Crafting The Perfect Post-Wedding Reception Invitation

There are many reasons why a couple might opt for a post-wedding reception. Perhaps they had a small, private ceremony, eloped, or had a destination wedding. Whatever the reason, it's crucial to get the invitation wording right. While there are no set rules, the key is to announce your marriage, not invite guests to witness it. For instance, instead of inviting guests to witness your marriage, the wording should say that guests are invited to a reception in celebration of your marriage.

If the wedding and reception are on different days, you will likely need two invitations for each event. If they're on the same day, the main invitation should include reception details, with a smaller insert card containing ceremony details.

Announcing your marriage

Formal Announcement by Parents

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith are pleased to announce the marriage of their daughter, Anne Elizabeth, to James Lucas Williams. The intimate ceremony took place on Saturday, the twenty-sixth of September two thousand and twenty, at half past six o'clock at the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion in Mobile, Alabama. We request the pleasure of your company at a reception honouring the newlyweds.

Informal Announcement by Couple

With hearts full of love and joy, Anne and James Williams are thrilled to share that they are now married! The private ceremony was held on Saturday, the tenth of October, 2020, at half past six o'clock in Mobile, Alabama. Please join us in celebrating our union at a reception on [date] at [location].

Creative and Whimsical Announcement

Our hearts are overflowing with joy as we share the news of our recent elopement! On a sunny day in June, we exchanged vows and became one. Now, we invite you to raise a toast to our love at a celebration in our honour. Join us for cocktails, dinner, and dancing on [date] at [location].

Short and Simple Announcement

We are happy to announce that we tied the knot! Jessica and Anthony are now married, and we would like to invite you to a post-wedding reception on May 23 at 5:00 p.m. at the Club. We hope you can join us for an evening of celebration and make it an unforgettable night!

Destination Wedding Announcement

We're excited to share that we got married! Cara and Devin exchanged vows on the sandy beaches of St. Vincent Island on July 13. To celebrate with family and friends, we're hosting a backyard barbecue on August 22 at noon at our home in Hostess Way, Indiana. We hope to see you there!

Inviting guests to celebrate

There are many ways to invite guests to celebrate your wedding, and the wording you choose will depend on the type of ceremony and reception you're planning. Here are some examples to help you craft the perfect invitation:

Private Ceremony, Same-Day Reception

If the wedding ceremony is private and the reception is on the same day, it's important to clearly communicate this to your guests. Here's an example of how to word the invitation:

"Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the pleasure of your company at the marriage reception of their daughter Anne Elizabeth and James Lucas Williams on Saturday, the twenty-sixth of September 2020 at half past six o'clock at Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, Mobile, Alabama."

Private Ceremony, Later Reception

If you're planning a private ceremony followed by a reception at a later date, you can use wording similar to the following example:

"Mr. and Mrs. John Youngren have the pleasure of announcing the marriage of their daughter. Please join Mr. and Mrs. Alvarez in celebration of their marriage at the wedding reception at 7 o'clock in the evening."

Post-Destination Wedding Reception

For couples who had a destination wedding and are hosting a reception later, you can use wording like this:

"We tied the knot in a private ceremony on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. Please celebrate with us at our reception at 7 o'clock in the evening. Merriment all night!"

Short and Simple Wording

If you prefer a more concise approach, here's a simple way to invite guests to a post-wedding reception:

"Anthony and Jessica are happy to announce their recent marriage that took place on April 9. Please join them for a celebration in their honour on May 23 at 5:00 p.m. at the Club."

Informal Reception Wording

For a more casual celebration, you can use light-hearted and playful wording:

"In celebration of our marriage that took place on June 5th, we're having a party at our home on August 9 at 2 p.m. We hope you can join us in celebrating our life together with our friends and family!"

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules for post-wedding reception invitation wording. Feel free to get creative and choose a style that reflects your personality and the theme of your celebration.

Details of the reception venue

The reception venue is a crucial aspect of your post-wedding celebration, and here are some detailed instructions and considerations to help you craft an inviting and informative description for your guests.

Location and Address

Provide the name of the reception venue, followed by its full address, including the city and state. This information is essential, especially for guests who may be unfamiliar with the area or those travelling from out of town.

For example:

> "The Victorian Tea Room, 123 Main Street, Lovetown, Iowa."

Date and Time

Clearly state the date and time of the reception. If the reception follows the wedding ceremony on the same day, this information will help guests understand the timeline of events. Use a formal phrasing such as:

> "Saturday, the fifth of September, at five o'clock in the evening."

Directions and Transportation

Consider including directions to the venue or information about transportation options, especially if the reception venue is located in an area that may be unfamiliar to your guests. You could include a small map or a link to an online map for convenience.

Venue Details and Atmosphere

Describe the venue to give your guests a sense of the atmosphere and any unique features. Is it an elegant ballroom, a cosy restaurant, or a scenic outdoor space? You may also want to mention any accessibility considerations, such as wheelchair access or parking availability.

Dress Code

Inform your guests of the expected attire for the reception. This could be formal, semi-formal, or casual, depending on the style of your celebration. If it's a themed event or a destination wedding, be sure to provide clear guidance on the appropriate dress code.

RSVP and Contact Information

Include an RSVP date and contact details to ensure your guests can confirm their attendance and reach out with any questions. You may also want to include a separate RSVP card within the invitation for guests' convenience.

By providing these details about the reception venue, you'll ensure your guests have a clear understanding of the event and can plan accordingly.

Timing and schedule

When it comes to the timing and schedule of your post-wedding reception invitation, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Here are some detailed and instructive paragraphs to help you craft the perfect invitation:

If you're planning a private wedding ceremony followed by a large reception, it's crucial to choose the right wording for your reception-only invitations. This will ensure that your guests have clear information about the timing and schedule of the event. Here are some key points to consider:

• Same-day reception: If your ceremony and reception are on the same day, include the reception details on the main invitation. Mention the time and location of the reception, and consider adding a phrase such as "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow" to indicate that it will take place immediately after the ceremony.
• Different-day reception: If your wedding and reception are on different days, you will likely need two separate invitations. Include the date, time, and location of the reception on the second invitation. This allows guests to make travel arrangements, especially if the reception is held days or weeks after the ceremony.
• Timing considerations: When choosing the time for your reception, consider any activities you plan to include, such as dinner, dancing, or special performances. If you're having the ceremony on the same day, allow ample time for travel between the two locations. You may also want to have the reception venue ready and the bar open a bit earlier in case guests arrive early.
• Schedule block: Regardless of whether the reception is on the same day or a different day, include a schedule block on your invitation. This provides guests with clear timing information and helps them make arrangements, especially if there is a gap between the ceremony and reception.
• RSVP deadline: Set an RSVP deadline about three to four weeks before the wedding date. This will give you enough time to finalise the guest list, catering, and seating arrangements. If some guests haven't responded by the deadline, give them a quick call to confirm their attendance.
• Day of the week and time: When specifying the date and time of your reception, follow traditional formatting by spelling out the day of the week and the month in full. For example, "Saturday, the fifth of September at seven o'clock in the evening."
• Reception activities: If you plan to have specific activities at the reception, such as a cocktail hour, dinner, dancing, or other entertainment, mention them on the invitation. This will help guests know what to expect and how to prepare, especially if there is a dress code or theme.
• Travel considerations: If your reception venue is in a different city or country, consider your guests' travel arrangements. Choosing a date and time that allows for convenient travel will increase the likelihood of more guests being able to attend.
• Consistency: Ensure that the timing and schedule information on your reception invitation aligns with any other wedding stationery, such as save-the-date cards, wedding websites, or additional information cards. This helps to create a cohesive experience for your guests.

Remember, the key to successful timing and schedule wording is clarity and consistency. Provide your guests with all the necessary information, and consider including a separate reception card or insert if needed. This will ensure that your guests can plan their attendance accordingly and join you in celebrating your special day.

Dress code

The dress code can be included in the wedding invitation itself, in the lower right-hand corner, or bottom centre of the invite. Alternatively, you can include it on a separate information card or on your wedding website. Here are some examples of how to disclose the dress code:

White Tie

• "White Tie Celebration: Please join us in your most royal formalwear."
• "The dress code for our wedding is white tie. We ask that men wear tailcoats and women wear floor-length evening gowns or ball gowns. Top hats and gloves are encouraged."

Black Tie

• "A Formal Affair: Our venue requires Black Tie attire."
• "Black Tie. We ask that men wear a tuxedo and women wear a floor-length gown."

Black Tie Optional

• "Black Tie Optional: Formal attire is suggested."
• "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."

Creative Black Tie

"Creative Black Tie: Formalwear is suggested, with some flare."

Cocktail Attire

• "Cocktail Attire: Elegance encouraged."
• "Cocktail attire. We suggest that men wear a suit or dress shirt with tie and women wear a midi- or knee-length dress or dressy separates."

Semi-Formal Attire

• "We can’t wait to celebrate with you in your daytime Semi Formal attire."
• "Semi-Formal: 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."

Festive Attire

"Festive Attire: Guests are encouraged to wear bold, colourful semi-formal attire."

Garden Party Attire

"Garden Party Attire: Dress in your best outdoor-friendly semi-formalwear."

Dressy Casual

• "Comfort Encouraged: Our celebration will be Dressy Casual."
• "May we suggest button-down shirts with khaki pants for men and sundresses with dressy flats or comfortable heels for women."

Casual

• "Casual attire is welcome at our wedding."
• "Casual attire is suggested. Guests are still encouraged to show off their style, but with a bit more comfort. Swap the stiletto heels for nice wedges or flats, and a button-down shirt will be just fine sans tie."

Frequently asked questions