Crafting Clear Driving Directions For Wedding Invitations

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's a nice gesture to include directions for your guests. While most people nowadays use GPS, providing directions is a thoughtful way to ensure your guests can find the venue easily and don't get unnecessarily stressed while driving around, especially if they're not familiar with the area. There are a few ways to go about this: you can include a separate insert or direction card with the invitation, or you can direct guests to your wedding website, which has all the necessary details.

Include a map and directions on a separate card

Including a map and directions on a separate card is a great way to provide your wedding guests with clear and concise information about your wedding venue. Here are some tips to help you create informative and stylish direction cards:

Card Design and Content:

Use card stock or heavy paper to print your direction cards. Ensure the card size complements your invitation suite, allowing enough space for all the necessary details. Include the full address of both the wedding ceremony venue and the reception site, especially if they are separate locations. This will enable guests to locate the venues easily, even if they are unfamiliar with the area.

Map Inclusion:

While providing a map is not mandatory in this digital age, it adds a cute and thoughtful touch to your invitation suite. You can include a simple map by using a web mapping service like Mapquest or Google Maps and capturing a screenshot. Alternatively, use drawing tools to create a basic map if you prefer a more minimalistic approach.

Directional Instructions:

Provide clear and concise written directions from two primary locations, such as the airport and a notable intersection nearby. Use bullet points to enhance readability and ensure the instructions are brief but clear. This will assist guests in navigating to your venue, especially those travelling from out of town.

Printing and Assembly:

When printing your direction cards, ensure you have the correct paper size and orientation to fit into your envelopes. Adjustments may be necessary to create a neat package. After printing, carefully cut the cards apart and insert one direction card into each invitation before mailing them out.

Additional Tips:

Consider including a link to your wedding website on the direction card, providing guests with further information and details associated with your special day. This can include accommodation suggestions, transportation options, and any other helpful advice to make their journey more comfortable.

Provide the address of the venue and reception site

Providing the full address of both the wedding ceremony venue and the reception site is essential. This ensures that your guests can find the venue easily and don't get unnecessarily stressed while driving around. This is especially helpful for guests who are unfamiliar with the area or are travelling from out of town.

The venue's address should be written on a separate card, known as a directions or enclosure card, included within the invitation suite. The card should be designed to complement the invitation's colour palette, theme, and tone.

For a formal wedding, the state name is usually spelled out in full. The venue's street address is not typically included unless the venue is a private residence. Zip codes are generally omitted.

If the reception is at the same location as the ceremony, you can simply write "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow". If the reception is elsewhere, include the venue's address on a separate insert card, known as a reception card.

Directions from two primary locations, such as the airport

When providing driving directions from two primary locations, such as the airport, it is important to consider the guests' familiarity with the area. They may be travelling from far away and will need clear directions to reach the wedding venue. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft these directions effectively:

Start with a Clear Beginning

Ensure your directions begin at a logical starting point, such as a highway or a major street. Use the word "From" to indicate the starting location. For example, "From the North: Take Interstate 5 towards the city centre." "From the Airport: Exit the arrivals area and join the highway heading west."

Provide Detailed Instructions

Give specific turn-by-turn directions, using "east/west/north/south" for the first turn and then "left/right" for subsequent turns. For example, "Turn west onto Elm Street. Then turn right onto Maple Street. The venue will be on your right after Maple Street curves."

Utilise Landmarks

Include notable landmarks, such as signs, buildings, or intersections, to help guests recognise they are on the right track. For instance, "Turn left at the tall white PVC pole marking the corner of Elm and Maple Streets."

Offer Additional Information

Provide extra details about the venue's location, such as "The venue is located between 123 Main Street and 456 Main Street." or "Look for the yellow gate and park next to it at the bottom of the paved driveway."

Remind Guests to Bring Directions

While many guests will rely on GPS or online maps, it is still a good idea to encourage them to bring the printed directions, especially if cell phone reception may be an issue.

Example Directions from Two Primary Locations

"From Airport A: Exit the airport and merge onto the interstate heading south. Take exit 17 towards Downtown. Keep left at the fork, following signs for the Central Business District. Turn left onto Main Street and continue for approximately 2 miles. The venue will be on your right just past the city hall."

"From Airport B: Leave the airport and take the highway east towards the city. Take the downtown exit and stay on this road for about 3 miles. Turn right onto Elm Street and then take the second left onto Oak Street. The venue will be on your left, and parking is available on the street."

Remember to edit and customise these directions to match the specific locations and routes relevant to your wedding venue.

Link to a wedding website with full directions

Wedding websites are a great way to provide guests with all the information they need to get to your wedding. They are especially useful for destination weddings or larger weddings with many out-of-town guests. Here are some tips for creating a wedding website with full directions:

Select a Platform

Choose a website builder that suits your needs and offers the features you want. Some popular options include The Knot, WeddingWire, Zola, Minted, Wix, and Squarespace. Consider the customization options, templates, and user-friendliness of the platform.

Create Relevant Pages

Once you've chosen a platform, customize your website by adding relevant pages. Essential pages may include a homepage with photos and ceremony/reception details, an "Our Story" section, a schedule of events, travel and accommodation information, a registry page, and an RSVP page.

Add All the Details

Include all the important details your guests need to know, such as the event itinerary, accommodation options, travel information, and dress codes for any events. You can also add photos, videos, and custom designs to personalize your website.

Publish and Share the Site

Before publishing, test the functionality of your website to ensure all links and features work correctly. Then, decide whether you want to password-protect your site for added privacy. Finally, share the link to your website with your guests via save-the-dates, invitations, or a separate details card included in your invitation suite.

Tips for a Great Wedding Website

• Start building your website 10 months to a year in advance to allow for design and updates as details are confirmed.
• Opt for a custom URL, which is often worth the money as it's easier for guests to remember and takes up less space on paper invitations.
• Include icebreaker information, such as your love story, key moments, and introductions to the wedding party. This provides a sense of familiarity for guests and serves as a great conversation starter.
• Explain any unique traditions or cultural/religious aspects of your wedding, especially if you have guests who may be unfamiliar with them.
• Make sure your website is mobile-friendly, as guests often use their phones or tablets to access information on the go.
• Enable notifications to quickly communicate any last-minute changes or updates to your guests.
• Maintain visual uniformity by matching the design of your website to your save-the-dates, invitations, and stationery.
• Follow up with photos after the wedding if you don't want to share them on social media but are happy to share with attendees.

By following these tips, you can create a comprehensive and user-friendly wedding website that provides your guests with all the directions and details they need to celebrate your special day.

Include the venue address and a Google map on the back of the invite

Including a map on your wedding invitations is a thoughtful way to ensure your guests can easily find your venue. Here are some tips for adding a Google map to the back of your invites:

Find Your Map

Firstly, locate your venue on Google Maps. You can adjust the level of detail by zooming in or out. If you want to include multiple locations, such as the ceremony, reception, and accommodation, you can select seven locations and encircle the area. Consider including main roads, parks, and transport options, as well as any landmarks that will make your map unique.

Copy the Map

Once you have your desired map view, use the "Snipping Tool" on your PC to select the area you want to copy. Save this as a JPEG file, which you can then insert into your invitation layout. Alternatively, you can use the "Share" or "Embed" function on Google Maps to obtain a link to the map, which you can then copy and paste into your chosen location.

Customise Your Map

You can open the JPEG in a photo editing program to customise your map. Add icons or exact addresses for each location, adjust the colouring, or change the image to black and white. You can also add a unique look by creating your own landmarks.

Print Your Map

Finally, insert the map into the back of your wedding invitation. You can print the map yourself or go to a copy shop for help with sizing and printing.

By following these steps, you'll be able to provide your guests with a helpful and visually appealing map that will make their journey to your wedding venue a breeze.

Frequently asked questions