Designing The Back Of Wedding Invitations: A Creative Guide

Wedding invitations are a crucial part of the big day, and getting every detail just right is essential. While the front of the invitation is important, the back of the invitation should also be carefully considered. The back of the invitation can be used to provide additional information, such as the wedding website and RSVP details. However, there are differing opinions on whether this is appropriate, with some considering it a breach of etiquette.

Including all the necessary information on the back of the invitation can be a convenient way to provide guests with details in one place. On the other hand, some people may not think to look at the back of the invitation and could miss important information.

Ultimately, the decision of how to use the back of the wedding invitation is up to the couple, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

Include RSVP and website information

The back of your wedding invitation is a great place to include RSVP and website information. This approach can be more cost-effective than including multiple enclosure cards, and it also ensures that guests have all the necessary details in one place.

Keep it Simple

Provide clear and concise details on how to RSVP, such as the deadline, methods (online, phone, email, etc.), and any relevant instructions. For example, if you are using a wedding website for RSVPs, include the URL and a brief explanation of how to navigate to the RSVP section. You may also want to include a separate RSVP card for guests to mail back, especially if you have older relatives who prefer a more traditional approach.

Design Considerations

If the front of your invitation has a lot of text or intricate designs, consider keeping the back relatively uncluttered. Use a clear and legible font, and ensure there is adequate spacing between lines or paragraphs. You may also want to include a simple graphic or illustration related to your wedding theme to add a touch of elegance or whimsy.

Emphasize Important Details

Make sure your RSVP and website information stands out by using bold or italicized text, or slightly larger font size. You can also use all caps for key words or phrases, such as "RSVP BY [DATE]" or "VISIT OUR WEDDING WEBSITE." Another idea is to enclose the details in a bordered box or frame to draw attention to that section.

Provide a Variety of Response Options

While including your wedding website for RSVPs is convenient, not all guests may be comfortable with online responses. Consider providing alternative methods, such as an email address or phone number, to accommodate different preferences and ensure you receive timely responses from all your guests.

Proofread and Test Links

Before finalising your invitation design, carefully proofread all the information on the back, including dates, URLs, and contact details. Test all website links to ensure they are correct and active. It's also a good idea to have a few guests review the invitation to provide feedback on the clarity and effectiveness of the RSVP and website information.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively utilise the back of your wedding invitations to convey RSVP and website information, creating a stylish and informative invitation suite that your guests will appreciate.

Add a note to prompt guests to check the back

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to ensure that all the details are clearly laid out for your guests. While you want your invitations to look beautiful, it's also key that your guests know what to expect on the day.

If you've chosen to include details on the back of your invitation, it's a good idea to add a note to prompt guests to check the reverse. This could be something like:

• "See reverse for details"
• "More details on the back"
• "Please check the reverse for further information"
• "For more information, please see the reverse of this invitation"

By adding a simple note, you can ensure that your guests don't miss any important details and have all the information they need for your big day.

It's worth noting that some sources suggest that guests may not always check the back of invitations, so it's important to include crucial details on the front as well. However, for additional information such as RSVP details and your wedding website, a note prompting guests to check the back of the invitation can be a helpful way to ensure they have all the details they need.

Provide extra venue information

If you're getting married in a unique venue or somewhere your guests may not be familiar with, it's useful to include an insert with extra information. This could include instructions around parking, a custom map of the area, or a list of things your guests can do in the lead-up to your nuptials.

Parking Instructions

It's always a good idea to provide parking instructions for your guests, especially if parking is limited or there are specific areas that are off-limits. Include information such as the address of the parking lot or designated parking area, any applicable fees, and whether there is valet parking available.

Custom Map of the Area

Consider including a custom map of the area surrounding your venue. This can help guests navigate to the wedding location and also provide them with a sense of the local area. You can include nearby landmarks, public transport options, and even recommended restaurants or attractions for them to visit.

Local Attractions and Activities

If your guests are travelling from out of town, they may appreciate a list of things to do and see in the area. Provide a brief description of each attraction, along with their addresses and contact information. This will not only keep your guests entertained during their stay but also enhance their overall experience of attending your wedding.

Dress Code and Attire Suggestions

While this information may not be directly related to the venue, it is still important for your guests to know. Include a brief description of the suggested attire, taking into account the formality of the event and the type of venue. For example, if your wedding is taking place outdoors, you may want to suggest comfortable shoes or provide information about the terrain.

Accommodation Options

If there are limited accommodation options near your venue or you have guests travelling from far, it's helpful to provide a list of recommended hotels or lodging options. You can also include information about room blocks and transportation arrangements to and from the hotels to the wedding venue.

Add a monogram or personalised logo

Adding a monogram or personalised logo to your wedding invitations is a great way to make them unique and special. Monograms have been used since ancient Greece, where they adorned coins and denoted status. Today, they are a staple of Southern style and formal wedding arrangements.

There are many ways to incorporate a monogram or logo into your wedding invitations. You can use it as an embellishment on the envelope liner or the invitation itself. You can also use it on other paper goods like programs, cocktail napkins, cups, koozies, and stir sticks.

If you want to get creative, consider using your monogram as a wax seal on your invitations or embossing it on a serving board. You can even have it engraved on marble place cards or printed on reusable cups. It can be a fun addition to your wedding day signage or laser-cut onto your invitation pocket.

Don't forget that your monogram can also be used beyond the wedding day. Thank-you cards with your monogram are a great way to extend your wedding brand. You can also use it on stationery, guest books, and even cufflinks for the groom!

When designing your monogram, keep it simple and elegant. Choose a font that is easy to read and avoid mixing multiple fonts together. Consider the overall theme of your wedding and try to incorporate that into your monogram design.

There are many online tools and generators that can help you create a unique and personalised monogram or logo for your wedding invitations. You can also find inspiration from the many examples and templates available online.

List the dress code

The dress code is an important part of a wedding invitation, ensuring your event stays as formal or as casual as you want it to be. Here are some tips for listing the dress code on your wedding invitations:

Where to Include the Dress Code

You have a few options for where to include the dress code on your invitations:

• On the lower left or right-hand corner of the invitation.
• At the bottom centre of the invitation design.
• On a separate information or details card, especially if you want to keep your invitation simple.
• On your wedding website, if you have one.

Wording the Dress Code

When it comes to wording, be clear and consistent with the rest of your invitation's language. Here are some examples of how to word the dress code for different levels of formality:

• White Tie: "Please join us in your most royal formalwear."
• Black Tie: "Our venue requires formal attire."
• Black Tie Optional: "Formal attire is suggested."
• Cocktail Attire: "We suggest that men wear a suit or dress shirt with a tie and women wear a midi- or knee-length dress or dressy separates."
• Semi-Formal Attire: "We ask that you wear semi-formal attire such as a cocktail-length dress or dressy separates for women and a suit and tie for men."
• Dressy Casual: "We want you to be comfortable at our wedding. May we suggest the following attire for this time of year: sundresses and lightweight separates for women, and light dress shirts with khakis or other lightweight slacks for men."
• Casual: "Guests are encouraged to show off their style. Swap the heels for wedges or flats, and a button-down shirt will be just fine sans tie."

Remember, clear communication is key. Be sure to give your guests plenty of notice about your dress code plans, and feel free to include examples or additional details on your wedding website if needed.

Frequently asked questions