The Perfect Wedding Invitation Location Line

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to include all the essential details such as the host line, attendance request, the names of the couple, date and time, location, and reception details. The location is typically listed as the name and full street address of the wedding venue, including the city, state, and zip code. If the wedding is abroad, the country should also be included. If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you can simply add reception to follow at the bottom of the invitation. However, if the reception is at a different location, it is customary to include the full address and other relevant information on a separate details card enclosed with the main invitation.

Include the full address and other details

Including the full address and other details on your wedding invitations is a great way to ensure your guests have all the information they need. Here are some tips and examples to help you with this section of your wedding invitations:

Include the Full Address

Provide the name and full street address of your wedding venue, including the city, state, and zip code. If your wedding is taking place abroad, be sure to include the country as well. Here are some examples of how to format the location and address:

• "" [Venue Name], [City], [State] [Zip Code]"
• "" [Venue Name], [Full Street Address], [City], [State] [Zip Code]"
• "At [Venue Name] in [City], [State] [Zip Code]"

Additional Details

Depending on the location of your wedding and the ease of finding the venue, you may also want to include other details such as:

• Directions or a Map: Especially if your venue is in a remote area or is difficult to find, consider including a small map or directions on a separate insert card.
• Transportation Information: If you are providing transportation for your guests or there are specific instructions for arriving at the venue, be sure to include those details.
• Reception Information: If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, include the full address and other pertinent information for the reception venue on a separate details card. You can also simply state "Reception to follow" if it is at the same location.
• Accommodation Suggestions: If many of your guests are travelling, it can be helpful to suggest nearby accommodations or include accommodation information on your wedding website.

Formatting and Wording

When including the full address, consider the overall formatting and wording of your invitations to maintain a cohesive and clear design:

• Consistency: Use consistent formatting for the address as you do for the rest of the invitation. This includes font style, size, and spacing.
• Line Breaks: Depending on the length of the address, consider breaking it into two lines to improve readability. For example, "" [Venue Name] [Address Line 1] [Address Line 2], [City], [State] [Zip Code]".
• Abbreviations: While some sources suggest spelling out details such as the state name, others recommend using standard abbreviations to save space and create a cleaner look. Choose the option that best suits your invitation design and formatting.

Add a separate reception card if the reception is at a different venue

If your wedding ceremony and reception are at different venues, it's a good idea to include a separate reception card with your invitation. This ensures that your guests have all the information they need and avoids overcrowding your invitation with too much text. Here are some tips and suggestions for adding a separate reception card:

• Keep it concise and clear: On the reception card, include the name and full address of the reception venue, including the city, state, and zip code. If the reception is abroad, don't forget to mention the country as well. You may also want to include the time guests are expected to arrive.
• Match the invitation suite: Design-wise, you can keep the reception card simple and elegant, using the same design, colour scheme, and font as your wedding invitation. This creates a cohesive look for your invitation suite.
• Provide additional details: If there are multiple events during the wedding weekend, such as a welcome party or farewell brunch, you can include this information on the reception card or a separate details card. This helps your guests plan their attendance and makes them feel included in the celebration.
• Consider including a map: If the reception venue is at an unusual location or difficult to find, you may want to include a small map or directions on the reception card. Alternatively, you can direct guests to your wedding website, where they can find more detailed information.
• Mind the costs: Printing separate reception cards may increase the overall cost of your invitations, especially if you opt for luxurious paper or intricate designs. If you're on a budget, consider using the same design for the invitation and reception card to save money.
• Be consistent: Maintain a similar tone and level of formality in the wording of your reception card as you have in your wedding invitation. This helps to create a unified and elegant impression.
• Order extra: When placing your order, remember to include a few extra reception cards in case of last-minute additions to your guest list or if you want to keep one as a memento.
• Plan accordingly: Give yourself enough time to design, proofread, and print your reception cards, especially if you're ordering them separately from your invitations. Aim to send out your invitations, including the reception cards, six to eight weeks before your wedding.

Include the time of the ceremony

When it comes to wedding invitation wording, the goal is to provide your guests with enough information so that they know when and where your big day will take place. This includes clearly printing the date and time of your wedding, but there are many different ways to format this information.

Formal Wedding Invitation Wording

The traditional way to write the time on a wedding invitation is to spell it out completely, using words instead of numerals. For example, if your wedding is at 3:30 p.m., you would write "half after three o'clock". If your wedding is on the hour, you would simply write "four o'clock". Formal wedding invitations traditionally say "half after" (not "half past") for times on the half-hour, and the time should be written in all lowercase letters.

You do not have to write "in the morning", "in the afternoon", or "in the evening", unless the wedding is scheduled for 8, 9 or 10 o'clock, where there could be some confusion over whether it's morning or evening. If your wedding is at noon, just write "noon".

Informal Wedding Invitation Wording

If you're having a more casual wedding, you can write out the time of day more informally, using numerals. So, for a wedding at 4:00 p.m., you could write "4pm" or "4:00 p.m." Just remember that the date and time should match in formality—don't write out the date fully and then use numerals for the time.

Strategic Timing

Many couples opt to print an earlier start time on their invitations than the actual ceremony start time to avoid guests arriving late. However, this is not recommended, as your on-time guests may start to get bored and think you're the one running late! If you do decide to do this, it's best not to pad the time by more than 15 minutes.

Additional Timing Information

The main wedding invitation usually only includes the date and time of the ceremony. If your reception is immediately following your ceremony in the same location, you can just write "reception to follow" or "dinner and dancing to follow" on the bottom of the invitation.

However, if the reception is at a different venue or comes several hours after the ceremony, it's best to include a separate reception card as part of your invitation suite to share all of the details. This separate card can include the time, venue name, address, and other pertinent information.

Provide a wedding website address

Wedding websites are now considered a standard part of the wedding planning process. They are a convenient way to communicate essential wedding details to your guests and are often included on wedding invitations. Here are some tips for providing your wedding website address on your invitations:

Save-the-Date Cards:

You can include your wedding website URL on your save-the-date cards, which are usually sent out 4-6 months before the wedding. This is a popular choice as it allows guests to access your website as early as possible. The URL can be listed on the back or at the bottom of the front side of the card. If using a QR code, place it on the back.

Formal Invitation:

Some consider it poor etiquette to include your wedding website directly on the formal invitation. However, if you are collecting RSVPs through your website instead of response cards, it is generally acceptable to add the website address at the bottom of the invitation. Here is some wording you could use:

• "For more information, please visit [URL]"
• "Kindly RSVP by [RSVP deadline] at [URL]"

If using a QR code, it is best to add it to the back of the invite.

Enclosure Cards:

Another option is to include your wedding website URL on an enclosure card, which is an additional piece of your invitation suite used to communicate extra details. There are several types of enclosure cards you can use:

• RSVP Card: If guests are RSVPing online, you can include instructions on where, when, and how to respond to the invitation.
• Details Card: This card can list your website, travel information, attire requests, and other important information for guests.
• Wedding Website Card: You can add a separate card with the sole purpose of sharing your website URL, especially if you want to maintain a formal tone while also utilising modern technology.

Design and Wording:

When creating your wedding website, opt for a custom URL that is short and easy for guests to remember. Include sections that explain how you met, highlight key moments, and introduce your wedding party, as these can be great conversation starters. Keep the tone personal and the content concise, and ensure the website is mobile-friendly.

Add an RSVP card and envelope

Adding an RSVP card and envelope to your wedding invitation suite is a great way to manage your guest list and get a headcount for your big day. Here are some tips and suggestions for including RSVP cards and envelopes with your wedding invitations:

The Purpose of RSVP Cards

RSVP cards play a critical role in facilitating your guests' responses to your wedding invitation. They are usually included in the same envelope as your wedding invitations, placed on top, and accompanied by pre-stamped, addressed return envelopes. This makes it easy for your guests to fill out the required information and send back their responses promptly.

When to Order and Send RSVP Cards

It is recommended to order your RSVP cards when you order your wedding invitations to ensure that all the components are ready to be mailed together. Ideally, wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding, and the RSVP deadline should be set around four weeks before the wedding date. This gives you enough time to chase any non-responders and finalise details with your vendors.

What to Include on the RSVP Card

The basic information to include on your RSVP card is:

• A blank line for guests to write their names. Formal RSVP cards often include an "M" at the start of this line to indicate that guests should include the proper honorific (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss).
• An attendance line for guests to accept or decline the invitation, usually in the form of checkboxes, circling, or fill-in-the-blank lines.
• The RSVP deadline, which should be prominently displayed and no less than one month before the wedding date.
• Entree selection instructions, if you are serving a plated meal and want guests to select their entrée choices in advance.
• Any other helpful information, such as transport arrangements or song requests.

Wording Ideas for RSVP Cards

• Formal: "M___________________________________ / ___ accept(s) with pleasure / ___ declines with regret"
• Informal: "Name(s): ___________________________________ / ___ will celebrate in person / ___ will celebrate in spirit"
• Whimsical: "Name(s): ___________________________________ / ___ Let the good times roll! / ___ Sad to miss all the fun"

Addressing the RSVP Envelopes

When addressing the RSVP envelopes, be sure to include the name and address of the recipient, usually the couple or their wedding planner/coordinator. Use the proper courtesy titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss) when addressing guests, but only use the couple's first names when addressing the married couple-to-be.

It is also important to include postage on the RSVP envelopes to make it convenient for your guests to respond and ensure a higher response rate.

Frequently asked questions