Crafting The Perfect Reception-Only Wedding Invite

Planning a wedding is a complex affair, and sometimes couples opt for a small, intimate ceremony with a larger reception. This could be due to space constraints, budget, or simply a desire for privacy. Whatever the reason, it's crucial to ensure that guests know whether they're invited to the ceremony, the reception, or both. This is where reception-only invitation wording comes in. This type of invitation announces your marriage and invites guests to celebrate with you, without witnessing the ceremony. In this guide, we'll explore how to navigate this potentially tricky situation with grace and clarity.

Make it clear that the wedding ceremony has already taken place

When creating invitations for a wedding reception only, it is important to be transparent about your ceremony so that guests know they are attending a separate event. This can be done by including a line such as: "We will be married in a private ceremony on [date]."

To make it clear that the wedding ceremony has already taken place, use wording that denotes a celebration of your nuptials, such as: "Please join us in celebration of our recent union at our wedding reception." This phrasing insinuates that the ceremony has already occurred.

Another way to indicate that the ceremony has already taken place is to use the term "just married" on the invitation. For example: "Just married! Please join [names] for cocktails, dinner and dancing to celebrate our happy occasion."

If you would like to be more explicit, you could include the date of your ceremony and specify that the reception will be held at a later date. For instance: "We exchanged vows in a private ceremony on [date]. Please join us for a celebration of our marriage on [date]."

• "Together with our parents, we invite you to celebrate our recent union."
• "Mr and Mrs Joe Smith invite you to celebrate the recent union of their daughter Jane Smith to Jack Johnson at their wedding reception."
• "Please join us for a reception to celebrate their marriage."

Create two separate guest lists

Creating two separate guest lists for your wedding can be a daunting task, but it is necessary if you're planning a two-part event with a small, intimate ceremony and a larger reception. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process:

• Understand the Logistics: Before you begin, grasp the nuances of a two-part wedding. You will need one guest list for the wedding ceremony and reception, and another list for those who are only attending the reception. The ceremony guest list can be as small as you wish, whether it's just immediate family or a small group of close friends and family. As long as everyone on the ceremony guest list is also included in the reception, you're good to go.
• Stick to Your Decision: Once you've decided on your guest lists, be prepared to stick to your guns. Some guests may pressure you to invite them to the ceremony as well. It's important to stay firm and not go back on your original decision. Convey your excitement about celebrating with them at the reception and express your gratitude for their presence on your special day.
• Consider the Timing: If you're planning both the ceremony and reception for the same day, try to schedule the ceremony earlier to allow for plenty of time to celebrate with your intimate group before transitioning to the reception. This will also give you an opportunity to take pictures before the rest of your guests arrive. If the ceremony and reception are on different days or weeks, you'll have more flexibility but will need to plan accordingly.
• Manage Expectations: Be transparent with your guests about the separate guest lists to avoid any confusion or hurt feelings. It's important to communicate clearly and set expectations early on, especially if you're having an intimate ceremony. Let your guests know that you would love to celebrate with them at the reception, even if they are not part of the smaller ceremony.
• Handle Invitations Carefully: You have a few options when it comes to invitations. You can print two different invitations, one for the ceremony and reception, and one for the reception only. Alternatively, you can print a single invitation with reception details and include a separate card with ceremony details for those invited to both events. Ensure that your wording is clear and concise to avoid any misunderstandings.
• Be Mindful of Emotions: Understand that certain family members or friends may have feelings about not being invited to the ceremony. It's important to approach this situation sensitively and be prepared to address any emotional responses. Remember that it's your special day, and you can gently but firmly explain your decision to have an intimate ceremony followed by a larger celebration.

Include RSVP cards

If you're planning a large reception, it's a good idea to include RSVP cards to help you keep track of your headcount. This will also help you stay organised and ensure you have an accurate guest count for your vendors.

RSVP cards are a great way to prompt guests to respond to your invitation in a timely manner. They can be included as part of your wedding invitation suite, or you can opt for digital RSVPs via your wedding website or email. If you go for the latter, it's a good idea to include the relevant URL or email address on a separate enclosure or response card.

If you're including RSVP cards, here are some key things to keep in mind:

• Include a blank line for guests to write their names. On a formal RSVP card, you can indicate this with an "M" at the start of the line, prompting guests to include their honorific (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss).
• Have an attendance line where guests can accept or decline the invitation. This could be in the format of checkboxes, circles, or fill-in-the-blank lines.
• Set an RSVP deadline of around four weeks before the wedding date and feature this prominently on the card.
• If you're serving dinner, include meal options on the RSVP card so guests can indicate their food preferences and any dietary restrictions.
• Include a special request line, such as song requests or drink preferences.
• Provide a pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelope for guests to send back their responses.

Send invitations in the same timeframe as a traditional wedding

When it comes to sending out your wedding invitations, it's important to be mindful of the timing. For a reception-only wedding, the general rule of thumb is to mail your invitations approximately 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding date. This is the same timeframe you would follow for a traditional wedding. Sending out your invitations in a timely manner is crucial, as it gives your guests enough time to plan their attendance, pick out their wedding attire, and make any necessary travel arrangements.

It's worth noting that if you're having a destination wedding or a wedding with a unique schedule, you may need to adjust this timeline accordingly. For example, if you're getting married abroad, it's courteous to send out invitations a little earlier to give your guests ample time to plan their travels. Similarly, if your reception is taking place a few months after the ceremony, you may want to send out a save-the-date notice earlier and then follow up with formal invitations closer to the event.

When creating your guest list, it's essential to be organised and clear about who is invited to the ceremony and who is only invited to the reception. This will help you determine the number of invitations you need and ensure that you don't accidentally over-invite people to the ceremony. Remember, it's perfectly acceptable to have an intimate ceremony followed by a larger reception.

In terms of the invitation design, you have a few options. You can either print two different invitations—one for the ceremony and reception, and one for the reception only—or you can create a main invitation card with reception details and include a smaller insert card with ceremony details for those invited to both events. This insert card will only be included in the envelopes mailed to guests attending both parts of your special day.

When it comes to the wording of your reception-only wedding invitations, be sure to announce your marriage rather than inviting guests to witness it. Here are some examples:

• " [Names of couple] request the pleasure of your company for a reception in celebration of their new marriage."
• "The newlyweds [Names of couple] invite you to a reception in honour of their recent marriage."
• "Just married! Please join [Names] in celebrating with dinner and dancing!"

Be honest with guests who ask why they received a wedding reception-only invitation

It's important to be honest with your guests about why they received a wedding reception-only invitation. Here are some tips on how to approach this:

Be Transparent: Explain that you are having a small, intimate ceremony. Let them know that you value their presence in your life and want to celebrate this special occasion with them, even if they are not able to attend the ceremony itself. Be clear about the reason for having a separate reception, whether it's due to limited space, a desire for an intimate ceremony, or other factors.

Manage Expectations: Make sure your guests know what to expect from the reception-only event. Explain that they will not be witnessing the wedding ceremony and that the reception is a separate celebration. This will help avoid any confusion or disappointment.

Address Concerns: If guests express disappointment or concern about not being invited to the ceremony, listen to their feelings and validate their emotions. Explain your reasons for having a small ceremony and emphasize that their presence at the reception is important to you.

Keep it Positive: Focus on the excitement of celebrating with your loved ones. Emphasize that the reception is a chance for everyone to come together and share in your happiness. Let your guests know how much it means to you to have their support and participation in this way.

Provide Clear Communication: Ensure that your invitation wording is clear and concise. Consider including a separate card or insert that explains the reception-only format, especially if you've already sent out elopement announcements. This will help avoid any misunderstandings.

"We are planning an intimate ceremony with just our immediate family, but we would be honored to celebrate with you at our wedding reception afterward. We value your presence and support on our special day."

"Due to space constraints, we had to limit the number of guests at the ceremony. However, we would be delighted for you to join us at the reception as we continue the celebrations. We hope you understand our decision and look forward to seeing you there."

Remember, honesty and transparency are key. By explaining your reasons and showing your excitement for their participation in the reception, your guests are more likely to understand and respect your decision.

Frequently asked questions