'

Family members who slip up during toasts are not the crisis of the day. Prepare your officiant and MC; everyone else follows their lead.

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Frequently asked

What do you call a wedding party if there are no bridesmaids or groomsmen?
'The wedding party,' 'attendants,' 'honor attendants,' or 'our people.' Any of these are widely understood.
Is 'partner' formal enough for wedding invitations?
Yes. 'Partner,' 'spouse,' and 'beloved' all work in formal invitation wording. Use the term you would use if a stranger asked about your relationship.

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