Where To List Wedding Registry Information: Invitation Etiquette

Wedding invitation wording can be a minefield, especially when it comes to gifts and money. While it's considered rude to put your registry information on your wedding invitations, there are other ways to let your guests know where you are registered.

Wedding invitation etiquette

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you are following proper etiquette. Firstly, it is considered rude and against tradition to include registry information directly on your wedding invitations. This is because it may give the impression that receiving gifts is just as important, or even more so, than sharing your special day with loved ones.

So, how can you let your guests know about your registry without including it on the invitation itself? Here are some suggestions:

• Create a wedding website: This is an easy and modern way to provide guests with all the necessary information about your wedding, including registry details. You can include a link to your wedding website on an insert in your invitation suite.
• Spread the word through family and friends: Let your close family members and wedding party know about your registry, and they can spread the word on your behalf. This is a traditional way of handling the situation and is still effective today.
• Include registry information on bridal shower invitations: It is acceptable to include registry details on these invitations as they are not sent on behalf of the bride and guests will be expecting to purchase gifts for this event.
• Use save-the-dates: While it is inappropriate to include registry information on save-the-dates, you can include your wedding website, which guests can then use to access registry details.
• Word of mouth: Don't be afraid to tell your friends and family about your registry details. They may ask about it, and this is a perfectly acceptable way to share the information.

Remember, the key is to be subtle and avoid giving the impression that gifts are expected or required.

Wedding website

Wedding planning can be a confusing scenario to navigate, especially when it comes to wedding invitations and what to include on them. While it is considered rude to put registry information on your wedding invitations, there are other ways to let your guests know about your wedding registry. One way is to include an informational insert in the envelope with a link to your wedding website.

A wedding website is a great way to provide your guests with all the details of your wedding in one place. It is a one-stop shop for guests to access all the wedding information easily, so they will expect to find your wedding registry there. This is a subtle approach to asking for gifts from guests. You can include links to the online stores on your wedding website so that guests can access them easily and choose their gifts without too much hassle. Just be careful with the language you use to introduce your loved ones to the page. Try something like, "If you wish to give a gift to the bride and groom..." to ensure your guests know that gift-giving is an option.

You can also put your wedding website on your save-the-date cards. This is a good way to spread the word about your website and registry, as everyone invited to the wedding will get this information and be able to figure out the details for themselves.

In addition to your website, you can rely on word of mouth to spread the word about your registry. Share the details with your immediate family, bridesmaids, and groomsmen and let them know they can spread the word on your behalf.

Word of mouth

First, be sure to share the details with your immediate family, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other wedding party members. They can then spread the word on your behalf. This is a subtle and polite way to ensure your guests have the information they need without including registry details on the invitation itself.

You can also include an informational insert in the envelope with your wedding invitation, providing a link to your wedding website. This approach is much more subtle than directly asking for gifts on the invitation. Your wedding website is a one-stop shop for guests to access all the necessary information about your wedding, including accommodation, the schedule, and your registry.

Additionally, it is common to include RSVP cards, reception cards, and wedding programs in the same envelope as your wedding invitation. You can include a separate card with your wedding website or registry information on it. This way, guests have direct access to the information without it being on the formal invitation.

If you are having a bridal shower, it is acceptable to include registry information on the invitations. Since bridal showers are primarily about gift-giving, guests will need to know what you would like to receive. However, it is best if the host of the bridal shower includes this information rather than the bride or groom asking directly.

Finally, don't be afraid to share your registry information directly with your close friends and family. They may ask about it, and it's perfectly fine to tell them. They can then spread the word to other guests who may inquire about it. Remember, if guests want to get you a gift, they won't hesitate to ask you directly about your registry.

Bridal shower invitations

When it comes to bridal shower invitations, there are a few key elements you'll want to include to ensure your guests have all the information they need. Here are some detailed and instructive guidelines for crafting the perfect bridal shower invitations:

The Guest of Honour's Name:

This is a no-brainer. Be sure to include the name of the bride or the couple on the front of the invitation. For a co-ed shower, include the bride's partner's name so guests know it's not a ladies-only event.

The Date, Time, and Location:

Provide clear details about the date, time, and location of the bridal shower. Spell out the month instead of using numerals to avoid any confusion. Include the full address to prevent guests from getting lost or ending up at the wrong venue.

RSVP Details:

Surprisingly, many people forget to include RSVP details. Be sure to add an RSVP date, the name of the person to contact, and a phone number or email address for responses. This will help ensure you order enough food and drinks for the event.

The Name of the Host or Hosts:

While not required, it's a nice touch to include the name(s) of the host(s) of the bridal shower. This could be something like, "Hosted by Aunt Linda, Aunt Ronda, and Aunt Leslie" or "Hosted by her loving bridesmaids."

Registry Information:

The purpose of a bridal shower is to shower the bride with gifts, so don't forget the registry details. You can either direct guests to the couple's wedding website or list the specific stores where the couple is registered.

Theme or Dress Code:

If there is a particular theme or dress code for the bridal shower, be sure to include that information on the invitation so guests can plan their outfits accordingly.

Wording and Tone:

The wording and design of the invitation will set the tone for the event. Whether it's traditional, modern, playful, or themed, choose your wording and stationery style accordingly.

Mailing or Digital Invitations:

While printed invitations are generally preferred, it's also common to send digital invitations, especially for more casual showers or when the guest list includes mostly younger friends.

Timing:

As a rule of thumb, send out bridal shower invitations four to six weeks in advance to give guests ample notice. If there are out-of-town guests, consider sending them even earlier, around two months in advance, to allow for travel arrangements.

Save-the-date announcements

• Your names: This may seem obvious, but more distant relatives and friends may not know your partner's name or full name.
• The wedding date: You'll want to have the basic structure of your day nailed down, including where you'll tie the knot. If you're having a destination wedding, it's a good idea to let guests know all the dates they'll need to attend.
• Location: If you haven't booked your venue, you can simply include the town or city.
• A note that a formal invitation will follow: This lets the recipient know to expect a formal invitation soon.
• Information for allowing plus-ones and whether children are welcome: Being clear about who is invited early on gives parents time to plan for childcare and gives out-of-towners time to figure out travel and hotel plans.
• Your wedding website: Your website can include more in-depth information about your big day, such as registry info and dress code.
• Registry information: It is considered inappropriate to print this information on your save-the-dates. Guests usually know they can ask you, your family, or your friends about registry details, or you can include this information on your wedding website.
• Overly specific details: Save-the-dates are meant to be very high-level. Your guests don't need to know the order of events, exact timing, colour scheme, dress code, or meal information at this point.

Frequently asked questions