Welcome Party And Wedding: One Invite Or Two?

Wedding welcome parties are a great way to kick off the wedding festivities and get guests acquainted before the big day. But what's the best way to invite guests to this pre-wedding celebration? Some couples choose to include a dedicated invitation with their mailed wedding invites, while others opt for electronic invitations or details cards with their wedding invitations. Including information on the wedding website or spreading the word through word of mouth are also options. Regardless of the method, it's important to convey all the necessary details, such as date, time, location, and any special instructions for guests.

Inviting all guests or just out-of-towners

There are a few things to consider when deciding whether to invite all guests or just out-of-towners to your welcome party. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Budget

If you are working with a limited budget, you may want to consider inviting only the out-of-town guests. This can help reduce the cost of the welcome party, especially if you are providing food and drinks. However, if your budget allows, inviting all guests is a great way to include everyone in the festivities and give them a chance to mingle and get to know each other before the wedding.

Logistics

Consider the number of guests you are inviting and the capacity of your venue. If you have a large number of guests and a limited venue space, you may need to restrict the guest list to just the out-of-towners. This will ensure that your venue is not overcrowded and that everyone can comfortably attend the party.

Purpose of the Party

Think about the purpose of your welcome party. If your main goal is to welcome and show appreciation to your out-of-town guests who have travelled to attend your wedding, then inviting all guests may not be necessary. However, if you want to use the party as an opportunity for all your guests to meet and interact before the wedding, then inviting everyone is a great idea.

Timing

The timing of your welcome party can also be a factor in your decision. If you are hosting the party a few days before the wedding, you may have a higher number of out-of-town guests who have arrived early. In this case, inviting all guests may not be feasible, as some local guests may not be able to attend. However, if your party is the day before the wedding, you can expect more guests to be in town, and inviting everyone can be a great way to include them in the celebrations.

Tradition

Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner is usually a more intimate gathering that includes family members and the wedding party. If you prefer to stick to this tradition, you can choose to invite only the out-of-town guests to the welcome party, creating a more exclusive and intimate gathering. This can be a thoughtful way to welcome those who have travelled and give them a chance to relax and socialise before the busy wedding day.

In conclusion, when deciding whether to invite all guests or just out-of-towners to your welcome party, consider your budget, logistics, the purpose of the party, timing, and traditional preferences. Ultimately, the decision is yours, and you can choose what best fits your wedding vision and ensures your guests feel welcomed and included in your celebrations.

Wording and design of the invite

The wording and design of your welcome party invitations should reflect the theme and tone of your wedding weekend. Here are some tips to help you create invitations that will excite your guests and set the right expectations:

• Festive Wording: Use festive and creative language to excite your guests about the upcoming celebration. You can say something like, "Join us for a fun-filled welcome party to kick off the wedding weekend!"
• Theme and Activity Hints: If you have a theme or special activities planned, hint at them in the invitation to build anticipation. For example, if you're having a tropical-themed party, you might use tropical language and imagery in your invites.
• Practical Information: Be sure to include all the essential details such as the date, time, and location of the welcome party. You may also want to include suggestions for clothing and footwear, maps, and any relevant phone numbers or websites that guests can refer to for more information.
• RSVP Instructions: Make it easy for guests to RSVP for the welcome party separately from the wedding. You can include an enclosure card with your invitations or set up an RSVP question on your wedding website.
• Food and Beverage Details: While you don't have to include every menu item, it's a good idea to give guests a sense of what to expect, especially if you're having a themed menu or serving a particular type of cuisine. This will help them plan accordingly, especially if they have dietary restrictions.
• BYOB or Not: If you're having a BYOB event, it's important to let guests know so they can come prepared. You can include this information on the invitation or spread it by word of mouth, but it's better to ensure everyone gets the message.
• Invitation Design: The design of your invitations should complement the overall aesthetic of your wedding. If you're having a retro-themed wedding, for instance, you might use retro-inspired fonts and colours in your welcome party invites.
• Digital or Physical Invites: Consider whether you prefer digital or physical invitations. Digital invites are convenient and eco-friendly, while physical invites can be more formal and tactile. Choose the option that best suits your preferences and guest list.
• Timing of Sending: Send out your welcome party invitations along with your wedding invitations or shortly after. This will give your guests plenty of time to plan their travel and accommodations.
• Consistency with Wedding Invites: If you're sending physical invitations, try to maintain a consistent design and style with your wedding invitations to create a cohesive suite. This will create a sense of unity in your wedding stationery.

Inviting guests to bring their own drinks

If you're hosting a wedding welcome party, you may be wondering about the best way to invite guests to bring their own drinks. While it may seem like a simple task, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your request is clear and polite. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Use Clear and Concise Wording: When including information about bringing drinks on your invitation or wedding website, use clear and concise wording. For example, you could say, "Please join us for a welcome party and feel free to bring your favourite drink to enjoy during the evening." This lets guests know that they are welcome to bring their own drinks without making it sound like a requirement.
• Spread the Word: In addition to including information on your invitation or wedding website, it's a good idea to spread the word through word of mouth. This can be done by telling your close friends and family members, who can then pass the information on to other guests. That way, you can ensure that everyone is on the same page and there are no surprises on the day of the party.
• Provide Alternatives: If you're worried about guests forgetting to bring their own drinks or if you want to provide a variety of options, you can also offer alternatives. For example, you could have a limited selection of drinks available for purchase or include a drink coupon with each invitation. That way, guests have the option to bring their own drinks or purchase them at the party.
• Consider the Type of Event: The type of event you're hosting can also play a role in how you invite guests to bring their own drinks. For example, if you're having a casual gathering, such as a picnic or barbecue, guests may be more inclined to bring their own drinks. On the other hand, if you're hosting a more formal event, such as a sit-down dinner, it may be more appropriate to provide drinks for your guests.
• Be Mindful of Cultural and Religious Sensitivities: When inviting guests to bring their own drinks, be mindful of any cultural or religious sensitivities. For example, if you have guests who do not drink alcohol for religious reasons, make sure there are non-alcoholic options available as well. It's important to create an inclusive environment where all your guests feel comfortable and respected.
• Provide Clear Instructions: If there are any specific instructions or requirements for bringing drinks, make sure to include them in your invitation or wedding website. For example, if guests need to bring their own cups or glasses, let them know in advance so they can come prepared. Clear instructions will help ensure that your event runs smoothly and that your guests have a positive experience.

Remember, the most important thing is to communicate your request clearly and politely. By using the tips above, you can ensure that your guests are well-informed and that your wedding welcome party is a success!

Including RSVP details for the welcome party

Wording and Format:

Keep the wording for the RSVP details clear and concise. You can include a separate enclosure card or insert with your wedding invitation that mentions the welcome party and provides RSVP information. For example:

"Please join us for a welcome party to kick off the wedding celebrations! RSVP for the welcome party by [date]."

Alternatively, you can add a separate line on your RSVP card specifically for the welcome party. This can be as simple as adding a line that says "Will attend the welcome party" below the section where guests confirm their attendance for the wedding.

If you have a wedding website, you can also include a digital RSVP question for the welcome party. This allows guests to indicate their attendance for both events in one place.

Timing:

When including RSVP details for the welcome party, consider the timing of your events. If your welcome party is taking place the day before the wedding, make sure to give guests enough time to respond. You can set an RSVP deadline for the welcome party that is a few days before the event, giving you an accurate headcount for planning purposes.

Communication:

It's important to clearly communicate the RSVP details for the welcome party to your guests. In addition to including the information in your wedding invitation, you can also spread the word through word-of-mouth or by creating a wedding website. If you choose to use your wedding website for RSVPs, be sure to include a link or instructions on how guests can access the website and submit their responses.

Managing Responses:

Keep track of the RSVPs for both the wedding and the welcome party. This will help you plan accordingly, especially if you are providing food and drinks at the welcome party. If you are using a wedding planner or coordinator, be sure to share the RSVP information with them so they can also assist in managing the responses and planning the event.

Flexibility:

Remember that guests' travel plans may impact their ability to RSVP for the welcome party. Some guests may not know their travel itinerary when they receive the invitation, so be prepared for last-minute additions or changes. It's a good idea to follow up with guests who haven't responded to your RSVP to get a more accurate headcount as the event approaches.

By including RSVP details for the welcome party in your wedding invitation, you can make it convenient for your guests to respond and help ensure a well-planned and enjoyable event for everyone.

Sending invites via mail or electronically

When it comes to sending out invites, you have the option of doing so via mail or electronically. Here are some things to consider for both options:

Sending Invites via Mail

• This is the traditional method of sending wedding invitations and is considered more formal and respectful for an event as important as a wedding.
• It ensures that all your guests, regardless of their age or technological proficiency, receive the invitation.
• You can buy invitation sets at craft stores or use online services like Vista Print to create nice-quality yet inexpensive invites.
• Sending paper invitations is especially recommended if you have a complex invitation suite with multiple enclosures or if you want to include creative elements like name tags or drink coupons.

Sending Invites Electronically

• This method can be more convenient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective, especially if you have a large guest list.
• Online platforms like Canva offer customizable email invitation templates, allowing you to create unique and personalized invites that match your wedding theme and aesthetic.
• You can include the same basic details as a print invitation, such as the occasion, RSVP or contact info, social media links, and an image or catchy phrase to excite your guests.
• However, there is a risk of emails getting bounced back, ending up in spam folders, or not being seen by guests who don't regularly check their inboxes.
• If you choose to send electronic invites, make sure to include all the necessary information and consider following up with guests to ensure they received the invitation.

Frequently asked questions