Junior Rasmussen
When it comes to wedding planning, one of the most important aspects is ensuring that your guests are well-informed about the schedule of events. This is especially true if you're planning on hosting pre-ceremony cocktails, as you'll want to avoid any confusion about when your guests should arrive. In this case, it's crucial to include clear wording on your wedding invitations that conveys the timing and sequence of events.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | Include the time of the pre-ceremony cocktails and the ceremony. |
| Sequence of events | Make it clear that the cocktails are before the ceremony. |
| Dinner reception | If there is a dinner reception, mention it. |
| Cocktail hour | If you want to mention the cocktail hour, you could say "cocktail hour, dinner and dancing to follow", or "reception to follow". |
What You'll Learn
Include a separate details card with the invitation
If you want to include a lot of information about the pre-ceremony cocktails, as well as other details about your wedding, a separate details card is a great option. This allows you to include the traditional invitation wording on your main invitation card while providing additional information for your guests.
"Cocktail Hour:
Join us for cocktails and light refreshments from [time] to [time] as we prepare to celebrate. Please note that the ceremony will begin promptly at [time].
Ceremony:
The wedding ceremony will take place at [location] starting at [time]. Please ensure you arrive at the venue by [time] to find your seat.
Reception:
Following the ceremony, we will be hosting a reception with dinner and dancing at [location]. The reception will begin at [time] and continue into the evening.
Other Information:
Please visit our wedding website for more details, including accommodation options and travel information. We kindly request that guests RSVP by [date] through the website or by contacting [contact information]."
This provides a clear schedule for your guests, ensuring they are aware of the different components of your wedding celebration. It also directs them to your wedding website for further information, which can be especially helpful for out-of-town guests or those who may have additional questions.
You can customize the details card to match your wedding theme and style. It can be a great way to add a personal touch and provide your guests with all the information they need to fully participate in your special day.
Some other details you may want to include on the card or your wedding website are dress code information, transportation or parking details, and any other activities or events related to your wedding that guests may want to attend.
By including a separate details card with your invitation, you can ensure that your guests have all the necessary information while keeping the main invitation elegant and concise.
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List the time of the pre-ceremony cocktails
When listing the time of pre-ceremony cocktails on a wedding invitation, it's important to provide clear timing to ensure your guests arrive when you want them to. Here are some suggestions on how to word your invitation to achieve this:
Include a Specific Time
One effective way to communicate the timing of pre-ceremony cocktails is to include a specific time on the invitation. For example, if your cocktail hour starts at 3:30 pm, you could word your invitation as follows:
> Cocktails and slide show at 3:30 pm
> Ceremony at 4:00 pm
> Reception to follow at 4:30 pm
Or, as another example:
> Cocktails at 5:00 pm
> Ceremony at 6:00 pm
> Hors d'oeuvres and dancing to follow
Including specific times ensures your guests know exactly when to arrive for the cocktails and can plan their afternoon accordingly.
Use Phrases Like "Cocktail Hour Preceding the Ceremony"
Another approach is to use phrases that explicitly indicate the cocktails will precede the ceremony. For instance:
> Please join us for cocktails at 3:30 pm, with the ceremony beginning at 4:30 pm.
Or:
> Cocktails at 5:00 pm, followed by the wedding ceremony at 6:00 pm.
Provide a Schedule of Events
If you want to give your guests a comprehensive understanding of the day's timeline, consider including a schedule of events on your invitation. Here's an example:
> Cocktail hour will begin at 3:30 pm
> Ceremony at 4:30 pm
> Dinner will be served immediately after the ceremony
Combine with Other Wording Suggestions
You can also combine the above suggestions with other wording ideas. For instance, you could say:
> Please join us for cocktails and a slideshow at 3:30 pm
> Ceremony begins at 4:30 pm
> Dinner and dancing to follow
Or, if you prefer a more casual tone:
> Don't miss cocktails and canapes at 5:00 pm
> The ceremony starts at 6:00 pm sharp!
> Reception to follow
Remember, it's essential to provide clear timing to ensure your guests arrive when you want them to, especially if you're doing something out of the ordinary like serving cocktails before the ceremony.
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Make it clear there will be a dinner reception
When it comes to wedding invitation wording, it's important to be clear about the events of the day, especially if you're doing something a little out of the ordinary. Here are some tips and examples to ensure your guests know there will be a dinner reception following the ceremony:
Provide Clear Timing
It's a good idea to include specific times for each part of the celebration. For example, if cocktails are at 3:30 pm, the ceremony is at 4:30 pm, and dinner is served immediately after, you could word it as:
"Cocktails at 3:30 pm
Ceremony at 4:30 pm
Dinner reception to follow"
Or:
"Cocktails: 3:30 pm
Ceremony: 4:30 pm
Dinner and dancing immediately following the ceremony"
Mention Dinner Explicitly
While "reception" may imply dinner for some, it's best to be explicit to avoid any confusion, especially if your wedding is at a mealtime. You can say:
"Dinner and dancing to follow"
"Dinner reception to follow"
"Join us for drinks, dinner, and dancing immediately following the ceremony"
"Dinner and dancing immediately to follow"
Include an Insert Card
If your ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you can include an insert card with the invitation that provides more details. This can be a simple line such as:
"Please join us for a celebration with drinks, dinner, and dancing after the ceremony"
Or, if you want to be more creative:
"And our celebration continues... Please join us after the ceremony for cocktails, dinner, and dancing"
Be Clear About the Sequence of Events
If you're having cocktails, the ceremony, and then dinner, make sure to list these events in chronological order. For example:
"Cocktails and slide show at 3:30 pm
Ceremony at 4:00 pm
Reception to follow"
Or:
"Cocktails at 5:00 pm
Ceremony at 6:00 pm
Hors d'oeuvres and dancing to follow"
Avoid Mentioning Witnessing the Ceremony
If your invitation is for a reception-only celebration, it's important to make it clear that guests are invited to a party celebrating the marriage, not the wedding itself. Avoid phrases such as "witness", "view", or "presence at their wedding". Instead, focus on the celebration, for example:
"You're invited to a reception celebrating the marriage of [Couple's Names]"
"Join us for hors d'oeuvres, drinks, dessert, and dancing"
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Include RSVP information
When it comes to wedding invitation etiquette, it's important to include RSVP information that gives your guests a clear idea of what to expect. Here are some tips to ensure your guests RSVP and arrive at the right time:
Make it Clear that Cocktails Precede the Ceremony
It's important to communicate that cocktails will be served before the ceremony to avoid confusion and ensure guests don't arrive hungry or thirsty. You could include a separate enclosure card that says, "Cocktail hour begins at [time], with the ceremony beginning at [time]. Dinner will be served immediately after the ceremony." This ensures that your guests know the flow of events and can plan accordingly.
Provide an RSVP Deadline
Giving your guests an RSVP deadline is crucial for getting an accurate headcount for the caterers and finalizing your seating chart. Aim for a deadline of at least two to three weeks before the wedding date. This allows enough time for any last-minute adjustments and gives your guests a sense of urgency to respond.
Offer Multiple RSVP Options
In today's digital age, it's common to include a wedding website where guests can RSVP online. However, it's essential to offer alternative options, such as responding by mail, phone, or text, to accommodate guests who are less tech-savvy or prefer more traditional methods.
Include RSVP Wording Options
When it comes to RSVP wording, you have several options to choose from. Here are some examples:
- Will attend / With regrets
- Happily accepts / Regretfully declines
- Can’t wait! / Sad to miss it
- Will attend / Will be toasting from afar!
- Will be there! / Will be there in spirit
- Delighted to attend / Sending regrets
- Yes, I would love to come! / No, sorry, but I have a really good excuse!
These options allow your guests to respond enthusiastically while also giving them a graceful way to decline if they are unable to attend.
Consider a Mad Lib-Style RSVP
If you want to add a creative twist to your RSVPs, you can include a mad lib-style section. For example:
"On [date], when [your names] walk down the aisle. [Guest names] WILL/WILL NOT be there to [verb] them. We are so [adjective] for [your names]. We can’t wait to see them [verb]. And wish them many years of happiness and [noun]."
This interactive approach makes the RSVP process more engaging and fun for your guests.
By including clear RSVP information and providing multiple response options, you can increase the likelihood of receiving timely responses from your guests and ensure they are well-informed about the day's events.
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Specify the type of drinks served
When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to specify the type of drinks that will be served during the pre-ceremony cocktail hour. This helps set expectations for your guests and ensures they are well-informed about the event. Here are some suggestions on how to word your invitation to specify the type of drinks served:
Option 1:
"Please join us for a selection of cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at 5:00 p.m., followed by the wedding ceremony at 6:00 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres and dancing will immediately follow the ceremony." This option clearly mentions cocktails and gives a precise timeline for the events, ensuring guests are aware of the flow of the evening.
Option 2:
"Cocktail Hour: 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Join us for a variety of drinks and light refreshments before the ceremony. The wedding ceremony will begin at 4:30 p.m., followed by a dinner reception." By specifying a "Cocktail Hour," you are indicating that drinks will be the focus of this portion of the event, and guests can expect a variety of beverage options.
Option 3:
"Drinks and Conversation: 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. We invite you to join us for a pre-wedding cocktail hour, where you can enjoy a range of beverages and light snacks. The ceremony will commence at 5:00 p.m., followed by a celebration with dinner and dancing." This option emphasizes the social aspect of the cocktail hour and encourages guests to arrive early to mingle.
Option 4:
"Cocktails and Slideshow: Beginning at 3:30 p.m. Join us for a special pre-wedding cocktail hour, where we will be serving a variety of drinks and canapes. The ceremony will begin at 4:00 p.m., followed by a reception with dinner and dancing to celebrate the newlyweds." Adding an activity during the cocktail hour, like a slideshow, can make it more engaging for guests and gives them something to look forward to.
Option 5:
"Beer and Wine Reception: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Before we exchange our vows, we invite you to join us for a relaxed hour of beer, wine, and light refreshments. The wedding ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a festive dinner and celebration." If you prefer to serve only beer and wine during the cocktail hour, this option clearly communicates that to your guests while still emphasizing the celebratory nature of the event.
Remember, the key is to provide clear and concise information about the type of drinks served to help your guests understand what to expect during the pre-ceremony cocktail hour. You can choose the wording that best reflects the style and tone of your wedding while conveying the necessary details.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to let guests know in advance about the pre-ceremony cocktail hour but not list it as the start time. You can include an insert card with a brief schedule of events or put a little insert in the envelope.
You can include both start times for the cocktails and the ceremony on the invitation. For example, "Cocktails at 5:00 p.m. Ceremony at 6:00 p.m.". You could also include a separate enclosure card that says, "We invite you to join us for cocktails immediately preceding the ceremony."
It is not necessary to mention the cocktail hour in the invitation. Most people know that a cocktail hour usually comes before dinner at weddings. You can simply write "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow" on the invitation.
