Guide To Using 'Casual' In Wedding Invites

Wedding invitations are often the first glimpse guests will have of your big day. The tone, formality, and style of your wedding can all be inferred from the invitation, and this includes whether the event will be casual or formal. The wording, phrasing, and language used in the invitation can all contribute to the impression of a casual wedding, and this article will explore some of the ways to achieve this.

Using less formal, more conversational language

A wedding invitation sets the tone for the entire event. It lets guests know what to expect and whether the occasion will be formal or casual. If you're planning a casual wedding, you can use less formal, more conversational language in your invitations. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft the perfect casual wedding invitation:

Opening Line and Host Line:

Start with a friendly and inviting opening line that sets the casual tone. Instead of the traditional "You are cordially invited", try something like, "We're tying the knot, and you're invited to join the fun!" You can also use just your first names, creating a warm and personal feel. For example, "Join Amy and Alex for a day of love, laughter, and happily ever after."

Request to Attend:

The request to attend can be more conversational and fun. You can use phrases like "share in our joy," "join us for a relaxed evening," or "come eat cake and celebrate with us." Here's an example: "Jack Alexander Smith and Mason Jacob Kim invite you to a day of love and laughter as we tie the knot."

Date and Time:

For a casual invitation, you can use numerals for the date and time instead of spelling them out. Here's an example: "Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 pm."

Location and Reception Details:

Include the venue's name and address, and if the reception is at the same location, you can simply write, "Reception to follow." If it's elsewhere, provide the full address. You can also add a playful line to match your casual theme, such as, "And afterward, let's dance the night away at the reception venue."

Dress Code:

Including a dress code is optional, but if you want to give your guests an idea of the attire, you can use phrases like "dress casual," "beach formal," or "garden party chic." You can also add a lighthearted line to your invitation, such as, "Feel free to leave your tux at home and join us in your fancy sandals!"

RSVP:

You can get creative with the RSVP portion of your invitation. Instead of the traditional "Yes, I will attend" or "No, I cannot attend," try something like, "Please say you'll be there!" or "Yes, I'll bring my dancing shoes!"

Here's an example of a casual wedding invitation putting these elements together:

"Join us for a day of love and laughter!

Olivia Rose and John Michael

Are tying the knot!

Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 pm

At the Jamestown Country Club

San Diego, California

Reception to follow at the same venue.

Join us for a casual celebration, and don't forget your dancing shoes!

RSVP by visiting our wedding website."

Remember, when using less formal language, you can be creative and inject your personality into the invitation. Feel free to add a touch of humour or use phrases that reflect your unique style as a couple.

Avoiding super high-end invitations

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to strike the right tone and avoid anything too high-end or formal if you're aiming for a casual celebration. Here are some tips to help you achieve that:

The Language You Use

Use less formal, more conversational language, especially in the opening line. Instead of the traditional "You are cordially invited," try something like, "We're tying the knot and you're invited to join the fun!" Use your and your partner's first names instead of full names or formal titles. This sets a warm and inviting tone for your guests.

The Details

Provide all the necessary details about your wedding, such as the time, venue, date, etc., but do so in a casual and conversational manner. You might say, "Join Amy and Alex for a day of love, laughter, and happily ever after." If you have a wedding website, include a simple line like, "For more details, visit our wedding website." This keeps your invitation uncluttered while providing guests with additional information.

Save the Dates

If you're sending out save-the-date cards before the official invitation, use this as an opportunity to start conveying the casual vibe. Instead of a traditional format, opt for a more casual tone, such as "Finally!" or "We're Saying I Do."

Personalize It

Feel free to let your personalities shine through in your invitation! If you love puns, incorporate one into your wording, such as, "We decided on forever... and a day filled with love, laughter, and a casual get-together." If you're adventure seekers, use references that reflect your hobby. You can even add your favourite colours or a snippet of your wedding song lyrics to make it unique.

Be Clear About "Casual"

While you want to maintain a casual tone, it's important to give guests a clear picture of what to expect. If it's a beach wedding, for example, let them know that flip-flops are welcome. A line like, "Dress for a fun day in the sun, where love is in the air and sand might be in your shoes," sets the right tone while providing useful information.

The Design and Format

The look of your invitation can also convey the tone and feel of your wedding. Avoid super high-end invitations with fancy fonts and elaborate designs. Opt for a more simplistic and minimalistic approach. You can even create your own invitations for a truly unique and personalised touch.

Word of Mouth

In addition to your invitations, use word of mouth to reinforce the casual nature of your wedding. When discussing the wedding with your family and friends, mention how much you're looking forward to a fun and casual celebration. This will help set the right expectations for your guests.

Using first names only

Using only first names on your wedding invitations is a great way to set a casual tone for your big day. This approach is especially effective if you're planning a laid-back celebration and want to convey a warm and inviting atmosphere. Here are some tips and examples to guide you:

The Couple's Names

Using just the first names of the couple, such as "Join Amy and Alex," is a simple and effective way to establish a casual vibe. This style is best suited for weddings where tradition is taking a back seat, and the focus is on creating a personalised and intimate event. It's a modern approach that allows your unique personalities to shine through.

The Invitation Wording

When it comes to the invitation wording, opt for a friendly and conversational tone. Instead of the traditional "You are cordially invited," try something like, "We're tying the knot and you're invited to join the fun!" This sets the right tone and lets your guests know they are in for a relaxed and enjoyable celebration.

Pertinent Information

Provide all the essential details about your wedding, such as the time, venue, and date, in a casual and conversational manner. You might say, "Join us for a day of love and laughter at our favourite beach spot, followed by a laid-back reception." This way, your guests get a clear picture of what to expect.

Save the Dates

If you're sending out save the dates, this is another opportunity to establish the casual vibe. Instead of a formal announcement, consider something more lighthearted, like "Finally, we're saying 'I do'!" or "We're tying the knot, and we want you there!" This sets the right tone from the very beginning.

Personalisation

Feel free to inject your personalities into the invitations. If you're known for your sense of humour, consider a playful pun, such as "We decided on forever... and a day filled with love and a casual get-together." Or, if you share a passion for adventure, incorporate references that reflect this. The key is to make the invitations a fun reflection of who you are as a couple.

Guest Comfort

While a casual wedding invites a more relaxed dress code, it's still important to give your guests clear guidance. For example, if your wedding is outdoors, let them know that comfortable shoes and attire are encouraged. You might say, "Join us for a fun day in the sun, where love is in the air and sand might be in your shoes!" This way, your guests will feel prepared and ready to celebrate.

In conclusion, using only first names on your wedding invitations is a wonderful way to set a casual and intimate tone for your special day. By combining this approach with thoughtful wording and personal touches, you'll create invitations that excite your guests and perfectly reflect the spirit of your celebration.

Including a wedding website URL

A wedding invitation sets the tone for the entire event. It lets guests know what to expect and whether the event is formal or casual.

Use a Separate Enclosure Card

You can include a separate enclosure card, commonly known as a "wedding website card", with your wedding website details. This helps to maintain a formal tone and gives you more space for wording. Here is some wording you could use:

> For more information on accommodation, dress code and RSVPs, please visit our website at [URL]

>

> For more information about our wedding and for online RSVPs, please visit our website: [URL]

>

> For travel and accommodation information, please visit our website: [URL]

>

> Love, [Name] and [Name]

>

> Please RSVP online by [due date]

>

> via our wedding website

>

> We can't wait to celebrate with you!

Include the Link Directly on the Invitation

Alternatively, you can include the link directly on your invitation with a short sentence. This option is more cost-effective and less formal. Here is some wording you could use:

> Please RSVP by [due date] at [URL]

>

> Kindly RSVP by [due date] via our wedding website: [URL]

>

> For more wedding details and to RSVP, visit [URL]

Timing

It is recommended that you send save-the-dates 4-6 months before your wedding and invitations 6-8 weeks before. Including your wedding website on your save-the-dates is a great way to share the URL as quickly as possible.

Privacy and Convenience

Adding your wedding website link to your invitations maintains your privacy by ensuring that only your guests can access it. It is also quicker and more convenient than sharing the link via text or word-of-mouth.

RSVPs and Registry Information

Including your wedding website on your invitation is a great way to direct guests to RSVP online and makes it easy to track responses and manage your guest list. It is also a convenient place to share registry information, which is now considered standard.

Custom URL

Consider creating a custom URL for your wedding website that is easy to remember and specific to you and your partner. For example:

• TheFuture(Surname)’s
• (Name)and(Name)GetHitched
• (Surname)Wedding2022

Adding a fun, casual tone to the RSVP

The RSVP portion of your wedding invitation is an opportunity to reinforce the tone of your special day. If you're planning a casual celebration, here are some ideas to make your RSVP fun and lighthearted:

Creative Wording

Add a playful twist to the traditional RSVP phrasing. For example:

• "Please say you do" / "Yes, I'll bring my dancing shoes" / "No, I can't believe I'm going to miss the fun"
• "Will be there, will not be square" / "Won't be there, which means I'm square"
• "Let's do it!" / "Can't do it"
• "I'd love to!" / "Wish I could"
• "Deal me in!" / "Count me out"
• "Yaaaaaas!" / "Nooooooo!"
• "Let's party" / "Party on without me"

Include a Fun Question

Engage your guests with a lighthearted question or prompt. For example:

• "Yes, and we'll even dance if you play ______" / "Yes, we're in, as long as you don't play ______"
• "Yes, and we're bringing our dancing shoes" / "Yes, but we don't have dancing shoes" / "No, we hate dancing shoes"
• "Yes, we can't wait to celebrate with you!" / "No, but we're toasting you from far away!"

Playful Phrases

Use whimsical phrases to inject some fun into your RSVP:

• "Yes, and let the good times roll!" / "No, sadly, the good times are going to roll away without us"
• "Yes, we'll be celebrating with you in person" / "No, but we'll be celebrating with you in spirit"
• "Yes, we've got our ducks in a row, so we'll be there" / "No, sadly, our ducks are all over the place"
• "Yes! Like we had a choice?"
• "Life's way too short to say no to you"
• "We've got way too much FOMO to say no"

Remember, while you want to keep things casual and fun, it's important to maintain clarity. Ensure your guests understand the RSVP options and can provide clear responses. You can always include a simple "yes" or "no" option alongside your creative alternatives.

Frequently asked questions