Wording Your Outdoor Wedding Invitation: A Guide

When it comes to wedding invitations, the wording should reflect the mood of the event. If you're planning an outdoor wedding, it's important to give guests a hint about the theme and location to help them choose suitable attire. While you may want to avoid demanding wording, being clear about the setting will ensure your guests are prepared. For instance, if you're having a rustic barn wedding, you might suggest guests wear boots or flats instead of heels. You could also choose to print your invitations on kraft paper or wood to subtly convey the theme. If your wedding is in a garden, floral designs will emphasise the outdoor setting, while a beach wedding might be hinted at with a blue colour palette or wave-like design elements. For an unconventional outdoor wedding, seek inspiration from the location, such as the colours, trees, and surroundings.

Include the location and address

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to include the location and address of the venue to give your guests a clear idea of where the event will be held. Here are some tips and suggestions for including this information, especially if you're planning an outdoor wedding:

Providing Clear Location Details:

• Venue Name and Address: On your wedding invitations, be sure to include the name of the venue and its address. This is usually listed on a separate line below the date and time of the event. It is customary to spell out the state name in full for formal weddings.
• Outdoor Wedding Hint: If your wedding is taking place outdoors, you can provide a subtle hint about the location by choosing invitation designs that match the theme. For example, for a beach wedding, consider a blue colour palette or wave-like design elements. For a garden party wedding, incorporate floral designs.
• Private Residence: If the wedding is taking place at a private residence, it is customary to include the street address on the invitation.

Additional Information for Outdoor Weddings:

• Separate Reception Location: If your ceremony and reception are at different locations, it is recommended to include a separate reception card with the event details as part of the invitation suite.
• Same Location: If your ceremony and reception are at the same location, simply list one address. You may want to include a small note about it being outdoors, such as "Outdoor reception immediately following the ceremony."
• Attire and Comfort: Guests will appreciate knowing if the wedding is outdoors so they can choose appropriate attire and footwear. You can include a note like "PS: The ceremony & reception will be on the lawn; choose your footwear accordingly!" or "Al Fresco" to indicate an outdoor setting.
• Weather Considerations: If the weather may be a factor, consider adding a note on your invitation or providing information on your wedding website. For example, "We expect it to be chilly, so please dress accordingly."
• Parking and Transportation: If parking or transportation to the outdoor venue is unique or limited, it's helpful to include this information on a separate insert or on your wedding website.
• Wedding Website Details: Many couples choose to include their wedding website URL on the invitation or a separate insert card. This website can then provide additional details about the outdoor venue, such as attire suggestions, parking information, and any other relevant information.

Add a note about appropriate footwear

When it comes to outdoor weddings, it's important to give your guests a heads-up about appropriate footwear to ensure they're comfortable and to avoid any fashion disasters. Here are some ideas on how to word this request on your wedding invitations:

Keep it Simple and Direct:

A straightforward approach is often the best way to convey your message. You can include a simple line such as "The ceremony will take place outdoors, so please choose your footwear accordingly" or "Please note that the wedding will be held on grass/sand/uneven terrain, so select your shoes with comfort and practicality in mind." This way, your guests have a clear understanding of the setting and can make an informed decision about their footwear choices.

Inject Some Humour:

If you want to add a touch of humour to your invitation, you could try something like "Leave the stilettos at home, ladies! Our outdoor celebration calls for shoes that can handle the grass/garden/beach with ease." Or, if you're feeling playful, you might say, "Heels and grass don't mix, so bring your fancy flats or sandals instead!" This approach adds a bit of levity to your request and might make your guests more receptive to the suggestion.

Provide Visual Guidance:

Sometimes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Consider including a small illustration or icon that hints at the outdoor setting and the need for appropriate footwear. For example, a simple drawing of a shoe with a question mark or a pair of heels sinking into the grass could convey your message without being too wordy. Visual cues can be subtle yet effective in guiding your guests' footwear choices.

Offer Practical Alternatives:

If you're concerned about guests showing up in uncomfortable or impractical shoes, you could suggest alternatives. For instance, "Our outdoor venue calls for comfortable shoes. Feel free to bring a pair of flats or sandals to dance the night away!" Or, if you're feeling generous, you could even provide a basket of flip-flops or sandals in various sizes for guests who need a quick change.

Include a Separate Information Card:

If you want to provide more detailed information without cluttering your main invitation, consider including a separate information or details card. This card can include practical tips, such as "Our outdoor celebration will be held on grass, so we recommend flat shoes or wedges for stability and comfort." You can also offer suggestions for both men and women's footwear to ensure everyone is prepared.

Remember, the key is to strike a balance between providing helpful guidance and allowing your guests to make their own choices. You want to ensure their comfort and avoid any potential hazards that might come with the wrong footwear. By including a thoughtful note about appropriate footwear on your invitations, you're giving your guests the information they need to look and feel their best on your special day.

Mention the dress code

When it comes to mentioning the dress code on your outdoor wedding invitation, you have a few options for placement and wording to ensure your guests know what to wear. Here are some suggestions and tips to help you communicate the dress code effectively:

Placement of Dress Code on the Invitation:

• Lower left or right-hand corner of the invitation: You can include the dress code in a corner, keeping it separate from the essential details like date, location, and time.
• Bottom centre of the invitation: If you want to give equal emphasis to the dress code, placing it centred at the bottom can be an option.
• Separate information/details card: If you are including additional cards with other important information for your guests, you can use this space to mention the dress code as well.
• Wedding website: If you have a wedding website, you can include the dress code there, along with other relevant details and FAQs.

Wording and Etiquette for Dress Code:

• Clear and simple language: Use wording that is instructive and polite, fitting the tone of your invitation's language. Avoid lengthy instructions or too many special requests, as this may burden your guests.
• Widely known dress code terms: Using standard dress code terms like "black tie," "cocktail attire," or "semi-formal" can help guests understand the expected level of formality.
• Mentioning specific attire: If you want to be more descriptive, you can suggest attire that aligns with your outdoor setting. For example, "garden party attire," "beach casual," or "summer attire."
• Weather considerations: Since it is an outdoor wedding, providing a hint about the expected weather can help guests dress comfortably. For example, "Please dress for a warm summer evening."
• Excluding inappropriate attire: If there are certain types of attire you want to avoid, like jeans or shorts, you can use wording such as, "Please, no athletic wear or denim."
• Thematic elements: If your wedding has a theme, you can incorporate it into the dress code. For example, "1920s attire" or "holiday-themed costumes."
• Consistency with invitation formality: The formality of your invitation can also indicate the expected dress code. A formal invitation suggests a more formal attire, while a simpler invitation indicates a more casual dress code.
• Examples of dress code wording:
• White Tie Celebration: "Please join us in your most royal formalwear."
• Black Tie: "We ask that men wear a tuxedo, and women wear a floor-length gown."
• Black Tie Optional: "Formal attire is suggested. Tuxedos and floor-length gowns are optional."
• Cocktail Attire: "We suggest suits or dress shirts with ties for men and midi or knee-length dresses for women."
• Semi-Formal Attire: "We ask that you wear cocktail-length dresses or dressy separates for women and suits and ties for men."
• Dressy Casual: "We want you to be comfortable. Suggested attire: sundresses, lightweight separates, and flats or wedges for women; light dress shirts with khakis or slacks for men."

Remember, the key is to provide clear guidance while also allowing your guests some flexibility to interpret and adapt the dress code to their comfort and style.

RSVP details

The RSVP card is a crucial component of your wedding stationery suite, providing guests with a simple way to confirm their attendance and offering valuable insights for planning purposes. Here are some essential details to include in your RSVP cards:

Clear Deadline

Provide a specific date for responses, typically around four weeks before the wedding. This deadline ensures vendors receive the final headcount on time and helps to streamline the planning process.

Response Options

Offer simple response options such as tick boxes or fill-in-the-blank lines. This makes it easier for guests to confirm their attendance and reduces confusion.

Names and Number of Guests

Include a line designated for guests to write their names, starting with "M" for proper honorifics (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss). If you're allowing plus-ones, ensure there's sufficient space for guests to indicate the number of people attending.

Dietary Requirements

Ask about dietary restrictions or preferences, especially if you're offering a choice of entrées. This information is crucial for catering purposes and ensures that guests with allergies or special diets are accommodated.

Special Requests

Encourage guests to make special requests or share their excitement for your big day. You can ask for song requests, advice for the newlyweds, or even their drink of choice to help stock your bar.

Contact Details and Dress Code

Include your contact information, such as a phone number and email address, and remind guests about your wedding website. You can also use this space to provide dress code details if you haven't done so elsewhere.

Return Address and Pre-Stamped Envelope

Provide a pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelope for guests to return their responses. This courteous gesture increases the likelihood of timely responses and saves your guests the hassle of finding postage.

Spreadsheet Organisation

Create a spreadsheet to efficiently manage responses. Number each RSVP card and discreetly pencil the corresponding number on the back. This ensures that even if a guest forgets to write their name, you can still identify who sent the response.

Creative and Fun Wording

Feel free to inject your personality and wedding theme into the wording. You can replace traditional phrases like "accepts with pleasure" with whimsical alternatives such as "I'll be there with bells on" or "ready to eat, drink, and celebrate!"

Any other practical information

When it comes to outdoor weddings, there are several practical considerations to keep in mind to ensure your guests are comfortable and prepared. Here are some detailed suggestions for "Any other practical information" that you can include in your wedding invitations:

Weather and Dress Code

Suggest attire that matches your wedding's formality and the outdoor setting. For a semi-formal event, suggest "cocktail attire" or "garden party attire." Avoid terms like "picnic" or "BBQ" to prevent guests from dressing too casually. You may also want to mention the average temperature for the time of day and location to guide guests in dressing comfortably.

Food and Beverages

Inform guests about the style of food service to manage their expectations. For a buffet-style reception with hors d'oeuvres and fork-friendly foods, you can use phrases like "heavy hors d'oeuvres," "dinner and drinks," or "dancing and fairground rides." This lets guests know there will be ample food without a seated dinner.

Footwear

A note about footwear can be helpful, especially if your wedding is on grass or uneven terrain. Something like "The ceremony and reception will be on the lawn; choose your footwear accordingly!" is a polite way to ensure your guests are comfortable and avoid any shoe-sinking incidents.

Parking

If parking is located a distance from the ceremony site, it's helpful to give guests a heads-up. For example, "Please note that parking is on a grassy field a short walk from the ceremony site." This will help guests, particularly those in heels or with mobility issues, prepare accordingly.

Sunglasses and Layers

A gentle reminder about the potential for sun exposure and changing temperatures is always appreciated. Something like "Feel free to bring sunglasses and a light layer for the outdoor ceremony" will encourage guests to consider their comfort without being overly prescriptive.

Remember, you can also direct guests to your wedding website for more detailed information, especially if you prefer to keep the invitations concise.

Frequently asked questions