Announcing Your Reception Location: Wedding Invitation Wording Ideas

When it comes to wedding invitations, tradition and etiquette play a significant role. While it is customary to include both the ceremony and reception details on the same invitation, there are instances where a separate reception invitation or card is necessary. This is particularly relevant when the ceremony and reception are held at different venues or when the couple desires a small, intimate ceremony followed by a larger reception. In such cases, clear and thoughtful wording is essential to ensure guests have all the required information and to avoid any confusion or offence.

Announcing a reception at a later date

Timing and Logistics

It is essential to send out invitations for the reception at an appropriate time. Consider sending them after the ceremony, clearly stating that you are already married and inviting guests to a celebration of your marriage. This approach ensures that guests understand the nature of the event and can plan their attendance accordingly.

Wording and Etiquette

When drafting the invitations, it's crucial to use clear and polite wording. Indicate that the event is a "celebration of marriage" or a "reception to follow" rather than calling it a traditional wedding reception. This distinction helps manage guest expectations and avoids any confusion or hurt feelings.

Additionally, maintain proper etiquette by inviting all guests who attended the ceremony to the later reception. If you have a mix of guests who were and were not present at the ceremony, consider creating two guest lists to ensure everyone feels valued.

Providing Details

Include essential details on the reception invitations, such as the time, date, location, and address. It's also helpful to provide additional information like your wedding website, gift registry, parking instructions, or driving directions. This comprehensive approach ensures that guests have all the necessary information to attend your reception celebration.

Sample Wording Ideas:

• "We tied the knot! Our ceremony was small, but our love isn't, and neither is our desire to share the joy with you. Join us for a big bash honouring our love."
• "We said 'I do'! Now we want to celebrate! Join us for hors d'oeuvres, drinks, dessert, and dancing."
• "The honour of your presence is requested at the wedding reception of Mr. and Mrs. Martinez."
• "We are pleased to announce we got married. Join us at a formal celebration on the winery grounds."

Remember to personalise the wording to reflect your style and the tone of the event.

Announcing a reception at a different venue

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many rules of etiquette to follow, especially when it comes to announcing a reception at a different venue. Here are some instructive tips to ensure your invitations are both informative and elegant:

Insert Cards

One popular option is to include an insert card with your invitation. This card can be dedicated to providing all the necessary details about the reception venue, including the address, timing, and any other relevant information. This approach ensures that your guests have clear and separate information for the ceremony and reception, making it easier for them to plan their attendance.

Wording on the Invitation

If you prefer to include all the information on a single invitation, you can do so by providing the ceremony details first, followed by a simple phrase like "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow". You can then provide the address and timing details of the reception venue below that. This approach keeps everything concise and on one card, reducing potential confusion and additional costs associated with multiple inserts.

Website Details

In today's digital age, many couples choose to include their wedding website URL on their invitations. This can be a great way to provide additional details about the reception venue, including maps and directions. However, it's important to note that not all guests may be comfortable using websites, so providing clear information on the invitation itself is still essential.

Timing Considerations

When announcing a reception at a different venue, it's crucial to provide clear timing details. Indicate whether the reception will follow immediately after the ceremony or if there will be a gap between the two. This information helps guests plan their transportation and ensures a smooth transition from one event to the next.

Sample Wording

Here's an example of how you can word your invitation:

"You are cordially invited to the wedding ceremony of [Bride's name] and [Groom's name]

[Date] at [Time]

[Ceremony venue name and address]

Reception to follow at [Time]

[Reception venue name and address]"

Remember to personalise the invitation with your specific details and choose a style that reflects the tone of your wedding.

Announcing a reception at the same venue

If your wedding ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you can include a separate line at the bottom of the invitation to indicate that the reception will follow. This can be as simple as "Reception to follow", "Dinner and dancing to follow", or "Cocktails, dinner and dancing to follow".

If you want to include more detail, you could add the start time for the reception, for example: "Reception at six o'clock", or "Dinner and dancing at seven o'clock". You could also include the name of the room or area within the venue where the reception will take place, for instance: "Reception in the Grand Hall to follow".

If you want to give your guests a clear indication that they won't need to travel between the ceremony and reception locations, you could use wording such as "Reception immediately to follow", or "Reception to follow at the same venue".

"Saturday, the twenty-eighth of March, two thousand and fifteen, at half-past six o'clock in the evening. Reception to follow."

"Ceremony at half-past two o'clock in the afternoon, followed by cocktails, dinner and dancing at seven o'clock."

"We will be married at three o'clock in the afternoon, with dinner and dancing to follow at the same venue."

Remember, you don't need to include a separate reception card if your ceremony and reception are at the same venue. However, if you have a wedding website, it's a good idea to include details of both the ceremony and reception on the website, so that guests can refer to it for more information.

Wording for a reception-only wedding

There are many ways to announce your reception location on your wedding invitation. Here are some examples of wording for a reception-only wedding:

Host Line

If the bride's parents are hosting, their names are typically listed at the top of the invitation. However, including the names of both sets of parents as hosts is also an option. If the couple and their parents are contributing, you can use a phrase such as "Together with their parents" or "Together with their families".

The Request to Attend

There are several ways to ask for the pleasure of your guests' company. Here are a few options:

• "The pleasure of your company"
• "At the marriage of their children"
• "Would love for you to join them"
• "Invite you to celebrate with them"
• "Honor of your presence"

The Couple's Names

Traditionally, the bride's name comes first, followed by the groom's name. However, for same-sex couples, you can choose the order based on personal preference or what looks best with the invitation design.

Date and Time

The date and time are usually spelled out in full. For example, "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-one, at half after four in the afternoon".

Reception Information

If the ceremony and reception are at the same location, you can simply state "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow". If the reception is at a different location, include the venue name and address on a separate line or on a reception card.

Dress Code

Including the dress code on the invitation is optional but can be helpful for guests. If you don't include it, the invitation's formality will indicate the expected attire.

"Together with their families, Jane and Anne request the honor of your presence at their wedding reception on Saturday, the second of September, two thousand twenty-three, at seven o'clock in the evening. The Plaza Hotel, 5th Avenue at Central Park South, New York, NY 10019."

Wording for a reception at a private residence

When it comes to wedding invitation etiquette, there are a few things to keep in mind when announcing a reception at a private residence. Here are some tips and wording suggestions to ensure your invitations are clear and informative:

Including the Address

It is standard to include the address of the reception venue on the invitation, even if it is a private residence. This ensures your guests can easily find the location and avoids any confusion. You can simply state "The [Last Name] Residence" followed by the address. If the house has a name, you can include this on the invitation as well, either on its own or followed by the address.

Reception Cards

If your ceremony and reception are at the same place, you can include this information on the main invitation. However, if you prefer a more formal approach or wish to include additional details, you can use reception cards. These cards can be included in the invitation suite, providing guests with all the necessary information in one place.

Wording Suggestions

Hosted by the Parents:

Private Ceremony with Same-Day Reception:

"Mr. and Mrs. [Host First and Last Name] ask for your attendance at the wedding reception following the marriage of their daughter. Come and enjoy an evening of merriment!"

Private Ceremony with a Belated Reception:

"Mr. and Mrs. [Parent's Name] announce the marriage of their daughter. Please honor us with your presence as we celebrate the union at the wedding reception. Celebrate with us on this joyous occasion."

Hosted by the Bride and Groom:

Private Ceremony with Same-Day Reception:

"[Bride's Name] and [Groom's Name] will be having a private wedding ceremony and would be honored if you would join us at the wedding reception following the ceremony later in the evening. Please join us for an evening of merriment."

Destination Wedding with a Post-Reception:

"We are excited to announce that we had a private wedding ceremony at [DESTINATION LOCATION]. We kindly request that you celebrate our union at our reception. Help us celebrate and enjoy an evening of merriment."

Casual Wording:

Private Ceremony with Same-Day Public Reception:

"The story begins when a guy met a girl. Want to know how the story ends? Please join us at the wedding reception following the marriage ceremony of [Bride's Name] and [Groom's Name]."

Destination Ceremony with a Belated Reception:

"It is with great pleasure that we announce the marriage of [Bride's Name] and [Groom's Name]. The private ceremony was held at [DESTINATION LOCATION]. We ask that you join us in celebrating their union on [date and time] at our residence."

Additional Considerations

If your ceremony and reception are at different venues, it is helpful to include directions or transportation information on the invitation or reception card. This ensures that guests can easily travel between the two locations.

Additionally, if you are still in the process of finalising your reception location, you may want to consider options such as "Reception location to be announced" or "Reception to follow" on your invitations, followed by further details at a later date.

Remember, the wording can always be adjusted to match your personal style and the tone of your wedding. These suggestions provide a framework to ensure your guests have all the necessary information about the reception at a private residence.

Frequently asked questions