What To Include On The Back Of Wedding Invites

Wedding invitations are a crucial logistical element of the big day. While the invites are a first glimpse at the style and theme of the wedding, they also need to convey important information to the guests. The invitation suite usually consists of multiple cards of different sizes, with each element conveying different details. The invitation card itself is the largest, with the print side up. This is followed by a vellum liner, a reception card, and other enclosure cards.

The question of whether to include information on the back of the wedding invitation is a matter of debate. Some consider it a breach of etiquette, arguing that it detracts from the design and that guests may not think to turn the invitation over. However, others see it as a practical way to save money and paper, especially if there is a separate RSVP card. To ensure guests see the information, some couples include a small note on the front, such as see reverse for details.

Invitation wording etiquette

The wording of your wedding invitations sets the tone for your big day and provides guests with essential details. Here are some tips to ensure your invitations follow proper etiquette:

Be Mindful of Timing

It is generally advised to send out invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed. For destination weddings, it is considerate to send invitations 12 weeks in advance.

Include Crucial Information

Ensure your invitations cover the key details: date, time, and location of the ceremony. If the reception is at the same venue, indicate "reception to follow." For separate reception venues, include the location and time if it's not immediately after the ceremony.

Specify the Dress Code

Including the dress code on the invitation is helpful for guests. Indicate attire expectations in the lower corner or bottom centre of the invite or on a separate details card. The invitation's design can also hint at formality, with traditional invitations suggesting a formal event and playful fonts and colours indicating a casual style.

Provide RSVP Instructions

Don't forget to include an "RSVP by" date, giving guests about three to four weeks to respond. The RSVP date should be at least two weeks before the wedding. Provide a pre-addressed and stamped envelope or direct guests to a specific email, phone number, or wedding website URL for responses.

Be Clear About Who Is Invited

The names on the front of the envelope indicate who is invited. For couples with children, specify "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith" if only the parents are invited. Use "The Smith Family" if the entire family is included. If inviting a guest with a plus-one, write their name if known, or simply indicate "and Guest."

Avoid Overloading with Text

Keep your invitations concise and clear. Overloading them with text may result in guests missing important details. Any additional information, such as hotel accommodations, pre- and post-wedding events, and your wedding website, can be included on a separate details card.

Consider the Host

Traditionally, the bride's parents are listed as hosts at the top of the invitation. However, including both sets of parents as hosts is a gracious option. If the couple is hosting or sharing expenses with their parents, you can use wording such as "Together with their parents, [couple's names] request the pleasure of your company..."

Be Mindful of Formality

The wording you choose should correlate with the formality of your wedding. If you're requesting black-tie attire, opt for traditional wording. Conversely, modern and playful phrasing suits a more casual celebration.

Avoid Including Registry Information

Including registry details on the invitation is considered impolite. Instead, provide guests with a link to your wedding website, where registry information can be easily accessed.

What to include on the invitation

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to get all the details right. Here's a comprehensive guide on what to include in your wedding invitation:

The Main Invitation Card

The invitation card typically includes essential information such as the date, time, and location of the ceremony. If the reception will be held at the same venue, you can simply indicate "reception to follow" to inform guests that they don't need to go elsewhere. However, if the reception is at a different location, you have a couple of options. You can include the reception details on the invitation card or, for a more formal approach, print a separate reception card with the time and location.

Additional Enclosure Cards

Enclosure cards are a great way to provide guests with extra information. These cards can include pre- and post-wedding events, hotel and accommodation details, and a link to your wedding website. Don't forget to mention the dress code! If there are multiple events over the wedding weekend, separate itinerary cards with respective dates, times, and locations can be included.

RSVP Cards

It's crucial to include RSVP instructions and make it convenient for your guests to respond. Provide a pre-addressed envelope with a stamp, or direct guests to a specific email address, phone number, or URL to RSVP. Give them a deadline, usually about two to four weeks before the wedding, to ensure you have enough time to finalise numbers for the caterer.

Return Address

Don't forget to include a return address on the envelope. This ensures that if an invitation is undelivered or sent to the wrong address, you can be contacted for the correct information.

Timing and Mailing

It's recommended to send out invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding for local celebrations. For destination weddings, give your guests more time by sending invitations 12 weeks in advance.

Design and Presentation

You can include a monogram, personalised logo, or other unique design elements on the back of the invitation. If you have multiple enclosure cards, consider adding a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap to hold them together.

While it's essential to include all the necessary information, be mindful not to overcrowd your invitations. Insert cards are a perfect solution to provide additional details without compromising the design of your stationery.

Paperless invites

If you're planning an eco-friendly wedding, or simply want to save on stationery costs, paperless invites are a great option. Digital invitations are also a good choice if you're short on time, as they can be sent out in a matter of minutes.

There are many websites that offer customizable online wedding invitations, such as Paperless Post, Studio Creative Things, and Paper Source. These sites allow you to create invitations that complement your wedding theme and style, whether it's rustic, floral, modern, or classic. You can also include matching bridal shower invitations, bachelorette party invitations, and thank-you cards.

When creating your paperless invite, you can include all the same information as you would on a traditional paper invite. This includes:

• Date, time, and location of the ceremony
• Reception information, especially if it's at a different venue
• Dress code
• Hotel and accommodation information
• Wedding website URL
• Registry information
• RSVP date and instructions

You can also add personal touches, such as engagement photos, monogrammed designs, or a personalized message for your guests.

When sending your paperless invites, you have the option to do so via email, text, or shareable link. This makes it easy to track deliveries, opens, and RSVPs, and allows your guests to respond quickly and efficiently.

While digital invitations may not align with traditional wedding etiquette, they are a convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly option that can be a perfect fit for modern couples.

RSVP instructions

Please respond to our invitation by [insert date]. You can do this by post, using the pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelope provided, or online by visiting our website: [insert URL].

Please indicate whether you will be attending or not, and include the total number of guests who will be attending. If you are unable to attend, we would appreciate it if you could let us know why.

If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, please let us know so that we can accommodate your needs.

We would also love to hear any song requests you may have for the dance floor, as well as any advice for the newlyweds!

Thank you for your prompt response, and we look forward to celebrating with you!

Additional Notes for Guests

When filling out your RSVP, please include your full name(s) and the names of any additional guests, if applicable. If you have been offered a plus one, your invitation will state this. Please do not request a plus one if it is not offered, and do not substitute your plus one for someone else.

Please respond as soon as possible, even if you are unable to attend. It is important for us to have an accurate headcount to finalise our numbers, create a seating plan, and confirm our budget.

Invitation assembly

The assembly of your wedding invitations is a crucial step in ensuring that your guests have all the information they need for your big day. Here is a detailed guide on how to assemble your invitations:

Step 1: Get the main invitation card

Start by placing the largest card, which is usually the invitation card, at the bottom, with the printed side facing up. This sets the foundation for the rest of your invitation suite.

Step 2: Add vellum liners (optional)

Vellum liners are thin sheets of translucent paper that were traditionally used to protect the ink on the invitation. If you choose to include them, place the vellum liner on top of the invitation card.

Step 3: Stack the reception card

If you have a separate reception card, place it face up on top of the main invitation card. This ensures that your guests have a clear understanding of the ceremony and reception locations.

Step 4: Stack other enclosure cards

Place any additional enclosure cards, such as direction or detail cards, map cards, or hotel accommodation cards, face up on top of the reception card. This is also where you can include your wedding website address and any relevant passwords. Consider including a QR code that guests can easily scan to access your wedding website.

Step 5: Add the RSVP card and envelope

If you are using traditional mailed RSVP cards, it's time to add them to the suite. Place the RSVP envelope, printed side down, on top of the enclosure cards, with the envelope flap on the left. Then, insert the RSVP card under the envelope flap, face up, so that your guests can easily fill it out. Don't forget to pre-stamp the reply envelope to make it convenient for your guests!

Step 6: Add finishing touches

If you want to add a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap to your invitation suite, this is the time to do so. These elements add a touch of elegance and help to secure the different components of your invitation together.

Step 7: Address the envelopes

Calligraphy or printed addresses on your envelopes add a sophisticated touch to your invitations. If you're using inner and outer envelopes, remember that the inner envelope is left unsealed, with the guest's name facing out, and the outer envelope is sealed.

Step 8: Insert the suite into the envelope

When inserting your fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope, ensure that the left edge goes in first for a single-card invitation or the folded edge first for a folded invitation. This ensures that your guests can easily read the invitation as they take it out of the envelope.

Step 9: Seal the envelope

Use a bottled envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge of the envelope, being careful not to use too much liquid. Seal all the envelopes and place a heavy book on top to ensure they are securely closed.

Step 10: Add return address

Apply address labels, skinny wraps, or rubber stamps to each envelope to ensure that any undelivered invitations can find their way back to you.

Step 11: Mail your invitations

Before mailing, bring a fully assembled invitation to the post office to determine the exact postage required, especially if you have added embellishments like ribbons or belly bands. It is recommended to hand-cancel your invitations at the post office to reduce the risk of damage during mailing.

Now that you've mastered the art of invitation assembly, you're one step closer to your dream wedding!

Frequently asked questions