Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Should You Include 'Reception To Follow'?

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many factors to consider, from the design to the timing. One important aspect is including all the relevant information for your guests. If the wedding ceremony and reception are held in the same venue, a simple Reception to follow or Dinner and dancing to follow at the bottom of the invitation will suffice. This lets guests know that they don't need to go anywhere else after the ceremony. However, if the ceremony and reception are at different venues, a separate insert card with the reception details is usually included. This additional card ensures that guests have all the necessary information and don't need to refer to multiple cards or lose track of details.

If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, add a line like Reception to follow

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to include all the necessary details about your big day. If the ceremony and reception are taking place at the same venue, you can simply add a line at the bottom of the invitation to indicate that the reception will follow, such as "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow". This lets guests know that they don't need to go anywhere else after the ceremony. Here are some benefits of including this line:

• It provides clear information to your guests, especially those who may not be familiar with wedding traditions or timelines. By explicitly stating that the reception will follow, guests won't be left wondering about the schedule or if they need to travel to a different location.
• Including "Reception to follow" helps to streamline your invitation content. Instead of listing the ceremony start time and location, followed by separate details for the reception, you can keep the invitation concise and avoid repetition.
• This approach also saves space on your invitation, which can be valuable if you have a lot of other information to include, such as dress code, wedding website URL, or travel information.
• Indicating that the reception will follow at the same venue can also be helpful for guests who are planning their travel arrangements, especially if they need to book accommodations nearby.
• Finally, adding "Reception to follow" maintains a cohesive presentation of your wedding details. By providing a clear flow of information, your guests can easily understand the schedule and venue for your special day.
• "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-four, at half past four in the afternoon, Reception to follow"
• "Ceremony at four o'clock, Reception to follow at six o'clock"
• "We invite you to join us for our wedding ceremony, followed by a reception at the same venue"

Remember to include other essential details on your invitation, such as the date, time, and address of the venue. You may also want to mention the dress code and include a link to your wedding website for guests to find more information.

If they're at different venues, include a separate insert card for the reception details

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to get all the details right. If your wedding ceremony and reception are at different venues, it's a good idea to include a separate insert card for the reception details. This way, your guests will have clear information about both parts of your celebration. Here are some tips and suggestions for creating this insert card:

Content and Wording

The reception insert card should include essential details such as the reception venue name and address, as well as the start time of the festivities. If there will be a cocktail hour or other special activities, be sure to mention those as well. You may also include attire suggestions or notations, such as "black-tie" or "cocktail attire." If the reception has a different dress code than the ceremony, this is a great place to specify that.

For example, your insert card could say:

> Please join us for a cocktail hour, followed by dinner and dancing, at [reception venue name and address]. The festivities will begin at [time]. Black-tie attire suggested.

If the reception is adults-only, you can also include this information on the insert card, although some consider it impolite to include on any part of the wedding stationery. Instead, you may choose to spread this information by word of mouth or include it on your wedding website.

Design and Format

The reception insert card should complement the design of your wedding invitation suite. You may choose to use the same colour scheme, fonts, and overall style for a cohesive look. The card can be the same size as your invitation or slightly smaller, depending on your preference and the amount of information you need to convey.

Saving Costs

While separate insert cards can enhance your invitations and provide clear details for your guests, they can also increase printing and postage costs. To save costs, you may want to include the reception details on your wedding invitation by simply adding the reception venue name and address, along with the start time. For example:

> Reception to follow at [reception venue name and address] at [time].

Alternatively, you can direct guests to your wedding website, where they can find all the necessary details about the reception and other wedding-related events. This can be especially useful if you have multiple events or activities during the wedding weekend.

Timing and Mailing

Remember to send your invitations with plenty of time for guests to make arrangements, especially if your wedding is at a distant location. For non-destination weddings, it's recommended to mail invitations eight weeks in advance. For destination weddings, give your guests more time by mailing the invitations 12 weeks in advance.

Other Considerations

Along with the reception details, you may want to include other insert cards with additional information for your guests, such as accommodation suggestions, transportation arrangements, or a map and directions to the venues. These extra cards can be particularly helpful for destination weddings or weddings with multiple events.

In conclusion, when your wedding ceremony and reception are at different venues, a separate insert card for the reception details is a thoughtful way to keep your guests informed and excited about your special day. This insert card ensures that your guests have clear instructions on where and when to celebrate with you after the ceremony.

If you want to save money, add the reception details to the invite

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many ways to save money. One way is to include all the details about the reception on the invitation itself. This can save you money on separate reception cards and extra postage. Here are some tips to help you add reception details to your wedding invitations while keeping costs down:

Choose a Simple Design

Adding decorative elements to your invitations can increase costs. Opt for a simple design with one or two "must-have" decorative touches. Instead of a wax seal, which adds weight and increases shipping costs, consider lightweight elements such as foil pressing or calligraphy. A simple envelope without decorative elements can also help reduce expenses.

Limit the Number of Layers

A typical wedding invitation suite includes the invitation, a response card, and reception information. To save money, go digital with the details. Create a wedding website or include a link to a website with all the extra information. This way, you can skip the enclosure cards and save on printing and shipping costs.

Order Only What You Need

Make sure to order one invitation per household, not per guest. This will reduce costs and avoid unnecessary extras. It's also a good idea to order a few extra invitations in case you need to send out more later, as reordering in smaller quantities can be more expensive.

Digital Invitations

Sending online invitations is a cost-effective option that also saves time and trees! Paperless invitations can be affordable, convenient, and environmentally friendly. They also offer built-in RSVP tracking, making it easier to plan other aspects of your wedding.

Proofread Carefully

Proofreading is essential to avoid costly mistakes. Take the time to review your invitations for any errors or missing information. Ask a friend or family member to proofread as well, as they may catch something you missed. This will save you from having to reorder invitations due to errors.

By following these tips and including reception details on your invitations, you can save money and still create beautiful and informative wedding invitations.

If the reception is at a different location, it should be treated as a separate event

When it comes to wedding invitations, choosing the right wording is very important. If your wedding ceremony and reception are held at different venues, you should include a separate insert card for the reception details. This can be treated as a separate invitation to the reception.

• Separate Insert Card: Create a separate insert card that includes all the relevant information about the reception, such as the venue name, address, and start and end times. This is a common and traditional way to provide information for multiple venues. It helps keep the main invitation uncluttered and ensures that your guests have all the necessary details in one place.
• Reception Card with Additional Information: Include a reception card as part of the invitation suite. On this card, provide the venue name, address, and timing for the reception. You can also use this card to include additional information such as the dress code, wedding website URL, or any other relevant details.
• Details Card: If you have multiple events during the wedding weekend, consider including an activity or details card. This card can list all the festivities open to guests in chronological order. It provides a comprehensive overview of the wedding schedule and ensures that guests are well-informed about the various events.
• Website Information: If you prefer to keep the paper invitation concise, you can include a link to your wedding website on the invitation or the reception card. The website can then provide additional details about the reception, such as the venue, timing, directions, and any other relevant information.
• Combining Ceremony and Reception Information: If you want to include both the ceremony and reception information on the same invitation, you can do so by providing the ceremony details first, followed by "reception to follow" and the corresponding address. This approach saves costs associated with multiple inserts, but it is important to ensure that the invitation doesn't become too wordy or crowded.
• Timing and Address: When including the reception details, specify the start time of the reception, especially if it is not immediately after the ceremony. Provide the full address of the reception venue to ensure that guests can easily locate it.
• Design and Layout: Consider the design and layout of your invitation when deciding where to place the reception information. You can opt to include it on the back of the invitation or use a separate card that complements the main invitation's design. Play around with different fonts, spacing, and formatting options to find a layout that is both aesthetically pleasing and easy to read.
• Consistency and Clarity: Ensure that the wording and format of the reception details are consistent with the rest of the invitation. Use clear and concise language to convey the necessary information effectively. Proofread your invitation suite for any errors or inconsistencies before sending them out.
• Weight and Mailing Considerations: Keep in mind that adding multiple inserts or cards to your invitation suite may increase the weight and affect the mailing cost. Consider the number of enclosures and their impact on postage when deciding how to format your invitations.
• Early RSVP and Venue Details: If you haven't finalised your reception venue, you can still include "reception to follow" on your invitations. By setting an early RSVP date, you can determine the number of guests and plan the reception venue accordingly. This approach provides flexibility while still giving guests a heads-up about the reception.

If you have a wedding website, you can include the URL instead

If your wedding ceremony and reception are at the same venue, it is customary to include a separate line at the bottom of the invitation, such as "Reception to follow", "Dinner and dancing to follow", or "Cocktails, dinner and dancing to follow". However, if you have a wedding website, you can include the URL instead, allowing you to provide all the necessary details without cluttering your invitation.

Including your wedding website URL on a separate insert card in your invitation suite is a great way to provide guests with easy access to all the information they need. This can include not only reception details but also accommodation suggestions, directions, transportation information, and even your wedding registry. This approach ensures that your guests are well-informed while keeping your invitation content concise and elegant.

If you are having your ceremony and reception in different locations, it is generally recommended to include a separate insert card with the reception details. However, if you are working with limited space or prefer a simpler invitation, you can include the reception details on the same card as the ceremony information. You can simply list the reception venue and time below the ceremony details, or add a line such as "Reception to follow at [address]".

Remember, it is essential to provide clear and consistent information on your invitations and reply cards. For example, if you spell out the date on the invitation, be sure to do the same on the reply card. Similarly, if you use "'honour'" on the invitation, use "favour" on the reply card.

By including your wedding website URL, you can ensure that your guests have access to all the necessary information, even if you are unable to fit everything on your invitation. This approach allows you to focus on the key details of your ceremony while providing a central hub for guests to refer to for additional information.

Frequently asked questions