Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Announcing Your Registry Elegantly

Wedding invitation etiquette is a tricky business. It's important to get the timing right, and to include all the necessary information, but what about when it comes to announcing a gift registry? While it's considered a major faux pas to include registry information on the wedding invitation itself, there are other ways to let your guests know. One option is to include an informational insert in the envelope with a link to your wedding website, where guests can find the registry. You can also rely on word of mouth, letting your close family members and bridal party know so they can spread the word.

Include a link to your wedding website on an enclosure card

It is considered a major faux pas to include your wedding registry information on your wedding invitations. It can be interpreted as a request for gifts, which may give off the impression that getting presents is more important to you than sharing your special day with your loved ones.

The best way to inform your guests about your wedding registry is by including a link to your wedding website on an enclosure card. An enclosure card is a small card included with your wedding invitations that features any additional information that is not printed on the invitation card itself. This could include details about the reception, such as the venue, time, food and drinks, attire, and entertainment.

• Provide a clear and easy-to-find link to your wedding website on the enclosure card. Avoid explicitly mentioning your wedding registry. Instead, let guests know they can find all the information they need on your website.
• Keep the design and colours of the enclosure card consistent with your wedding invitations. You can get enclosure cards customised for your event, ensuring a cohesive and elegant look.
• Include other relevant information on the enclosure card, such as the reception venue, time, and any directions or transportation details. This helps guests easily access all the information they need in one place.
• If you have a lot of information to include, consider using separate enclosure cards for different topics, such as one for guest accommodations and another for your wedding website and other pertinent details. This helps keep each card concise and easy to read.
• If you are using a wedding website for RSVPs, you may not need a separate enclosure card for your website address. One card with all the necessary details should suffice.

By following these suggestions, you can tactfully inform your guests about your wedding registry while adhering to proper etiquette and ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for your guests.

Spread the word via close family and bridal party

While it is considered rude to include your registry information on your wedding invitations, there are other ways to spread the word. One way is through word of mouth – tell your close family members and bridal party about your registry details and they can pass this information on to other guests when asked. This is a traditional method that was used before the advent of wedding websites and is still an effective way to inform guests about your registry.

It is important to note that you should not rely solely on word of mouth, especially if you have a large number of guests. In this case, it may be helpful to include your registry information on an insert card within your invitation suite, as suggested by Hitch Studio, a company specialising in Midwest wedding etiquette. This way, you can provide guests with the information they need to purchase a gift without placing too much emphasis on it.

You can also include your wedding website on your save-the-dates, which will allow guests to access all the details of your special day, including your registry. Another option is to include your registry information on your bridal shower invitations, as guests will be expecting to purchase a gift for this type of event.

By using a combination of these methods, you can effectively share your registry details with your guests without coming across as greedy or rude.

Include registry information on bridal shower invites

It is generally considered a faux pas to include registry information on wedding invitations. However, bridal shower invitations are an exception to this rule. Here are some tips and suggestions for including registry information on bridal shower invites:

The Purpose of Bridal Showers and Gift-Giving

The purpose of a bridal shower is to shower the bride with love and gifts. Gift-giving is an integral part of the bridal shower tradition, and guests will want and need to know what the bride would like to receive. Therefore, it is perfectly acceptable to include registry information on bridal shower invitations.

Ways to Include Registry Information

There are two common ways to include registry information on bridal shower invites:

• Direct guests to the couple's wedding website: On the invitation, include a line such as, "For registry information, please visit [insert website here]." This approach allows guests to easily access all the registry details in one place.
• List the specific stores the couple is registered at: You can simply name the stores by writing something like, " [Name] is registered at Bed Bath & Beyond, World Market, and Crate & Barrel." Providing the store names ensures guests can quickly find the registry information, especially if they are less tech-savvy.

Insert Cards or Direct Links

If you prefer a more subtle approach, consider including an insert card with the registry information. This can be a separate quarter sheet of cardstock included with the invitation. Alternatively, you can provide a direct link to the registry or the couple's wedding website on the invitation itself.

Word-of-Mouth and Bridal Shower Hosts

While it's customary to include registry details on bridal shower invites, you can also rely on word-of-mouth. The bridal shower host, typically a close family member or friend, can spread the word on the couple's behalf. This approach ensures that guests who prefer to ask directly will have no trouble obtaining the registry information.

Share your wedding registry via social media

While it's important to avoid mentioning gifts on your wedding invitations, there are several ways you can share your wedding registry via social media without coming across as rude or greedy. Here are some tips to help you do this:

• Include a registry page on your wedding website: Share links to your registry on your wedding website, introducing it with a phrase like "If you wish to give a gift to the bride and groom..." This way, guests can easily find and access your registry without feeling pressured to bring a gift.
• Share your wedding website on your save-the-date: Spread the word about your wedding website by including its link on your save-the-date announcement. This way, everyone invited to the wedding can access your registry information and other wedding details.
• Avoid posting direct links to your registry on social media: Instead of posting direct links to your registry on social media, post a link to your wedding website. This avoids any potential issues with people who are not invited to the wedding and ensures your post won't get lost in people's feeds.
• Use word of mouth: Share your registry details with your immediate family, bridesmaids, and groomsmen, and let them know they can spread the word on your behalf. This traditional method ensures that those who are interested in buying you a gift will have the information they need.
• Include registry information on bridal shower invitations: If you are having a bridal shower, it is acceptable to include registry information on the invitations. Guests at a bridal shower are usually expected to bring a gift, so providing this information will be helpful to them.

Provide wedding website details on save-the-date cards

Save-the-date cards are meant to give your wedding guests an official heads-up about your big day. They are a way to allow people ample time to make room in their schedules and make travel arrangements. Typically, save-the-date cards are sent no earlier than eight months and no later than four months before the wedding. For destination weddings, it is advisable to send them closer to the twelve-month mark so that guests can make travel arrangements and shop around for the best prices.

When providing wedding website details on save-the-date cards, it is essential to include the website address or URL clearly and prominently. The website address can be included in the card design or as part of the text. Here are some suggestions for providing wedding website details effectively:

• Matching Website and Save-the-Date Card Design: You can create a cohesive look by matching the design of your save-the-date cards with your wedding website. This can include using the same colour scheme, font, and even adding a photo of the happy couple. This approach will help guests recognise the website as an official source of information and create a sense of anticipation for the wedding.
• Clear and Concise Wording: When including the wedding website details, use clear and concise wording such as "For more information and to RSVP, visit our website: [website address]". This will ensure that guests understand the purpose of the website and encourage them to take the next step in responding to your invitation.
• QR Codes: Instead of a lengthy URL, consider including a QR code on your save-the-date cards. Guests can simply scan the code with their smartphones to be directed to your wedding website. This saves space on the card and adds an interactive element to the design.
• Highlight Important Information: Your wedding website will likely include various details such as the couple's story, wedding party bios, and event schedules. However, when directing guests to the website via save-the-date cards, it is crucial to highlight the most important information. This could include the date and location of the wedding, accommodation options, and travel recommendations for those coming from out of town.
• Regular Updates: Encourage guests to visit your wedding website regularly by updating it with new information and announcements. This could include details about pre- and post-wedding events, gift registry information, and any changes to the schedule. Regular updates will create a sense of anticipation and ensure that guests have the most up-to-date information.
• Contact Information: Finally, it is essential to provide contact information on your save-the-date cards, such as an email address or phone number. This will allow guests to reach out with any questions or clarifications, especially if they are unable to find the information they need on the wedding website.

By following these suggestions, you can effectively provide wedding website details on your save-the-date cards, ensuring that your guests have access to all the necessary information regarding your special day.

Frequently asked questions