Wedding Invitation Details: What To Include And Why

Wedding invitations are more than just an elegant design and the date of your nuptials. Wedding details cards, sometimes called wedding enclosure cards, are an integral part of the wedding invitation suite. They include information that doesn't fit on the invite or RSVP card, such as accommodation details, transportation information, directions, and dress code. They give guests a fuller picture of your special day and ensure they have all the necessary information.

Reception information

If your ceremony and reception are hosted at different venues, or if there is a long break between the two, you may want to include a reception insert card with your invitation. This card should include all the extra details about the reception venue, including the name and address, as well as the start time of the festivities. If you're hosting a cocktail hour, be sure to include this on your card. You may also want to list attire notations, such as "black-tie" or "cocktail attire".

If your ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you don't need a separate card for this. However, it's still a good idea to include the reception details on your wedding invitations, listing the venue name and address, and, if the reception is not immediately following the ceremony, the start time.

If there is a significant time gap between the ceremony and reception, you might want to suggest an in-between activity to keep your guests entertained.

If your wedding is particularly formal, you may want to follow proper etiquette and list details on separate enclosure cards by topic. However, to save on postage and stationery costs, you can include some details on the same card. For example, you could put hotel room block and transportation information on the same card.

If you have a wedding website, you can include the URL on your reception card, or on a separate card, to direct guests there for more information.

Reception Card Wording Examples

• "You're invited to dance the night away at [venue name], [address], from [time]"
• "Join us for food and drinks at [venue name], [address], straight after the ceremony"
• "Continue the celebrations at [venue name], [address], from [time]"

Dress code

The dress code is an important element of a wedding invitation details card. It is a chance to give your guests a clearer picture of what your special day will look like and ensure they are dressed appropriately.

The level of formality of your wedding should be clearly communicated on the details card. This could be as simple as stating "black-tie", "cocktail attire", "formal", or "garden party chic". If your wedding has a unique theme, it is also a good idea to give your guests a sense of what they should wear. For example, if your wedding is on a beach, you might want to suggest "beach casual", or if it is outdoors, you might recommend "lawn-appropriate shoes".

If you have a wedding website, you can direct guests there for more information about the dress code. You could include a QR code that takes guests to a Pinterest mood board with outfit suggestions.

If you are having multiple events, it is helpful to include the suggested attire for each. For example, Friday night is a cocktail reception, Saturday is the wedding, and Sunday morning is a brunch. You can convey this information in a few different ways. You could include multiple invitation enclosures, with each event and its details on a separate card. Or you could include an itinerary card with the schedule and dress code for each event.

If you are having a destination wedding or a multi-day affair, a simplified weekend itinerary document can be a good way to give guests an overview of what to expect and what to wear. You can also include small graphics or illustrations to convey this information in a fun and creative way.

Remember, you don't want to overwhelm your guests with too much information, so try to keep the dress code description short and sweet.

Travel and accommodation details

If you're hosting a destination wedding or have a lot of out-of-town guests, it's a good idea to include travel and accommodation details in your wedding invitation. This can be done through a separate enclosure card or as part of a wedding details card. Here are some tips and suggestions for what to include:

Accommodation Card:

• Offer multiple lodging options, including hotels, inns, or other accommodations to cater to different preferences and budgets.
• Provide clear contact information, such as phone numbers and websites, for each accommodation choice.
• Include any booking codes or special arrangements you've made for your guests, such as room blocks and reservation deadlines.
• If there is a shuttle service provided from the hotel to the venue, mention this as well.

Travel/Transportation Card:

• If relevant, provide simple directions from the airport to the hotel or venue.
• Include any pertinent information for parking at the wedding venue or other event locations.
• Mention any alternative transportation options, such as shuttles, car rental services, or local taxi companies.
• You can also include charming watercolour maps or important local landmarks to help guide your guests.

Combining Cards:

To save on postage and stationery costs, you can combine travel and accommodation details onto one enclosure card. For example, you can include hotel information and transportation details on the same card. However, if you're hosting a very formal event, you may want to follow proper etiquette and list these details on separate cards.

Remember to keep the wording brief and concise, as too much information can make the card appear cluttered and difficult to read. You can also include your wedding website on the card, where guests can find more detailed information.

Map and directions

If your wedding venue is hard to find or doesn't show up properly on GPS, a map insert or directions card can be very helpful for your guests. A hand-drawn map can add a fun and colourful element to your stationery suite. However, if you're on a tight budget, a text-based directions card is the most affordable option.

If you're having multiple events that require more details than a simple date, time, and location, you might want to include multiple map inserts or directions cards with your invitations.

Here's what to include on your map and directions card:

• Clear and simple directions to your venue or an illustrated map.
• If the wedding venue is difficult to find, consider including both a map and detailed directions.
• If there are multiple events, consider including a map for each location.
• You can also include simple directions from the airport to the hotel, or any pertinent information for parking at the wedding venue.
• If you're feeling extra, include an additional insert with important locales on a charming watercolour map.
• Remember to keep the card single-sided to avoid confusion.

Ways to Save

• Skip the map or directions card if your venue is easy to find on GPS.
• Include the map or directions on your wedding website instead.
• If you have multiple events, list the addresses on your wedding website and provide a link or QR code on your invitation.

RSVP and dietary requirements

RSVP cards are a must-have for any wedding invitation suite. They are essential for getting an official headcount, which will help you plan for your big day. It is recommended to set your reply-by date at least four weeks in advance of your wedding, and ideally 45 days before. This will give you enough time to finalise numbers with your venue and caterer.

The RSVP card should include spaces for guests' names, their response (accepting or declining), and any additional guests ("+1s") in their party. If you are offering meal options, include a line for guests to indicate their meal preference, such as chicken, beef, or vegetarian. This is especially important if you are offering a sit-down meal, as it will help you plan the correct amount of each dish.

If you have guests with dietary restrictions or allergies, it is important to accommodate their needs. Include a line on the RSVP card for guests to indicate any dietary requirements, such as "Please list any dietary restrictions or allergies." This will allow you to plan alternative meal options for those who need them.

For online RSVPs, provide a link or QR code that directs guests to the RSVP page on your wedding website. This can be included on a separate response card or on the invitation itself. If you are collecting RSVPs by mail, don't forget to include postage stamps on your response cards!

[Guest name]: [_ _ _ _]

Will attend: [_ Yes _ No]

Number of guests: [_ _ _]

Meal preference: [_ Chicken _ Beef _ Vegetarian]

Dietary restrictions or allergies: [_ _ _]

Please RSVP by [date].

Frequently asked questions