Crafting Wedding Invites: Include The Reception Time

Wedding invitations are a crucial logistical element and the first look that guests have of your big day. When it comes to wedding invitation wording, the goal is to provide guests with enough information so that they know when and where the wedding will take place. This includes the date, time, and location of both the ceremony and the reception.

If the reception immediately follows the ceremony and is at the same location, you can simply write reception to follow or dinner and dancing to follow at the bottom of the invitation. However, if the reception is at a different location or is taking place several hours after the ceremony, it's best to include a separate reception card as part of your invitation suite to share all the details.

How to word the time of the reception

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. Here are some tips on how to word the time of the reception:

Traditional and Formal Wording

For formal invitations, the time is usually written out in full, with no numerals. For example, if your wedding begins at 3:30 p.m., you would write "half after three o'clock" or "half past three o'clock". If the time is on the hour, simply write out the number followed by "o'clock", such as "four o'clock".

It is worth noting that formal wedding invitations traditionally say "half after" (not "half past") for times on the half-hour. The time should be written in lowercase letters.

You do not need 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 confusion over whether it is morning or evening. Any time after 5 p.m. is considered evening, and between noon and 4:30 p.m. is the afternoon. If your wedding is at 12 p.m., simply write "noon".

Casual and Informal Wording

If you are having a more casual wedding, you can write out the time in a more informal way. For example, "4pm" or "5:30pm". Remember to match the formality of the time with the formality of the date. If you write out the date in full, write out the time in full as well.

Including Separate Start Times

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

However, if the reception is at a different location or is taking place several hours after the ceremony, it is best to include a separate reception card as part of your invitation suite to share these details. Here is an example:

> Please join us for a reception at six o'clock in the evening.

> JW Marriott Houston Downtown

> 806 Main Street

> Houston, Texas

If there will be a gap between the ceremony and reception, you can also include details about what will be happening during that time. For example:

> Please join us after the ceremony for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and dancing. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m.

> The Foundry at Herban Feast

> 4136 First Avenue South

> Seattle, Washington

How to format the time of the reception

When it comes to formatting the time of the reception on your wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, consider the formality of your wedding and invitation. If you're having a formal, black-tie wedding, traditional language and formatting are usually used. For a more casual wedding, you have the flexibility to be more relaxed and informal in your wording. Here are some instructions and examples to help you format the time of the reception:

Using Traditional Language and Formatting

If you're opting for a traditional approach, the time is written out in full using words instead of numerals. Here are some examples:

• "At half after three o'clock" for 3:30 pm
• "Four o'clock" or "four o'clock in the afternoon" for 4:00 pm
• "Half after four o'clock", "half past four o'clock" or "four-thirty in the afternoon" for 4:30 pm

Including "In the Morning", "In the Afternoon", or "In the Evening"

It is not necessary to specify "in the morning", "in the afternoon", or "in the evening" unless there is a possibility of confusion. For example:

• For a wedding at 8:00 am or 9:00 am, you might specify "in the morning".
• For a wedding at 8:00 pm, you would specify "in the evening".
• For a wedding between 12:00 pm and 4:30 pm, you can specify "in the afternoon".
• If your wedding is at 12:00 pm, simply write "noon".

Combining the Time of the Ceremony and Reception

Typically, the main wedding invitation includes only the date and time of the ceremony. If your reception follows immediately in the same location, you can simply add "reception to follow" or "dinner and dancing to follow" at the bottom of the invitation.

Including a Separate Reception Card

If your reception is at a different location or is not immediately following the ceremony, it's best to include a separate reception card with the invitation suite. Here's an example of reception card wording:

> Please join us for a reception at six o'clock in the evening. JW Marriott Houston Downtown, 806 Main Street, Houston, Texas.

Providing an Earlier Start Time

Some couples choose to print an earlier start time on their invitations to ensure guests arrive on time. If you decide to do this, it is recommended not to pad the time by more than 15 minutes to avoid keeping your punctual guests waiting.

How to indicate the reception is after the ceremony

If your wedding ceremony and reception are taking place at the same venue, you can indicate this on your invitation by simply writing "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow" at the bottom of the invitation.

If your wedding ceremony and reception are taking place at different venues or several hours apart, it's best to include a separate reception card as part of your invitation suite to share all the details. Here is an example of reception card wording:

> Please join us for a reception at six o'clock in the evening. JW Marriott Houston Downtown, 806 Main Street, Houston, Texas

If your wedding ceremony and reception are on the same day but at different venues, you can indicate this by printing two different invitations or printing one invitation and including a separate insert card with ceremony details.

If you choose to print two different invitations, one can invite a smaller group to both the ceremony and reception, and the other can invite the rest of your guests to the reception only. This option can be more expensive, as your stationer will need to make two suites instead of one.

If you choose to print one invitation, it should be printed with the reception information, and you can include another insert card with ceremony details for the smaller group of guests who are invited to the ceremony.

How to indicate the reception is at a different time and/or location

When the reception is at a different time and/or location, it's best to include a separate reception card as part of your invitation suite to share all of the details. This is especially important if the reception is several hours after the ceremony and/or in a different location. Here are some tips and examples to help you indicate this information clearly to your guests:

Include a Separate Reception Card

Create a separate reception card that includes all the relevant details, such as the date, time, and address of the reception venue. This ensures that your guests have clear information about the reception, especially if it is at a different location or several hours after the ceremony.

Provide Detailed Information

On the reception card, be sure to include the date, time, and address of the reception venue. Here is an example:

> Please join us for a reception at six o'clock in the evening.

> JW Marriott Houston Downtown

> 806 Main Street

> Houston, Texas

If the reception is at the same location but several hours after the ceremony, you can simply write:

> Reception to follow at six o'clock in the evening.

Match the Formality of Your Wedding

When indicating the time of the reception, match the formality of your wedding. For a more traditional or formal wedding, write out the time in full, such as "six o'clock in the evening." For a more casual wedding, you can use numerals, such as "6:00 p.m."

Include Other Relevant Details

If there will be specific activities or a particular dress code for the reception, you may want to include this information as well. For example:

> Please join us for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and dancing at the reception.

Or:

> Black-tie attire requested for the reception.

Consider a Wedding Website

If you have additional information or details that won't fit on the reception card, consider creating a wedding website. You can include the website URL on the reception card or another insert card in your invitation suite. This way, guests can easily access more information about the reception, as well as other wedding-related details.

By following these tips and including clear and detailed information, your guests will have a better understanding of the reception's timing and location, ensuring that they can fully participate in your special day.

How to indicate the reception is part of a two-part event

When indicating that the reception is part of a two-part event, it's important to provide clear information to your guests to avoid confusion. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:

Two-Part Event on the Same Day

If your ceremony and reception are on the same day, it is recommended to have the ceremony earlier in the day. This allows for a post-ceremony celebration with your intimate group of guests and provides an opportunity for photos before the reception. When creating your invitations, you can include the following:

• Host Line: Traditionally, the bride's parents' names are listed first, followed by the groom's parents. For same-sex couples, you can list names alphabetically or based on design preference.
• Request Line: This is where you invite people to share in the celebration. Examples include "request the honour of your presence" for a religious ceremony or "request the pleasure of your company" for a non-religious ceremony.
• Action Line: This line specifies what guests are being invited to share in. For example, "at the marriage of their daughter" or "at the celebration of their union."
• Date and Time: For formal weddings, these are usually written out in full. For instance, "Saturday, the twenty-first of May, two thousand twenty-two, at half after six o'clock." If your ceremony and reception have different start times, include both.
• Venue: List the venue name and location (city and state). If the reception is at a different venue, include it on a separate line or insert card.
• Reception Information: If the reception immediately follows the ceremony at the same location, you can simply write "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow." If there is a gap between the ceremony and reception or they are at different venues, provide the reception time and address.

Two-Part Event on Different Days

If your ceremony and reception are on different days, you have more flexibility in planning. You can choose to have them a day or a week apart or even spread them out to suit your schedule. Here's how to handle the invitations:

• Print Two Different Invitations: You can print one invitation for guests invited to both the ceremony and reception and another for those invited only to the reception. This option maintains a cohesive design while providing clear information.
• Print One Invitation with a Ceremony Details Card: To reduce costs, print the main invitation with reception information and include a separate insert card with ceremony details for those also invited to the ceremony. This card can include a personal note or a special mention of the ceremony's intimacy.

For both options, ensure your wording makes it clear that the event is a two-part celebration. Here are some examples:

• " [Names of couple] request the pleasure of your company for a reception in celebration of their new marriage."
• "The newlyweds [Names of couple] invite you to a reception in honour of their recent marriage."

Frequently asked questions