Wording Etiquette For Private Wedding Ceremonies On Invites

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to navigating the complex world of wedding etiquette. One of the most important aspects of wedding planning is ensuring that your guests have all the information they need, and this starts with the invitation. If you're opting for a private ceremony, it can be tricky to know how to word your invitations without causing confusion or hurt feelings. In this guide, we'll explore different ways to approach this delicate task, offering clarity and inspiration for your big day.

How to word a private ceremony invitation when you have a large reception afterwards

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to be clear about what guests are being invited to, especially if you're having a private ceremony and a larger reception. Here are some tips and examples to help you word your invitations:

Creating Guest Lists and Invitations:

Start by creating two separate guest lists: one for guests invited to the ceremony and reception, and another for those invited to the reception only. This will help you determine the number of invitations you need and ensure that you have an accurate headcount for each part of the celebration.

If your wedding ceremony and reception are on the same day, you can include the reception details on the main invitation and then add a smaller insert card with the ceremony details for guests invited to both events. If the events are on different days, you will likely need two separate invitations.

Wording the Invitations:

The key to phrasing the invitations is to announce your marriage without explicitly inviting guests to witness it. Here are some suggestions for wording:

• "Request the pleasure of your company at a reception celebrating the marriage of..."
• "Join us to celebrate the marriage/union/love/commitment of [couple's names]."
• "Are pleased to announce the marriage of their daughter/son [name]."
• "Request the honour/honor of your presence at a reception celebrating their marriage."

If you are having a second ceremony as part of the larger reception, you can word the invitation as if it is the first ceremony, or you can get creative and use phrases like:

• "...exchange vows beneath the chuppah."
• "Commit to one another."
• "A celebration of marriage."
• "Vow renewal."

Providing Clear Information:

Ensure that your invitations provide clear information about the event(s) your guests are invited to. If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you can simply state, "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow." If they are at different locations, include the reception details on a separate insert card.

It is also essential to manage guest expectations and avoid confusion. Be transparent about the private nature of the ceremony, especially if it will be held in a house of worship, as guests cannot be turned away in such cases.

Handling Responses:

Include RSVP cards in your invitations to get an accurate headcount for both events. You can use the same RSVP deadline for both the ceremony and reception, typically three to four weeks before the wedding.

For the response cards, you can have something like, " [Name] will/will not attend the ceremony/reception." This will help you manage attendance for each part of your wedding celebration.

Other Considerations:

When determining the wording and format of your invitations, consider the level of formality you wish to convey. Traditional and formal invitations often include middle names and spell out dates and times in full. Less formal invitations may use first names only and use more relaxed language.

Additionally, don't forget to include essential details such as the dress code (if applicable) and your wedding website URL on a separate insert card or your wedding website.

How to word a private ceremony invitation when you have a small reception afterwards

When it comes to wedding invitations, traditional etiquette states that anyone invited to the ceremony must also be invited to the reception. However, this rule doesn't apply the other way around; it is perfectly acceptable to have an intimate ceremony followed by a larger reception.

If you are planning a private wedding ceremony and a larger reception afterward, the wording of your invitations is crucial. It is important to ensure that reception-only guests know that they are not invited to the ceremony, and vice versa.

Two Separate Invitations

If your wedding and reception are on different days, you will likely need two separate invitations. One invitation will be for the private wedding ceremony, and the second invitation will be for the larger reception. This option provides a clear distinction between the two events and ensures that guests are aware of which parts they are invited to attend.

One Invitation with an Insert Card

If both the private ceremony and the reception are on the same day, you can include a smaller insert card with ceremony details. This insert card will only be included in the envelopes mailed to guests who are invited to both events. The main invitation should focus on the reception details.

Wording for the Private Ceremony Invitation

The wording for the private ceremony invitation can follow traditional wedding invitation wording:

• "The honour/pleasure of your presence is requested at a private/intimate ceremony on [date and time] at [location]."
• "Please join us for a private/intimate ceremony on [date and time] at [location]."

Wording for the Reception-Only Invitation

The key to phrasing the reception-only invitation is to announce your marriage, rather than inviting guests to witness it. Here are some examples:

• "Mr. and Mrs. [Parent Names] request the pleasure of your company at the marriage reception of their daughter [Bride Name] and [Groom Name] on [date and time] at [location]."
• "With great joy, Mr. and Mrs. [Parent Names] kindly invite you to a reception celebrating the marriage of their daughter [Bride Name] and [Groom Name] on [date and time] at [location]."
• "[Bride Name] and [Groom Name] request the pleasure of your company for a wedding reception, following an intimate wedding ceremony with close friends and family."
• "The newlyweds [Bride Name] and [Groom Name] invite you to a reception in honour of their recent marriage on [date and time] at [location]."

Other Considerations

• RSVP cards: Include RSVP cards in your invitations to get an accurate head count for both events.
• Timing: If you are having both the ceremony and reception on the same day, consider having the ceremony earlier to allow for plenty of time to celebrate and take pictures before your reception guests arrive.
• Guest list management: Stick to your guest list decisions. Some guests may pressure you to invite them to the ceremony as well, but it is important to maintain your original decision to avoid last-minute chaos.

How to word a private ceremony invitation when you have a reception on a different day

There are many ways to word invitations for a private ceremony when the reception is on a different day. Here are some suggestions:

Two Separate Invitations

If your wedding and reception are on different days, you will likely need two invitations for each event. One invitation will be for your wedding ceremony, and the second invitation will be for your reception. This option is ideal if you are having a destination wedding with a stateside celebration at a later date.

One Invitation with an Insert Card

If both events are on the same day, the main invitation should include reception details only. Then, include a separate insert card with the ceremony details. The ceremony insert card will only be included in the envelopes mailed to guests who are invited to both events.

Wording Ideas for a Private Ceremony

When it comes to the wording for a private ceremony, you can use traditional wedding invitation wording or get creative. Here are some examples:

• "The honour of your presence is requested at a private ceremony on [date] at [time] at [venue]"
• "The pleasure of your company is requested at a private ceremony on [date] at [time] at [venue]"
• "Please join us for an intimate ceremony on [date] at [time] at [venue]"

Wording Ideas for a Reception on a Different Day

When wording invitations for a reception-only event, it is crucial to announce your marriage, not invite guests to witness it. Here are some ideas:

• "Mr. and Mrs. [last name] request the pleasure of your company at a reception in honour of Mr. and Mrs. [couple's names] on [date] at [time] at [venue]"
• "Please join [couple's names] for cocktails, dinner and dancing to celebrate our marriage on [date] at [time] at [venue]"
• " [Couple's names] request the honour of your presence at a celebration of their marriage on [date] at [time] at [venue]"

How to word a private ceremony invitation when you have a destination wedding

If you're planning a destination wedding, you might be wondering how to word your invitations to let guests know about the private ceremony. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you craft the perfect invitation:

Creating the Guest List

Begin by creating two separate guest lists. The first list is for those invited to the ceremony and reception, while the second list is for those invited to the reception only. This approach ensures that you can plan the ceremony space and logistics accordingly, especially if you have a strict capacity limit at your venue.

Sending Out Invitations

If your wedding and reception are on different days, you will likely need to send out two invitations: one for the wedding ceremony and one for the reception. This is especially relevant for destination weddings, where you might have a ceremony abroad followed by a stateside reception later on.

Wording the Invitation

The key to phrasing this type of invitation is to announce your marriage, rather than inviting guests to witness it. Here are some examples of wording for a formal 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 [date] at [time] [venue]."

For a more informal approach, you could say:

"With great joy, Mr. and Mrs. John Smith kindly invite you to a reception celebrating the marriage of their daughter Anne Elizabeth and James Lucas Williams on [date] at [time] [venue]."

If you're having a private ceremony on the same day as the reception, you can include a separate insert card with ceremony details for those invited to both events. Here's an example of formal wording for this insert:

"The honor of your presence is requested at a private ceremony on [date] at [time] [venue]."

Providing Additional Information

No matter what type of invitation you choose, there are some standard details you should always include:

• Date and time of the ceremony and/or reception
• Location name and address
• How and when to RSVP

You can also include additional information such as:

• Your wedding registry
• A picture of the happy couple
• Details about the wedding, such as the dress code or theme
• Directions to the venue

Timing and Etiquette

According to traditional etiquette, invitations for a destination wedding should be sent out at least 12 weeks (or three months) in advance. This gives your guests, especially those who need to travel, enough time to make the necessary arrangements.

Remember, it's your special day, so feel free to tailor the invitations to your preferences and what feels right for you and your partner.

How to word a private ceremony invitation when you have no guests

If you're planning a private wedding ceremony with no guests, you may still want to send out invitations to announce your marriage. Here are some tips and examples to help you word your invitations:

Announcing Your Private Ceremony

If you're having a private ceremony with no guests, you can still send out invitations to share the news of your marriage. This can be a formal or informal announcement, and it's a great way to include your loved ones in spirit, even if they can't be physically present. Here's an example:

"We did it! We eloped!

On [Date] in a private ceremony, we made our love official.

Although we decided to celebrate our love in a small, intimate ceremony, please know that you were in our hearts as we exchanged our vows."

Providing Standard Information

Even for a private ceremony with no guests, it's a good idea to include some standard information in your invitation:

• Date and time of the ceremony
• Location name and address
• How and when to RSVP

You can also include additional details such as:

• Your wedding registry
• A picture of the couple
• Details about the dress code or theme
• Directions to the venue

Wording Examples for a Private Ceremony

Formal Invitation:

"The honor of your presence is requested at the marriage of

[Day], [Date], [Time]

Kindly RSVP by [Date] to [Contact]"

Informal Invitation:

"Come for the cake!

[Name] and [Name] are tying the knot!

[Day], [Date], [Time]

Let's eat, drink and be married!

RSVP to [Contact] by [Date] and don't forget your dancing shoes!"

Reception-Only Wording

If you're having a private ceremony followed by a larger reception, it's crucial to make the distinction clear on your invitations. Here are some tips and examples:

Quick Tips:

• All ceremony guests must be invited to the reception, but not all reception guests need to be invited to the ceremony.
• If your wedding and reception are on different days, you'll likely need separate invitations for each event.
• If both events are on the same day, the main invitation should include reception details, with a smaller insert card for ceremony details.

Formal, Bride's Parents Hosting:

"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 two thousand twenty at half past six o'clock, Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, Mobile, Alabama."

Informal, Bride's Parents Hosting:

"With great joy, Mr. and Mrs. John Smith kindly invite you to a reception celebrating the marriage of their daughter Anne Elizabeth and James Lucas Williams, Saturday, the twenty-sixth of September, 2020, at half past six o'clock, Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, Mobile, Alabama."

Formal, Ceremony and Reception on Different Days:

"Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the pleasure of your company at a reception in honour of Mr. and Mrs. James Lucas Williams, Saturday, the tenth of October two thousand twenty, at half past six o'clock, Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, Mobile, Alabama."

Informal, Couple Hosting:

"Please join Anne and James Williams for cocktails, dinner, and dancing to celebrate our marriage on Saturday, the tenth of October, 2020, at half past six o'clock, Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, Mobile, Alabama."

Private Ceremony Insert Card Wording

If you have separate invitations for the ceremony and reception, here are some ideas for the ceremony insert card:

Formal, Ceremony in a Church or Place of Worship:

"The honor of your presence is requested at a private ceremony on Saturday, the twenty-second of September two thousand twenty, at eleven o'clock in the morning, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Mobile, Alabama."

Formal, Ceremony at a Non-Religious Venue:

"The pleasure of your company is requested at a private ceremony on Saturday, the twenty-second of September two thousand twenty, at eleven o'clock in the morning, Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, Mobile, Alabama."

Informal Wording:

"Please join us for an intimate ceremony on Saturday, the twenty-second of September, 2018, at eleven o'clock in the morning, Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, Mobile, Alabama."

Frequently asked questions