The Back Of Your Wedding Invitation: A Creative Guide

Wedding invitations can be a tricky business, and it's not always clear what information should go where. While the front of the invite is usually reserved for the key details—the who, what, when, and where—there's also a lot of other information that needs to be conveyed to your guests. So what goes on the back of a wedding invitation?

The back of a wedding invitation is a great place to include any additional information that won't fit on the front. This could include your wedding website, RSVP details, and even a small map or directions to the venue. If you're having a more casual wedding, it's also a good spot to let guests know about the dress code. Keep in mind that some guests might not think to look at the back, so you may want to include a note on the front saying see reverse for details.

To keep things simple, some couples choose to include extra details on separate insert cards. This could include a reception card (if the reception is at a different location), an accommodations card (for out-of-town guests), or a weekend events card (if there are multiple events over the wedding weekend). Ultimately, it's up to you to decide what works best for your wedding and your guests.

RSVP details

RSVP cards are a must-have for wedding invitations. This is how you will be able to confirm the final headcount with your venue and caterer. There are a few options for how to include RSVP details in your wedding invitation suite. You can include the RSVP details on the actual invitation card or on a separate reply card. If you opt for a separate reply card, be sure to include a specific date by which you would like guests to respond, typically three to four weeks before the wedding date. You can also include a place for guests to write their names and, if you're offering a plated dinner, their entrée preference.

Another option is to direct guests to RSVP on your wedding website. If you choose this option, be mindful of older generations who may not be comfortable using a computer. In this case, you can send them a response card even if you're not including them with the rest of the wedding invitation suites. You can also include the RSVP details on the back of the invitation, but be aware that some guests may not see this information. To mitigate this, you can include a line on the front of the invitation such as "See reverse for details".

Whether you include the RSVP details on the invitation, a separate reply card, or your wedding website, be sure to provide a pre-addressed and stamped envelope for your guests' convenience.

Website address

Wedding invitations traditionally include an insert card with the wedding website address and other details. However, some couples choose to include this information on the back of the invitation instead. This can be a more economical option, but it may risk guests missing the information. To prevent this, some couples include a line on the front of the invitation, such as "See reverse for details".

The wedding website is an incredibly helpful resource for guests, providing important details such as accommodation and travel information, the dress code, and the option to RSVP. It can also include personal touches, such as the couple's story and photos.

Keep it Simple

The website address can be straightforward and easy to remember. For example, "toriscupofjo.com" is a cute and simple URL that Tori and José used for their wedding website.

Use a Custom Domain

Couples can choose to create a custom domain that reflects their wedding's aesthetic or their names. For instance, "toriscupofjo.com" is a custom domain that matches the couple's names.

Include Wedding Details

The website address can incorporate wedding details such as the date or location. For example, a couple getting married in Chicago could have a URL like "chicago-wedding-2024.com".

Get Creative

Feel free to get creative with the website address! It can be fun and unique, reflecting your personality as a couple. For instance, "ourdumbweddingsite.com" is a quirky and memorable URL.

Match Stationery

If you want a cohesive look, match your wedding website address to your stationery suite. This can include using a custom emblem or motif designed by a calligrapher, like Allie and Gavin, who used their emblem across their website and invitations.

Remember, the wedding website address is essential information for your guests, so choose an address that is easy to remember and include it on your invitations or save-the-date cards.

Additional event details

The back of your wedding invitation is a great place to include additional event details. Here are some ideas to consider:

Reception Information:

If your wedding reception is at a different location from the ceremony, include a separate reception card with all the relevant details. Mention the location, address, and time. If it follows immediately after the ceremony, you can simply write "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow." If it's at a different venue, provide clear directions or a custom map to guide your guests. You could also include a line about the nature of the reception, such as "Breakfast Reception" or "Cocktail Attire."

Website and RSVP Details:

Include your wedding website address and RSVP information on the back of the invitation or on a separate insert card. This is especially useful if you prefer online RSVPs. You can also provide an email address or phone number for guests to reach out with any questions or for more details. Numbering your guest list and the corresponding response cards can help you keep track of responses, especially if the handwriting is hard to read.

Dress Code:

While mentioning the dress code on the invitation is optional, it can be helpful for your guests. You can include a line such as "Black-tie," "Formal Attire," "Cocktail Attire," or "Beach Casual" to give them an idea of what to wear. If you have a wedding website, you can also include this information there.

Additional Events:

If your wedding spans a whole weekend with events like welcome drinks, after-parties, or a day-after brunch, it's a good idea to include this information. You can either create a separate weekend events card with a full itinerary or provide these details on your wedding website. This is especially helpful for out-of-town guests, so they can plan their trip accordingly.

Accommodations:

For guests travelling from out of town, include a separate accommodations card with hotel options and recommendations. You can also provide information on room blocks and transportation to and from the hotels to the wedding venue. If there are any deadlines for making reservations, be sure to mention them as well.

Remember, the key is to provide your guests with all the essential information they need to celebrate your special day. The back of the invitation or additional insert cards can be a great way to ensure they have all the details without cluttering the front of the invitation.

Dress code

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to include a dress code so that your guests know what is expected of them in terms of attire. Here are some suggestions for wording the dress code on your wedding invitation:

White Tie or Full Evening Dress

This is the most formal of all wedding dress codes. To indicate this on your invitation, you could use wording such as:

• "White Tie"
• "Full Evening Dress"
• Men: Long-tail tuxedos
• Women: Floor-length ball gowns

Black Tie

Black tie indicates a formal, evening wedding. You could use the following wording:

• "Black Tie"
• Men: Tuxedos with black bow tie
• Women: Formal floor-length gowns
• Black tie does not mean you must wear black

Formal or Black Tie Optional

This dress code is slightly less formal, and guests have the option to dress down if they prefer. Wording suggestions include:

• "Formal Attire"
• "Black Tie Optional"
• Men: Dark suit with a shirt and tie, or a tuxedo
• Women: Floor-length gown, knee-length cocktail dress, pantsuit, or dressy separates

Lounge Suit or Semi-Formal

This dress code is suitable for a semi-formal daytime wedding. The wedding party will be in formal attire, but it's optional for guests. Suggestions include:

• "Lounge Suit"
• "Semi-Formal Attire"
• Men: Classic suit or tux with a tie
• Women: Floor-length dresses or evening pantsuits

Cocktail Attire

Cocktail attire strikes a balance between elegant and comfortable. It's a step above smart casual. Here are some ideas:

• "Cocktail Attire"
• Women: Tea-length, knee-length, or midi dress
• Men: Suit and tie (no tuxedos)

Smart Casual

Smart casual attire strikes a balance between dressy and casual. Guests are asked to dress neatly without being too formal or too casual. Suggestions include:

• "Smart Casual Attire"
• Men: Dark denim, chinos, or suit pants with a neat shirt
• Women: Skirt or smart trousers

When including the dress code on your wedding invitation, you have a few placement options. You can put it in the lower left or right-hand corner of the invitation, or centre it at the bottom. Alternatively, you can include it on a separate information card or on your wedding website.

Return address

The return address is an important part of your wedding invitation and serves a couple of purposes. Firstly, it tells your guests where to send their RSVPs. Secondly, it lets them know where to send any gifts if they are unable to attend or would prefer to send their gift in advance.

The return address should be placed on the back flap of your invitation envelope and on the front side of your response envelopes. If you are using double envelopes (inner and outer), the return address only needs to go on the outer envelope. It is also worth noting that the return address on the response envelope should include names, whereas the invitation envelope should only include the physical address.

There are a few options for formatting your return address. Formally, the return address should be handwritten, but it is now also acceptable to have it printed, use a mailing label, or a return address stamp. If you are using the bride and groom's names on the response envelope, there are a couple of formal options for doing so:

• Ms. Kari Johnson Mr. Bradley Shaw
• The Johnson-Shaw Wedding

If you are keeping it casual, you could simply write:

Kari and Bradley

Finally, it is worth noting that traditionally, the names of the bride and groom should not appear together in print until after the wedding. So, if the unmarried couple is living together, the return address should be addressed to the bride only.

Frequently asked questions