Wedding Invite Details: What Else To Include

Wedding invitations are a key part of wedding planning. They are often the first port of call for sharing important details about your big day with your guests. But what information should you include on your wedding invites?

The wedding invitation itself should include key details such as the names of the couple getting married, the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception. It's also useful to include an RSVP card and pre-addressed envelope for guests to confirm their attendance, as well as a map or directions to the venue.

If you have a lot of additional information to share, you can include a separate details card. This might include the full address and contact details of the venue(s), parking arrangements, accommodation options, venue payment methods, arrival time for guests, end time, dress code, menu options, and any specific requests such as an adult-only occasion.

Finally, don't forget to include the correct postage on the outer envelope to ensure your invitations reach their destination!

RSVP and response card information

RSVP cards are one of the most important things to include in a wedding invitation. Unless you decide to use an online RSVP system, a physical response card is standard. A response card, once mailed back, confirms whether or not the guest will attend. It also allows space for them to indicate if they are bringing a guest and what food option they prefer.

Response cards can be bought separately or as part of your wedding invitation package. It is important to include a pre-addressed and stamped envelope for your guests' convenience. Number the names on your guest list and write the corresponding number on the back of the response card. That way, you can look up responses by number in case someone forgets to include their name or their handwriting is illegible.

If you are having meal choices, put checkboxes on the response cards for people to choose chicken, fish, steak, vegetarian options, etc. You can also include the deadline for responses on the card, with the recommended deadline being three to four weeks before the wedding date.

You can, of course, forego response cards altogether and direct guests to RSVP on your wedding website. However, it is considerate to send response cards to older guests who may not be comfortable using a computer.

If you are collecting RSVPs through your website, it is still important to include certain information on the invitation itself or on an insert. This includes the deadline for responses, which should be three to four weeks before the wedding date, and the website URL.

For those who are not tech-savvy, it is a good idea to offer alternative methods of response, such as by phone, email, or text.

Venue details

Full Address and Contact Details

It is important to include the full address and contact details of your venue(s) so that your guests can easily locate them. This includes the postcode for Sat Nav users. If your venue is in a remote location or is difficult to find, you may also want to include brief directions on a separate details card.

Parking Arrangements

If parking is limited or tricky at your venue, it is helpful to include this information on your wedding invite details card. This will allow your guests to plan ahead and ensure they arrive on time. It is also useful to mention if your venue allows overnight parking for guests who may wish to leave their cars and travel home by taxi.

Transport Arrangements

If you are providing transport for your guests, for example, from the ceremony to the reception, include a brief note with the pick-up times and locations.

Accommodation Options

If there is accommodation available for guests at your venue or nearby, provide the details, including any special rates and booking instructions.

Cashless Venues

If your venue is cashless, it is a good idea to let your guests know that only card or contactless payments will be accepted.

Arrival Time

While your main invitation should state the ceremony time, you may wish to request that your guests arrive and be seated a little earlier. If you are providing arrival drinks, let your guests know so that they can arrive in good time to enjoy them.

Departure Time

It is helpful to let your guests know when the celebrations will end, especially if they need to pre-book taxis or arrange alternative transport.

Menu Options

If you are offering your guests a choice of menu options, you will need to include this information. It is also essential to ask for any dietary requirements when your guests reply, either via an RSVP card, phone, email, or your wedding website.

Dress Code

While it is assumed that your guests will choose appropriate attire, there may be instances where you wish to give more specific instructions. For example, if you have a particular dress code in mind, such as black tie, or if the wedding will be held in a location that requires specific footwear.

Children

If you are choosing not to invite children to your wedding, you can make this clear on your wedding information card.

Parking and transport details

Parking

It is important to give your guests a heads-up about the parking situation at your wedding venue(s). If parking is limited, tricky, or overnight parking is not allowed, be sure to mention this in your wedding invite details card. This will help your guests plan and ensure they leave enough time to park safely.

For example:

> Parking around the church and village is limited. We recommend parking in Ton Road.

Transport

If you are laying on any transport for your guests, for example, from the ceremony to the reception venue, include brief details in your invite. This could include where and when the pick-ups are and what time the return journey will be. If you want an idea of numbers for any transport, you could add a tick box to your reply cards.

For example:

> Cars may be left at the venue overnight, but must be collected by 10 am the following morning.

Directions

If your venue is off the beaten track, you could include brief directions on your details card. You can also note down the websites of the venues if they have useful information like maps and directions on them.

Accommodations

If there is guest accommodation available at your venue, let your guests know. Give them the details of any special rates available, as well as instructions on how to book and the appropriate contact details. You can also suggest some nearby alternatives, remembering to consider all price points.

Accommodation options

If you have guests coming from out of town, it is a good idea to include an accommodations card detailing hotel options. This is especially helpful if you have reserved room blocks or negotiated special rates for your guests. Be sure to include the name and address of the hotel, along with any booking instructions, deadlines, and transportation details.

"Accommodations are available at the New House. Please book directly with them, quoting the Thomas/Shaddick wedding for a preferential rate. Cars may be left at the venue overnight but must be collected by 10 am the following morning."

If you are covering guests' accommodations, it is proper etiquette to indicate that on the accommodation card. You can also suggest some nearby alternatives, considering all price points.

If your wedding spans an entire weekend, it is helpful to include a full itinerary so guests know what to expect and can plan accordingly. This is also where you would mention if any wedding weekend activities are adults-only.

"Welcome drinks will be held at [location] on [date] at [time]. An after-party will follow the ceremony at [location]. A day-after brunch will be held at [location] on [date] at [time]."

You can also include hotel recommendations with room blocks and transportation locations and times on an insert card.

If your wedding is a destination wedding, be sure to give guests plenty of time for planning by sending out save-the-date cards and invitations early. It is helpful to include recommended online travel information and other print resources for navigating foreign destinations.

"We have reserved room blocks at the following hotels: [hotel names and addresses]. Please book your rooms by [date]. Transportation to and from the hotels to the wedding venue will be provided. Details on flight options and other travel information can be found on our wedding website."

Dress code

The dress code is an important piece of information to include in your wedding invitation. It is one of the key details that will help your guests plan for your big day. Here are some tips and suggestions for including the dress code on your wedding invites:

Including the Dress Code:

• It is optional to include the dress code on your wedding invitations. Nowadays, many couples choose to communicate this detail through their wedding website instead.
• However, if you prefer to include it on the invitation, you can add a line that indicates the dress code expectation. For example: "Casual Attire," "Dressy Casual Attire," "Semi-Formal Attire," "Black Tie Optional," "Black Tie," or "White Tie."
• If you are unsure about the dress code, consider taking a quiz or seeking guidance from a wedding planner or stylist.

Specific Dress Code Instructions:

• If you have a specific dress code in mind, such as "Black Tie," it is important to inform your guests accordingly.
• You can also provide more specific instructions or requests, such as encouraging the use of wedding hats or suggesting that guests coordinate their outfits with the wedding party's colours.
• For outdoor or rustic venues, it is helpful to advise guests to choose their footwear accordingly. For example, if the reception is in a barn or on a farm, suggest footwear that is suitable for uneven or grassy surfaces.

Additional Tips:

• When deciding what to include on your wedding invitation, select the essential details that your guests need to know. You can provide additional information on your wedding website or through other communication channels.
• Consider the formality of your wedding when determining the level of detail to include in the dress code description. A black-tie ballroom event may require more specific instructions compared to a casual beach ceremony.
• If you have a wedding theme or colour scheme, you can incorporate it into your invitations to give guests a better understanding of the expected attire.

Frequently asked questions