Wedding Invitation Directions: A Comprehensive Guide To Include

When it comes to wedding invitations, there's a lot to consider. While it's easy to assume that guests will have no trouble finding the venue, including directions can be a thoughtful touch, especially for those who may not be familiar with the area.

Although it was once standard to include a map, today's guests are likely to have smartphones, so a simple directions card or enclosure card with the full address of the wedding ceremony and reception venue should suffice. This can be included in the invitation suite or on a separate details card.

It's also a good idea to include parking information, transport details, and even a custom weekend map for out-of-town guests.

Include a map and directions

Including a map and directions with your wedding invitations is a thoughtful gesture, especially for guests who may not be familiar with the area or those without smartphones. While it is no longer considered mandatory to include a map, it is still considered good etiquette to provide directions.

• Provide Clear and Concise Directions: Ensure that your directions are easy to follow and include important landmarks or road names. You can also include a link to an online map or your wedding website for additional information.
• Consider the Format: You can include a map and directions on a separate insert or enclosure card that complements your invitation suite. This card can include the full address of the wedding ceremony and reception venues, as well as any relevant parking or transportation information.
• Be Mindful of Design: Choose a style and font for your map and directions that match the colour palette, theme, and tone of your wedding invitations. This will create a cohesive and elegant look for your invitation suite.
• Offer Additional Information: In addition to the map and directions, you can provide other helpful details such as accommodation options, venue contact information, and any specific dress code or menu choices.
• Consider Older Guests: While most people use GPS or smartphones for directions, including a physical map and directions can be especially helpful for older guests who may not be as comfortable with technology.
• Edit and Proofread: Before finalising your map and directions, carefully review them for accuracy. Check for typos, unclear phrasing, or missing information. It is also a good idea to have someone else review it to ensure nothing is missed.

Including a map and directions with your wedding invitations will not only provide practical guidance for your guests but will also add a thoughtful and personalised touch to your wedding stationery.

Provide the full address of the venue(s)

Providing the full address of your wedding venue(s) is essential for your guests to be able to attend your special day. This is especially important if your venue is off the beaten track, or if your guests are unfamiliar with the area. It is also helpful to include the postcode for Sat Nav users, and the venue's website if it has useful information such as maps and directions.

It is also worth noting that, while it is no longer necessary to include a map in your invitations, it is a nice touch and can be helpful for guests to visualise the area.

• "St Cybi's Church, Llangybi, Usk NP15 1NP"
• "The Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel and Spa, Llangybi, Usk NP15 1PG"

If you are hosting your ceremony and reception in the same venue, you can simply write "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow" on your invitations. If the reception is at a separate location, you can include the full address and other details on a separate card tucked inside your main invitation.

• "Reception immediately following the ceremony"
• "Dinner and dancing to follow"
• "Cake, punch, and merriment to follow (if you're not serving a full meal)"

Give parking and transport details

Providing parking and transport details is a great way to ensure your guests arrive at your wedding on time and without unnecessary stress. Here are some tips on how to include this information in your wedding invitations:

Parking Arrangements:

Explain any parking restrictions or limitations at the venue(s). For example, if parking is limited, suggest alternative parking areas nearby. If overnight parking is allowed, be sure to mention this, especially if guests may need to leave their cars and take a taxi instead.

Examples:

• "Parking around the church and village is limited. We recommend parking in Ton Road."
• "Cars may be left at the New House overnight but must be collected by 10 am the following morning."

Transportation for Guests:

If you plan to provide transportation for your guests, include brief details such as the pick-up and return times and locations. You can also add a tick box to your reply cards to get an idea of numbers for transportation.

Example:

"Cars may be left at the venue overnight but must be collected by 10 am the following morning."

Maps and Directions:

Although most guests will have smartphones with GPS, including directions and a map is a nice gesture and gives guests extra confidence in knowing where to go. This is especially helpful if they are unfamiliar with the area or if the venue is off the beaten track.

You can include a printed map or a link to an online map on your wedding website. If you include a map, consider adding a custom weekend map as a keepsake for you and your guests.

Insert Cards and Websites:

Consider including an insert card with your invitation that provides transportation and parking details. You can also direct guests to your wedding website, where they can access all the necessary information, including maps and directions.

Example insert card wording:

"For more information, including directions, accommodations, reception details, and to RSVP online, please visit our wedding website at: [wedding website address]"

Add venue payment information

If your wedding venue has gone cashless, it is helpful to inform your guests about the accepted payment methods. This can be done by including a line such as "Please note that the venue only accepts card or contactless payments". This ensures that your guests are aware and can come prepared with the right payment methods.

You can also include information about the parking arrangements at the venue. If parking is limited or tricky to find, it is a good idea to mention this in your invitation. For example, "Parking around the venue is limited. We recommend parking in the nearby [parking location]". This will help your guests plan ahead and arrive at the venue on time.

If you are providing any transport for your guests, such as from the ceremony to the reception, you can include brief details about the pick-up locations and times. A simple line such as "Cars may be left at the venue overnight but must be collected by 10 am the following morning" can be added to your invitation.

Additionally, if there are any specific dress codes or themes for your wedding, you can include a line such as "The reception will be held in a barn, so please choose your footwear accordingly". This will help your guests know what to expect and prepare accordingly.

Finally, if you have a wedding website with more detailed information, you can include the URL or a QR code on your invitation. This will allow guests to easily access additional venue and payment information.

Specify arrival and finish times

It is important to specify arrival and finish times on your wedding invitations so that your guests know when to arrive and when to leave. This is especially important if you are providing transport or have limited parking at your venue(s).

"Please arrive from 12.30 pm to be seated for the ceremony to begin at 1.00 pm prompt."

"The ceremony will begin at 1.00 pm prompt, please arrive from 12.30 pm."

"The ceremony will begin at 4:30 pm, with arrival drinks being served from 3.30 pm."

"Carriages at midnight."

"The ceremony will begin at half after four o'clock in the afternoon, with arrival drinks and canapes being served from three o'clock."

"Guests are welcome to arrive from 2 pm, with the ceremony commencing at 3 pm."

You can also include a separate card with your invitations that details the day's schedule, including arrival and finish times. This can be particularly useful if you have multiple events throughout the day.

"12.30 pm: Guests arrive

• 00 pm: Ceremony begins
• 00 pm: Drinks and canapes
• 00 pm: Wedding breakfast is served
• 00 pm: Speeches
• 00 pm: Evening guests arrive
• 30 pm: First dance

Midnight: Carriages"

Frequently asked questions