Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Directions, A Necessary Inclusion?

Wedding invitations are a crucial part of the big day. They are often the first glimpse guests will have of the style and theme of the wedding, but they are also a key source of information. While it is not strictly necessary to include directions, it is a good idea. Including a map or directions can be a cute touch and will ensure your guests find the venue with ease. At the very least, it is important to include the full address of the wedding ceremony venue and the reception site if they are separate.

Why include directions?

Including directions in your wedding invitations is a thoughtful gesture that can make your guests feel more confident about getting to your celebration. While most people nowadays have smartphones with GPS, including directions ensures that your guests don't have to worry about their phone battery dying or losing reception. It's also helpful for older guests who may not have smartphones.

At the very least, include the full address of both the wedding ceremony venue and the reception site if they are separate locations. This will ensure your guests can easily find the venue and don't get unnecessarily stressed while driving around, especially if they aren't familiar with the area. Including directions also saves your guests the extra step of looking up the address themselves.

In addition to the address, you may also want to include a custom map or weekend itinerary. This not only helps your guests but also adds a personal touch and can serve as a keepsake for you and your guests.

To make it even easier for your guests to find the wedding venue, you can also include a link to your wedding website, where they can access the address and other helpful information directly.

Map or no map?

So, you're getting married—congratulations! Now for the fun part: wedding planning.

One of the most important things to consider when planning your big day is how to ensure your guests have all the information they need. This includes not just the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception, but also how to get there.

Including a map with your wedding invitations is no longer considered a requirement, thanks to the convenience of smartphones and digital maps. However, it is still a nice touch, especially if you want to add a personalised element to your invitations. A custom map can also be a great keepsake for you and your guests.

If you decide not to include a map, be sure to provide clear directions to both the ceremony and reception venues, as well as their full addresses. This can be done on a separate directions card, also known as an enclosure card, included in your invitation suite.

Enclosure cards are a great way to provide your guests with additional information, such as accommodation options or a link to your wedding website. They can be printed in a style that complements your invitations, matching your colour palette, theme, and tone.

While digital maps are usually easily accessible, including directions ensures your guests can arrive stress-free and on time, even if they encounter any technological difficulties. It's also one less thing for them to worry about on the day, so they can focus on celebrating with you.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose to include a map or simply provide directions, it's important to give your guests the information they need to get to your wedding. This will not only make their lives easier but will also help ensure your special day goes off without a hitch!

What to include

Wedding invitations can be a major undertaking, so it's important to know what to include. Here's a detailed and direct guide on the essential components of a wedding invitation:

The Invitation Itself

The actual invitation is, of course, the most important component. Be sure to include key details such as the time, date, location, and duration of the ceremony and reception. It's also a good idea to mention the dress code, whether it's black-tie, cocktail attire, or dress casual. This can be included on the bottom of the invite or on a separate details card.

Response Card and Envelope

Your wedding invitation suite should include a response card, preferably with pre-addressed envelopes and stamps for your guests' convenience. This makes it easier for them to respond and helps ensure you get their responses. Numbering the response cards and corresponding guest list can also help with tracking responses.

Direction Card

Including directions is a thoughtful gesture, even if it's just the full address of the ceremony and reception venues. This ensures your guests can easily find their way and reduces stress, especially if they're unfamiliar with the area. A custom map or directions card adds a nice personal touch.

Reception Card (Optional)

If the reception is at a different location, include a separate card with the details. Indicate the formality and nature of the event, with wording such as "Breakfast Reception" or "Dinner Reception."

Weekend Events Card (Optional)

If your wedding spans multiple events over a weekend, include a full itinerary. Provide information on welcome drinks, after-parties, and any other activities. Hotel recommendations, transportation details, and times are also helpful for guests, especially those travelling from out of town.

Accommodations Card (Optional)

For guests travelling from out of town, an accommodations card with hotel options and reservation deadlines is a considerate touch. It's also proper etiquette to indicate on this card if you're covering guests' accommodations.

Invitation Wrapper (Optional)

An invitation wrapper, such as a belly band or silk ribbon, can be used to hold all the pieces of your invitation suite together. Choose a coordinating colour and add a jewel or botanicals for extra glamour.

Other Considerations

Don't forget the envelopes! The outer envelope should include all the information for delivery, while the inner envelope is more informal and indicates who specifically is invited. Be sure to handwrite the addresses or use a computerised calligraphy service for a neat and elegant finish.

Enclosure cards

While it is not mandatory to include enclosure cards, it is a thoughtful gesture that your guests will surely appreciate. It saves them the trouble of looking up the address themselves, and it gives them that extra confidence of knowing exactly where to go. Additionally, having a printed direction card can be handy if your guests' phone batteries run low or they lose reception during their travel.

When creating your enclosure cards, it is important to use a clear and legible font to ensure your guests can read the directions without any difficulty. You can also include a link to your wedding website on the enclosure card, allowing guests to access the address directly and find other helpful information related to your wedding.

The design of your enclosure cards should complement the overall style of your wedding invitation suite. Choose a colour palette, theme, and tone that matches the rest of your stationery. This creates a cohesive and elegant look for your wedding invitations.

Remember to include all the necessary details on the enclosure card, such as the full address of the venues, and consider adding a custom map for a unique and intimate touch. Providing clear and concise directions will ensure your guests arrive at your wedding celebration without any hassle.

Digital vs physical

The wedding invitation is the first impression of the event for guests and sets the tone for what they can expect. While traditionalists and etiquette experts maintain that printed wedding invitations are customary, digital invitations are becoming more common.

Digital invitations are easier, lower cost, and more environmentally friendly. They are also a good option for couples on a budget, with some websites offering free designs. However, there is a risk that older guests may not be tech-savvy enough to receive and respond to digital invites.

Physical invitations are more expensive and time-consuming, but they are considered a timeless tradition. They are also more elegant and formal, and guests may appreciate receiving a physical invitation in the mail.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Digital Advantages

• Cost savings: Online invitations are much less expensive than traditional paper invites, with no postage costs.
• Eco-friendly: Digital invites reduce the amount of paper used and are a good option for environmentally-conscious couples.
• Delivery: There is no risk of mail delays or losses, and digital invites ensure that all invitations are delivered.
• RSVP tracking: It is easier to keep track of RSVPs as people can respond digitally.

Digital Disadvantages

• Older guests: Some older guests may not be comfortable with technology and may prefer a physical invitation.
• Delivery: Digital invites may end up in spam folders, or guests may have changed email addresses.
• Clarity: Guests may be confused about who is included in the invite, especially if they are less familiar with technology.

Physical Advantages

• Tradition: Paper invitations are considered a timeless tradition and are more elegant and formal.
• Sentimental value: Some guests may want to hold onto their invitation as a keepsake or display it on their fridge.

Physical Disadvantages

• Cost: Paper invitations can be expensive, with costs adding up for paper, printing, and postage.
• Time-consuming: Designing, printing, and assembling paper invitations takes more time.
• Wasteful: Many people do not keep wedding invitations and they end up being thrown away, wasting paper.

Both digital and physical wedding invitations have their advantages and disadvantages. Digital invitations are more modern, convenient, and cost-effective, while physical invitations are more traditional, elegant, and may be preferred by older guests. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what is most important to the couple in terms of budget, effort, and the look of the invitations.

Frequently asked questions