Rhiannon Hendricks
Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and deciding on the right wording for your wedding invitation is a tricky part of the process. The tone, style, and content of your invitation should reflect who you are as a couple and set the mood for the celebration. This is especially important when it comes to wording a welcome dinner on your wedding invitation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Host's name(s) | The host's name is usually the groom's parents, but it doesn't have to be |
| Bride and groom's names | |
| Date | Spell out the day, month and year for formal dinners and use numerals for casual parties |
| Time | Include the start and end time |
| Location | Include the name and address of the venue or home |
| RSVP date | Ask guests to respond about three to four weeks before the rehearsal dinner |
| How to RSVP | Include an RSVP name and a contact phone number or email address |
| Dress code | |
| Type of dinner |
What You'll Learn
How to word a casual welcome dinner invitation
A casual welcome dinner is a great way to greet your guests and break the ice before your wedding celebrations. Here are some tips and examples to help you word your invitations:
Host and Location
The host's name is usually included in the invitation. For a casual welcome dinner, this could be the couple themselves or the parents of the groom. If the couple is hosting, you can include a warm and welcoming introduction, such as "Together with full hearts" or "With hearts full of love and joy."
The location of the dinner is also an important detail to include. You may want to choose a spot close to the ceremony venue, especially if you have guests travelling in from out of town.
Date and Time
When wording the date and time of the event, you can be more informal. For example, "Friday, July 14, 2017" or "7 PM on Friday, June 7, 2013." If your event has a set end time, be sure to include that as well so guests know what to expect.
What to Expect
You can give your guests an idea of what to expect at the dinner. For example, "Please join us for drinks and appetizers" or "Join us for a pizza party." If there is a specific theme, you may want to mention that as well.
RSVP Details
Include a clear RSVP date and contact information. For a casual event, guests can usually respond by phone, text, or email. You may also want to include a link to your wedding website or any other useful information, such as directions to the location.
Putting it All Together
"Join us for a pre-wedding celebration! Drinks and appetizers will be served at the home of the Bride's Mother on Friday, June 7, from 7-10 PM. RSVP to [email protected]."
"We can't wait to see you at our casual welcome dinner! Join us for pizza and salads on Friday at 7 PM at the Kiwanis Family Pavilion, 554 N Lake Street, Port Washington, WI 53074. Please RSVP to [email protected]."
"You're invited to a fun evening as we kick off our wedding celebrations! Join us for drinks, appetizers, and music on Friday at 7 PM at Uncle Bob's house, 1234 Main Street, Yourtown, PA. RSVP by text or call 123-456-7890."
Remember to include all the essential details while keeping the wording clear, concise, and reflective of your unique style as a couple.
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How to word a formal welcome dinner invitation
A formal welcome dinner invitation should include the host's name, the couple's names, the date, time, venue name and address, and how to RSVP. It is also important to include an RSVP deadline and contact information for the person coordinating responses.
"Mr. and Mrs. Smith request the pleasure of your company at a welcome dinner honouring the union of their son/daughter with [Partner's Name] on [Date] at [Time] at [Venue Name], [Venue Address]. Kindly send your response to [RSVP Contact Name] at [RSVP Contact Information] by [RSVP Deadline]."
If the dinner is hosted by someone other than the couple's parents, the host's name can be included after the opening "Please join us" phrase. For example:
"Please join us for a welcome dinner honouring the union of Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Hosted by [Host's Name]."
The invitation can also include a personal touch, such as a favourite poem or lyric, to make the invitation more memorable.
For a less formal event, the wording can be adjusted to be more casual and lighthearted. Here is an example:
"Before we say 'I do', we want to see you! Please join us for a welcome dinner honouring the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Smith on [Date] at [Time] at [Venue Name], [Venue Address]. Send all RSVPs by email to [RSVP Contact Name] at [RSVP Contact Information] by [RSVP Deadline]."
It is also important to consider the timing of the invitation. Welcome dinner invitations are typically sent out four to six weeks before the wedding, after the main wedding invitations have been mailed.
Finally, it is recommended to include information about the dress code and any other relevant details, such as transportation or accommodation suggestions, on a separate insert or the wedding website.
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What to include in a welcome dinner invitation
A welcome dinner invitation is a great way to kick off your wedding celebrations and make your guests feel special. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to include in your welcome dinner invitation:
Host's Name:
Start by mentioning the host of the dinner, usually the groom's parents, but it can be anyone. It's a nice touch to include their full names, especially for a formal event.
Couple's Names:
The invitation should clearly state the names of the soon-to-be wedded couple. You can include their first and last names, or for a more traditional approach, use "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the groom's last name.
Date and Time:
Spell out the day, month, and year for formal dinners, and use numerals for a more casual gathering. Be sure to include the start and end times, especially if you have a reserved venue and want to ensure your guests get enough beauty sleep before the big day!
Venue and Address:
Include the name and full address of the venue. If it's at a private residence, you may want to include additional directions or a map on a separate insert or your wedding website.
Dress Code:
It's helpful to give your guests an idea of how formal the event will be so they can dress appropriately. You can include a dress code or a simple description, such as "cocktail attire" or "beach casual."
RSVP Details:
Provide a clear RSVP date, which is typically about three to four weeks before the event, and an easy way for guests to respond. You can include an RSVP card with a stamped and pre-addressed envelope, or provide a phone number or email address for guests to confirm their attendance.
Additional Information:
If there are any other important details, such as transportation or accommodation suggestions, it's a good idea to include them. You can also mention the type of food that will be served or any special activities planned during the dinner.
Personal Touches:
Feel free to add a unique twist to your invitations! You can include a favourite poem excerpt, song lyrics, or a creative theme that reflects your personality as a couple.
Remember, the key is to keep the wording clear and concise while adding your personal flair. Happy planning!
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How to personalise a welcome dinner invitation
A welcome dinner is a great way to greet your wedding guests and kickstart the celebrations. It is usually held the day before the wedding, but you can choose to schedule it at a different time. When it comes to personalising your welcome dinner invitations, here are some tips to make them unique and informative:
Include Essential Details:
- Hosts: Start by mentioning the hosts of the dinner, usually the groom's parents, but it can be anyone.
- Names of the Couple: The names of the soon-to-be-wed couple should be included, and you can add creative touches like "the soon-to-be wedded" before their names.
- Date and Time: Provide the date and time of the event. For formal dinners, spell out the day, month, and year. For casual gatherings, you can use numerals. Also, specify the end time so guests know how long the event will be.
- Venue: Include the name and address of the venue or the host's home address.
- RSVP Details: Specify how and when guests should respond. Include an RSVP date, which is typically about three to four weeks before the event, and provide contact information such as an email address or phone number.
Match the Tone to the Formality of the Event:
The wording of your invitation should match the level of formality of the event. Welcome dinners are usually more informal than the wedding itself, so a casual and friendly tone is often appropriate. Use simple and concise language, and feel free to add a creative touch that reflects your personality as a couple.
Provide Context:
Let your guests know the purpose of the event. You can mention that it is a welcome dinner to greet out-of-town guests and close friends, or a rehearsal dinner to honour the couple. This adds context and makes the invitation more personalised.
Describe the Type of Dinner:
Give your guests an idea of what to expect in terms of food and drinks. This can be as simple as mentioning a cocktail party, a buffet, a dessert reception, or a specific type of cuisine. This helps guests know what to look forward to and makes the invitation more engaging.
Add a Personal Touch:
Include a unique element that reflects your relationship or the theme of your wedding. You can add a quote, a lyric from your favourite song, or a creative twist to the wording. For instance, you can say, "Before we say 'I do', we want to see you!"
Consider the Design:
The design of the invitation should also reflect the formality of the event. If it's a casual gathering, go for a light-hearted and colourful design. If it's more formal, you might opt for elegant and classic styles. You can also incorporate your wedding colours or a motif that ties in with your wedding theme.
Remember, the key to personalising your welcome dinner invitation is to add creative and unique touches that reflect your personalities and the style of your wedding. Have fun with the process, and your guests will surely feel the warmth of your welcome!
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How to send a welcome dinner invitation
A welcome dinner is a great way to greet guests and kickstart wedding celebrations. It is usually held the day before the wedding, but the timing is flexible. Here are some tips on how to send invitations for a welcome dinner:
Finalise the Guest List
Welcome dinners are a great opportunity for guests to interact and get to know each other before the wedding. It is customary to invite out-of-town guests, the bridal party, and close friends and family. If you are having a destination wedding, it is a thoughtful gesture to invite all guests since they are travelling to attend your wedding.
Timing and Location
Finalise the date and time of the welcome dinner as soon as the wedding date is set. This will help with other planning aspects such as stationery, hotel bookings, and transportation. The welcome dinner is usually held a day before the wedding, right after the rehearsal. Choose a location that is easily accessible and close to the ceremony venue.
Wording and Content
The invitation should include the host's name(s), the couple's names, the date, time, venue address, dress code (if any), and RSVP details. It is also helpful to include information about the type of dinner that will be served. The tone of the invitation should match the level of formality of the event. Here is an example:
"Please join us for a welcome dinner to celebrate the union of [Couple's names].
[Date], at [Time]
[Venue name], [Venue address]
[RSVP details]"
Sending the Invitations
Most couples include the welcome dinner invitation as an insert card in their wedding invitation suite. If the guest list for the welcome dinner is significantly different from the wedding guest list (for example, if children are not invited), you may also mail separate invitations. Digital invitations are another option, especially if you have many out-of-town guests or if printed invitations are not within your budget.
RSVP Tracking
After sending the invitations, you can expect RSVPs to start coming in. It is helpful to use your wedding website, an online spreadsheet, or a simple Excel sheet to keep track of responses. This will help you plan the event based on the expected number of guests.
A welcome dinner is a wonderful way to bring everyone together and set the tone for a joyful celebration. Enjoy planning this special event!
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Frequently asked questions
Make it clear that the event is a welcome dinner or party, and that it's being held the day before the wedding. You can also mention that it's in place of a rehearsal dinner.
You can include details about food and drink in the invitation, but you don't need to go into too much detail. You can also spread this information by word of mouth.
Yes, it's a good idea to include an end time on the invitation, especially if you've reserved a private space.
The wording of your invitation should match the level of formality of the event. You can also convey the level of formality through the design of the invitation.
Include an RSVP date and contact information for guests to respond to. You can also include an "RSVP by" date to give your guests a deadline.
