Wedding Reception Invite: What To Include

Wedding invitation wording can be tricky, especially when it comes to wedding reception-only invites. The key is to make it clear that guests are not invited to the ceremony, but to the celebration of the marriage. This can be done by announcing your marriage rather than inviting guests to witness it. For example, We eloped! Now we want to celebrate! or Join us for a reception celebrating the marriage of Ross & Rachel.

If your wedding and reception are on different days, you will likely need two invitations. If they are on the same day, the main invitation should include reception details only, with a smaller insert card with ceremony details. This insert card will only be included in envelopes mailed to guests who are invited to both events.

The difference between wedding invitations and reception invitations

Wedding invitations and reception invitations are often combined into one invitation, but there are a few occasions where a separate wedding reception invitation is necessary. Here are the key differences between the two:

Purpose

The main purpose of a wedding invitation is to invite guests to witness the official marriage ceremony. On the other hand, a reception invitation is for inviting guests to the celebration that follows the ceremony.

Timing

A wedding invitation is typically sent out well in advance of the wedding day, giving guests enough time to plan and RSVP. A reception invitation, on the other hand, may be sent out at the same time or after the wedding has taken place, depending on the circumstances. For example, if the couple has already had a small ceremony, they may send out reception invitations to announce their marriage and invite guests to celebrate with them.

Wording

The wording of a wedding invitation usually includes the request for guests to witness the marriage ceremony. Phrases such as "request the honour of your presence" or "request the pleasure of your company" are commonly used. On the other hand, reception invitation wording focuses on celebrating the marriage. Phrases like "request the pleasure of your company for a reception in celebration of their new marriage" or "join us for hors d'oeuvres, drinks, dessert, and dancing" are appropriate. It's important to avoid any wording that hints at witnessing the marriage ceremony, especially if the reception is the only event being hosted.

Details Included

A wedding invitation includes details such as the date, time, and location of the ceremony, as well as the names of the couple and their parents (if applicable). A reception invitation, meanwhile, includes the date, time, and location of the reception, as well as any relevant details such as transportation arrangements or dress code.

Guest List

The guest list for a wedding invitation and a reception invitation can vary. In some cases, a couple may choose to have an intimate ceremony with a smaller guest list and then invite a larger group of people to the reception. In this case, two separate guest lists would be created, and guests invited only to the reception would receive a separate reception invitation.

In summary, while a wedding invitation and reception invitation often go hand in hand, there are distinct differences between the two, and it's important to word and send them appropriately to avoid any confusion or offence to the guests.

When to send wedding reception invitations

If the Ceremony and Reception Are at Separate Venues

In this case, it is customary to include a reception invitation or card along with the rest of your invitation suite. This provides guests with all the necessary information in one place. It should include the name and address of the reception venue, as well as the start and end times. You may also include directions from the ceremony venue to the reception venue or a note about pre-arranged transportation between the two locations.

If You've Already Tied the Knot

If you had a small ceremony, eloped, or got married for any other reason, you may choose to send out wedding reception invitations to celebrate with a larger group. Since there is no ceremony, the invitation can be less formal and reflect the theme of the party. This invitation can also serve as an announcement of your marriage, even if you've already shared the news on social media.

If the Ceremony is Intimate

There are several reasons why your reception guest list might be longer than your ceremony guest list. For instance, you may be having a religious ceremony with limited attendance or your ceremony venue may have strict capacity restrictions. In these cases, it is common to send reception invitations along with your normal wedding invitation suite. It is recommended to allow ample time between the end of the ceremony and the start of the reception to accommodate travel between venues and to create a distinction between the two events.

Timing Guidelines

Regardless of the scenario, it is generally recommended to send out wedding reception invitations six to eight weeks before the event. However, if your reception involves travel for many guests, you may consider sending the invitations earlier. Additionally, you may opt to send save-the-dates to your guests several months in advance, especially if you're planning a destination wedding.

Who should receive a wedding reception invitation

When it comes to wedding reception-only invitations, there are a few different scenarios that may apply. Here's a detailed guide on who should receive a wedding reception invitation in each case:

If the Ceremony and Reception Are at Separate Venues:

In this case, it is common courtesy to invite all guests from the ceremony to the reception. It is considered poor etiquette not to invite ceremony guests to the reception. So, anyone who witnessed the main event should also be invited to continue the celebration.

If You've Already Tied the Knot:

If you had a small ceremony, eloped, or got married for any other reason, and now want to celebrate with a bigger group, a wedding reception invitation is a great idea. Since there is no ceremony, this invitation can be less formal and can reflect the theme of the party. Everyone on your guest list for this celebration should receive a reception invitation.

If the Ceremony Is Intimate:

There are several reasons why you may want a smaller wedding ceremony than a reception, such as religious restrictions, venue capacity limits, or a desire for an intimate ceremony. In this case, you'll need to create two guest lists: one for those invited to both the ceremony and reception, and another for those invited only to the reception.

When deciding who makes it to the ceremony guest list, try to set clear and consistent rules to avoid any tension or hurt feelings. For example, you could limit the ceremony to only family and the wedding party (plus their significant others) or only immediate family and close friends.

General Tips:

• It is considered proper etiquette that all ceremony guests are invited to the reception as well. However, you have the flexibility to have a small ceremony followed by a larger reception.
• When creating your guest list(s), consider any travel arrangements that guests may need to make, especially if the ceremony and reception are on different days or in different locations.
• Be mindful of the timing between the ceremony and reception, especially if they are on the same day. You may want to consider having the ceremony earlier to allow for travel time and to create a distinction between the two events.
• Be transparent about the ceremony being private. Your guests will understand your need for an intimate ceremony if you are honest with them.

Tips for sending a wedding reception invitation

The guest list

If your wedding ceremony and reception are held at different times or locations, you will need to create two guest lists: one for those invited to both, and one for those invited to the reception only. If your ceremony and reception are on the same day, it is considered poor etiquette not to invite reception-only guests to the ceremony as well.

The invitation

If your wedding and reception are on different days, you will likely need two invitations for each event. If they are on the same day, the main invitation should include reception details only, with a smaller insert card containing ceremony details. This insert card will only be included in envelopes mailed to guests who are invited to both events.

The wording

The wording of your invitation should make it clear that guests are not being invited to witness the marriage but to celebrate it. It is also important to make it clear that you are already married if that is the case. Here are some examples of wording for a reception-only invitation:

• "We eloped! Now we want to celebrate!"
• "Join us for hors d'oeuvres, drinks, dessert, and dancing."
• "You're invited to a reception celebrating the marriage of [couple's names]."
• "Mr. and Mrs. [parents' names] request the pleasure of your company at the marriage reception of their daughter [daughter's name] and [partner's name]."

The RSVP

Don't forget to include RSVP cards with pre-addressed and stamped envelopes. Number the names on your guest list and write the corresponding number on the back of each response card so that you can identify each response.

How to word wedding reception invitations

The wording of your wedding reception invitations will depend on a few factors, such as whether you are having a private ceremony, a small ceremony, or a destination wedding. Here are some tips and examples to help you word your invitations.

Private or Small Ceremony

If you are having a private or small ceremony followed by a larger reception, it is crucial to make the reception-only guests aware that they are not invited to the ceremony. It is also important for guests invited to both the ceremony and reception to know that they can attend both celebrations. This is usually achieved by creating two separate guest lists and sending out two separate invitations or a main invitation with a smaller insert card containing ceremony details.

For the reception-only invitation, it is important to announce your marriage rather than invite guests to witness it. Here are some examples:

> "We Eloped! Now we want to celebrate!"

> "Join us for hors d'oeuvres, drinks, dessert, and dancing."

> "You’re invited to a reception celebrating the marriage of Ross & Rachel."

> "Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Spector request the pleasure of your company at the marriage reception of their daughter Elizabeth Taylor and James Steven Smith."

Destination Wedding

If you are having a destination wedding followed by a stateside reception, you will likely need two separate invitations. The wording for the reception invitation can be less formal and reflect the theme of the party. Here is an example:

> "We are happy to announce that Jane Doe and Anne Deere were married in a private ceremony on Saturday, June 3rd, 2023, in Lake Como, Italy. Please come and celebrate at their reception on Saturday, September 2nd, 2023, at 2:00 in the afternoon."

General Tips for Wording

• Include the host line, which is usually the parents' names, followed by the couple's names.
• Include a request line, where you request the guests' attendance.
• Provide the date, time, and location of the reception.
• Specify the dress code, if applicable.
• Include an RSVP card with a deadline for responses.
• If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you can simply state, "Reception to follow." If they are at different venues, include the reception details on a separate insert card.

Frequently asked questions