Guide To Wording Outdoor Wedding Invitations

When it comes to addressing an outdoor wedding on an invitation, it is best to include this information on a wedding website, rather than on the invitations themselves. This is because invitations are typically more formal, and mentioning an outdoor setting may encourage guests to dress too casually. However, it is important to provide this information to guests, especially those who may need to plan their footwear, sunglasses, or a sweater accordingly. A good solution is to include a details card in the invitation suite, with wording such as 'ceremony in the garden of [venue]' or 'outdoor ceremony followed by indoor reception'.

Dress code: Semi-formal, but comfortable for warm weather

When it comes to addressing an outdoor wedding invitation, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to use the correct titles and names for your guests. For a married couple with the same last name, you can use "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by their names. If they have different last names, write their names on the same line with the woman's name first. For unmarried couples, include both names on one line, listing the person you are closest with first.

Now, onto the dress code! For a semi-formal outdoor wedding in warm weather, here are some tips to keep your guests comfortable and stylish:

For Men:

• Opt for a well-fitted, lightweight suit in a light colour such as beige or light blue for daytime events. For evening occasions, a darker suit like navy is more suitable.
• Choose a dress shirt in a breathable fabric such as cotton or linen. You can add a pop of colour with a light-coloured shirt or go for a classic white button-up.
• Pair your suit with polished dress shoes made from high-quality leather. Loafers, derby shoes, Oxfords, brogues, and monk straps are all excellent choices.
• Accessorise with a pocket square and a dress watch. A tie is optional, especially for daytime events.

For Women:

• Choose a dress that is formal yet comfortable, such as a knee-length chiffon strapless dress, a halter dress, or a cascading ruffled dress.
• Avoid floor-length gowns, which can be too warm for an outdoor setting.
• Opt for breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen.
• When it comes to shoes, comfort is key. Avoid stilettos that can sink into the grass or sand. Instead, choose low-heeled sandals or dressy flats.

Remember, it's important to provide clear guidance on the dress code to ensure your guests feel comfortable and confident. You can also include additional information on your wedding website or spread the word through close friends and family.

Food: Buffet-style, with mainly finger foods

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few different approaches you can take when it comes to addressing the food. Here are some suggestions for how to communicate that the food will be buffet-style with mainly finger foods:

Include a General Note About the Food

On your wedding invitations or wedding website, you can include a brief note about the food without going into too much detail. For example, you could say "Buffet-style dinner" or "Finger foods and light snacks will be served". This gives guests a general idea of what to expect without going into specific menu items.

Mention Any Dietary Restrictions

If you are aware of any specific dietary restrictions among your guests, it may be helpful to include a note on the invitation or RSVP card. For example, you could say "Please indicate any dietary restrictions on the RSVP card" or "For any dietary restrictions, please contact us directly. This will allow you to accommodate guests with allergies, intolerances, or other dietary needs.

Provide a Sample Menu

If you want to give your guests a better idea of what to expect, you can include a sample menu on your wedding website or even on the invitation itself. For example, you could list some of the finger foods that will be served, such as "Mini sandwiches, fruit skewers, and bite-sized desserts". This can help guests get a sense of the type and variety of food that will be available.

Emphasize the Informal Nature

Buffet-style service is often chosen for more casual and informal weddings. You can emphasize this aspect in your invitation wording to set the tone for the event. For example, you could say "Join us for a relaxed evening with a buffet-style dinner" or "Come and go as you please, with finger foods available throughout the night".

Direct Guests to Your Wedding Website

If you have a wedding website, you can include the URL on your invitations and direct guests there for more information about the food. This allows you to provide more detailed information about the menu, as well as any other relevant details. Your website might include a full menu, a note about dietary restrictions, or even photos of the type of food presentation you're planning.

Remember, the level of detail you include is ultimately up to you and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Choose the option that best suits your wedding style, theme, and the level of formality you wish to convey.

Footwear: Grass-friendly

If you're attending an outdoor wedding, it's important to consider the type of ground you'll be walking on. For weddings on grass, gravel, or sand, stilettos are not the best choice. Instead, opt for sandals, comfortable platforms, bridal sneakers, or boots.

• Go for a sturdy and stable option: Look for shoes with a thick and wide heel, such as block heels or wedges. Avoid stilettos and kitten heels, as they can easily sink into the grass or sand.
• Comfort is key: Choose shoes that are comfortable enough to wear all day and provide good support. Consider options with crisscross straps or gladiator styles to keep your feet secure.
• Consider the height: Mid-height heels or complete flats are a good choice for uneven surfaces. If you prefer heels, opt for a height of around 2 to 3 inches.
• Slides and sandals: For beach weddings or sandy aisles, slides and sandals with a flat sole and no heel are ideal. You can easily slip them on and off.
• Customizable comfort: If you fall in love with a pair that's not the most practical, consider adding ball-of-foot cushions or rear counter cushions for extra comfort. Fashion tape can also help secure loose straps.
• Block heels: Look for block heels with a substantial base and a comfortable height, such as the Alterre Nude Twist Sandal or the Sam Edelman Daniella Block Heel Sandal.
• Sandals: Sandals with ankle straps and rubber soles can provide stability and comfort, like the Reef Water Vista Slingback Platform Sandal or the Stuart Weitzman Tia 75 MM Leather Sandals.
• Sneakers: Chunky white sneakers can be a great choice for outdoor weddings, such as the Steve Madden Possess Off-White Sneaker.
• Flats: For a demure and feminine look, consider flats with delicate details and padding for comfort, like the Manolo Blahnik Hangisiflat Satin Crystal-Buckle Flats or the Bella Belle Alicia Lace Ballet Flats.
• Wedges: If you want a bit more height, opt for wedges with a wide base, such as the Lulus Sheree Ivory Satin Platform Wedges.

Additional information: Include a link to the wedding website

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few key points to consider. Firstly, it's important to use the correct titles and names for your guests, such as "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Ms.", or the gender-neutral option, "Mx." You should also be mindful of your guests' preferred titles and names, especially if they have chosen to forgo traditional titles or have a different name that they identify with.

For married couples with the same last name, the outer envelope can be addressed as "Mr. and Mrs. [Husband's First Name] [Shared Last Name]". If the couple might prefer to have the wife's name included as well, you can address it as "Mr. [Husband's First Name] [Shared Last Name] and Mrs. [Wife's First Name] [Shared Last Name]". For the inner envelope, you have more flexibility and can use their first names or refer to them as "Mr. and Mrs. [Last Name]".

If the couple has different last names, their names can be written on the same line with the wife's name first, followed by the husband's name. If their combined names are too long, you can list them separately. For unmarried couples, their names should be included on the same line, with the person you are closest to listed first.

When addressing a family with children, the outer envelope can include the family name or the parents' names, and the inner envelope can list the names of the children. If you choose to only include the parents' names, be sure to list each child's name on the inner envelope to indicate that they are also invited. Otherwise, guests may assume that children are not invited.

Now, for the additional information you requested. Including a link to your wedding website on your invitations is a great way to provide guests with more details about your special day. Here are some suggestions for what to include on your wedding website:

• Dress code: If you're having an outdoor wedding, guests may be unsure of what to wear. You can provide guidance on your wedding website by suggesting attire that is comfortable and weather-appropriate, while still maintaining the level of formality you desire. For example, you could suggest "semi-formal outdoor cocktail attire" or "garden party attire". It's important to strike a balance between being too casual and too formal in your wording to ensure guests understand your expectations.
• Food and dining style: If you're serving buffet-style or providing food that is primarily hors d'oeuvres, it's a good idea to give guests a heads-up so they know what to expect. You can use phrases like "heavy hors d'oeuvres" or simply mention that there will be "buffet-style dining". This will help set the right expectations and ensure guests don't arrive hungry or overly full.
• Ceremony and reception details: If your wedding ceremony or reception will be held outdoors, it's worth mentioning this on your wedding website. A simple note such as "Please join us for an outdoor ceremony followed by a reception to celebrate" will help guests understand the setting and plan accordingly.
• Practical information: Your wedding website is also a great place to include any practical information that will help your guests plan their attendance. This could include the address of the venue, transportation options, nearby accommodation suggestions, and any other relevant logistics.
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Consider adding an FAQ section to your wedding website to anticipate and answer any questions your guests may have. This could include questions about dress code, gift registry, dietary restrictions, and any other specific details related to your wedding.
• Contact information: Finally, don't forget to include a way for your guests to contact you or a designated wedding planner if they have any questions or concerns. This could be an email address, phone number, or a contact form on the website.

Remember, your wedding website is a great tool to provide additional information and enhance your guests' experience. Keep the content concise, informative, and reflective of your wedding's theme and tone.

RSVP: Include a card in the invitation for guests to respond

When it comes to addressing wedding invitations, there are a few guidelines to follow, especially when it comes to outdoor weddings. The invitation should convey the formality of the event, without explicitly mentioning the setting. This is to ensure guests understand the nature of the event and dress appropriately.

Now, onto the RSVP cards. These are an important part of your invitation suite, allowing guests to confirm their attendance and other key details. Here are some tips for including RSVP cards in your invitations:

Include Clear Instructions

Ensure your RSVP cards have clear instructions for your guests. Firstly, ask them to confirm if they are attending or declining. If they are attending, provide a space for them to indicate who is coming, for example, a line that says "Name(s)____________". If you are inviting a couple, it is customary to include an "M" at the start of this line, which stands for the first letter of the guest's title (e.g., Miss, Mr., Mrs., Ms.).

Indicate the Number of Guests

For added clarity, you may want to include a line specifying the number of guests invited. For example, "We have reserved ____ seats in your honor". This is particularly useful if you are hosting an adults-only wedding or have specific numbers in mind for catering purposes.

Set a Deadline

It is important to set a deadline for responses, usually about 2-3 weeks before the wedding date. This deadline should be clearly indicated on the RSVP card, with wording such as "Kindly respond by [date]".

Include an Accepts/Regrets Line

The most important line on the RSVP card is where guests indicate whether they are attending or not. This can be done with various fun and creative wordings, such as:

• "_____ accepts with pleasure"
• "_____ declines with regret"
• "_____ will attend"
• "_____ will not attend"
• "_____ oh yeah!"
• "_____ boo, can't make it"

Optional Details

Depending on your preferences and the nature of your wedding, you may want to include additional details on the RSVP card. For example:

• Number of Guests Attending: If you want an exact guest count, you can include a line for guests to specify the number of people in their party.
• Meal Selection: If you are offering multiple entrée options, you can ask guests to initial their meal choice. This is helpful for catering purposes and accommodating any dietary restrictions.
• Additional Requests: You can use the RSVP card to gather other fun details, such as song requests, or more practical information like their arrival time or destination wedding details.

Remember to include a pre-addressed and stamped envelope with your RSVP card to make it easy for your guests to respond promptly.

Frequently asked questions