Crafting Wedding Invites: Reception-Only Wording

When it comes to wedding invitations, there's a lot to consider, from the design to the timing. But what if you're having a reception-only wedding? In this case, it's crucial to ensure your invitation wording is clear and provides all the necessary details. Here's a guide to help you navigate the process and ensure your guests know they're invited to celebrate your special day.

Include an insert card with ceremony details for those invited to the ceremony and reception

If you're inviting guests to both the ceremony and the reception, you can include an insert card with the ceremony details. This can be a more personal touch for close family and friends. This card can include the date, time, and location of the ceremony, as well as any other relevant information such as parking or shuttle information.

> Friday, the eighteenth of August

>

> two thousand and seventeen

>

> at three in the afternoon

>

> [Ceremony location name and address]

If you're having a reception at a different location, you can also include the following on the insert card:

> Reception to follow at [time]

>

> [Reception location name and address]

Alternatively, you can include a separate reception card with the reception details, especially if you have a lot of information to convey. This will help keep the invitation suite from becoming too crowded.

If you're having a small, intimate ceremony, you may choose to print two different invitations: one for the guests invited to both the ceremony and reception, and one for those invited to the reception only. However, this option can be more expensive.

Make it clear the ceremony has already taken place

When creating a wedding invitation, it is important to be clear about what guests are being invited to attend. This is especially important when it comes to reception-only invites, as guests may be left confused about whether or not they are also invited to the ceremony. Here are some tips and examples to help you make it clear that the ceremony has already taken place:

Create Two Separate Guest Lists

It is crucial to have two separate guest lists: one for those invited to both the ceremony and reception, and another for those only invited to the reception. This will help you keep track of who is attending each part of your wedding day. Remember, according to proper wedding etiquette, everyone who attended the ceremony must also be invited to the reception.

Be Clear and Stick to Your Guns

Once the RSVPs start coming in, some guests may try to pressure you into inviting them to the ceremony as well. It is important to stand your ground and not make exceptions, as this will inevitably lead to more requests. Express your excitement about celebrating with them at the reception and, if necessary, explain your reasons for keeping the ceremony intimate.

Choose Clear Wording for Your Invitations

The wording of your invitations should make it obvious that the ceremony has already taken place and that guests are only being invited to the reception. Here are some examples:

• ""[Names of couple] request the pleasure of your company for a reception in celebration of their new marriage"
• "We're married! Please join [names] for cocktails, dinner, and dancing and help us celebrate the happy occasion!"
• "The newlyweds [Names of couple] invite you to a reception in honor of their recent marriage"
• "We exchanged vows in a private ceremony on [date] in [location]. Please join us for a celebration of our marriage [date] at [time] at [location]"

Include an Extra Card with Ceremony Details

If you have guests who are invited to both the ceremony and reception, you can include an extra card with ceremony details in their invitation suite. This way, you can ensure that only those invited to the ceremony will have access to the relevant information.

Send Invitations with Plenty of Notice

It is generally recommended to send reception-only invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding, just like traditional wedding invitations. This gives guests enough time to respond and make any necessary travel arrangements. If many guests will need to travel, you may want to send the invitations even earlier and consider sending out save-the-dates six months or more in advance.

Provide all the necessary information, including date, time, and location

When it comes to wedding invitations, a well-informed guest is a happy guest. It is important to include all the necessary information about the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception to ensure your guests are in the loop. Here are some tips to help you provide clear and detailed information:

Date and Time:

Spell out the date and time in full using traditional wedding invitation etiquette. For a formal wedding, write out the date and time like this: "Saturday, the twenty-sixth of October, two thousand twenty-four at half after five o'clock in the evening". For a more casual wedding, you can use numerals and write the date and time as "Saturday, 10/26/2024, 5:30 pm". If your reception follows the ceremony at the same location, you can simply write "reception to follow" or "dinner and dancing to follow".

Location:

When listing the location, include the venue's name and address. For a formal wedding, write out the full address like this: "The Country Club, 123 Country Club Lane, City, State". For a less formal wedding, you can just include the venue name and city, like this: "The Country Club, City, State". If your reception is at a different location, include it on a separate insert card or "reception card".

Other Details:

In addition to the date, time, and location, there are a few other details you may want to include. Consider adding a dress code, especially if your wedding is black-tie or has a specific theme. You can also include an "RSVP by" date, giving your guests three to four weeks to respond. Finally, don't forget to include your wedding website, where guests can find more information, such as directions, transportation, and accommodation suggestions.

Sample Wording:

"You are cordially invited to celebrate the marriage of

Bride's Name and Groom's Name

Date: Day, Month, Date, Year

Time: Time (and specify morning, afternoon, or evening if before 5 pm)

Ceremony Location: Venue Name

Address: Street Address, City, State

Reception to follow at: Reception Venue Name

Address: Street Address, City, State

RSVP by Date: Kindly respond by Day, Month Date, Year

Dress Code: Black-tie/Formal Attire/Cocktail Attire/Beach Casual

Website: www.brideandgroom.com"

Remember to adapt the wording to match the formality of your wedding and include any additional information you think your guests may need. Happy planning!

Send invitations six to eight weeks before the reception

Sending out your wedding invitations on time is essential to giving your guests enough time to plan their attendance. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process of sending out your invitations six to eight weeks before your wedding reception:

Timing is Key

It is customary to send out your wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the big day. This timeline gives your guests ample time to clear their schedules and make any necessary travel arrangements. It also allows you to receive RSVPs earlier, helping you finalise your seating chart and guest list before the wedding crunch. If your wedding falls on a major holiday, consider sending out invitations earlier, as your guests may need more time to plan their attendance.

Save-the-Dates

If you are having a destination wedding or your wedding falls during a busy holiday season, consider sending out save-the-dates. These are usually sent out six to eight months before the wedding but can be sent up to a year in advance if you have your wedding details finalised. Save-the-dates are especially helpful when many of your guests need to make travel arrangements or if accommodations near your wedding venue are limited.

International Guests

If you are inviting international guests, it is advisable to send their invitations alongside those of your other guests but with a little heads-up. Give them a call or send an email with the wedding details and information about booking accommodations. If a significant portion of your guest list is from abroad, consider sending out invitations at least 12 weeks in advance to allow for travel planning.

RSVP Management

Ensure that your RSVP date is at least two to three weeks before your wedding date. This will give you enough time to finalise numbers with your caterer and other vendors. Most couples request RSVPs three to six weeks before the wedding. If you are yet to receive some responses by your deadline, give those guests a quick call to remind them to send in their RSVPs.

Invitation Wording

When inviting guests to a reception-only wedding, it is essential to be clear in your invitation wording. Indicate that guests are invited to a reception celebrating your marriage. Here is an example: " [Names of the couple] request the pleasure of your company for a reception in celebration of their new marriage." This phrasing makes it explicit that the ceremony has already taken place, and guests are invited to the reception only.

Include RSVP cards with pre-addressed and stamped envelopes

When it comes to wedding planning, there are many details to consider, especially when it comes to the invitations and RSVP cards. Here are some instructive tips focused on including RSVP cards with pre-addressed and stamped envelopes for a reception-only wedding:

The Importance of RSVP Cards

First and foremost, it is crucial to understand the importance of RSVP cards. They are not just an optional addition to your wedding invitations but are an essential piece of your wedding stationery suite. RSVP cards provide a structured way for your guests to respond to your invitations, ensuring you receive timely and organised responses. This is especially important for managing your guest numbers, dietary requirements, and meal choices.

Timing is Key

The timing of sending out your RSVP cards is vital. It is recommended to send out your RSVP cards along with your wedding invitations, forming part of your wedding invitation suite. Ideally, this should be done approximately eight to twelve weeks before the wedding if you have sent out save-the-dates. If you haven't sent save-the-dates, it's best to send the invitations and RSVP cards earlier, around four to six months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, sending them out eight to twelve months in advance is standard.

Pre-Addressed and Stamped Envelopes

Now, let's delve into the specifics of pre-addressed and stamped envelopes for your RSVP cards. It is considered proper etiquette to include pre-addressed and stamped envelopes with your RSVP cards. This is important for two main reasons. Firstly, it is courteous and ensures your guests don't incur any costs for replying. Secondly, it makes the process much easier and quicker for your guests. All they need to do is fill out the card and pop it in the post, increasing the likelihood of timely responses.

Online RSVPs as an Alternative

In today's digital age, you may consider offering an alternative to postal RSVP cards by providing an online option. You can include your email address, phone number, or a link to your wedding website on the invitation or RSVP card. This approach can be particularly useful for gathering dietary requirements or meal choices. However, it is always a good idea to offer both options to cater to your guests' preferences and ensure you receive responses from all generations.

A Well-Crafted RSVP Card

When creating your RSVP cards, there are several key components to include:

• RSVP deadline: Clearly state the deadline for responses, usually no less than one month before the wedding.
• Guests' names: Include a blank line for guests to write their names, with an optional "M" at the start for a traditional touch.
• Attendance line: Provide a clear "yes" or "no" option for guests to indicate their attendance.
• Number of guests attending: If applicable, allow guests to specify the number of attendees from their household.
• Entree selection: If you're serving a plated meal, include instructions for guests to select their entrée choices.
• Dietary requirements: Include a blank line for guests to specify any dietary needs or allergies.

In conclusion, including RSVP cards with pre-addressed and stamped envelopes is an essential aspect of wedding invitation etiquette. It streamlines the response process, ensuring you receive timely and informative replies from your guests. By offering both postal and online RSVP options, you can effectively gather the information needed to plan your reception-only wedding celebration.

Frequently asked questions