Deborah Chan
Wedding invitations are an essential part of wedding planning. They are the first line of defence in delivering important details to guests. But what information is crucial, and what can be left out? Here is a comprehensive list of what to include in your wedding invitations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bride and Groom's Names | Full names, or first and middle names |
| Date and Time | Written out in full, or abbreviated/numerals |
| Location | Full address, including street address, state, and postcode |
| RSVP | Response card, email, or phone number |
| Dress Code | Black Tie, Semi-formal, Lounge Suit, Cocktail, Smart Casual, Casual |
| Hosts | Names of the hosts (usually the people paying) |
| Request Line | "Request the Pleasure of Your Company", "Invite You to Celebrate the Marriage of", "Request the Honor of Your Presence" |
| Reception Information | "Reception to Follow", "Celebration to Follow", "Dinner and Dancing to Follow" |
| Extra Venue Information | Parking, transport, accommodation, venue cashless policy |
What You'll Learn
Names of the hosts and the couple
The names of the hosts and the couple are an important part of a wedding invitation. The hosts are usually the people paying for the wedding, and their names should be listed first, followed by an invitational line. For example, "Mrs Lauryn and Mr Robert Devine request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Sophia Anne Devine to Matthew Paul Johnson".
If the couple is hosting the wedding themselves, their names can be listed first, and they can choose to include their first and middle names, first and last names, or full legal names. They can also choose to omit their middle and/or last names, which is acceptable in contemporary wedding etiquette. For instance, "Sophia Devine and Matthew Johnson invite you to join them as they exchange vows".
When it comes to the order of the couple's names, traditionally, for heterosexual couples, the woman's name is listed first, but couples can choose to order their names in a way that feels right to them. LGBTQIA+ couples may choose to order their names alphabetically, by age, or in another way that suits them.
The hosts' and couple's names are essential information to include on a wedding invitation, giving the guests a clear understanding of who is getting married and who is hosting the celebration.
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Date, time and location
The date, time, and location of your wedding are arguably the most important pieces of information to include on your invitations. Here are some tips and suggestions on how to present this information effectively:
Date and Day of the Week
It is customary to write out the day of the week, date, and month in full. For example, "Saturday, the sixteenth of October, two thousand and ten". In some countries, such as Australia, the day of the week comes first, followed by the date and then the month. However, in other regions, it is common to use numerals or abbreviations for the date.
Time
It is essential to include the time of the ceremony on your invitations to avoid latecomers. Specify the hour and time of day (a.m. vs. p.m.) to eliminate any confusion. For a more formal invitation, write out the time in words rather than using numerals (e.g., "four o'clock in the afternoon"). If your wedding is in the afternoon, you can also add "afternoon" after the time (e.g., "Saturday afternoon"). Be mindful that the definition of "afternoon" may vary depending on the country and culture.
Location
Provide the name and full address of your wedding venue(s). If the ceremony and reception are at different locations, include separate cards with the reception information, including the start time and address. If they are at the same place, you can simply add a line such as "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow". If your venue is in a remote area or hard to find, consider including brief directions on a details card or your wedding website.
Additional Venue Information
If your venue has unique characteristics or is unfamiliar to your guests, consider including extra information. For example, provide instructions for parking, especially if parking is limited or tricky to find. You may also want to mention any transport options you are providing for guests, such as from the ceremony to the reception. If your venue has specific payment methods, such as being cashless, it is helpful to inform your guests.
RSVP Deadline
While this may not fall directly under date, time, and location, it is crucial to include an RSVP deadline to help with your planning. Give your guests a specific date to respond by, ideally, three to four weeks before the wedding. This will allow you to confirm final numbers with your venue and caterer.
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RSVP details
Response Card and Envelope
Include a response card within the invitation suite for guests to confirm their attendance. On the response card, specify a deadline for responses, usually about two to four weeks before the wedding date. Also, provide a place for guests to write their names and, if offering a plated dinner, their entrée preference. It is also becoming more common to include an email address for RSVPs.
Pre-Addressed and Stamped Envelope
For the convenience of your guests, provide a pre-addressed and stamped envelope along with the response card. This makes it easier for them to respond and ensures you receive the responses promptly.
Online RSVP Option
If you prefer to receive RSVPs through your wedding website, ensure you include the website address on the invitation or a separate card. However, consider including a response card as well to accommodate older guests or those who may not be comfortable using a computer.
Additional Events
If you are hosting other events, such as a welcome party or a farewell brunch, provide clear instructions for RSVPing to these events. You can include an insert within the invitation or send separate invitations for these additional events.
Gift Registry Information
If you have a gift registry or prefer monetary contributions for your honeymoon, this information can be included on a separate card within the invitation suite. You may also choose to include a poem or a polite note indicating your preferences.
Guest Clarification
If your wedding is adults-only or has specific restrictions on children's attendance, make this clear on the invitation or a separate card. You can use phrases like "Respectfully, an adult occasion" or "While we love to see children laugh and play, our wedding will be an adult-only kind of day."
Accommodation and Transport
If you have guests coming from out of town or anticipate they will need accommodation, include a separate card with hotel recommendations, room block information, and transportation details. You can also mention any special rates available and booking instructions.
Parking Information
If parking is limited or tricky at the venue(s), it is helpful to include this information on your invitation details card. Let guests know where preferred parking areas are and any restrictions they should be aware of.
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Dress code
The dress code is an important part of a wedding invitation as it lets guests know what to wear. While it is not essential to include, it can be useful to give your guests a sense of the style of your wedding.
- Black Tie: This is a formal dress code, and guests are expected to wear formal attire such as tuxedos or floor-length gowns.
- Semi-formal: This dress code is a step down from black tie, but still calls for elegant attire. Men can wear a suit and tie, while women can opt for a cocktail dress or a dressy pantsuit.
- Lounge Suit: This dress code is more relaxed than semi-formal. Men can wear a suit without a tie, and women can choose a more casual dress or a pantsuit.
- Cocktail: The cocktail dress code is typically more formal than lounge suit. Men usually wear a suit and tie, while women can wear a cocktail dress or a dressy jumpsuit.
- Smart Casual: This dress code is more relaxed and allows for more flexibility. Men can wear a blazer and dress pants or a nice button-down shirt with dress pants. Women can opt for a dress, a skirt and blouse, or dress pants with a nice top.
- Casual: As the name suggests, this dress code is the most relaxed and informal. Guests can wear whatever they feel comfortable in, such as dress pants and a nice top, or even jeans and a casual shirt.
It is worth noting that the level of formality of the dress code can also be indicated by the wedding invitation design and wording. For instance, a black-tie ballroom soiree might call for full names, while a casual beach ceremony might be better suited to just the couple's first names.
Additionally, it is important to consider the venue and theme of the wedding when choosing a dress code. For example, if the reception will be held in a barn on a working farm, guests should be advised to choose their footwear accordingly.
The dress code can be included directly on the wedding invitation or on a separate details card enclosed within the same envelope as the invitation. It is also common to include the wedding website address on the invitation, where guests can find more detailed information about the dress code and other relevant details.
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Reception information
If your wedding reception is at a different location from the ceremony, you should include a separate card with the reception details. This card should include the start time and address of the reception. You can also include a line such as "Reception to Follow", "Celebration to Follow", or "Dinner and Dancing to Follow" if the ceremony and reception are at the same location.
If your reception is at a different location, you could include brief directions on your details card. You could also note down the venue's website if it has useful information such as maps and directions.
If your reception is held before 1 pm, the first line of the reception card should say "Breakfast Reception". Anything after 1 pm is simply "Reception". If you want to indicate a sit-down meal, the first line should read "Dinner Reception".
If you are providing transport for your guests, for example, from the ceremony to the reception, you can include these details on the reception card. A brief description is enough, for example, where and when the pick-ups are and what time the return will be.
If you are providing accommodation for your guests, you should include this information on your details card. Give 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.
If your venue has a car park, it is helpful to include information about parking. For example, if parking is limited, you could recommend some alternative parking spots. If your venue allows overnight parking, make sure to mention this too.
Finally, if your venue is cashless, it is helpful to let your guests know that cards or contactless payments are the only accepted forms of payment.
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Frequently asked questions
The key details to include are the names of the couple getting married, the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception, and how to RSVP.
Some optional things to include are the dress code, a map or directions to the venue, accommodation options, transport information, and parking arrangements.
For heterosexual couples, the woman's name is typically listed first, followed by the man's name. However, the order of names can be customised to what feels right for the couple. LGBTQIA+ couples may choose to list their names alphabetically, by age, or in another preferred order.
A wedding invitation suite refers specifically to the components of the wedding invitation that are sent in the envelope, such as the invitation card, RSVP card, and envelope. On the other hand, a wedding stationery suite includes other paper items like menus, thank-you cards, and save-the-date cards.
The cost of sending wedding invitations can vary depending on the printing method chosen. Digital printing can be more affordable, while methods like letterpress and engraving may be more expensive. The weight of the invitation suite can also affect postage costs.
