What to Write on a Shadi Card (with Examples)

A good shadi card answers five questions quickly: who is inviting, whose wedding it is, which events, when and where, and how to reply. Here is what to write, in the usual order of a Pakistani card.

Updated 14 October 2026

1. Bismillah at the top

Most Pakistani cards start with بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ. Some families also add a short Quranic verse about marriage or a dua.

2. The guest's name

Traditionally the card says "Khaas dawat" or "Invitation for" with the guest's name, often written by hand. A digital card can do this automatically: each guest sees their own name.

3. Who is inviting

Write the hosts the way your family is known: "Mr. & Mrs. Tariq Mehmood", "Tariq Mehmood & Family" or "The families of Tariq Mehmood and Khalid Hussain". This line is what makes the card feel personal and respectful.

4. The names

Write the groom's and bride's names, and if you like, "Son of" or "Daughter of" with the father's name. Many families also write the names in Urdu under the English names.

5. The invitation sentence

Choose one style and keep it simple. For example:

  • English: "Mr. & Mrs. Tariq Mehmood request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of their son Faisal with Mahnoor."
  • Roman Urdu: "Tariq Mehmood aur family aap ko apne betay Faisal ki shaadi mein aane ki dawat dete hain."
  • Urdu: "طارق محمود اور اہلِ خانہ آپ کو اپنے بیٹے فیصل کی شادی کی تقریبات میں شرکت کی پُرخلوص دعوت دیتے ہیں۔"

6. Each event: date, time and venue

List every event in order with the day, date, time and venue. Add a short note when needed, like "Dress code: green and yellow", "Ladies only" or "Dinner at 10 pm". A Google Maps link saves many phone calls.

7. RSVP and duas

At the bottom, many cards have "R.S.V.P" with a few names and numbers, and "Dua'on ke talib" (with best compliments from) with the names of elders and children of the family.

Tip: ask guests to reply by a date, about one week before the event, so you can give the caterer a real number.

Common mistakes

  • Writing the wrong day for the date. Always check the day and date together.
  • Forgetting the time, or not saying whether it is the arrival time or the dinner time.
  • A venue name without the area or city.
  • Long, hard words that guests don't understand. Simple is better.

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Questions

Should the card be in English or Urdu?

Either is fine. Many families use English with names in Urdu. ApniDawat cards can be in English, Roman Urdu or full Urdu.

Is it OK to write how many people are invited?

Some families write "Reserved for 4 guests", others find it rude. On ApniDawat this is off by default; you can turn it on if you want.

See also