Designing Wedding Invites: The Perfect Look

Wedding invitations are a crucial part of wedding planning. They should include key details such as the time, date, and location of the ceremony, as well as the full names of the couple getting married. The invitation should also include an RSVP card or instructions for a digital response, and it may include additional cards with extra information such as travel and accommodation details, directions, and dress code. The tone and style of the invitation can vary, from traditional and formal to modern and informal, depending on the couple's preferences.

What to include in the invite

Wedding invitations should include all the essential information your guests need to know, such as the who, what, when, and where of the nuptials. Here's a detailed breakdown of what to include in your wedding invitations:

Host Information:

The invitation should begin by listing the host(s) and inviting your guests. Traditionally, the bride's parents are the hosts, but nowadays, it's common for both sets of parents to be included or for the couple to host the wedding themselves. Here are some examples of wording for different scenarios:

• "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter, Jessica, to Mr. Edward Jones."
• "Together with their families, Jessica Smith and Edward Jones invite you to join them as they say 'I do'!"
• "Sophia Devine and Matthew Johnson invite you to join them as they exchange vows."

Couple's Names:

The names of the couple getting married are, of course, essential. For heterosexual couples, the woman's name typically goes first, but you can order the names however you prefer. For LGBTQ+ couples, you might order the names alphabetically, by age, or however you see fit. Middle names and last names are optional.

Date and Time:

Be sure to include the date and time of the ceremony. It's best to write these out in full rather than using numerals. For example, "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-four, at four o'clock in the afternoon."

Location:

Provide the name and location of the ceremony venue. If the reception is at a different location, include that as well, along with the start time. You can simply state, "Reception to follow" if it's at the same place.

RSVP Information:

Include a separate RSVP card or instructions for a digital RSVP. You can include a specific date for responses, usually about three to four weeks before the wedding.

Additional Details:

For extra details like travel and accommodation suggestions, attire, parking, or dietary requirements, consider including a separate card or directing guests to your wedding website.

Envelope Information:

On the outer envelope, include the names and addresses of your guests. For the inner envelope (optional), write the names of each invited guest, indicating any plus-ones or specifying adults-only. Don't forget to include your return address and proper postage!

How to word the invite

The wording of your wedding invitation is important to get right, so here is a detailed guide to help you.

The Host Line

The host line is the first part of the invitation and traditionally includes the names of those hosting the wedding, usually the bride's parents. However, if both sets of parents are contributing, or the couple themselves are hosting, you can include both sets of parents' names or opt for something like "Together with their parents/families".

The Invitation Line

This is where you invite your guests to the wedding. A common way to do this is: "request the honour of your presence" for a religious ceremony, or "request the pleasure of your company" for a non-religious ceremony. You can also go for something more informal, such as "Join us to celebrate our wedding".

The Couple's Names

Next, you'll want to include the names of the happy couple. For heterosexual couples, the bride's name usually comes first, but you can order the names however you like. For LGBTQ+ couples, you might want to go in alphabetical order or choose the order based on what looks best with your invitation design. Traditionally, first and middle names are included, but it's also acceptable to just use first names.

The Date and Time

It's important to include the date and time of the ceremony to ensure your guests arrive on time! The date should be written in full, for example, "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand, twenty-one". The time of day should also be included, for example, "at half past four in the afternoon".

The Location

The name and location of the ceremony venue should be included so your guests know where to go. If the reception is at the same location, you can simply add "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow". If the reception is elsewhere, include a separate reception card with the details.

RSVP and Dress Code

You'll want to include a way for your guests to RSVP, such as a separate RSVP card or instructions for a digital RSVP. You may also want to include dress code information, although this is optional.

Additional Information

For any additional information, such as travel and accommodation details, it's best to include a separate card with your invitation. This can include advice on attire, parking, and a link to your wedding website for more information.

RSVP and dress code

When it comes to RSVPs and dress codes, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure your wedding invitations are both informative and stylish.

RSVP Cards

It is customary to include an RSVP card with your wedding invitation. This card should provide guests with a clear deadline for responding, typically about one month before the wedding. It's important to give your guests enough time to make travel arrangements if needed. Be sure to include a pre-addressed and stamped envelope for your guests' convenience.

The RSVP card should also have a way for guests to indicate whether they will be attending, as well as a space for them to include any dietary restrictions or special accommodation requests. You may also want to include a line for a song request or advice for the newlyweds to add a personal touch.

Online RSVPs

In today's digital age, many couples are opting for online RSVPs through their wedding website. This can be a convenient option for both you and your guests, especially if you have a lot of tech-savvy loved ones. However, it's important to consider that some older guests may not be comfortable with this method, so offering both digital and paper RSVP options is often the best approach.

Dress Code

Including the dress code on your wedding invitation is optional. Nowadays, many couples choose to communicate this information through their wedding website instead. However, if you want to include it on the invitation, you can simply add a line indicating the dress code, such as "Casual Attire", "Black Tie", or "Cocktail Attire". Alternatively, you can hint at the formality of the event through your invitation design, with a traditional and elegant style for a formal wedding, or a playful and colourful invitation for a more casual affair.

Envelope and postage

Wedding invitations typically include an outer envelope, and sometimes an inner envelope. The outer envelope is what is stamped and addressed, and the inner envelope contains the names of the invitees and the invitation inside. The inner envelope is optional, but it can be useful for clarifying who is invited, such as plus ones or children.

When addressing envelopes, there is specific etiquette that is generally followed. For a married couple with the same last name, the traditional way to address the envelope is to write out the man’s full name, with the titles of “Mr. and Mrs.” included. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Jackson Clarke". For a married couple with different last names, write out their full names with “Mr.” or “Mrs.”, for example, "Mrs. Gwyneth Brookes and Mr. Cyan Matthews".

For single persons, whether male, female, or non-binary, the proper prefix should be used. For male guests, use “Mr.” then his full name. For female guests, use “Ms.” then her full name. For non-binary guests, use the abbreviation “Mx.” then their full name.

If you are inviting a family, you can address the envelope to the whole family, for example, "The Carter Family", or specify the names of the children if you would like to be more specific.

When it comes to postage, most wedding invitations are heavier than your average letter, so a larger stamp is usually needed. It is recommended to take one invitation to the post office ahead of time to have it weighed so that you can be certain which stamps you need. The post office usually stocks a few love/wedding-themed stamps that you can use. If you are including RSVPs, you will need to buy a set of stamps for those as well. It is considered poor form to require your guests to pay for the return postage.

To prevent tears and ink smudges on your envelopes, it is important to request hand-cancelling at the post office. Hand-cancelling is the process of postmarking an envelope with a hand stamp instead of using sorting machines. Simply walk into the post office and ask the front desk clerk for hand-cancelling. Sometimes you may be quoted an additional charge for this service, but it is worth it to ensure your invitations arrive in one piece. Give yourself ample mailing time, as hand-cancelling can slow down the mailing process.

Additional cards

There are several other cards that you can include in your wedding invitation suite. These cards provide guests with extra information and help to ensure they have all the details they need to plan for your big day. Here are some of the most common additional cards to include:

• Reception card: If your wedding reception is at a different location from the ceremony, include a separate card with the reception details, including the time and address. This card can also indicate the formality of the event, for example, "Breakfast Reception" or "Dinner Reception".
• Directions card: While most guests will use digital maps, including a directions card ensures that all guests can find the venue, especially those without smartphones or with poor signal reception. You could also include a custom map or weekend map as a fun addition.
• Weekend events card: If your wedding spans multiple days and includes events like welcome drinks, an after-party, or a day-after brunch, a full itinerary will help guests know what to expect and pack accordingly. This is especially helpful for out-of-town guests.
• Accommodations card: If you have guests travelling from out of town, provide a separate card with hotel options and recommendations. You can also include information on room blocks and transportation to and from the hotels to the wedding venue.
• Response card and envelope: While not all couples choose to include response cards, they are a convenient way to allow guests to respond to your invitation. Include a pre-addressed and stamped envelope for guests' convenience. You can also include checkboxes for meal choices if offering a plated dinner.
• Inner envelope: This is a slightly smaller envelope that holds the invitation and indicates who specifically is invited to the wedding. It is also used to clarify if children are invited.

Remember, the key to a successful wedding invitation suite is providing guests with all the information they need while also maintaining a simple and elegant design. You can choose to include all, some, or none of these additional cards depending on your specific needs and the formality of your event.

Frequently asked questions