Wedding Invitation Details: What To Include And Why

Wedding invitations are a key part of wedding planning. They should include essential information such as the couple's names, the date, time and location of the ceremony and reception. But what else should be added to ensure your guests have all the details they need?

In addition to the invitation itself, there are several other cards and enclosures that can be included in the suite. Response or RSVP cards are standard and allow guests to confirm their attendance, the number of guests and any dietary requirements. It is also helpful to include a stamped and addressed envelope for these to be returned.

Other optional cards include a reception card, detailing the type of reception and providing directions or a map. If the wedding is taking place in an off-the-beaten-track location, a separate directions or map card can be useful. An accommodations card can be included to let guests know about hotel options and room blocks. A details card can also be added with extra information such as parking, transport, menu choices, dress code and gift registry details.

Finally, don't forget the outer envelope to contain all the materials, and consider adding an inner envelope for an extra elegant touch.

RSVP and response card

Setting a Clear Deadline

It is recommended to set an RSVP deadline of around four weeks before the wedding date. This will allow you, your vendors, and your caterers enough time to finalise the guest count and make the necessary arrangements. For destination weddings, it is advisable to set the deadline two months before the wedding date to allow guests enough time to confirm their travel plans.

Matching Stationery

For an elegant and cohesive look, ensure that your RSVP and response cards match the rest of your wedding stationery. Pre-addressed and stamped envelopes are also convenient for your guests and help ensure a prompt response.

Essential Elements

The response card itself should include the following essential elements:

• A clear RSVP deadline.
• A way for guests to indicate whether they will be attending or not. This could be in the form of checkboxes, circling, or fill-in-the-blank lines.
• Sufficient space for guests to write their names and the names of any additional guests or plus-ones.
• Space for guests to indicate any dietary restrictions or requirements.

Additional Information

You may also want to include the following on your response card:

• Contact details such as a phone number and email address.
• A reminder of your wedding website URL.
• Information about the dress code, if not mentioned elsewhere.
• Space for guests to write any special accommodation requests or notes.

Creative Wording

While the traditional wording for an RSVP is "Accepts with Pleasure/Regretfully Declines", you can add a creative twist to your response cards. Here are some fun and unique examples:

• "Will be there with bells on/Will be there in spirit".
• "Yes, you will see our/my face(s)/Sorry, we're/I'm busy that day!".
• "Beachy keen to attend/Sorry, we/I can't make the flight!".
• "Yeah, baby!/Dang, we're/I'm busy!".

Online RSVPs

You may also consider asking your guests to RSVP through your wedding website. This can be a convenient and cost-effective option, especially for eco-friendly weddings. However, it is important to keep in mind that older loved ones may not be comfortable with this method, so offering both digital and paper RSVP options is a great solution.

Reception card

A reception card is an optional but helpful addition to a wedding invitation suite. It is especially useful if your wedding reception is at a different location from the ceremony, or if you are hosting a destination wedding. Here is some information you can include on a reception card:

Location and Time

If your wedding reception is at a different location from the ceremony, include the full address, postcode, and other specifics like parking and transport options. If your reception is at the same location as the ceremony, you can simply include a line on the main invitation like "Reception to follow". If your reception is at a different location, include the start time and address on a separate card.

Nature of the Event

The wording of your reception card can indicate the formality of the event. For example, "Breakfast Reception" for a morning event, or "Dinner Reception" for a sit-down meal.

RSVP and Website Details

If you are offering a plated dinner, you can include a place for guests to check their entrée preference. You can include this on the reception card or on a separate RSVP card. You can also direct guests to RSVP and find more information on your wedding website.

Dress Code

While including the dress code on the actual invitation is optional, you can include a line on the reception card indicating the expectation, for example, "Black Tie" or "Casual Attire".

Additional Details

Other details you may want to include are accommodation options, especially if you have reserved rooms for guests at a certain hotel, and whether your venue is cashless.

Directions and/or map

If your wedding venue is hard to find, consider including a map insert or directions card. This is especially useful if your venue doesn't show up properly on GPS or is in a rural location with poor cell service. A hand-drawn map can add a fun and colourful element to your stationery suite, and it can also be a nice keepsake for you and your guests. However, hand-drawn maps can be quite costly, so if you're on a tight budget, a text-based directions card is a more affordable option.

If you opt for a map, be sure to include a simple illustration or directions to your venue, without any additional details. Keep this card single-sided to avoid confusion. If you're including directions, be sure they are clear and easy to follow. You can also include the address and postcode for Sat Nav users.

If your ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you may not need a separate card for this. You can simply include a line on your invitation such as "Reception to Follow" or "Dinner and Dancing to Follow".

For destination weddings, be sure to include more detailed information about the location, directions, and accommodation options. Send these invitations earlier than usual to give guests more time to book their travel plans.

Dress code

The dress code for our wedding is [dress code]. We kindly request that our guests dress accordingly and suggest the following attire:

For men: [suggested attire for men].

For women: [suggested attire for women].

Please note that [additional notes on dress code, e.g. specific venue requirements, weather considerations, etc.]. We want our guests to feel comfortable and enjoy the day, so feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the dress code.

Examples:

White Tie

"We request the honour of your presence at our white tie wedding on [date]. Please join us in full evening dress to make this night exceptionally grand."

Black Tie

"You are cordially invited to the wedding of [name] and [name] on [date]. To honour this special occasion, we kindly request that you dress in black tie attire. Let's make this a night of timeless elegance and unforgettable memories."

Black Tie Optional

"We are excited to celebrate with you! Our wedding will be a Black Tie Optional affair, so feel free to wear a tuxedo or a formal suit. We can't wait to see you looking your best!"

Creative Black Tie

"Formalwear is suggested, with a twist! Feel free to add a touch of your unique style with bold patterns, sequins, or velvet."

Cocktail Attire

"Join us for a stylish evening as we celebrate our wedding on [date]. Dress Code: Cocktail Attire. We look forward to seeing you in your chic and elegant outfits!"

Semi-Formal Attire

"We're excited to celebrate with you! Dress Code: Semi-Formal. Suits and dresses are perfect – dress to impress but feel comfortable."

Dressy Casual

"Our celebration will be dressy casual. This means a button-down shirt or a posh summer dress—something you might wear to a nice dinner."

Casual

"We're keeping things relaxed! Come as you are and join us for a fun and comfortable celebration."

Gift registry

While it is considered bad etiquette to include registry wording on your wedding invitation, you can include an informational insert in the envelope with a link to your wedding website. This is a much more subtle approach when it comes to asking for gifts from guests. It is commonplace and proper etiquette to include the URL for your wedding website on your invitation to direct guests to the web page to RSVP and to find more details, including your wedding registry.

Your wedding website is the communication hub for all of your wedding details, so it makes sense to use this as the primary place for listing registry information. Most wedding website templates offer a registry tab. This is the perfect place for engaged couples to list their registry information. The wedding details section of your website is also a good spot. Simply create a "Wedding Registry" section.

• "We are lucky enough to already have nearly everything we need for this new chapter together! However, for friends and family who have expressed an interest, we have created a gift registry for your convenience here: (link)"
• "Celebrating with you on our special day is the only gift we require. However, for your convenience, we have registered at (store name) for the items we’d find the most useful as we prepare for married life! You can view our registry here: (link)"
• "Please know that your presence at our wedding is present enough! However, for friends and family who have been asking for gift ideas, we’ve created an online registry with (store name) here:"

Remember to keep your wording tactful, warm, and appreciative. Make it clear that a gift is definitely not necessary or expected, but that options are available if guests need guidance.

Frequently asked questions