This is a great site – I would happily pay for this advice. I must fess up and say I am a native English speaker (albeit an Irish one) but I'm running into trouble wording a party invitation.
Is it correct to ask the pleasure of your company? – My husband doesn't seem to like 'requesting' this.
Cathie Godwin and Vincent Clancy
were married on May 21 2013.We ask the pleasure of your company
at ____ on Saturday, ____ 2014 to celebrate
cocktails 6.30pm, dinner and dancing.r.s.v.p. to _____ by St. Patricks Day
Best Answer
When you seek a direct object, you typically ask for something. However, I would use neither of those words. The best words are found in Maulik's post, though for some reason he did not state it. When sending out invitations, use request. It's very common, polite, and not seen as begging, while asking/seeking for something does.
Saying "I ask for the pleasure of your company" almost sounds as if you're begging them to come, and not in a good way.