Wedding Invitation Itinerary: To Include Or Exclude?

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few essentials that need to be included, such as the names of the couple, the date, time, and location. However, when it comes to including the itinerary, there are a few things to consider. For a destination wedding or a wedding with multiple events, it is a good idea to give guests a printed itinerary so they know what to expect and can plan accordingly. This can be included as an insert card along with the invitation. On the other hand, if there are events that not all guests are invited to, it is best to leave those details out of the invitation and send separate invites for those celebrations.

Basic Information: Couple's names, date, time, venue, and address

Wedding invitations should include the names of the couple, the date, time, venue, and address. The names can be the first and last names of both people getting married, or just their first names. The invitation should also include the hosts' names (if different from the couple) and the people paying for the wedding. The date, time, and location are essential, and it's important to be clear about the start time to avoid latecomers. If the ceremony and reception are in the same place, a simple line like "Reception to Follow" can be included. If they are in different places, a separate reception card with the address and start time is needed.

The invitation should also include the couple's wedding website, which can be listed on a separate card. This is where guests can find more information, such as lodging, the timeline for the day, and the dress code. The wedding website is a good place to direct guests to RSVP, although a physical RSVP card is also helpful, especially for older guests.

Wedding Website: Include a link with lodging, registry, and timeline info

Wedding planning can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to deciding what information to include in your wedding invitations. While the invitations themselves are important, many couples also opt to create a wedding website to provide guests with more detailed information about the wedding.

Lodging Recommendations

It is essential to provide your guests with lodging recommendations, especially if you have guests travelling from out of town or if you are planning a destination wedding. Your wedding website can include a list of hotels or accommodation options close to the wedding venue, along with any room blocks or group rates you have arranged. This ensures that your guests have convenient and affordable options for their stay.

Registry Information

Including registry information directly on your wedding invitations is generally not considered proper etiquette. Instead, your wedding website can be the central hub for this information. You can include links to your gift registry, honeymoon fund, or preferred philanthropies, making it convenient for guests to access this information in one place.

Timeline and Itinerary

A detailed wedding timeline or itinerary is crucial for keeping your guests informed about the schedule of events. This is especially important if you have a wedding weekend planned with multiple events, such as welcome drinks, rehearsal dinners, or after-parties. By including a timeline on your wedding website, guests can easily access the information and plan their attendance accordingly.

Other Important Details

In addition to the above, your wedding website can also include other essential details such as transportation options, dress code guidelines, social media rules, and local recommendations for dining, sightseeing, and activities. All this information ensures that your guests are well-informed and can fully participate in your special day.

Remember, your wedding website is a valuable tool that complements your wedding invitations. By including a link to your wedding website, you can provide your guests with a wealth of information that might not fit on a traditional invitation card. So, go ahead and create that website—it will be a helpful resource for both you and your guests!

Travel Details: Shuttle info, room blocks, and other important details

When it comes to travel details, it's important to include all the necessary information so that your guests can easily make their way to your wedding. Here are some tips and examples to help you with the wording:

Shuttle Info

If you're providing a shuttle service for your guests, be sure to include this information in your invitation suite. Here's an example:

"A shuttle will be provided from The Drake one hour prior to the ceremony and will be available after the reception."

You can also include shuttle information on a separate card for pre-wedding events:

"Friday Drinks with the bride and groom at a local bar. A shuttle will be provided to and from the venue throughout the evening so you can return to the hotel when your dancing shoes wear out."

Room Blocks

Reserving a block of hotel rooms for your out-of-town guests is a thoughtful gesture. This information can be included on a separate accommodations card or insert, with wording such as:

"For your convenience, a block of rooms has been reserved at [name of hotel] in [city]. When calling to make your reservation, please mention the [your last names] wedding to receive a discounted rate. Please call [hotel phone number] to book by [date]."

You can also include the room block information on your wedding website and then direct guests to the website from your invitation:

"For more information about travel and accommodations, please visit our wedding website: [website address]."

Other Important Details

In addition to shuttle and room block information, there may be other travel-related details that your guests need to know. Here are some examples:

• Any relevant deadlines or cut-off dates for reservations
• Information about group codes or special rates
• Directions to the venue and a custom map of the area
• Details about multiple events or activities during the wedding weekend
• Parking information or other transportation options

Remember, the key is to provide clear and concise information so that your guests can make their travel arrangements with ease.

Order of Events: A printed itinerary for guests to join all festivities

If you're planning a wedding weekend with multiple events, it's a good idea to give your guests a printed itinerary so they can join in all the festivities. This can be part of your invitation or included in your welcome bags.

Day 1: Welcome Drinks and Activities

• Welcome drinks: Kick off the weekend with a casual get-together at a local bar or brewery. This is a great opportunity for guests to mix and mingle.
• Activities: Organise a range of optional activities for guests to choose from, such as a city tour, wine tasting, or outdoor adventure.

Day 2: Wedding Ceremony and Reception

• Morning preparations: Allow time for guests to get ready and perhaps enjoy a leisurely breakfast or brunch.
• Ceremony: Provide details of the time and location of the wedding ceremony.
• Cocktail hour: If you're having a cocktail hour before the reception, let guests know the time and location.
• Reception: Include the time, location, and any other relevant details, such as the dress code or theme.

Day 3: Brunch and Farewell Activities

• Brunch: Host a post-wedding brunch to thank your guests for their attendance. This can be a more low-key event, giving everyone a chance to socialise before departing.
• Farewell activities: Suggest some local attractions or activities for guests to enjoy before they leave. This could be a visit to a nearby park, museum, or market.

Remember to include important details such as travel arrangements, accommodation options, and any specific attire requests for each event. You can also direct guests to your wedding website for more information and updates.

Dress Code: Help guests plan by suggesting attire

When it comes to wedding attire, there are many options to choose from, and it can be confusing to know what to wear, especially as a guest. Here is a detailed guide to help you suggest attire to your wedding guests:

White Tie or Full Evening Dress:

This is the most formal of all wedding dress codes. In the invitation, you can suggest that men will be dressed in long-tail tuxedos, and women will be in full-length ball gowns. It is important to note that this dress code is quite specific and may not allow for much creativity from your guests.

Black Tie:

Black tie usually indicates an evening wedding. Guests can be informed that men will be expected to wear tuxedos with black bow ties, and women will be in formal floor-length gowns. It is worth mentioning that traditionally, men would wear a bow tie and a black tuxedo, but black tie does not necessarily mean wearing black.

Formal or Black Tie Optional:

Phrases like these indicate that guests are encouraged to wear black-tie attire but are not required to. Men can wear a dark suit with a shirt and tie, and women can opt for a floor-length gown, a knee-length cocktail dress, a pantsuit, or dressy separates. This option gives your guests more flexibility while maintaining a formal tone.

Lounge Suit or Semi-Formal:

This dress code is a step down from black tie and is suitable for a semi-formal daytime wedding. The wedding party will likely be in formal attire, but guests have the option to dress more casually. Men can wear a classic suit or tux with a tie, and women can choose formal evening wear, such as floor-length dresses or evening pantsuits.

Jacket and Tie:

Similar to the previous option, this dress code allows men to wear a sports jacket, suit jacket, or blazer with chinos and a tie. Women can opt for a shorter cocktail dress, a pantsuit, or dressy separates. This option is more flexible and allows guests to be creative with their attire.

Cocktail Attire:

Cocktail attire is not overly formal and encourages guests to dress a step above smart casual. Women can wear dresses with hemlines above the knee or any length above floor length. Men can wear a suit with or without a tie or a sports jacket and dress shirt. This option gives your guests room to be creative and add their personal touch to their outfits.

Smart Casual:

With this dress code, wedding guests are asked to dress neatly, avoiding overly dressy or casual outfits. Men can wear dark denim, chinos, or suit pants with a neat shirt, while women can opt for a skirt or smart trousers. This option strikes a balance between elegance and comfort.

Remember, it is essential to provide clear and concise dress code information to your guests. You can include it on your wedding invitation, a separate information card, or your wedding website. Clear communication will help your guests feel confident and comfortable with their attire choices.

Frequently asked questions