Wedding Reception And Dinner: What's Included?

When it comes to wedding invitation wording, it's important to be clear about what guests can expect at the reception. While it's not necessary to include every detail, such as whether dinner will be served, there are a few key elements that should be included. Here's a quick guide to help you craft the perfect wedding invitation:

Host Line:

Traditionally, the bride's parents are listed as hosts, but it's also common to include both sets of parents or simply the couple themselves, especially if they are hosting the wedding.

Request Line:

This is where you invite guests to attend your wedding. Phrases such as request the pleasure of your company or invite you to celebrate with them are often used.

Couple's Names:

Traditionally, the bride's name precedes the groom's. However, for same-sex couples, alphabetical order or simply what sounds better can be used.

Date and Time:

Formal invitations spell out the date and time, while casual invitations can use numerals. The year is usually optional.

Location:

The venue's name and city are sufficient. The street address is only needed if it's a private residence or if omitting it would cause confusion.

Reception Information:

If the reception is at the same location, you can simply state reception to follow. If it's elsewhere, include the location on a separate line. If dinner is served, it's not necessary to specify this, as it's typically expected, especially for evening weddings.

Dress Code:

This is optional but can be included in the lower right corner of the invitation. If omitted, the invitation's formality will indicate the dress code.

RSVP Details:

Include a separate response card or direct guests to your wedding website for RSVPs.

Include an RSVP card with a deadline

When it comes to wedding invitation etiquette, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind to ensure that your guests have all the information they need. One important element is to include an RSVP card with a clear deadline for your guests to respond. Here are some tips to help you navigate this aspect of your wedding planning:

• Response Deadline: It is essential to set an RSVP deadline that gives you enough time to finalise the details of your wedding reception. Typically, the deadline should be set for three to four weeks before the wedding date. This allows you to provide a final headcount to your caterer, which is usually required about a week before the event. It also gives you sufficient time to finalise your seating arrangements.
• Number of Guests: Be sure to request the number of guests attending from each household. This is important if you have limited space or want to manage the number of attendees effectively. You can add a line such as, "We have reserved ___ seats for your party" on the RSVP card.
• Pre-addressed and Stamped Envelope: Make it convenient for your guests to respond by providing a pre-addressed and stamped envelope along with the RSVP card. It is considered impolite to ask your guests to pay for postage when replying to your invitation.
• Online RSVP Options: In today's digital age, you may also consider including an online option for RSVPs. Provide a specific email address, phone number, or URL where guests can send their responses directly. This can streamline the process and make it easier for guests to respond promptly.
• Meal Choices: If you are offering your guests meal choices at the reception, be sure to include this information on the RSVP card as well. This helps you plan the catering accordingly and ensures that your guests' preferences are considered.
• Additional Information: You can also use the RSVP card to gather other relevant information from your guests. For instance, you may want to include a line for song requests, such as, "We promise to dance if you play __________."
• Consistent Wording: Ensure that the wording on the RSVP card aligns with the tone and formality of your wedding invitation. For instance, if your invitation states, "The honour of your presence," the RSVP card could use wording such as, "The favour of a reply."

By including an RSVP card with a clear deadline and providing all the necessary details, you'll be well on your way to a smooth and well-organised wedding reception.

Provide all necessary information

When it comes to wedding reception invitations, it's important to provide clear and detailed information to avoid any confusion for your guests. Here are some key elements to include:

Host Line

Traditionally, the bride's parents are listed as hosts at the top of the invitation. However, including the names of both sets of parents is also a gracious option. If the couple and their parents are contributing equally, you can use a phrase such as "Together with their parents" or "Together with their families."

Request Line

This is where you extend the invitation to your guests and set the tone for the celebration. Some examples include:

• "Request the honour of your presence" (traditionally used for religious ceremonies)
• "Request the pleasure of your company" (used for non-religious ceremonies)
• "Invite you to celebrate with them"
• "Would love for you to join them"

Couple's Names

The names of the couple are typically listed after the host line. For different-sex couples, the bride's name usually comes first, followed by the groom's full name. For same-sex couples, you can list the names alphabetically or based on what looks best with the invitation design.

Date and Time

The date and time should be clearly stated, and for formal invitations, they are usually written out in full. For example, "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-one, at half after four in the afternoon."

Location

Include the name of the venue and its city and state. If the reception is at a private residence or if omitting the address would cause confusion, include the street address as well. If the reception is at the same location as the ceremony, you can simply state, "Reception to follow." Otherwise, include the reception location on a separate line or on a reception card.

Reception Details

Provide information about the reception, such as the time (if it's not immediately following the ceremony), dress code, and any after-party details. Here are some examples of wording:

• 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.

RSVP Card

Include an RSVP card with a deadline for guests to respond, usually about three to four weeks before the wedding. You can also include meal choices and any additional information your guests may need.

Additional Information

If there are multiple events during the wedding weekend, you can include an activity card with the relevant details. You can also provide an information card with directions, transportation information, lodging suggestions, and other useful details.

Specify the type of reception

When specifying the type of reception, it is important to be clear about what guests can expect. This is especially important if you are not serving a full meal. If you are hosting a cocktail party reception with hors d'oeuvres instead of a formal multi-course dinner, it is a good idea to let guests know so they won't arrive expecting a full-blown meal. You can do this by stating "cocktail reception" or "cocktails and hors d'oeuvres to follow" on the invitation.

If you are serving a full meal, it is still important to specify this on the invitation. You can use phrases such as "reception to follow", "dinner and dancing to follow", or "cocktails, dinner and dancing to follow". If you are having an open house-style reception, you can invite guests to "join us for refreshments".

If the reception has a specific theme, such as a backyard BBQ or a black-tie cocktail party, it is a good opportunity to reflect this in the invitation.

It is also important to be clear about the timing of the reception. If the reception starts earlier than a typical dinner time, it is a good idea to include an end time. For example, "Cocktail reception to follow, 5-8 pm". This lets guests know they may want to grab dinner afterward.

If the ceremony and reception are at separate venues, it is helpful to include directions or information about transportation from one location to the other.

If the ceremony and reception are on the same day, it is a good idea to allow ample time between the two events, especially if you are taking photos between the ceremony and reception. This helps to create a clear separation between the two events and avoids any awkwardness with guests who are only invited to the reception.

If the ceremony and reception are days or weeks apart, you have more flexibility in planning. You can even have the events in different states or countries!

Finally, if you are having an adults-only wedding, be sure to address the invitations carefully. Only include the names of the invited adult guests on the envelopes. You can also write the names of each invited guest on the response card.

Outline the schedule

A wedding reception is a highly structured event, with a lot of factors influencing the schedule. The number of guests, whether there's a DJ or band, and the dinner service style will all play a role in the timeline of the reception. Here is a detailed schedule outline to ensure the reception runs smoothly:

Pre-Reception

Before the reception, the couple will have their ceremony. This usually lasts 20 minutes to an hour, depending on whether it is religious. After the ceremony, the couple may have photos taken, before heading to the reception venue.

Cocktail Hour

The cocktail hour usually begins immediately after the ceremony if the ceremony and reception are at the same venue. If there is travel involved, the cocktail hour may start half an hour or more after the ceremony. During this time, guests will be served drinks and appetizers, and the couple may choose to join for a quick bite. This is also a great time for casual photos with guests.

Guests Enter Reception

After the cocktail hour, guests will be asked to file into the reception space and find their seats. This usually takes place around 6:30 pm.

Wedding Party + Couple Entrance

The wedding party may enter first, with each member announced and entering individually or in pairs. The couple can then make their grand entrance, or they may choose to enter with the wedding party.

First Dance + Mini Dance Set

The couple's first dance often begins as they step out after being announced. The DJ or band will then play a couple of upbeat songs to get the guests in the mood for the party.

Dinner

The next hour of the reception will be dedicated to dinner and speeches. The first course is served after the initial toast, followed by the maid of honour and best man speeches between courses. The main course is then served, with subdued background music if it's a seated meal. If it's a buffet, the coordinator will dictate the rotation by calling each table when it's time for food.

Parent Dances

As guests finish their meals, the couple and their parents are called to the dance floor for parent dances, such as the father-daughter and mother-son dances.

Cake Cutting + Dessert

Around an hour before the reception concludes, the waitstaff should begin preparing tables for coffee and dessert. The cake-cutting is a signal to guests that it's okay to leave, so it's usually done an hour or so before the end.

Last Dance

Don't just cut the music when it's time to finish. Schedule a final dance to signal to guests that it's time to go.

Reception Ends + Send-Off

It's time to say goodbye. The couple makes a grand exit while guests blow bubbles, light sparklers, or toss confetti.

After-Party

Once all the formal activities are over, guests can choose to participate in an after-party or head home.

Include dress code

Including a dress code on your wedding reception invitation is a great way to ensure your event stays as formal or as casual as you want it to be. It also helps your guests know what is expected of them in terms of attire. Here are some tips and suggestions for including a dress code on your wedding reception invitation:

Where to Include the Dress Code

You can include the dress code in the lower left or right-hand corner of the invitation, or at the bottom centre of the design. Alternatively, if you want to keep your invitation simple, you can include it on a separate information or details card along with other important information for your guests. You can also include it on your wedding website, if you have one.

How to Format the Dress Code

The dress code can be written with or without a colon or other mark, such as a bullet point or vertical bar, and should be consistent with the style of the rest of the invitation. For example:

• Dress: Formal
• Dress Code: Formal
• Attire: Formal (Black Tie Optional)

Examples of Dress Codes

• White Tie or Full Evening Dress: The most formal wedding attire. Men wear long-tail tuxedos, while women wear full-length ball gowns.
• Black Tie: Formal, evening event. Men wear tuxedos with black bow ties, while women wear floor-length gowns.
• Formal or Black Tie Optional: A step down from Black Tie. Men can wear a dark suit with a shirt and tie, while women can wear a floor-length gown, knee-length cocktail dress, pantsuit, or dressy separates.
• Lounge Suit or Semi-Formal: Suitable for a semi-formal daytime wedding. The wedding party will be in formal wedding attire, but it is optional for guests. Men should wear a classic suit or tux with a tie, while women should wear formal evening wear.
• Cocktail Attire: A balance between elegant and comfortable. Women should opt for a tea-length, knee-length, or midi dress, while men are required to wear a suit and tie.
• Smart Casual: Wedding guests are asked to dress neatly, without being too dressy or too casual. Men can wear dark denim, chinos, or suit pants with a neat shirt, while women can wear a skirt or smart trousers.

Frequently asked questions