Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Reception Details Included

Wedding invitations can be a daunting task, and it's easy to forget important details. If the wedding ceremony and reception are at different venues, a separate reception card with the time and location is a good idea. This can be less detailed than the invitation itself, which should include the couple's names, date, time, venue, full address, and dress code. If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, a simple note at the bottom of the invite will suffice.

Reception cards: Include time and location details

If your wedding ceremony and reception are held in different venues, it's essential to include a separate reception card with your wedding invitation. This card should include all the important details about your post-ceremony celebration, providing guests with clear information about the event.

The reception card is an opportunity to give your guests a sneak peek of what's to come. While it can be less detailed than the wedding invitation, there are some key elements you should include. The time and location of the reception are the most crucial pieces of information. Be sure to provide the address of the reception venue, especially if it's in a different location from the ceremony.

You can also add extra details to the reception card to enhance your guests' experience. If you're planning a cocktail hour before the reception, be sure to mention it on the card. This gives your guests a clear idea of the timeline and sets the right expectations. Additionally, if there's a specific dress code, such as "black-tie" or "cocktail attire," you can include this information on the reception card as well.

To make your invitation suite cohesive, consider using a similar design for the reception card as you do for the wedding invitation. This creates a unified look and feel for your wedding stationery. However, feel free to get creative and add personal touches that reflect your style and the theme of your celebration.

Remember, the reception card is an important part of your wedding invitation suite, especially when the ceremony and reception are held in different locations. By including the necessary details, you ensure that your guests have all the information they need to attend your post-ceremony festivities.

Response cards: Allow guests to reply and select meal options

Response cards are a great way to allow guests to reply to your wedding invitation and select their meal options. Here are some tips and suggestions for creating effective response cards:

Key Components

A response card typically includes the following:

• A place for guests to write their names.
• A place for guests to indicate their response, such as "Accepts with pleasure" or "Regretfully declines."
• The number of seats reserved and a way for guests to indicate how many people will attend.
• Meal options with a way for guests to indicate their choices, such as checkboxes or initials.
• A space for guests to list any dietary restrictions or allergies.

Wording and Etiquette

When requesting a response, you can use phrases such as:

• "Please reply by [date]."
• "The favour of a reply is requested by [date]."
• "Kindly reply by [date]."

It is recommended to set a reply-by date at least four weeks in advance of the wedding. This will give you enough time to plan and finalise numbers for the venue and caterers.

Design and Format

Response cards can be designed to match the theme and style of your wedding invitations. Here are some options for formatting:

• Checkboxes for meal options: Chicken, Fish, Steak, Vegetarian, etc.
• Symbols or silhouettes to represent meal options: A chicken, a fish, a cow, a vegetable, etc.
• A combination of text and symbols to indicate meal options.

If you have a wedding website, you can also direct guests there for more detailed information about the meal options. This can be helpful if you have not finalised the menu yet or if you want to provide additional allergy information.

Postage and Convenience

Don't forget to include a pre-addressed envelope and stamp for your guests' convenience. This will make it easier for them to respond and ensure you receive the responses promptly.

Additionally, consider numbering the response cards to match your guest list. This will help you keep track of responses, especially if you have guests with the same or similar names.

Direction cards: Provide clear instructions and a map if the venue is hard to find

Including a map on your wedding invitation is a fun way to help your guests navigate to your venue, especially if it is hard to find. Here are some tips for creating direction cards with clear instructions and a map:

Using Google Maps:

• Locate the address of your wedding venue on Google Maps.
• Use the "Get Directions" feature to get an accurate, close-up version of the area.
• Zoom in or out to adjust the level of detail you want on the map.
• Take a screenshot or use the "Snipping Tool" to capture the map image.
• Save the image as a JPEG or PNG file.
• You can also add pins, labels, or markers to the map to indicate the wedding venue and other important locations.

Creating a Custom Map:

• Use photo editing software or online tools like Canva to create a custom map.
• Trace the main roads, highways, and intersections around your venue.
• Add labels and landmarks to help guests navigate.
• Include the venue's address and any special instructions provided by the venue.
• Play with different line thicknesses, colours, and styles to differentiate between roads, rivers, etc.

Printing and Inserting the Map:

• Resize the map image to fit your invitation or create a separate direction card.
• Export the map as a high-resolution JPEG or PNG file for printing.
• Print the map on cardstock or paper that matches your invitation suite.
• You can also create a map envelope or insert by gluing the map to an envelope template and cutting it out.

Remember, you don't need to be an expert map maker to create a helpful and attractive direction card for your wedding invitations. Your guests will appreciate the effort, and it will ensure they arrive at your venue with ease!

Accommodation cards: List hotel options for out-of-town guests

Accommodation Cards

Accommodation cards are a great way to provide your out-of-town guests with information on local lodging options. These cards are especially useful if you have a large number of guests travelling from out of town or if you have reserved hotel room blocks for your guests. Here are some tips for creating informative and stylish accommodation cards:

Content

Be sure to include the following information on your accommodation cards:

• The hotel's name and address
• The block of rooms reserved (include any group codes or names)
• The date by which rooms must be reserved
• The hotel's phone number and/or website
• Transportation information, if a shuttle is provided

You may also want to include the price range for each hotel option and the rates for different types of rooms. This will help your guests make informed decisions about their accommodation choices.

Design

When designing your accommodation cards, opt for a simple and elegant layout. Use clear and easy-to-read fonts, and avoid cluttering the card with too much text or unnecessary details. If you have multiple accommodation options, you may want to use a double-sided card or a folded card with multiple panels to provide enough space for all the information.

Ways to Save

If you are including other details cards with your invitation suite, you can combine the accommodation card with other cards, such as a directions card or a weekend itinerary card. This will help you save on postage and stationery costs. You can also include your wedding website on the accommodation card, eliminating the need for a separate website card.

Example Accommodation Card

Hotel Options:

• Hotel Name: Hilton West
• Address: 3180 West Market Street, Akron, OH 44333
• Phone Number: (330) 867-5000
• Website: [hotel website URL]
• Group Code: Manz/Napolitano wedding
• Reservation Deadline: July 1, 2018
• Hotel Name: Clarion Inn
• Address: 1199 Route 28 South Yarmouth, MA 02664
• Phone Number: 1-800-527-0359
• Website: www.clarioncapecod.com
• Group Code: n/a
• Reservation Deadline: n/a

Transportation:

A shuttle will be provided from both hotels to the wedding venue. Please see the directions card for more information.

What Not to Include:

• Do not include the hotel's booking page URL; it can look confusing and cluttered.
• Avoid providing details on climate, recommended airports, or other minor information that guests can easily find on their own.

Website cards: Direct guests to a site with FAQs, accommodation info, and RSVP options

Wedding websites are a great way to provide guests with all the information they need to know about your big day. By including a website card with your invitations, you can direct guests to a single source for FAQs, accommodation information, and RSVP options. Here are some tips for creating an informative and user-friendly wedding website:

Keep it concise and to the point

When adding written content to your website, it's important to be concise and to the point. Guests will likely be accessing your website on their phones, so make sure the text is easy to read and not too cluttered. Include only the most important details, such as the date, time, and location of the wedding and reception, as well as any additional events such as a post-wedding brunch.

Provide clear and detailed information

While it's important to keep the website concise, it's also crucial to provide clear and detailed information. For example, if you're including accommodation information, list the name and address of the hotel, the name or group code for room blocks, and the date to reserve by. If you're providing directions to the venue, consider including a custom weekend map or a link to a Google Maps location pin.

Make it easily accessible

Ensure your wedding website is easily accessible to all your guests. Choose a user-friendly platform that is mobile-friendly, as most guests will be accessing it on their phones. Send out the website URL along with the paper invitations, and include it on a separate card for easy reference. You can also include the website on other related materials, such as save-the-dates or thank-you cards.

Include RSVP options

Your wedding website can serve as a convenient way for guests to RSVP. Include an online RSVP form or link, and consider adding a guest-tagging tool that lets you filter out certain people, such as the wedding party. You can also use the website to track RSVPs and send automatic reminders to guests. This helps you keep track of your guest list and makes it easy for guests to respond without having to mail back a physical card.

FAQs

The website is a great place to address frequently asked questions that your guests may have. This could include dress code guidelines, gift registry information, and travel recommendations for out-of-town guests. You can also include information about any other wedding-related events, such as a rehearsal dinner or bridal shower, and specify whether they are by invitation only.

By following these tips, you can create a comprehensive and user-friendly wedding website that provides your guests with all the information they need to fully participate in your special day.

Frequently asked questions