Enhance Your Wedding Invites: Utilizing Extra Information Cards

Wedding invitations are more than just a pretty card in an envelope. Even the simplest of designs include a few extra pieces, and for couples having a destination wedding or a weekend full of events, an additional card is often necessary to share extra information with guests without crowding the main invitation. This extra card is typically called an invitation insert, information card, details card, enclosure card, or wedding invitation insert. It includes information that doesn't fit on the invite or RSVP card, such as accommodation, transportation, and dress code details.

Response cards

What to Include:

Keep the content brief, noting only the essential details. Include the reply-by date, meal options (if needed), and a line for guests to write their names and indicate the number of attendees in their party. Set the reply-by date at least four weeks in advance of the wedding. Informal weddings may also include a line for guests to request a song. Don't forget to stamp your response cards with postage stamps!

What Not to Include:

Avoid including the entire meal description. Instead, opt for short meal options such as "chicken/beef/vegetarian". Do not note that the event is adults-only on the response card, as it can seem rude. If you're having an adults-only event, address the envelopes only to the parents' names. You may also politely inform guests in person or over the phone.

Ways to Save:

If you're having guests reply online, you can skip the added costs of RSVP envelopes. Another option to save on costs is to use a postcard format for responses.

Online Responses:

If you're tallying your guest list online via a wedding website, you may choose to discard the physical response card. However, it is advisable to still include response cards for guests who aren't tech-savvy. For smaller, intimate weddings, guests can RSVP directly to the couple, and response cards can be foregone.

Transport and accommodation details

Transport Details

If you are providing transport for your guests, be sure to include the following:

• Pick-up and drop-off points: Let your guests know where they can board the shuttle and where it will take them.
• Schedule: Provide a rough timeline for the shuttle service, including pick-up and drop-off times.
• Contact information: Share the contact details of the transport company, so guests can get in touch with any queries.
• RSVP for shuttle: Encourage guests to confirm whether they require a seat on the shuttle, so you can plan accordingly.
• Alternative transport options: If guests need to arrange their own transport, suggest local rental companies and provide their contact details. You could also include information about public transport options.

Accommodation Details

If you have guests travelling from out of town, it is a thoughtful gesture to provide suggestions for accommodation. Here are some ways to include accommodation details:

• Hotel room blocks: If you have reserved a block of hotel rooms for your guests, provide the hotel's name and address, along with the group code and reservation deadline.
• Multiple accommodation options: If there are several hotels or other accommodation options nearby, list them on your invitation, including contact details and price ranges.
• Special rates: If you have negotiated a special rate for your guests, be sure to mention this, along with any instructions on how to access these rates.
• Shuttle service: If you are providing a shuttle between the accommodation and the wedding venue, include this information on your invitation, so guests know they don't need to arrange their own transport.
• Online information: Include your wedding website or app details, where guests can find more information about accommodation options and transport arrangements.

Map and directions

A map or directions card is a great way to help your guests find your wedding venue, especially if it's hard to find or doesn't show up on GPS. You can include a hand-drawn map, a text-based set of directions, or both. Here are some tips for creating a map and directions card:

What to Include

Keep the content simple and only include information on how to get to the venue. If you're including a map, you can mark key locations, roads, and landmarks to help your guests find their way. You can also include a close-up of the area around the venue to give them a better idea of the lay of the land. If you're including written directions, make sure they're clear and easy to follow.

What Not to Include

This card should only include map and direction information. Avoid including any other details, such as parking instructions or venue contact details, as these can go on a separate card.

Ways to Save

If your venue is easy to find, you can skip this card altogether. Hand-drawn maps can be costly, so if you're on a tight budget, a text-based directions card is a more affordable option. You can also create your own map using online tools like Google Maps or Canva, or software like Microsoft PowerPoint or Photoshop.

Dress code and itinerary

Dress Code

It is typical to include the dress code on your invitations. You can include it on the lower left or right-hand corner of the invitation or at the bottom centre of the design. Alternatively, you can include it on a separate information or details card, especially if you want to be very specific about the dress code.

• "Black-tie. We ask that men wear a tuxedo and women wear a floor-length gown."
• "Black-tie optional. We ask that men wear a tuxedo or a dark suit and tie and women wear an evening gown or midi or knee-length cocktail dress."
• "Formal attire. We suggest that men wear a suit in any colour and women wear a cocktail dress or a nice pantsuit."
• "Cocktail attire. We suggest that men wear a suit or dress shirt with a tie and women wear a midi- or knee-length dress or dressy separates."
• "Semi-formal attire. We ask that you wear semi-formal attire such as a cocktail-length dress or dressy separates for women and a suit and tie for men. Please note that the venue does not permit blue jeans or sneakers."

Itinerary

The main invitation should always state the ceremony time, but it's likely you will need your guests to arrive and be seated a little before this. You can include a line such as:

> "Please arrive from 12.30 pm to be seated for the ceremony to begin at 1.00 pm prompt."

You should also include the time guests should leave:

> "Carriages at midnight."

If you are having a shuttle transport guests to the reception, put a note on the insert that says the shuttle will be available and guests shouldn't plan to drive to the venue.

If you are having a post-wedding brunch or any other events that won't have their own separate invitations, include the date, time, and dress code on an insert. For example:

> "Please join us for a welcome party the night before the wedding! Meet us at the hotel bar at 8 p.m. for cocktails and desserts."

Registry and gift information

Traditionally, it is considered bad etiquette to include registry details on your wedding invitation. Instead, couples would rely on bridesmaids and family members to inform guests about their wedding gift registry. Nowadays, the best ways to notify guests about registry information are via a wedding website, by word of mouth, or on a wedding shower invitation.

If you are creating a wedding gift registry, it is helpful to let guests know what gifts you would like. You can do this by including a separate gift card or by adding a line or two on your information card. If you have registered for gifts at a particular store, you will need to include the store name, website, address, and any codes or other details that guests will need to reference.

> "Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift of all. However, should you wish to honour us with a gift, a list [of gift suggestions] has been registered with [store name]."

If you are requesting money instead of gifts, you can say:

> "Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift of all. However, should you wish to honour us with a gift, a contribution to our honeymoon would help to create memories that will last a lifetime. A wishing well will be available on the day."

If you would prefer not to receive any gifts, you can simply omit gift details from the invitation or include a line such as, "Your presence is present enough."

If you are including registry information in your invitations, be sure to list a couple of different stores where guests can find your registry to give them plenty of options. Here are some examples of how to word this:

> "We have registered at [insert store name], and our registry number is [insert number]."

> "You can view our registry online at [insert URL]."

> "We have also registered for [insert another type of gift, like cash or experiences]. Please visit our website or [insert other instructions] if you would like to contribute."

> "Thank you so much for your support and generosity!"

Finally, remember to keep your wording brief, clear, and to the point. You don't want your card to appear cluttered or difficult for guests to read.

Frequently asked questions