Wedding Invites: What To Include In Your Suite

Wedding invitations are a crucial part of the planning process, providing guests with essential information about the big day. While the design and wording of invitations can vary, there are several key components that should be included to ensure guests have all the details they need. These include the full names of the couple getting married, the date, time, and location of the ceremony, as well as any extra information about the venue such as parking or transport options. It is also important to include an RSVP card or online link, along with a deadline for responses, and details about the dress code or any specific attire requests. For weddings with multiple events, it can be helpful to include a separate card with the full itinerary. Finally, don't forget the practical elements like stamps, envelopes, and address labels to ensure your invitations reach their intended recipients!

The who, what, when and where

The wedding invitation suite refers to all the paper goods sent with the wedding invitation. The invitation itself is the most important element, but there are several other pieces of information that should be included in the suite. Here is a detailed breakdown of the who, what, when and where of wedding invitations.

Who

The invitation should include the names of the couple getting married. For heterosexual couples, the woman's name is typically listed first, but the names can be ordered however the couple prefers. For LGBTQIA+ couples, names can be listed alphabetically, by age, or in any other preferred order. The names of the hosts (usually the people paying for the event) may also be included. If the couple's parents are contributing financially, their names should be included.

What

The invitation should include key details such as the time, date, and location of the ceremony and/or reception. If the ceremony and reception are in the same place, a simple line like "Reception to Follow" can be included. If they are in different locations, a separate reception card with the address and start time is needed.

Other "what" details that can be included are:

• RSVP information: whether guests should RSVP online or via a physical card, and the deadline for doing so
• Dress code: this is optional but can be useful for guests
• Extra information about the venue: parking instructions, transport options, and any unique aspects of the venue (e.g. if it's cashless)
• Menu options: if guests are choosing from several menu options, this can be included on the invitation or a separate card
• Gift information: if the couple has a gift list or wishes to request money, this can be included
• Children: if children are not invited, this can be stated on the invitation

When

The date and time of the ceremony should be included on the invitation. It is also important to specify whether the event will take place in the afternoon or evening.

Where

The name and location of the ceremony and/or reception venue should be included. If the venues are in unusual locations or are hard to find, additional directions or a custom map can be included.

Other Considerations

Some other optional elements of a wedding invitation suite are:

• An inner envelope: this indicates who is specifically invited and can be used to clarify whether guests can bring a plus-one
• A weekend events card: if the wedding spans multiple days and includes events like a welcome party or brunch, a full itinerary can be included
• An accommodations card: this is useful for guests coming from out of town, providing hotel options and transportation information

RSVP details

Response Card and Envelope:

Include a response card, commonly known as an RSVP card, within the invitation suite. This card allows guests to indicate their attendance and is often paired with an envelope for their convenience. Pre-address the envelope to yourself and affix postage, making it easier for guests to respond promptly. Number your guest list and corresponding response cards for efficient tracking, especially if handwriting is illegible or a guest forgets to include their name.

RSVP Deadline:

Specify a deadline for guests to respond by, typically recommended as three to four weeks before the wedding date. This deadline helps with final headcounts for venue and catering arrangements.

Online RSVP Option:

In addition to the response card, provide an online RSVP option via your wedding website. This caters to tech-savvy guests and those who prefer a more convenient method. Ensure your wedding website is easily accessible and user-friendly.

Meal Choices:

If offering a plated dinner with multiple entrée options, include checkboxes on the response cards for guests to indicate their preferences. This ensures the kitchen is well-prepared and guests receive their chosen meals.

Contact Information:

Provide contact information, such as an email address or phone number, as an alternative RSVP method. Some guests may find this more accessible or may have additional questions regarding the event.

Response Card for Older Guests:

Consider including a response card for older guests who may not be comfortable using a computer to RSVP online. This thoughtful gesture ensures all guests can respond without technological barriers.

Return Address:

Don't forget to include your return address on both the outer envelope and the response card envelope. This ensures that any wayward invitations or responses find their way back to you.

Postage:

Check the weight of your invitation suite, as heavier bundles may require extra postage. Take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to determine the exact postage needed, avoiding potential delivery issues.

Hand-Cancellation Request:

When mailing the invitations, request hand-cancellation instead of machine-cancellation for the stamps. Machine-cancellation can leave unsightly marks on your carefully designed envelopes. Additionally, hand-cancellation may be necessary if the return address is on the back of the envelope, as machines might not identify the correct side.

Reception information

The reception is a key part of the wedding, and there are many details to consider including in your invitations. The first thing to include is the location and time of the reception. If your ceremony and reception are in different places, it's a good idea to include a separate reception card. This should include the start time and address. You could also include a line such as "Dinner and Dancing to Follow" or "Reception to Follow". If your reception is in the same place as the ceremony, you can simply write "Reception to Follow" on the invitation.

You may also want to include details about transport to and from the reception. If you are laying on transport for your guests, include a few brief details, such as 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.

If your reception venue has limited parking, it's a good idea to mention this on your invitation. You could also recommend some alternative parking spots. If your venue allows overnight parking, be sure to mention this too.

If you are providing accommodation for your guests, include the details on your invitation. Give the name and address of the hotel, as well as any booking information, such as special codes or deadlines. You can also suggest some nearby alternatives, remembering to consider all price points.

If your venue has any specific payment methods, such as card or contactless only, it's helpful to let your guests know.

Finally, if your reception has a specific dress code, include this on your invitation. Some examples of dress codes include black tie, semi-formal, lounge suit, cocktail, smart casual, and casual.

Additional events

If you are planning to host additional events, such as a welcome party, cocktail hour, or a farewell brunch, it is a good idea to include this information in your wedding invitation. Here are some suggestions on how to communicate these extra events to your guests:

Insert Cards

You can include insert cards along with your wedding invitations, providing details about the additional events. This could include the date, time, and location of each event, as well as any relevant information that guests may need to know. This ensures that your guests have all the necessary information in one place.

Separate Invitations

Alternatively, you could create separate invitations for each additional event and include them in the same envelope as your wedding invitation. This approach is especially useful if not all guests are invited to every event. By providing separate invitations, you can clearly indicate who is invited to each event.

Website Details

If you have a wedding website, you can include the URL on your invitation or on a separate insert card. On your website, create a dedicated page for each additional event, providing all the necessary details. This approach allows you to provide more comprehensive information and reduces the amount of paper needed. However, keep in mind that not all guests may visit your website, so it is important to include essential information on the invitation itself.

RSVP Details

When providing information about additional events, it is helpful to include RSVP details. This could be in the form of a separate RSVP card for each event or a single RSVP card with options to respond to multiple events. You can also direct guests to RSVP for additional events through your wedding website. This helps you keep track of attendance for each event and plan accordingly.

Transportation and Accommodation

If your additional events require guests to travel to different locations or stay overnight, it is essential to provide transportation and accommodation details. Include information about any transportation you are providing, along with pick-up and return times. Additionally, suggest nearby accommodation options and provide instructions on how to book, including any special rates or deadlines for reservations.

Itinerary and Timing

If your wedding spans multiple days or includes various events, consider providing a full itinerary for your guests. This helps them plan their time effectively and ensures they don't miss out on any of the festivities. Include timing details for each event, such as arrival times, start times, and end times. This allows guests to manage their schedules and make any necessary arrangements.

Gift and accommodation information

If you have guests coming in from out of town, it is helpful to include an accommodations card with hotel options and recommendations. Include the hotel's name, address, phone number, and any special rates available. You can also suggest some nearby alternatives, remembering to consider all price points. Here is an example:

> Accommodation is available at [Hotel Name]. Please book directly with them, quoting [Name] wedding for a preferential rate.

If you are covering guests' accommodations, it is proper etiquette to indicate that on the accommodation card. Be sure to include any information regarding transportation to and from hotels to the wedding.

If you have a gift registry, you can include this information on your wedding website. However, if you prefer to include this information in your invitations, you can add it to your details card or create a separate card dedicated to gift information. Here is an example:

> Your presence on our special day is a gift in itself. However, if you wish to give us something, we would be extremely grateful for a contribution to our honeymoon fund.

If you do not want gifts, you can add a line to your details card or gift card, such as:

> Please, no gifts.

You can also request that guests donate to a charity of your choice instead of giving gifts.

Additional Information

If your wedding will span a weekend and include multiple events such as a welcome party, an after-party, or a day-after brunch, it is a good idea to include a full itinerary for your guests. This will help them know what to expect and pack accordingly. Here is an example:

> We will be hosting a welcome cocktail party on [date] at [location]. We hope you can join us!

You can also include hotel recommendations with room blocks and transportation locations and times. This is also where you would mention if any wedding weekend activities are adults-only.

Frequently asked questions