Deborah Chan
When it comes to wedding invitations, there are some basic elements that should be included no matter what. These include the request to come to the wedding, the names of the couple, and reception information. If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you can simply write Reception to follow or Dinner and dancing to follow. If the reception is at a separate location, you can include the full address on a separate card or provide the details on your wedding website.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Host line | Names of the hosts of the event |
| Attendance request | Request to attend |
| Names | Names of the couple |
| Date and time | Date and time of the wedding |
| Location | Name and address of the venue |
| Reception details | Details of the reception |
| Dress code | Dress code for the wedding |
What You'll Learn
When to use 'dinner and dancing' vs 'reception to follow'
When it comes to wedding invitations, the wording can be a tricky task. The key thing to remember is that you want to give your guests a clear idea of what to expect from the reception that follows the ceremony.
Dinner and Dancing vs Reception to Follow
Using "dinner and dancing to follow" on your wedding invitation is a fun and modern way to let your guests know that there will be a full meal and entertainment at the reception. This phrasing is also a good way to ensure your guests know that there will be more than just "heavy apps", as one source mentions.
On the other hand, "reception to follow" is a more traditional and concise way to indicate that the celebration will continue after the ceremony. This phrasing is also a good option if you are running out of space on your invitation and need to keep the details brief.
When to Use Dinner and Dancing
You may want to use "dinner and dancing" if you are having a more casual or modern wedding, as this phrasing can set the tone for the level of formality. It is also a good option if you want to give your guests a clear idea of the timeline of events, letting them know that dinner will be served first and then followed by dancing.
When to Use Reception to Follow
"Reception to follow" is a good option if your reception will be held at the same venue as the ceremony, as it keeps the details concise and clear. This phrasing is also more versatile, as it can be used for a variety of reception styles, from a formal sit-down dinner to a more casual cocktail hour.
Combining the Two
In some cases, you may want to combine the two phrases to create a longer sentence that provides more details about the reception. For example, you could say "Join us for dinner, dancing, and celebrations to follow" or "Cocktails, dinner, and dancing to follow". This approach can be especially useful if you want to be very clear about what your guests can expect.
Other Considerations
When deciding on the wording for your wedding invitation, it is important to consider the formality of your wedding and the amount of space you have on your invitation. If you are having a very formal wedding, using traditional phrasing such as "reception to follow" may be more appropriate. On the other hand, if you are having a more modern or casual wedding, you may want to use more creative and fun wording.
Additionally, if you are including a separate reception card with your invitation, you may not need to include as many details on the invitation itself, giving you more flexibility with the wording. Ultimately, the decision of whether to use "dinner and dancing" or "reception to follow" comes down to personal preference and the specific details of your wedding.
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How to list multiple venues on a wedding invitation
When listing multiple venues on a wedding invitation, it is best to include only the ceremony site on the invitation and put the other locations for the cocktail hour and/or reception on a separate card. This separate card can be included as an insert card with the main invitation.
If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, the invitation can simply state "Reception to follow", "Dinner and dancing to follow", or "Cocktails, dinner and dancing to follow". If the reception is at a different location, the invitation can state the location on a separate line or on a separate insert card.
Formal Wording
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Smith
Request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter
On the twenty-fifth of August, two thousand twenty-two
At half past four o'clock in the afternoon
Ceremony: Battle Creek, Michigan
Reception: The Ritz-Carlton, Beaver Creek, Michigan
Formal reception immediately following
Semi-Formal Wording
Together with their parents
Johanna Marie Smith and Hudson Elliot Hayes
Invite you to join in the celebration of their union in marriage
The 25th of August, 2022
At 4:30 in the afternoon
Ceremony: Columbus Grove, Ohio
Reception: The Westin, Columbus, Ohio
Dinner and dancing to follow
Casual Wording
Johanna and Hudson
Are getting married!
Join us for a ceremony and celebration
August 25th, 2022, at 4:30 pm
Ceremony: Crimson Lane, Ada, Ohio
Reception: The Grand, Ada, Ohio
Dinner and drinks to follow
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How to communicate the dress code
Communicating the dress code to your wedding guests is an important part of the invitation process. Here are some tips and examples to help you convey the correct attire:
Including Dress Code Information
Including dress code information on your wedding invitations is optional. However, it can be helpful for your guests to know what is expected, especially if you are having a formal wedding or a themed event. If you are having a black-tie wedding, it is important to include this information on the invitation.
Placement of Dress Code Information
The dress code line should be listed at the bottom of the invitation, usually in the lower right-hand corner. Alternatively, you can include a separate details card or direct guests to your wedding website for more information.
Wording Ideas for Different Dress Codes
- Black-tie: "Black tie required" or "Black tie invited"
- Formal attire: "Formal attire" or "Formal attire requested"
- Cocktail attire: "Cocktail attire suggested" or "Cocktail attire welcomed"
- Beach-casual: "Beach-casual attire" or "Beach attire encouraged"
Inferring Dress Code from Invitation Design
If you choose not to include a specific dress code, your guests will likely infer the attire from the design and wording of the invitation. For example, if you have a very fancy and formal invitation, guests will probably anticipate a formal affair and dress accordingly. On the other hand, a simpler and more casual invitation suggests that the wedding attire will also be more relaxed.
Modern Trends
Modern invitation designs often break the traditional rules, and it is becoming more common to use numerals for the date and time instead of spelling them out. This approach is particularly suitable for informal weddings. Additionally, including the street address of the venue is now considered acceptable, especially if omitting it may cause confusion or if the wedding is taking place at a private residence.
Additional Tips
Remember that the invitation wording should reflect the level of formality you desire for your wedding. Be concise and clear in your wording, and consider including a separate response card or directing guests to your wedding website for more detailed information.
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How to word a wedding invitation when the bride's parents are hosting
When the bride's parents are hosting the wedding, their names are listed at the top of the invitation. This is called the host line. Here are some examples of how to word the host line:
- Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Timothy Williams (very formal; middle name is included)
- Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Williams (formal)
- Mr. and Mrs. Christopher and Sarah Williams (formal; includes both first names)
- Christopher and Sarah Williams (less formal)
If the couple's parents are divorced and you want to include both as hosts, list them separately, keeping each parent on a different line. If one or both of the bride's parents have passed away, you can include them by rearranging the host line. For example:
Julia French, daughter of Mr. Adam French and the late Iris French, and Austin Mahoney, son of Mr. Camden and Elizabeth Mahoney, request the honour of your presence at their wedding on the fifth of May, two thousand seventeen at one o'clock in the afternoon. The Reagan Library Simi Valley, California. Dinner and dancing to follow. Black tie required.
After the host line, you can include a request for the guest's attendance. Here are some examples:
- "The pleasure of your company"
- "At the marriage of their children"
- "Would love for you to join them"
- "Invite you to celebrate with them"
- "Honour of your presence"
Next, you'll want to include the names of the couple. For different-sex couples, the bride's name typically goes first, followed by the groom's name. For same-sex couples, you can list the names in alphabetical order or based on what sounds better.
After the names of the couple, include the date and time of the wedding. For formal invitations, write out the date and time in full. For example: "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-one, at half after four in the afternoon." For casual weddings, using numerals is fine.
The next line should include the name and address of the wedding venue. If the wedding is taking place at the host's home, include the street address. For formal invitations, write out the city and state in full.
Finally, include reception details. If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, simply write "Reception to follow." If the reception is at a different location, include the address on a separate card.
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Timothy Williams request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter, Chloe James, to Ryan Anderson on Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-one, at half after four in the afternoon at The Country Club, 123 Country Lane, Anytown, USA. Reception to follow.
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How to word a wedding invitation when both sets of parents are hosting
When both sets of parents are hosting, it's important to include both of their names on the wedding invitation. Here are some examples of how to word such an invitation:
Formal Wording
"Kenzie M. Smith and Jennifer L. Smith
Mark Franklin and Mary Elizabeth Reyes
Request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their children
Olivia Rose and John Michael
Saturday, the seventeenth of August two thousand twenty-four
At half after four in the afternoon at [venue name and address]
Reception to follow"
Fun Wording
"Kenzie Smith and Jennifer Smith
Mark Franklin and Mary Reyes
Hope you'll join them on the dance floor to celebrate the marriage of their children
Olivia Rose and John Michael
Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]
Merriment to follow"
Casual Wording
"Kenzie and Jennifer Smith
Along with Mark and Sally Reyes
Invite you to share and celebrate the marriage of their children
Olivia Rose and John Michael
Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]
Reception to follow"
Creative Wording
"Kenzie and Jennifer Smith
And Mark and Sally Reyes
Can't wait to celebrate with you at the marriage of
Olivia Rose and John Michael
Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]
Party to follow"
Modern Wording
"Kenzie and Jennifer Smith
And Mark and Sally Reyes
Hope you will attend the marriage of
Olivia Rose and John Michael
Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]
Reception to follow"
Simple Wording
"Kenzie and Jennifer Smith
And Mark and Sally Reyes
Invite you to the wedding of
Olivia Rose and John Michael
Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]
Reception to follow"
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is a good idea to include this information so that your guests know what to expect. If the reception is at the same location as the ceremony, you can simply write "Dinner and dancing to follow" at the bottom of the invitation.
If there isn't enough room on your invitation, you can include a separate reception card with the details. This is also a good option if the reception is at a different location.
Some other ways to say "dinner and dancing to follow" include "Join us after the ceremony for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and dancing" or "Cake, punch, and merriment to follow". You can also keep it simple with "Reception to follow".
For informal weddings, it is common to use numerals for the date and time and to use more casual language. For example, "Join us for dinner, dancing, and celebrating".
You can get creative and include other activities, such as "Drinks, dancing, and shenanigans to follow" or "Dine, dance, celebrate...".
