If a parent is a widow or widower, it is acceptable to list them alone as the single host of the event. If you wish to honor a deceased parent, you can also describe the bride or groom as “the child of Mr. John Smith and the late Anne Smith.”
However, we think it is strange and awkward to include a deceased parent at the top of the invitation in a way that makes it seem that the deceased person is inviting guests to the event. It is more appropriate to find a way to honor the deceased parent during the wedding ceremony, such as placing a white rose on the altar or including a note or poem in the program.
If both parents are deceased, and another family member is hosting, just explain that. (Ex. Mrs. Anne Smith invites you to the marriage of her niece…)
. . . . . . . . . .
Mrs. Jane Smith
and her husband, Mr. John Smith,
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of her sister
Elizabeth Anne to John Johnson
on Friday, the twenty-first of May
at eight o’clock in the evening
First Methodist Church
1234 Some Street
City, State
Reception with dinner and dancing
to follow at Preston Country Club
. . . . . . . . . .
Please share our joy
at the wedding of
Jane Elizabeth
daughter of Anne and Michael Smith
and
John David
son of Phillip Johnson
and the late Carmen Johnson
on Thursday, the fifteenth of July
First Methodist Church
1234 Some Street
City, State
Reception with dinner and dancing
to follow at Preston Country Club
. . . . . . . . . .
Anne Smith
invites you to celebrate
the marriage of her daughter
Jane Elizabeth
and
John David Johnson
on the twenty-first of October
two thousand and thirteen
at ten o’clock in the morning
First Methodist Church
1234 Some Street
City, State
Lunch reception to follow
in the fellowship hall