Wedding Titles and Pronouns: Choose the Words That Fit

Wedding titles and pronouns are separate decisions. A person can use bride, groom, partner, marrier or no wedding title. Their choice does not assign a title to anyone else, and it does not tell you their pronouns.

Start by asking the people involved how they want to be introduced. Then carry those choices into the places where guests and vendors will actually see or hear them.

Choose titles one person at a time

Possible combinations include two brides, two grooms, bride and partner, groom and partner, or names only. Traditional wording can be the right choice; neutral wording can be the right choice. Inclusion means having the choice, not replacing every personal title with the same neutral word.

Use celebrant or officiant for the person performing that role, rather than as a generic replacement for a person getting married. A title should make the introduction clearer.

Keep a small wording record

Not every field needs a public answer. In particular, a person should be able to participate without publishing pronouns or explaining why they do not want to.

Use names when a title adds nothing

An invitation can simply begin:

Alex and Morgan
invite you to celebrate their wedding.

The website might say:

Meet Alex and Morgan, the people behind this celebration.

There is no need to insert partner into every sentence when names sound more natural. Read our invitation wording examples for complete formats.

Share pronouns with permission

Ask what a person uses and how they want that information shared. Do not infer pronouns from a photograph, outfit or wedding title. GLAAD's reference guide recommends using people's own descriptions and pronouns.

You might offer every wedding-party member the same optional field, rather than singling anyone out. But do not turn an invitation to share into an expectation that everyone must disclose publicly.

A brief introduction can read:

Rowan - Person of honour
Rowan uses they/them pronouns and will share a reading during the ceremony.

Use that sentence only with Rowan's agreement. A name and role alone are also sufficient.

Brief vendors with the words they need

A practical note avoids repeated improvisation:

Please use [names] in announcements. Our wedding titles are [titles or none]. The approved reception introduction is: "[exact wording]." Please share this with the staff addressing guests, and ask before using another introduction.

Give photographers a name-based group list. Give the MC pronunciation notes and the final introduction. Do not assume a conversation with one booking contact automatically reaches the whole team.

Check the actual ceremony wording

For a legally solemnised marriage, ask the authorised person performing it which declarations or words are required and which can be personalised. Requirements depend on the jurisdiction and ceremony.

Do not assume alternatives such as married, partners for life or a playful announcement are legally interchangeable. Australia's official marriage guidance, for example, expressly includes specific ceremony wording among its requirements. This is a reason to confirm the script, not a reason to abandon personal language in the parts that can be changed.

Audit the quieter places where defaults return

Check confirmations, emails, programme headings, signing-table cards and image captions. Preview the public website after saving. Review the printed proof at its actual size.

Decide on name changes separately and seek the relevant jurisdiction's instructions where necessary. Your public wedding name does not, by itself, update legal or identity records.

Shared Beginning supports per-person names, pronouns and flexible wedding conventions. Use that flexibility to make the words consistent, comfortable and yours.

Start planning your celebration.