Crafting Casual Wedding Invites: Tips For A Relaxed Tone

Planning a wedding? One of the first things to consider is the tone of your wedding invitations. If you're going for a casual vibe, there are several ways to ensure your invites match the mood. From playful phrases like eat, drink and be married to ditching traditional language and formatting, you can set the right tone for your special day. For instance, instead of a formal hosting line, you might opt for a light-hearted opening statement and refer to the couple by their first names. Numerical dates and times are also a more relaxed approach than spelling them out in full. Be sure to include key details like the date, time, location, and any post-ceremony plans, and feel free to hint at fun activities to get your guests excited!

Ditch traditional language

On a traditional wedding invitation, you would usually begin with a formal hosting line, including the full names of the bride and groom. For a casual wedding, you can lose the formality and opt for a light-hearted opening statement, referring to the couple by their first names only. This is a fun way to let guests know that your wedding will be a relaxed affair.

For example, instead of "The honour of your presence is requested at the marriage of Jack Alexander Smith to Mason Jacob Kim", you could write "Jack and Mason are tying the knot! Join us to celebrate".

You can also ditch the formal hosting line altogether and go for a warm and welcoming introduction, such as "Together with full hearts" or "With hearts full of love and joy".

Another way to make your invitation more casual is to use numerical symbols for all numbers, including the date and time, instead of spelling them out in full. So, instead of "Saturday, the seventeenth of August two thousand twenty-four at half after four", you could write "Saturday, 17 August 2024, at 4:30 pm".

Finally, you can be more creative with the action line. Instead of "at the marriage of their daughter", you could write "Join us as we say 'I do'!" or "Eat, drink and be married with us".

Include key information

While casual wedding invitations are less formal in tone, they should still include the basic information common to all invitations. This includes the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception, as well as any other pertinent details that will help guests know what to expect. Here are some tips to ensure your guests have all the information they need:

Date and Time

Clearly state the date and time of your wedding, using numerical symbols for the date and time (e.g., "July 15, 2023, at 4 PM"). This information will help your guests plan their schedules and ensure they don't miss the celebration.

Location and Address

Provide the address and name of the venue to avoid any confusion, especially if the venue is unfamiliar to your guests or has a similar name to other locations. For example, "Hyde Park", "Mulberry House, High Ongar Road, Ongar CM5 9LY."

Reception Details

Let your guests know about any post-ceremony plans, such as a reception with food, drinks, dancing, and other activities. You can use phrases like "Reception to follow" or "Food, fun, and festivities to follow" to indicate that the celebration will continue after the ceremony.

Dress Code

Although it is optional, including dress code information can be helpful for your guests. If you're having a casual wedding, you can suggest attire such as "casual dress code", "come as you are", or suggest specific themes like "beach" or "garden party" attire.

RSVP Details

Provide clear instructions on how guests should RSVP and, if applicable, include a deadline for responses. You can include an RSVP card with your invitation or direct guests to your wedding website for digital responses. If you prefer certain guests not to bring a plus one, you can write the name of the invited guest on the envelope or use phrases like "We have reserved [number of seats] in your honour."

Hint at fun activities

When it comes to casual wedding invitations, it's important to include key information such as the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception. But if you're looking to hint at fun activities that will be part of the celebration, here are some creative ways to do just that:

Be Playful with Words

Instead of a traditional hosting line, begin your invitation with a fun opening statement that sets the tone for a casual and enjoyable event. Use phrases like "Get ready to dance and play the night away!" or "Join us for a celebration filled with love, laughter, and fun!" This approach will excite your guests and give them a glimpse of the activities they can look forward to.

Mention Specific Activities

If you're planning unique reception activities, feel free to give your guests a sneak peek. For example, you could say, "Join us for a magical evening with drinks, dancing, and games." or "Get ready for a night of fun, including a photo booth, lawn games, and a live band!" By mentioning specific activities, your guests will know what to expect and will be eager to join in on the excitement.

Emphasize the Casual Nature

Casual weddings often stray from the traditional wedding itinerary, so it's essential to convey this to your guests. You might say something like, "Join us for an evening of relaxed celebration and fun!" or "Get ready for a laid-back gathering with good company and unique experiences." This approach will help manage your guests' expectations and ensure they feel comfortable participating in the activities you have planned.

Provide a Glimpse of the Atmosphere

If you're planning a casual wedding with a focus on fun, give your guests a sense of the atmosphere they can expect. You might say, "Get ready for a night of laughter and celebration under the stars." or "Join us for an evening of fun and festivities in our backyard garden." By setting the scene, your guests will better understand the nature of the event and the activities that will be part of it.

Include a Fun RSVP

The RSVP section of your invitation can also be an opportunity to hint at the fun activities to come. For example, you could say, "RSVP and get ready to dance the night away!" or "Let us know if you'll be joining the celebration and fun!" This approach keeps the tone lighthearted and reinforces the idea that your wedding will be a fun and enjoyable experience for all.

Remember, the key is to provide a glimpse into the fun activities you have planned without giving away too much. You want to spark your guests' curiosity and excitement while still maintaining an element of surprise for the big day.

RSVP card options

RSVP cards are an important part of your wedding stationery suite. They give your guests a taste of your wedding theme and allow you to gather essential information to finalise your guest list and share with your vendors. Here are some ideas for your RSVP cards:

The Basics

• Deadline: It is customary to give your guests a deadline of three to four weeks before the wedding date to respond. This gives you enough time to finalise details with your vendors.
• Contact Information: Include your contact details, such as your phone number, email address, or wedding website URL.
• Return Address: The return address should be that of the person managing the guest list, usually the bride or the mother of the bride.
• Pre-addressed and Stamped Envelopes: It is considerate to provide pre-addressed and stamped envelopes for your guests' convenience.
• Guest Names: Leave a blank line for your guests to write their names. Traditionally, this line starts with an "`M` for Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Ms." You can also pre-print your guests' names if you wish.
• Attendance Line: This is the primary purpose of the RSVP card. Include checkboxes, circles, or fill-in-the-blank lines for guests to accept or decline the invitation.
• Number of Guests: If you are inviting guests with a plus-one, include a line for them to indicate the number of guests attending.

Food and Dietary Requirements

If you are serving dinner at your wedding, you will need to know your guests' food preferences and dietary requirements.

• Entrée Options: If you are offering a plated dinner, provide checkboxes for guests to indicate their entrée choices.
• Dietary Restrictions: Include a fill-in-the-blank line for guests to detail any dietary restrictions, such as allergies or special requirements (e.g., vegan or vegetarian).

Creative Additions

You can add a creative twist to your RSVP cards to make them unique and engaging.

• Special Requests: Include a line for guests to write down song requests, drink preferences, or a favourite memory of the couple.
• Blank Space: Encourage guests to share their thoughts by leaving some blank space on the RSVP card.
• Quirky Wording: Feel free to break tradition and add a touch of humour or creativity to your RSVP wording. For example, instead of "Accepts with Pleasure," you could say, "I'll be there with bells on."
• Matching Stationery: Ensure your RSVP cards match the style of your wedding invitations for a cohesive look.

Remember, your RSVP cards should reflect the tone and style of your wedding, whether it's formal, informal, or somewhere in between.

Dress code

When it comes to wedding attire, there are several dress codes to choose from, ranging from white tie (the most formal) to casual (the most relaxed). Here is a breakdown of each dress code to help you decide what to ask your guests to wear:

White Tie

White tie is the most formal dress code and is often reserved for very formal weddings, as well as events like state dinners and royal banquets. For men, this includes a long, dark tuxedo with fabric extensions to the knee, a white button-down shirt, a white vest, a bow tie, and formal footwear. Women should wear a formal, floor-length evening gown with jewellery, heels, and an elegant clutch.

Black Tie

Black tie is the next most formal dress code and usually indicates a formal, evening event. Men typically wear tuxedos, with a black bow tie, black vest or cummerbund, and patent leather shoes. Women should wear floor-length gowns in sumptuous fabrics, although a sophisticated cocktail dress or an elegant pantsuit is also acceptable.

Black Tie Optional

This dress code is slightly less formal than black tie, and guests have more flexibility. Men can wear a tuxedo or a dark suit with dress pants and nice loafers. Women can choose a floor-length gown, a knee-length or midi cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit.

Formal

Formal attire is slightly less formal than black tie, and there are generally fewer specifications. Men can wear a dark suit with a white shirt and a conservative tie, or a tuxedo if preferred. Women can wear a floor-length gown, a fancy cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit.

Cocktail

Cocktail attire is a balance between elegant and comfortable, with more flexibility for guests when it comes to hemlines, colours, and patterns. Women should opt for a tea-length, knee-length, or midi dress, while men are required to wear a suit and tie.

Semi-Formal/Dressy Casual

Semi-formal and dressy casual are similar, with a focus on comfort while still remaining dressy. For evening events, darker, more formal colours are recommended, while light colours and airy fabrics are best for daytime affairs. Women can wear below-the-knee dresses, slip dresses, dressy skirts and tops, or pantsuits. Men should wear a dress shirt and slacks, with the option to add a tie.

Casual

Casual attire usually indicates an outdoor or beach wedding, so the event will be more laid-back. Women can wear a summer sundress or a floral mini dress with wedges or dressy sandals. Men should wear dress pants or khakis with a collared shirt and the option to add a tie or sports jacket.

Frequently asked questions