Bilingual Spanish and English Invitations: How to Word Them (with Examples)
In many families across the United States, Spanish is spoken with the grandparents and English with the cousins. A bilingual invitation makes everyone feel truly invited. Here's how to lay it out, how to write dates and times in both languages, what not to translate, and ready-to-use examples.
Three ways to lay it out
| Layout | What it looks like | When it works |
|---|---|---|
| Stacked | Each line in one language with the translation right below (smaller or in another color). | Short wording; the easiest to read. |
| Front and back | One language on the front, the other on the back. | Lots of text; it stays clean and elegant. |
| Mixed | Main phrase in one language, practical details in the other or both. | When almost every guest understands both languages. |
If you choose front and back, check that the design offers a back side; you'll see it on each invitation's page and can personalize it in the preview.
What not to translate
- Names. María José stays María José in English; don't change it to "Mary".
- Place names: the church, venue and address appear only once.
- Words already shared by both languages: "quinceañera", "padrinos" or "mariachi" are understood either way.
Dates and times in both languages
| Español | English | |
|---|---|---|
| Date | Sábado 14 de noviembre de 2027 | Saturday, November 14, 2027 |
| Time | A las 7:00 de la noche | At seven o'clock in the evening |
| RSVP | Favor de confirmar antes del 15 de octubre | Kindly reply by October 15 |
In Spanish the day comes before the month, and days and months are lowercase; in English the month comes first and is capitalized. Avoid formats like 11/14/27, which Spanish speakers read the other way around.
Wedding example
Together with their families
Con la bendición de Dios y de nuestros padres
Daniela Ramírez & Andrew Miller
request the pleasure of your company at their wedding
tienen el gusto de invitarte a su boda
Saturday, June 12, 2027 · 4:00 PM
Sábado 12 de junio de 2027 · 4:00 p. m.
St. Joseph Church · Reception to follow
Recepción a continuación
Quinceañera example
My Quinceañera
Mis XV años
Valentina Sofía
Please join me to celebrate
Te invito a celebrar conmigo
Saturday, November 14, 2027 · 6:00 PM
Sábado 14 de noviembre de 2027 · 6:00 p. m.
Kindly reply by October 15
Favor de confirmar antes del 15 de octubre
More wording ideas in our quinceañera invitation wording guide.
Design tips
- Set the languages apart with size, italics or a softer color for the second language.
- Trim the text: two languages double everything, so cut what isn't essential and put details (registry, hotel) on an insert card or the back.
- Ask a native speaker of each language to proofread before ordering.
- Preview it live: in our shop you type the wording in both languages and the preview shows whether everything fits.
Find your design in wedding invitations or quinceañera invitations.
More guides
When to Send Invitations: A Timeline for Weddings, Quinceañeras and Baptisms
The exact weeks to mail your invitations for each event, plus a calculator to know when to order them.
Quinceañera Invitation Wording: Religious, Short, Elegant and Bilingual Ideas
Wording ideas for her quinceañera invitation and the details you can't forget.
Acrylic Invitations Guide: Clear, Frosted, Black or White (and How to Care for Them)
Which finish to choose for your event, how to clean them without scratches and what to know before mailing them.