Crafting The Perfect Wedding Invitation: Warm Farewells

Wedding invitation wording can be stressful for couples, especially when it comes to etiquette. The invitation may be the first project a couple works on together that the world will see, and it needs to include all the right information. The style of the wedding will set the tone for the invitation wording. Formal language is best for traditional affairs, but a more casual day allows for cheeky or inventive wording. The invitation should include the specific part of the day that is covered, the name and address of the ceremony and reception venue, the date and time of the wedding, and RSVP information.

Include the date and time

When it comes to ending a wedding invitation, including the date and time is essential. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you do this effectively:

Provide Clear and Accurate Date and Time Details:

Start by clearly stating the date of the wedding. For a formal invitation, it is customary to spell out the date in full rather than using numerals. For example, you could write "Saturday, the thirteenth of February" instead of "13/02/2024". This adds a touch of elegance and formality to your invitation.

Specify the Time of the Wedding:

When indicating the time, it is recommended to use phrases such as "at half past four in the afternoon" or "two o'clock in the morning." Avoid using abbreviations like "4:00 pm" on a formal invitation. If you're having a more casual wedding, you can simply write the time as "4:00 pm".

Consider the Tone of Your Wedding:

The style of your wedding will influence how you word the date and time. Formal language is typically used for traditional and formal weddings. However, if you're planning a more casual celebration, you have the flexibility to be creative and playful with your wording. For instance, you could say "Join us as we tie the knot on July 10th at sunset" for a beach wedding.

Be Mindful of the Deadline for RSVPs:

It's important to set a deadline for guests to respond to your invitation, usually about four weeks before the wedding. This information can be included on a separate RSVP card or mentioned on your wedding website. By setting a clear deadline, you can finalise numbers for your venue or caterer and make the necessary arrangements.

Provide Additional Information:

If your wedding has a specific theme or dress code, you may want to include this information along with the date and time. For example, "Black-tie optional" or "Smart casual attire". This helps guests know what to expect and ensures they are appropriately dressed for the occasion.

In summary, when ending a wedding invitation, providing clear and accurate date and time details is crucial. Consider the tone of your wedding and use appropriate wording and phrasing. Be mindful of RSVP deadlines, and don't forget to include any additional information that guests may need, such as dress codes or themes.

Add RSVP information

When it comes to ending your wedding invitation, the RSVP section is crucial. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you craft this part effectively:

Provide Clear RSVP Instructions:

Explain how guests can respond to the invitation. Include an RSVP card with pre-printed response envelopes addressed to the hosts. Alternatively, direct guests to your wedding website, where they can RSVP electronically. You can also provide an email address as a common option for electronic responses.

Specify an RSVP Deadline:

It is standard to set the RSVP deadline about four weeks before the wedding. This deadline will help you finalise numbers for your venue or caterer. Inform guests that their response is needed by this date to ensure an accurate headcount.

Suggest a Means of Communication:

If guests need to contact you regarding their attendance, provide your preferred method of communication. For instance, you could include a phone number or email address with a brief message like, "For inquiries, please contact us at [phone number] or [email address]."

Request Specific Responses:

If you want guests to provide additional information, such as dietary restrictions or song requests, ensure you ask for these details clearly on the RSVP card or your wedding website. You could include a line like, "Please let us know of any dietary requirements when responding."

Encourage Timely Responses:

It is common to encounter situations where guests delay sending their responses. To mitigate this, you could include a gentle reminder about the importance of timely responses. Something like, "Your prompt response is greatly appreciated as it helps us finalise the details for our special day."

Express Gratitude:

Finally, take the opportunity to express your gratitude to your guests for their time and consideration. A simple phrase like, "We look forward to hearing from you" or "Thank you for your kind response" can convey your appreciation.

Provide venue details

Providing venue details is essential for wedding invitations, as it ensures guests can find and arrive at the correct location. Here are some tips for including venue details in your wedding invitations:

Include the Full Address

Provide the full address of the venue, including the street name and number, city, and state/province. This is especially important if the wedding is held at a private home or a less well-known location. However, if the venue is a famous landmark or easily recognisable place, you may omit the full address.

Be Clear and Concise

Clearly state the venue's name and provide any necessary directions or additional information. You may also include a map card with your invitations to ensure guests can find the location easily.

Specify Ceremony and Reception Locations

If the ceremony and reception are held in different places, be sure to include both addresses. You may also include the time if the reception is not immediately following the ceremony.

Consider Including Accommodation Information

If your wedding is a destination wedding or if many guests are travelling from out of town, consider including a separate card with local accommodation options or direct guests to your wedding website for more information.

Provide RSVP Details

Include RSVP information, such as the deadline for responses and where to send them. You may also include an email address for electronic responses or provide your wedding website address for online RSVPs.

Set the Tone

The style of your wedding invitation, including the venue details, can set the tone for the event. Formal language and etiquette are typically used for traditional, formal weddings, while casual or informal weddings allow for more creative and inventive wording.

Specify the dress code

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to specify the dress code to ensure your event stays as formal or as casual as you want it to be. Here are some tips and examples to help you effectively communicate the dress code to your guests:

Location on the Invitation:

You can include the dress code in the lower left or right-hand corner of the invitation. Alternatively, place it at the bottom centre of the design. If you want to keep your invitation simple, you can include a separate information or details card along with other important information for your guests, such as directions to the venue.

Wording the Dress Code:

The style of the dress code wording should be consistent with the rest of your invitation. It can be written with or without a colon or other appropriate marks, such as a bullet or vertical bar. Here are some examples:

• Formal Attire (Black Tie Optional): "Formal Attire: Black Tie Optional" or "Formal Attire (Black Tie Optional)"
• Cocktail Attire: "Cocktail Attire" or "Cocktail Attire Requested"
• Semi-Formal Attire: "Semi-Formal Attire" or "Semi-Formal Attire Requested. No blue jeans or sneakers, please."
• Black Tie: "Black Tie" or "Black Tie Attire"

Description of the Dress Code:

If you have a wedding website or an FAQ page, you can provide a more detailed explanation of the dress code, including attire suggestions and specifics. Here are some examples of descriptions for different dress codes:

• White Tie: "We ask that men wear tailcoats and women wear floor-length evening gowns or ball gowns. Top hats and gloves are encouraged."
• Black Tie: "We ask that men wear a tuxedo, and women wear a floor-length gown. Black tie does not mean you must wear black."
• Formal or Black Tie Optional: "For men, a dark suit with a shirt and tie (tuxedo optional). For women, a floor-length gown, knee-length cocktail dress, a pantsuit, or dressy separates."
• Cocktail Attire: "For women, a midi or knee-length dress, or dressy separates. For men, a suit (tie optional) or sports jacket and dress shirt."
• Semi-Formal or Dressy Casual: "For women, below-the-knee dresses, slip dresses, a dressy skirt and top, or an elegant pantsuit with heels, wedges, or formal flats. For men, a dress shirt and slacks, with the option to wear a tie."

Remember, specifying the dress code will help set the tone for your event and ensure your guests are well-informed about what to wear.

Extend a call to action

The final section of your wedding invitation is the call to action. This is where you instruct your guests on what to do next and how to respond to your invitation. Here are some ideas and suggestions for this section:

• RSVP instructions: Include an RSVP card with your invitation, or direct guests to your wedding website if you have one. Provide clear instructions on how and when to respond, with a specific deadline. This is usually around four weeks before the wedding but check with your venue or caterer. You can also include an email address for responses if that's more convenient for you.
• Gift registry information: It is considered old-fashioned to mention gifts or registries on the invitation itself. However, you can include this information on your wedding website, which guests can then find easily. A light-hearted way to do this is to say something like, "We are extremely lucky to have love, laughter and a house full of furniture. But if you'd like to help us celebrate with a gift, we have registered a list with (shop)."
• Special requests: If you have any special requests, such as dietary requirements or a dress code, include these in the call to action. For example, "Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements." Or, for a black-tie event, "Black tie required."
• Adult-only wedding: If children are not invited, you can politely specify this in the call to action. For a formal invitation, you could say, "Please note that this invitation is extended to adults only." For a more casual tone, try, "In order to allow all guests, including parents, an evening of relaxation, we've chosen for our wedding day to be an adult-only occasion."
• Cash gifts: If you would prefer money as a gift, it can be tricky to ask for this politely. You could say, "Cash gifts are welcome but not expected, and will be put towards our honeymoon." Or, "Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift of all. However, if you wish to honour us with a gift, a cash gift would be very welcome."

Remember to end your wedding invitation with a clear call to action to avoid confusion and help you stay on top of your wedding plans.

Frequently asked questions