What Not to Quote on a Wedding Invite

Literary landmines to avoid on your big day

There's something undeniably classy about including a literary quote on your wedding invitation. It shows thoughtfulness, culture, and personality. But choose unwisely, and you might accidentally set a tone that's less "till death do us part" and more "this relationship is doomed from the start."

We've all seen those picture-perfect invitations with lines about eternal love from Shakespeare, Austen, or Pablo Neruda. They're beautiful! They're romantic! But let's be honest—many classic authors had some complicated views on marriage, and not every famous quote ages well when you actually examine it.

Let's explore some literary quotes that, despite their fame or beauty, probably shouldn't make the cut for your wedding stationery.

Shakespeare's Relationship Red Flags

Shakespeare wrote some of the most romantic lines in the English language. He also wrote some absolute relationship horror stories. Avoid these Shakespearean sentiments if you want your marriage to last longer than Romeo and Juliet's three-day tragedy.

"The course of true love never did run smooth."

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Why it's problematic: While technically true, do you really want to announce to your guests that you're expecting turbulence ahead? This is like putting "Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy marriage" on your save-the-date.

"These violent delights have violent ends."

Romeo and Juliet

Why it's problematic: Yes, it's from Romeo and Juliet, but remember how that ended? Double suicide after knowing each other for less than a week. Not exactly #relationshipgoals. Plus, the "violent ends" part is just asking for awkward glances from your future in-laws.

"Marry, sir, she's the kitchen wench, and all grease."

The Comedy of Errors

Why it's problematic: Shakespeare could write beautiful poetry, but he could also be incredibly crude. This insult about a woman being greasy is neither romantic nor appropriate for any occasion, let alone a wedding.

Classic Literary Misses

It's not just Shakespeare who provides wedding invitation landmines. Here are some other classic authors whose words might raise eyebrows on your big day:

"Reader, I married him."

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Why it's problematic: Seems innocuous until you remember the context—she married Mr. Rochester after his first wife, who he kept locked in an attic, died in a house fire that left him blind and maimed. Not exactly the precedent you want to set.

"Marriage is the death of hope."

Woody Allen

Why it's problematic: Self-explanatory, really. Also, maybe avoid quoting Woody Allen at your wedding altogether.

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Why it's problematic: Though often used on wedding materials, this iconic opening line is actually Austen's satire of marriage as an economic transaction. Unless you want to announce that this union is primarily financial, maybe save Austen's wit for the reception toast.

Modern Literature Warning Signs

Contemporary authors can be just as risky:

"Love is a temporary madness."

Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernières

Why it's problematic: The quote continues to describe how love fades, and partners must learn to accept this fading. While realistic, perhaps not the most optimistic wedding day sentiment.

"And so the lion fell in love with the lamb."

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Why it's problematic: Unless you want your marriage compared to a potentially fatal attraction between predator and prey with a side of teenage angst, maybe skip the Twilight quotes.

Poetry Pitfalls

Poets often capture deep emotions, but sometimes those emotions aren't wedding-appropriate:

"One art I've not mastered: being an ex-wife."

Sylvia Plath

Why it's problematic: Plath's complicated personal life and tragic end make many of her relationship observations feel uncomfortably prescient. Plus, discussing divorce before the wedding? Bad form.

"Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds."

Shakespeare's Sonnet 116

Why it's problematic: Wait, this one's actually beautiful! But it sets an impossibly high standard. The sonnet basically says if love changes at all, it was never real love. That's a lot of pressure to put on a relationship that will inevitably face changes.

What to Quote Instead

Don't despair! There are plenty of literary quotes that capture love's beauty without the unintentional red flags:

• "Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same." —Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

• "I have for the first time found what I can truly love—I have found you." —Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

• "In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours." —Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

• "You and you alone make me feel that I am alive." —The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand (just don't read the rest of the book for relationship advice)

The Bottom Line

When selecting quotes for your wedding invitation, remember these simple rules:

1. Check the context — Make sure the quote doesn't come from a tragic or dysfunctional relationship

2. Consider the author's life — Some brilliant writers had disastrous personal relationships

3. Read the whole passage — Many famous quotes sound different when you read what comes before or after

4. When in doubt, go original — Your own heartfelt words might be the best choice after all

Your wedding invitation sets the tone for your celebration. Make sure any literary references enhance that tone rather than subtly suggesting your union is doomed from the start. Save the complex literary analysis for your book club, not your save-the-dates.

Have you spotted any inappropriate literary quotes on wedding materials? Share your finds in the comments below or join the conversation on social media with #ScriptRevival.

This post is part of Theatrefinery's ongoing exploration of classic literary works in contemporary context. Visit theatrefinery.com for more content that bridges traditional and modern expression.