Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Registry Cards Inclusion

Wedding invitation etiquette is a confusing topic, and one of the most common questions asked by couples is whether or not to include registry information on their invitations. The consensus is that it is best not to include this information directly on the invitation. This is because the couple is not inviting guests to their wedding to receive gifts, and they don't want guests to assume that getting gifts is more important to them than sharing their special day with loved ones.

Registry information on wedding invitations

When it comes to wedding planning, there are many questions about what to include on your wedding invitations. One common question is whether it is appropriate to include registry information on the invitations.

The general consensus is that it is not appropriate to include registry information directly on your wedding invitations. The reason for this is that you are inviting guests to celebrate your special day with you, not to give you gifts. Including registry information could be interpreted as putting more emphasis on the gifts than on the celebration and the guests themselves.

So, if you don't include the information on your invitations, where should it go? Here are some alternative options:

• Wedding Website: Creating a wedding website is a great way to provide guests with all the information they need about your wedding, including travel and hotel information, pre- and post-wedding events, and your registry. You can include a link to your wedding website on an information insert in the invitation envelope, and then have a clearly marked registry tab on your website. This way, guests who want to give a gift can easily find the information without it being the main focus of your invitation.
• Bridal Shower Invitations: If you are having a bridal shower, it is absolutely appropriate to include registry information on those invitations. The intention of a bridal shower is to shower the bride with gifts, so guests will expect this information to be included. Word will also spread from shower guests to wedding guests.
• Word of Mouth: Before the internet and personal wedding websites, registry information was typically spread through word of mouth. You can rely on close friends and family members to spread the word and direct guests to your registry if they ask.

While it may be tempting to include all the information you can on your wedding invitations, it's important to follow standard etiquette to ensure your guests feel honoured and delighted to be included in your special day.

Wedding website as an information card

Wedding planning can be a confusing and overwhelming task, especially when it comes to wedding invitation etiquette. Many couples wonder if they can include their wedding registry information on their invitations. The answer to this is always no.

Including registry information on wedding invitations can come across as presumptuous or aggressive. You don't want to give your guests the impression that getting gifts is more important to you than sharing your special day with them. However, this doesn't mean you can't inform your guests about your registry at all.

Here's where wedding websites come in. They are a great way to provide your guests with all the necessary wedding information in one place. Your wedding website can include travel and hotel information, the wedding schedule, and, of course, your wedding registry.

• Keep it brief: Only list 2-3 stores that you are registered with. You don't want to overwhelm your guests with too much details.
• Add a sweet message: Include a note that expresses your gratitude for their support and presence at your wedding. Make it clear that their love and attendance are the most important gifts.
• Provide a link: Share the direct link to your registry to make it easy for guests to access.
• Don't mention gifts: Avoid stating anything about gifts on your wedding invitations. Instead, direct guests to your website for more information.
• Spread the word: Word of mouth is also an effective way to inform guests about your registry. Close family members and friends can help spread the information to those who ask.

"While your generosity is so appreciated, please know that your support and love are the best gift we could wish for! Megan and Jamie are registered at: Target and Amazon."

"Your friendship and love are the best gift of all. Instead of gifts, Megan and Jamie request that guests please make a donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities, a charity close to our hearts."

In conclusion, while you shouldn't include registry cards in your wedding invitations, you can definitely provide this information on your wedding website. This approach is subtle and ensures your guests have access to all the necessary details without compromising on etiquette.

Word-of-mouth communication

When it comes to wedding planning, there are many questions about what to include on a wedding invitation. One common question is whether it is appropriate to include registry information on the invitations.

The general consensus is that it is not appropriate to include registry information directly on wedding invitations. The reason for this is that it can come across as presumptuous or aggressive, implying that receiving gifts is just as important as sharing your special day with loved ones. Instead, there are a few alternative ways to inform guests about your registry details.

One option is to include an informational insert in the envelope along with the invitation, providing a link to your wedding website. This approach is more subtle, as guests will naturally expect to find registry information on the website along with other wedding details. It is common to include other inserts in the envelope, such as RSVP and reception cards, so an additional stationery card for the website link won't be out of place.

Another option is to rely on word-of-mouth communication. This was the traditional method of spreading registry information before the advent of wedding websites. Close family members and friends can help spread the word to those who ask about it. If guests are interested in giving a gift, they will likely ask directly about a registry, and you can provide the information to them at that time.

While it's important to inform guests about your registry, it's recommended to do so in a tactful and subtle manner. By avoiding direct mentions of gifts on the invitations, you keep the focus on celebrating your special day with loved ones.

Registry information on bridal shower invites

It is considered poor etiquette to include registry information on wedding invitations. However, it is perfectly acceptable to include registry information on bridal shower invitations. The bridal shower is intended to shower the bride with gifts, so it is appropriate for the host to list the registry information on the bridal shower invitations.

There are two ways to include registry information on bridal shower invitations. One way is to direct guests to the couple's wedding website. The other option is to list the stores the couple is registered at. For example, " [Name] is registered at Bed Bath & Beyond, World Market, and Crate & Barrel."

It is recommended that bridal shower invitations be sent out a minimum of four to six weeks in advance of the shower. It is also recommended that paper invitations be mailed instead of sending out e-vites, especially if the shower includes older family members or family friends.

RSVP instructions

Please respond to our RSVP as soon as possible and follow the instructions provided to ensure we can accommodate you at the wedding.

If you are responding via a printed card, online, or via email, be sure to fill out all fields and include any additional or optional fun notes.

If you are attending:

• Include your full name(s)
• Write your response (e.g. "Accepts with pleasure")
• Provide the total number of guests attending
• If an entrée selection is requested, place your initials next to your choice
• Respond to any special prompts

If you are unable to attend:

• Respond with a definitive "No" or "Regrets"
• Include an explanation if appropriate
• Send a gift from our registry in your absence

Please note that it is never okay to not respond at all. If you are particularly close to the couple, it is a nice gesture to send a handwritten note or call them, in addition to expressing your regrets formally.

Additional RSVP Etiquette

• Only those to whom the invitation is addressed should respond and/or attend the celebration.
• If you are invited with a plus one, it is advised to include that person's full name at the time of your response.
• If you are unable to attend after RSVPing "yes", it is important to let the couple know as soon as possible.
• If you have a serious allergy, it is advised to call the host after you RSVP to disclose this information.

Frequently asked questions