Wedding Registry: Etiquette For Invitations

Wedding invitation wording can be a minefield, especially when it comes to navigating the topic of gifts. While it's considered a major faux pas to include your registry information on your wedding invitations, there are other ways to let your guests know where you are registered. Here's a guide on how to list your registry on your wedding invitations while following traditional etiquette rules.

Why you shouldn't list registry information on wedding invitations

Wedding invitations are about building excitement for your upcoming celebration. You want your guests to feel honoured and delighted to be included in your special day and not worry about gifts until later. Here are some reasons why you shouldn't list registry information on your wedding invitations:

It can be interpreted as aggressive or presumptuous

Including registry information on wedding invitations can come across as aggressive or presumptuous. Guests may interpret this to mean that receiving gifts is just as important, or even more important, than sharing your special day with them. While this is certainly not the case, it's important to be mindful of how your actions may be perceived.

It's not proper etiquette

Sharing registry information on formal wedding invitations is not considered proper etiquette. It can make guests feel less important to you than the gifts themselves. Instead, it is more subtle and appropriate to include an informational insert in the envelope with a link to your wedding website, where guests can easily access all your wedding information, including the registry.

It takes away from the excitement of the celebration

Wedding invitations should focus solely on inviting guests to join you on your special day and celebrating your upcoming nuptials. By leaving out registry information, you keep the focus on the joy and excitement of the occasion, allowing guests to feel honoured and delighted to be a part of it.

It can be shared elsewhere

There are plenty of other ways to inform your guests about your gift registry. Word of mouth, for example, is a perfectly acceptable option. You can ask your close family members and friends to spread the word to those who ask about it. Additionally, including a link to your wedding website or registry page on your save-the-date cards or bridal shower invitations is a great way to share the information without coming across as greedy or gift-focused.

How to share your wedding registry with guests

There are a few ways to share your wedding registry with guests without committing a major faux pas.

Firstly, it is considered impolite to include your registry information on your wedding invitations. Instead, you can include a link to your wedding website on an enclosure card. This is a small card included with your wedding invitations that contain additional information. The link can also be included on the back of the invitation if you have backside printing.

The wedding website is a one-stop shop for guests to access all wedding-related information. It is also an appropriate place to include registry information without coming across as presumptuous. You can include links to online stores to make it easy for guests to find and purchase gifts. It is also a good idea to use language such as "if you wish to give a gift to the bride and groom" to make it clear that gift-giving is optional.

Another way to share your registry details is through word of mouth. You can inform your close family members and bridal party, who can then spread the word on your behalf. This was the traditional way of sharing registry information before the advent of wedding websites.

Finally, it is acceptable to include your registry information on bridal shower invitations.

What are invitation enclosure cards?

Invitation enclosure cards are a great way to provide guests with additional information for your wedding celebration. They are part of the wedding invitation suite and can be used to share key details about the event, such as accommodation, directions, dress code, or brunch plans. Enclosure cards are also a good way to include information about your wedding registry.

Enclosure cards are typically small pieces of paper that go inside your wedding invitations. They can be used to provide extra details while keeping the invitations neat and uncluttered. You can include reception details, directions, transportation schedules, and any other important information for your guests.

There are several types of enclosure cards that you can choose from, depending on the information you need to convey:

• Reception card: This card lists the time, venue name, and address of the reception if it is held at a different location from the ceremony.
• Response card: Also known as an RSVP card, it asks guests to respond and specify if they are attending. It usually includes a deadline to RSVP and entree choices.
• Accommodation card: This card lists the hotel where you have a wedding block reserved or recommended hotels in the area.
• Attire card: This card provides special information or suggestions about the dress code for your wedding.
• Direction card: Direction cards provide official instructions on how to get to your wedding from different directions.
• Map card: A map card can be included to visually show guests the location of your wedding and other related events.
• Wedding website card: This card can include a summary of what guests can find on your wedding website, such as registry information, dress code, transportation details, and local activities.
• Wedding itinerary: An itinerary card lists all the wedding-related events that are open to all guests, such as a welcome brunch or group activity.

It is recommended to limit the number of enclosure cards to three to avoid overwhelming your guests. For additional details, you can direct them to your wedding website.

What to include on an enclosure card

Enclosure cards are a great way to include extra details about your wedding day without crowding your invitations. Here are some ideas for what to include on your enclosure card:

Reception Details

If your reception is at a different location from the ceremony, or if there is a long break between the two, include the name, address, and start time of the reception venue on your enclosure card. You can also provide parking instructions and transportation details for guests travelling between the ceremony and reception.

Response and RSVP Information

Response cards, also known as RSVP cards, are one of the most common types of enclosure cards. They give guests a deadline to respond by, allow them to specify if they're attending, and usually include entree options for the meal. If you're collecting RSVPs online through your wedding website, you can instruct guests to RSVP there and include the website URL.

Accommodation and Hotel Information

If you've reserved a block of hotel rooms or negotiated a group rate, be sure to include this information on your enclosure card. If you don't have a group reservation, you can list 2-3 hotels that you recommend in the area. It's also helpful to include the hotel's phone number and any shuttle services that will be provided.

Transportation Details

If you're providing transportation for guests, such as shuttle services between the hotel and the ceremony, include the shuttle schedules and pick-up times on your enclosure card.

Direction and Map Cards

Direction cards provide step-by-step instructions for how to get to your wedding venue(s). Map cards are also helpful, especially if you have multiple events at different locations, as they allow guests to visualise where they're headed.

Attire Card

While it's assumed that the dress code is formal, you should specify any special attire requirements or suggestions. For example, for a beach wedding, you might want to recommend beach-friendly attire and remind guests to bring sunglasses and sunscreen.

Wedding Website Information

You can include a separate enclosure card dedicated to your wedding website, listing a summary of what guests can find on the site, such as accommodation details, the gift registry, and more.

Wedding Itinerary

An itinerary card allows you to list all the wedding-related events that are open to all guests, such as a welcome brunch, group activity, or post-wedding gathering. Include the date, time, location, address, recommended attire, and any other relevant information for each event.

Remember, you don't want to exceed three enclosure cards, so choose the most important information to include and direct guests to your wedding website for additional details.

Why you should include a registry on bridal shower invitations

There are differing opinions on whether or not to include a registry on bridal shower invitations. Some people believe that it is rude and gift-grabby to include registry details, whereas others believe that it is helpful and convenient. Here are some reasons why you should include a registry on bridal shower invitations:

It's a Time-Honoured Tradition

Bridal showers are all about gift-giving, and including registry information has long been a common practice. It is often considered a courtesy to the guests to provide this information, so they know what items the bride truly needs or wants.

It Saves Time for Guests

Guests will not need to spend time searching for registry information or asking around. By providing the details on the invitation, guests can easily access the information and make their selections without any hassle.

It Ensures the Bride Receives Wanted and Needed Items

By creating a registry, the bride and groom can ensure they receive gifts they truly want or need. Without a registry, guests may end up purchasing duplicate items or gifts that don't align with the couple's preferences or interests.

It Provides Clarity for Guests

Including registry information on the invitation clarifies the couple's expectations. Guests will know that gift-giving is expected and will not have to wonder if bringing a gift is appropriate.

It's Practical for Modern Times

In today's fast-paced world, providing registry information on the invitation is efficient and practical. Guests may not have the time or inclination to search for registry details or ask around. By including the information directly, you make the process more accessible and convenient for everyone involved.

While opinions vary, including a registry on bridal shower invitations can ultimately save time, provide clarity, and ensure the couple receives gifts they will truly appreciate.

Frequently asked questions