The Anatomy Of A Wedding Invitation

Wedding invitations are usually accompanied by an 'invitation suite' or 'stationery suite', which includes all the paper goods sent with the wedding invitation. This typically includes an outer envelope, an optional inner envelope, an RSVP card, and an optional details card. The invitation itself should include the names of the couple, the hosts, the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception, and any dress code.

Date and time of the ceremony

The date and time of the ceremony are essential details that should be included in a wedding invitation. Here are some tips and guidelines to consider when providing this information:

Be Specific and Clear:

Provide the exact date and time of the ceremony, including the day of the week, date, month, and year. For example, "Saturday, the seventeenth of August two thousand twenty-four at half after four in the afternoon." The time can be written numerically (4:30 pm) or spelled out, depending on the desired format and level of formality.

Consider Cultural and Local Variations:

Remember to specify the time of day, especially if your wedding is taking place in a country or culture where afternoon and evening start at different times. For instance, in Australia, afternoon begins at twelve o'clock, and evening starts at six o'clock.

Include Venue-Specific Details:

Mention specific spaces within the venue, such as "In the Chapel" or "On the Lawn", to ensure your guests know exactly where to go. This is especially helpful if the ceremony and reception are held in different areas of the same venue.

Account for Time Zones:

If your wedding has guests travelling from different time zones, clearly indicate the time zone for the ceremony to avoid any confusion.

Provide Contextual Information:

Let your guests know if they need to arrive earlier for specific reasons, such as arrival drinks before the ceremony. You can include a line like, "Please arrive from 12:30 pm to be seated for the ceremony to begin at 1:00 pm prompt."

Be Mindful of Format and Legibility:

When designing your invitations, ensure that the font and format you choose for the date and time are easy to read. This is crucial, especially for older guests or those with visual impairments.

Include Time-Related Details on Direction Cards:

If you're including direction cards with your invitations, it's a good idea to mention the expected travel time or any potential traffic delays that guests should be aware of when planning their arrival.

Ceremony and reception location

The ceremony and reception location are essential details to include on a wedding invitation. The main invitation card should mention the venue for the marriage and the location for the reception that follows. If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, a simple line like "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow" can be included.

If the ceremony and reception are at different venues, a separate reception card with the start time and address is necessary. This card can be placed inside the same envelope as the main invitation. The full address, including the postcode, should be included for each venue to make it easy for guests to find their way, especially if the venue is off the beaten track. For example, if the wedding is in a marquee on a farm, it is helpful to include brief directions on a details card.

The details card can also include the websites of the venues if they have useful information, such as maps and directions. Additionally, it is a good idea to include parking information on the details card, especially if parking is limited or tricky to find. If you plan to provide transport for your guests, you can include brief details about the pick-up and return times and locations.

• "Our ceremony & reception venues: St Cybi’s Church, Llangybi, Usk NP15 1NP. The Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel and Spa, Llangybi, Usk NP15 1PG."
• "Ceremony: Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Randwick. Reception: The Argyle, The Rocks, Sydney."
• "Ceremony: In the Chapel at [venue name and address]. Reception: On the Lawn at [venue name and address]."

RSVP details

Response Card and Envelope:

It is standard to include an RSVP or response card with a pre-addressed and stamped envelope for your guests' convenience. This allows them to easily confirm their attendance or regrets. Numbering the cards and envelopes can help you keep track of responses and ensure you can identify any unclear handwriting.

Online RSVP Option:

In addition to physical response cards, you may opt to include your wedding website address on the invitation or a separate small card. This provides an alternative method for guests to RSVP, particularly those who may be more tech-savvy or prefer a paperless option.

RSVP Deadline:

It is important to include an RSVP deadline, typically three to four weeks before the wedding date. This deadline should be clearly stated on the response card or wedding website.

Meal Choices:

If you are offering your guests meal options, such as chicken, fish, steak, or vegetarian choices, include checkboxes on the response cards for them to indicate their preferences. This information is crucial for finalising details with your caterer.

Guest Names and Number of Guests:

On the response card, include a space for guests to write their names, especially if you are offering a plated dinner. This ensures an accurate headcount and helps you identify any dietary restrictions or allergies. If you are allowing guests to bring a plus-one, indicate this on the response card with a "+1" or specify "and Guest."

Contact Information:

Provide a contact name, address, phone number, or email address for guests to reach out to for any questions or clarifications regarding their RSVP. This can be included on the response card or the invitation itself.

Return Address:

Don't forget to include your return address on both the response card envelope and the outer envelope of the invitation suite. This ensures that any mailed responses are correctly directed back to you.

Postage:

Ensure you have the correct postage for both the invitation suite and the response card envelope. Take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to determine the exact postage required, as heavier invitations may require additional stamps.

Hand-Cancelling:

When mailing your invitations, consider requesting hand-cancelling instead of machine-cancelling. Hand-cancelling avoids unsightly marks on your envelopes and is especially important if you have placed the return address on the back of the envelope, which machines may not be able to read properly.

These details will help ensure you receive timely and informative responses from your guests, allowing you to finalise arrangements with caterers, venues, and other vendors.

Dress code

The dress code is an important part of a wedding invitation, as it helps your guests plan their outfits for the big day. Here are some tips and suggestions for including dress code information on your wedding invitations:

Including Dress Code on the Invitation

Including dress code information on your wedding invitation is optional. Many couples choose to omit this detail and instead provide this information on their wedding website. However, if you want to include it on the invitation, there are a few ways to do so. You can mention the dress code in the lower corner or bottom centre of the invite, or use a separate details card tucked into the invitation envelope. This card can also include other information such as accommodation options, transport arrangements, and venue details.

Choosing the Right Dress Code

When deciding on the dress code for your wedding, consider the formality of the event. Are you going for a black-tie affair or something more casual? Some common dress code options include:

• Black Tie
• Semi-formal
• Lounge Suit
• Cocktail
• Smart Casual
• Casual

Examples of Dress Code Wording

• "Black tie optional"
• "Semi-formal attire"
• "Casual attire"
• "Dressy casual attire"
• "Formal attire, wedding hats encouraged"
• "The reception will be in a barn on a working farm, please choose your footwear accordingly"

Other Considerations

When deciding on the dress code, you may also want to consider the venue and any unique circumstances. For example, if your reception is in a barn or on a farm, guests will need to choose their footwear accordingly. Or, if your wedding is taking place in a location with a specific dress code, such as a church, it's important to let your guests know.

In conclusion, including dress code information on your wedding invitation is a helpful way to ensure your guests feel prepared and know what to expect. Choose a dress code that reflects the formality of your event and be sure to communicate any unique circumstances that may impact your guests' attire.

Extra information about the venue

The venue details are a crucial aspect of your wedding invitation, providing guests with the essential information they need to plan their attendance. Here are some ideas and suggestions for including extra information about the venue on your wedding invitations:

Parking and Transport

Inform your guests about the parking arrangements at the venue, especially if parking is limited or tricky to find. For instance, "Parking around the church is limited. We recommend parking in Ton Road." You can also mention if overnight parking is allowed for guests who may need it.

If you are providing any transport for your guests, such as from the ceremony to the reception venue, include a brief note with the pick-up times and locations.

Accommodation

If there is accommodation available at or near the venue, provide details such as special rates, booking instructions, and contact information. You can also suggest nearby alternatives, considering different price ranges to accommodate various budgets.

Venue Payment Methods

If your venue has gone 'cashless', it is helpful to inform your guests that only card or contactless payments will be accepted. This will allow them to come prepared with the right payment methods.

Arrival and Departure Times

While the main invitation should mention the ceremony time, you may want your guests to arrive and be seated a little earlier. You can include a line such as, "Please arrive from 12:30 pm to be seated for the ceremony beginning at 1:00 pm prompt."

It is also helpful to include the expected end time of the reception so that guests can pre-book their taxis or arrange transport home. A traditional way to convey this is by stating, "Carriages at midnight."

Menu Options

If you are offering your guests the opportunity to pre-order from a menu with several options, include this information on the invitation. You can include the full menu on the invitation card and provide tick boxes on the reply card for guests to indicate their choices.

Dress Code

While not mandatory, providing a dress code can be helpful for your guests. Some examples include black tie, formal attire, wedding hats encouraged, barn/farm attire, etc.

Child Attendance

If you have chosen to have an adult-only wedding, you can politely make this clear on your invitation card. For example, "Respectfully, an adult occasion. While we love to see children laugh and play, our wedding will be an adult-only kind of day."

Venue Contact Details

Provide the full address and contact details of the venue(s) to make it easier for your guests to find the location and get in touch if needed.

Remember, while it is essential to include key venue details, avoid overloading your invitations with excessive information. Only include what your guests need to know to plan and prepare for your big day effectively.

Frequently asked questions