Wedding Invitation Essentials: What To Include

Wedding invitations are a key part of wedding planning. They should include essential information such as the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception, as well as the names of the couple and the hosts. Response cards and RSVP details are also standard, and couples may include additional cards with information about the venue, dress code, and wedding website. The invitation suite may also include decorative elements like belly bands, wax seals, or customized stamps.

The invitation itself

The invitation should begin with an invitational line, listing the names of the hosts (traditionally, the bride's parents, but could also be the groom's parents, both sets of parents, or the couple themselves). This is followed by a request line, such as "request the pleasure of your company" or "invite you to celebrate with them".

Next, the names of the couple should be included. For heterosexual couples, the woman's name typically comes first, but the order can be changed as desired. LGBTQIA+ couples may choose to list their names alphabetically, by age, or however they prefer. First and middle names, first and last names, or full legal names can be used, depending on the formality of the event.

The date and time of the ceremony should also be included, with the time of day specified (a.m. or p.m.) to avoid confusion. For formal invitations, the time should be written out in full rather than using numerals.

The ceremony and reception location should be included, with the name and address of the venue(s). If the ceremony and reception are at the same location, a simple line such as "Reception to Follow" can be added. If the reception is at a different location, a separate reception card with the start time and address should be included.

Other optional details that can be included on the invitation are the dress code, a physical response card with a pre-addressed and stamped envelope, and extra information about the venue, such as parking instructions or a custom map.

Response card and envelope

Response cards are one of the most important elements of a wedding invitation suite. They allow guests to confirm their attendance and inform you of their meal preferences and whether they are bringing a guest. Response cards can be bought separately or as part of a wedding invitation package.

Response cards should be included in the same envelope as the wedding invitation. They can be included alongside other enclosure cards, such as directions or accommodations cards. It is also possible to include RSVP or response card information on your wedding website, which can be useful for older guests who may not be comfortable using a computer.

When sending response cards, it is important to include a pre-addressed and stamped envelope for your guests' convenience. Numbering the names on your guest list and writing the corresponding number on the back of the response card can help you keep track of responses, especially if a guest forgets to include their name.

Including checkboxes on the response cards for meal choices is also a good idea. This allows guests to easily indicate their preferences, such as chicken, fish, steak, or vegetarian options.

Response cards are a crucial part of the wedding invitation process, allowing you to confirm a final headcount with your venue and caterer.

Reception card

A reception card is an optional but important part of a wedding invitation suite. It is especially useful if your wedding reception is at a different location or venue from the wedding ceremony. It should include the location of the reception, the address, and the time. If the reception is before 1 pm, the first line of the card should say 'Breakfast Reception'. If it is after 1 pm, simply write 'Reception'. If you are planning to have a sit-down meal, the first line should read 'Dinner Reception'.

The reception card is also a good place to indicate whether the event is adults-only. This can also be communicated by addressing the invitation to specific individuals, rather than 'The Smith Family', for example.

If your wedding spans a whole weekend, you might also want to include a separate weekend events card, which can include information about welcome drinks, after-parties, and brunches. This card can also include hotel recommendations and room blocks, as well as transportation locations and times.

Directions/lodgings card

A directions/lodgings card is a great addition to your wedding invitation suite, especially if you have guests travelling in from out of town. This card can be used to inform your guests about lodging and accommodation options, as well as providing them with directions to the wedding venue. Here are four paragraphs with ideas for your directions/lodgings card:

Paragraph 1:

Provide detailed information about the local hotels, bed and breakfasts, or other lodging options available near your wedding venue. Include the hotel's name and address, as well as any group codes or names for reserved room blocks. You may also want to include the date by which rooms must be reserved and the hotel's website or phone number. This will make it easier for your guests, especially those who are not tech-savvy, to book their accommodations.

Paragraph 2:

If you have reserved a block of rooms at a specific hotel for your out-of-town guests, be sure to include this information on the card. Mention the hotel's name, address, and the number of rooms reserved. You can also provide a unique code or group name for discounted rates, if applicable. This will make it easier for your guests to book their stay and ensure that they are close to the wedding festivities.

Paragraph 3:

In addition to accommodations, you can also include directions to the wedding venue on this card. Provide clear and concise step-by-step directions, as not everyone may have a GPS or know how to use one. Consider including insider information, such as alternative routes to avoid traffic during rush hour. You can also mention any special parking instructions or venue requirements that your guests should be aware of.

Paragraph 4:

If you are providing shuttle services or transportation to and from the hotel and wedding venue, be sure to include this information on the card. Mention the pick-up and drop-off locations, as well as the shuttle schedule. This will help your guests plan their travel arrangements and ensure that they arrive at the wedding on time. You may also want to include a phone number or contact person for the shuttle service in case your guests have any questions or concerns.

Remember to keep the design of the card simple and elegant, with a legible font, so that your guests can easily read and refer to the information provided.

RSVP card

The RSVP card is a crucial part of a wedding invitation suite. It is a response card that asks invitees to "répondez, s'il vous plaît" or "please reply" in French. Here are some tips and suggestions for what to include on your RSVP card:

Set a Clear Deadline

It is recommended to set an RSVP deadline of about one month or four weeks before the wedding date. This will give you and your vendors enough time to finalise the details, such as the amount of food and drinks needed and the seating chart.

Include the Essentials

The RSVP card typically includes the following:

• A clear RSVP deadline for your guests to keep in mind.
• A way for guests to indicate whether they will be attending or not. This could be in the form of checkboxes, circling, or fill-in-the-blank lines.
• Sufficient space for guests to enter their names and the names of any additional attendees, such as plus-ones.
• Any dietary requirements or meal preferences. If you are serving a plated dinner, you can indicate entree options using checkboxes.

Add More Information

You may also want to include your contact details, dress code information, and your wedding website URL. You can also leave some blank space for guests to write any special requests or notes.

Be Creative with Wording

While the traditional wording for an RSVP is "Accepts With Pleasure/Regretfully Declines", you can add a personal touch by changing the wording to match your style and personality. For example, you could say "Will be there with bells on" or "Will be there in spirit".

"Will you be joining us? We kindly request your reply before [date]. Name(s) of our fabulous guests: ______________ ▢ will be there with bells on ▢ will be there in spirit. Song request: ______________. Advice for the newlyweds: ______________. Entrée Preference: ▢ Meat ▢ Vegetarian. Dessert Preference: ▢ Parfait ▢ Macarons."

Provide Stamped and Pre-Addressed Envelopes

It is courteous and helpful to include pre-addressed and stamped envelopes with your RSVP cards. This makes it more likely that guests will respond on time. The return address for the RSVP cards should be the person in charge of collecting the replies, whether it's the bride, groom, or a designated family member.

Frequently asked questions