Wedding Invite Inserts: What Details To Include

Wedding invites are usually accompanied by a wedding information sheet, which provides guests with all the details that couldn't fit on the invite. This includes important information such as transport and parking arrangements, dress codes, accommodation suggestions, gift registry details, and the schedule for the day. The sheet can be included as a separate card within the invite envelope or as a digital insert.

Travel and accommodation details

If your wedding venue is hard to find, consider including a map insert or directions card. You could include written directions or a small map guiding people from the nearest main road. This will reduce the number of phone calls you might receive on the day from lost guests. If your wedding venue is easy to find, you can skip this card.

If you have reserved hotel room blocks for out-of-town guests, it is recommended that you share this information on an accommodation details card. This is especially important if you have a lot of out-of-town guests who may not be web-savvy enough to find room block details on your wedding website.

Along with the name of the hotel and street address, inform guests of the name or group code your room blocks are listed under, along with the date to reserve by. You may also wish to include the hotel's phone number. If a shuttle is provided from the hotel to your venue, you can add this information here.

If your wedding is in a remote location, it helps to include some information about your local area. Are they able to book a room at the wedding venue, or do they need to find a local hotel or guest house? If the latter applies, make some suggestions of places you know to be pleasant to stay in. Some wedding venues have very high room costs, which may not work for everybody, so including bed and breakfasts and even links to Airbnb in the area can be a great help.

Make sure you include a range of different prices and a brief description of each option, as well as the website and whether you've reserved any rooms.

Parking and transport arrangements

A wedding information sheet is a great way to give your guests all the important details about your big day that can't fit on the invitation itself. It's also a good way to answer common queries to save you time on the day. Here is some text you could use for the "Parking and Transport Arrangements" section of your wedding information sheet:

Parking

For guests arriving by car, please note that there is limited/ample parking at the venue. Please follow the signs provided upon arrival. If you are planning to leave your car overnight, please let us know in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Transport

The venue is easily reached from the hotel/hotels, but for those wishing to book a taxi, it is best to reserve ahead by calling [taxi company name] on [phone number] or [taxi company name] on [phone number].

If you are travelling by public transport, the nearest train station is [station name] and the closest airport is [airport name].

If you are travelling from [hotel name], a coach has been arranged to transport wedding guests to the venue. The coach will depart the hotel at [time] and pick up guests at the end of the night.

Dress code

If your wedding has a dress code, you will most likely have included it on your invitation. However, now is your chance to go into more detail. For example, if you're getting married in a marquee, you might want to let your guests know they'll need "lawn-friendly" shoes. Or, if you're planning an outdoor ceremony in mid-winter, make sure to mention that your guests will want to wrap up warm.

If your wedding venue requires a strict dress code other than black-tie or cocktail attire, you may wish to include an attire card. This is especially important if your wedding is on a military base, where a strict dress code is required for admittance.

Brief attire suggestions, such as lawn-appropriate shoes or beach-casual, are all that's needed. Keep it concise by including only the necessary details.

You can skip this card by including all details on your wedding website. You may also notate black-tie or cocktail attire in the bottom right-hand corner of your invitation.

RSVP and dietary requirements

RSVP cards are a must-have for wedding invitations. Even if you're giving your guests the option to RSVP online, it's important to include a physical card for those who prefer it. The RSVP card should include the reply-by date, meal options (if needed), and a space for guests to indicate the number of attendees in their party. It's also a good idea to include a stamped and addressed envelope for guests to return their responses.

When it comes to dietary requirements, it's important to ask guests to specify any allergies, intolerances, or dietary restrictions when they RSVP. This can be done via the RSVP card, your wedding website, phone, or email. This information will be crucial for your caterers to ensure that everyone's needs are accommodated.

If you're giving your guests the option to pre-order from several menu options, you can include this information on the RSVP card as well. A tick box or a separate reply card can be included for guests to indicate their menu choices. However, be mindful not to include the entire meal description, as this can make the card appear cluttered and hard to read. Opt for short meal options such as "chicken/beef/vegetarian".

It's also worth noting that if you're having a formal event, you may want to follow proper etiquette and list the dietary requirements on a separate enclosure card. This will ensure that your guests have all the information they need in a clear and concise manner.

Sample Wording for RSVP and Dietary Requirements Section

"To help us plan the big day, please RSVP by [date]. You can do so by returning the enclosed RSVP card or through our wedding website. Kindly indicate any dietary restrictions or allergies we should be aware of, as well as your meal preference: [list meal options with short descriptions]."

"Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements or allergies by [date]. You can reach us by phone, email, or through our wedding website. This will help us ensure that we can accommodate your needs."

Gift registry

Traditionally, couples would rely on their bridal party and family members to spread the word about their wedding gift registry. Nowadays, the best ways to notify guests about registry information are via a wedding website, by word of mouth, or on a wedding shower invitation.

It is considered bad etiquette to include registry details on your wedding invitation. Instead, you can include the URL for your wedding website on your invitation, where guests can find more details, including your wedding registry.

"We're looking forward to celebrating with you on our big day. Having you attend our wedding is the greatest gift of all, however, if you're looking for wedding gift ideas, we've registered here for things that we need to outfit our home: [insert details]."

"We've been living together for a while now, so we've put together a gift registry of things we need to spruce up our place. You can find our wish list at [insert details]."

"Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for! If you would like to honour us with a gift, we have registered a list with [insert details]. Gift cards to [insert details] are also appreciated, as we are moving into a new home after the wedding."

"We're thrilled that you're coming to celebrate with us—and that's the best gift of all! But, if you'd like to help us spruce up our place, you can find our registry at [insert details]."

If you're thinking of asking for cash donations instead of physical gifts, you can try something like this:

"We are so excited to have you join our special day and your presence at our wedding is the best gift we could ask for. However, if we are to be honoured with a present from you, a monetary gift towards our [insert how funds will be used] would be very much appreciated."

"We've set up a cash fund wedding registry at [insert URL] under registry ID [insert ID number]. A wedding card box will also be at our reception."

If you're looking for a light-hearted way to ask for cash, you could include a poem:

"On [insert wedding date] we will celebrate,

That we have found our lifelong mates.

We are so excited to become spouse and spouse,

And, in the near future, buy a house.

We have a small registry, as you can see,

But money would help grow our family tree.

We would love a place to plant our roots,

Donations from you would help buy us a roof."

If you don't want any gifts at all, you can make this clear in your registry message:

"Having you join us for our celebration is the only wedding gift we want or need. These precious memories will last a lifetime, so no gifts, please".

"We are so incredibly thankful for the effort you'll be making to join us for our special day in [destination]. Your presence is your present, so please, no gifts!"

Frequently asked questions