Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Reception Details Included?

Wedding invitations are an important part of the big day, and getting every detail just right is key. One of the key considerations is whether to include reception information on the invitation. While it is possible to have separate invites for the ceremony and reception, it is also common to include both on the same invitation. This can be done by including the reception details on an insert card or by adding a line such as reception to follow on the invitation itself. It is important to include all the necessary information, such as the date, time, and location, to ensure your guests are well informed.

Including reception details on the same card as the wedding invitation

Including all the details on the same card is a great way to save money and keep things simple. If you are having your ceremony and reception at the same venue, you can simply say "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow".

However, if your reception is at a different location, you will need to include the venue's name and address, as well as the time if it is not immediately after the ceremony. You can include this information on the same card as the wedding invitation, or you might prefer to include it on a separate insert card.

"You are invited to the wedding of

Gina & Steven

On Saturday, the tenth day of July

Two thousand and twenty-one

At five thirty in the evening

Cranbrook House and Gardens

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

Reception at seven o'clock

18 Washington Square West

Salem, Massachusetts"

If you are having a separate insert card, you could word it like this:

"You are invited to the wedding of

Gina & Steven

On Saturday, the tenth day of July

Two thousand and twenty-one

At five thirty in the evening

Cranbrook House and Gardens

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

Reception

18 Washington Square West

Salem, Massachusetts

At seven o'clock"

If you are having the ceremony and reception on the same day, it is a good idea to allow plenty of time between the two events. This will give you the chance to take photos and will also make the ceremony and reception feel like two separate events, reducing any potential awkwardness for guests who are only invited to the reception.

Using an insert card for reception information

If your wedding ceremony and reception are at different venues, it's a good idea to include a separate card with your reception details. This ensures that your guests have all the information they need in one place and don't get lost along the way. It's also a classy option.

The reception card should include the name and address of the venue, as well as the start and end times. You may also want to include directions from the ceremony to the reception venue or a note about pre-arranged transportation.

If you're having a small, intimate ceremony and a larger reception, you can include a reception invitation or card with your main invitation suite. This way, you can invite guests to celebrate with you even if they're not attending the ceremony.

When creating your reception card, be mindful of the wording. Avoid phrases that hint at guests witnessing your marriage, such as "witness", "view", or "presence at their wedding". Instead, focus on celebrating your nuptials. Here are some examples:

• "Join us following the ceremony for a reception."
• "Please join us for drinks, dinner, and dancing immediately following the ceremony."
• "Let's Party! Join us for a reception of cocktails, dinner, and dancing following the ceremony."

In addition to the reception details, don't forget to include an RSVP card. This will help you know how many guests to expect and plan accordingly.

When to send wedding reception invitations

The timing of sending out wedding invitations is a crucial aspect of wedding planning, especially if you want your loved ones to be able to join you on your big day. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, as it depends on various factors, here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process.

The Ideal Timeline for Sending Wedding Reception Invitations

• Save-the-Dates: It is advisable to send out save-the-dates six to twelve months before your wedding, especially if it falls on a busy time of the year or if you have a destination wedding. This gives your guests ample time to plan and make any necessary travel arrangements.
• Wedding Invitations: The general consensus is that wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding date. This timeline allows your guests to clear their schedules and make travel plans if needed. It is also considerate to international guests or those with busy schedules to send out invitations twelve weeks in advance.
• RSVP Deadline: It is recommended to set the RSVP deadline about a month before the wedding. This gives you enough time to get a final headcount, make seating arrangements, and communicate the numbers to your vendors.

Factors Affecting the Timing of Sending Wedding Reception Invitations

• Cultural and Geographical Differences: The timing of sending wedding invitations varies across different cultures and geographical locations. For instance, in Sweden, it is customary to send out invitations a year in advance.
• Type of Invitation: The type of invitation you choose can impact the timing. Custom-made or bespoke invitations may require more time to design and create, so it is advisable to start the process earlier. Ready-made invitations can be ordered closer to the wedding, typically up to three months before.
• Holiday Seasons: If your wedding is scheduled around a major holiday, such as Christmas, it is advisable to send out invitations earlier than usual, as guests may need more time to plan their schedules.
• Destination Weddings: For destination weddings, it is recommended to send out invitations as early as possible, even up to a year in advance. This allows guests ample time to plan their trip and make the necessary arrangements.
• Local Weddings: For local weddings, where most guests are based nearby, you can follow the standard timeline of sending invitations six to eight weeks in advance.

In conclusion, while there are no hard and fast rules, it is essential to give your guests enough notice, especially if they need to plan travel or take time off work. Sending out invitations within the recommended timelines ensures that your guests can confidently mark their calendars and boosts the chances of receiving positive RSVPs.

Who should receive a wedding reception invitation

Wedding invitation etiquette can be a tricky business, especially when it comes to the guest list. The good news is that, traditionally, anyone invited to the ceremony is also invited to the reception. So, if you're having a small, intimate ceremony, you can still plan a big party afterward and not worry about offending anyone.

However, if you're planning to have a small ceremony and a large reception on the same day, you'll need to be very clear about who is invited to what. It's considered very poor etiquette not to invite someone to the reception if they attended the ceremony. So, if you're inviting a small group to the ceremony and a larger group to the reception, you'll need to create two guest lists: one for those invited to both, and one for those only invited to the reception.

If your ceremony and reception are at separate venues, it's a good idea to include a reception invitation or card with your wedding invitation suite. This should include the name and address of the reception venue, as well as start and end times, and directions from the ceremony venue.

If you've already had a small ceremony and are now planning a bigger reception, you'll want to make it clear on your invitations that guests are being invited to a celebration of your marriage. You can also use this invitation as an announcement of your nuptials.

How to word wedding reception invitations

There are many ways to word wedding reception invitations, but the key thing to remember is to include all the necessary information. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to word your wedding reception invitations:

Host Line

Traditionally, the bride's parents are the hosts and their names are listed at the top of the invitation. However, it has become more common to include the names of both sets of parents as hosts, or for the couple to host the wedding themselves. Here are some examples:

• "Together with their parents, Emma and Jax request the pleasure of your company..."
• "Together with their families, Jane Doe and Anne Deere request the honour of your presence..."

Couple's Names

The couple's names always come next, or first if they are hosting. Use a first-last format or full names for a more formal invitation. For same-sex couples, you can list the names alphabetically or based on personal preference.

Request Line

This is where you request the guest's attendance. Examples include:

• "Request the pleasure of your company..."
• "Invite you to celebrate with them..."

Date and Time

The date and time of the wedding celebration should be included, spelled out in full for formal invitations. For example: "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-one, at half after four in the afternoon."

Location

List the name of the venue, followed by the city and state. The street address is not usually included unless the venue is a private residence. If the reception is at the same location as the ceremony, you can simply say: "Reception to follow."

Reception Details

If the reception is at a different location, include the venue's name and address, as well as the time. You can also include after-party details if applicable. Here are some examples:

• "Join us following the ceremony for a reception."
• "Let's Party! Join us for a reception of cocktails, dinner, and dancing following the ceremony."

Dress Code

The dress code is optional, but it can be helpful for guests. If your wedding is black-tie, it must be included on the invitation.

RSVP Card

Don't forget to include an RSVP card with a deadline for guests to respond, usually about two weeks before the wedding. Provide a pre-addressed and stamped envelope for guests to send back their replies.

Frequently asked questions