Guide To Inviting Guests To Your Lds Temple Wedding

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, and it's easy to get lost in the whirlwind of details. When it comes to inviting guests to an LDS temple wedding, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's crucial to send out invitations as early as possible, even to those who you know may not be able to attend. This is because they may still want to send their well wishes and gifts. The invitation itself should include basic information such as the names of the hosts, the bride and groom's names, the date, time, and location. However, the wording can be tricky when an LDS temple sealing is involved. In this case, it is customary to send out two types of invitations: one for close friends and family invited to both the sealing and reception, and another for guests who are only invited to the reception or open house.

Send two sets of invites: one for the sealing and reception, and one for the reception only

When it comes to inviting guests to an LDS temple wedding, it is recommended to send out two sets of invitations: one for close friends and family invited to both the sealing and the reception, and one for all other guests who are invited to the reception only.

The first set of invitations, for those attending the sealing and the reception, should include the following information:

• The names of both parents
• The couple's full names
• The temple where the sealing will take place
• The date and time of the sealing
• An invitation to the reception or open house, including all possibilities if multiple events will be hosted

It is also suggested to include a separate card or insert for those invited to the sealing ceremony, as the sealing is a sacred ceremony usually reserved for the couple's closest family and friends. This card can be placed inside the envelope along with the invitation. It is recommended to request an RSVP from guests for the sealing ceremony, as space may be limited in the temple's sealing room.

The second set of invitations, for those invited to the reception only, can be more general. A formal invitation might include a statement such as:

> " [Couple's names] will be sealed together for time and all eternity on [date] at [time] [Temple name and location]. We joyfully ask you to share in this celebration at a reception to be held that evening from [time] at [reception location]."

While a casual invitation might simply state:

> "Come join us in an evening of food and dancing to celebrate the marriage of [Couple's names]

> [Date]

> [Time]

> [Reception location]"

It is important to send invitations out as early as possible, preferably at least 8 weeks before the wedding. This gives guests, especially those who may need to travel, enough time to plan their attendance.

Include the temple name, date of sealing, and invite to the reception

When inviting guests to an LDS temple wedding, it is customary to send out two sets of invitations: one for close friends and family invited to both the sealing and the reception, and one for all other guests who are invited to the reception or open house only.

The invitation to the sealing and reception should include the names of both sets of parents, the couple's full names, the temple where the sealing will take place, the date of the sealing, and an invitation to the reception. Here is an example of what this could look like:

"Forever begins when we, [Bride] and [Groom], are sealed for time and eternity on [date] at [time] in the [Temple name] temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[Bride's parents] and [Groom's parents] request the pleasure of your company at a reception held immediately afterward at the [reception venue] [reception address]."

It is important to include the temple name and date of sealing in the invitation to provide guests with all the necessary information. The invitation can be formal or casual in tone, depending on your preference.

If you are hosting multiple reception events, be sure to include all the open house possibilities in your invitation. You may also want to include separate cards or inserts with additional information such as dress code, directions, and RSVP details.

Request RSVPs for the sealing ceremony

When inviting guests to an LDS temple wedding, it is customary to send out two types of invitations: one for close friends and family invited to both the sealing and the reception, and one for all other guests who are invited to the reception or open house only.

For the sealing ceremony, it is recommended to make a separate card or insert for those you would like to invite and include it in the envelope alongside the invitation. It is also suggested to request that guests RSVP if they plan on attending the sealing ceremony. This will allow you to invite others if someone is unable to attend. Guests may also wish to bring their spouse with them for the ceremony.

• Include a separate card for the sealing ceremony: On the card, specify that guests are invited to the sealing ceremony and provide relevant details such as the date, time, and location. You can also include any additional information or guidelines you would like your guests to know.
• Request an RSVP: Ask guests to RSVP by a certain date to confirm their attendance at the sealing ceremony. This will help you manage the guest list and ensure that the sealing room can comfortably accommodate everyone. You can include an RSVP card in the envelope for guests to fill out and return, or provide options for electronic RSVPs via email or a wedding website.
• Manage guest expectations: If space is limited, let guests know that their spouses or plus-ones may not be able to attend the sealing ceremony but are welcome to join for the reception. This will help manage expectations and ensure that those who are unable to attend the sealing ceremony can still celebrate with you at the reception.
• Provide clear instructions: Include clear instructions on how to RSVP, whether it be by mail, email, or through a wedding website. If you are using a wedding website, consider creating a dedicated page for RSVPs and include all the necessary information, such as the deadline for responses.
• Send invitations early: It is recommended to send out invitations, including those for the sealing ceremony, at least eight weeks before the wedding. This will give your guests enough time to plan and make any necessary arrangements, especially if they need to travel.
• Follow up with guests: As the date approaches, don't be afraid to follow up with guests who have not yet responded. This will help you get a more accurate count and ensure that those who wish to attend the sealing ceremony have a spot.

By following these tips, you can effectively request RSVPs for the sealing ceremony of your LDS temple wedding and ensure that your special day is shared with your loved ones.

Include a map with parking directions

When inviting guests to an LDS temple wedding, it is important to include all the necessary information. This includes the names of both sets of parents, the couple's full names, the temple where the sealing will take place, the date of the temple sealing, and an invitation to the reception or open house.

If you are worried about guests finding the location of your LDS temple wedding, it is a good idea to include a small, printed map with parking directions and instructions. This is especially useful if there are specific parking directions or limitations that your guests should be aware of. For example, if you are getting married at Temple Square, there are a variety of parking options available, depending on the purpose of your visit. Free underground parking is available for Temple Square tours and visitors to the Conference Center, while free parking is available nearby during certain hours for visits to the Church History Museum, FamilySearch Library, or Church History Library. For other events, such as conferences or concerts, parking is available at nearby lots, which may require payment.

To ensure your guests have all the information they need, you can include a small, printed map with your wedding invitations, clearly marking the parking location and providing step-by-step directions to get there. This map can also include additional details, such as the entrance to use when arriving at the parking lot and any relevant parking restrictions or time limits.

Additionally, you can provide written parking instructions along with the map. These instructions can include information such as recommended parking locations, nearby landmarks, and any relevant parking regulations or fees. For example, you can mention that parking is available in downtown Salt Lake City surrounding Temple Square, but the closest parking lots may require a payment. By providing both a map and written instructions, you can ensure that your guests have clear and detailed information about parking for your LDS temple wedding.

Send invites at least eight weeks before the wedding

Sending out wedding invitations at least eight weeks before the wedding is considered good etiquette for an LDS temple wedding. This is because there is a lot of legwork to be done before sending out the invites, and you want to give your guests enough time to plan their attendance.

Before sending out invites, you need to finalise the date, time, and place of the wedding and reception. It's important to pick a date that works for your immediate family, members of the wedding party, and the wedding venue. You'll also need to decide whether you want a morning, afternoon, or evening wedding.

The wedding invitation text should include the names of the host(s), the bride and groom's full names, the date, time, and location of the wedding and/or reception. If you are being sealed in the temple, you'll need to send out two sets of invitations: one for close friends and family invited to both the sealing and the reception, and one for all other guests who are invited to the reception or open house only.

The style and colours of the invitation should match the ceremony and reception. You don't need to have every detail decided, but it's good to have a general idea of your wedding colours and theme. This will create a cohesive impression for your guests.

In addition to the invitation, you may want to include separate cards with additional information for your guests. For example, you can include a card with your registry information, dress code, directions to the reception location, and RSVP details.

Frequently asked questions