Essential Details To Include On Your Wedding Invites

Wedding invitations are an important part of wedding planning. They are often the first line of defence when it comes to delivering important details to guests. But what information should be included in a wedding invitation suite? Here's a comprehensive list of what to include to ensure your guests have all the information they need.

Date, time and location

The date, time and location of your wedding are arguably the most important pieces of information to include on your invitations. Here are some tips on how to present this information effectively:

Date and Time

Confirming the date and time of your wedding is an absolute must. Be sure to include the year and specify whether the wedding will take place in the morning, afternoon or evening to avoid any confusion. On formal invitations, it is customary to write out the time rather than using numerals (e.g. "four o'clock in the afternoon").

Location

Whether your ceremony and reception are taking place at the same spot or different venues, it is crucial to include the name and full address of both locations. If the ceremony and reception are at the same location, you can simply include a line like "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow". If the reception is at a different location, you'll need to include a separate reception card with the start time and address.

If you're getting married in a unique or remote venue, it's a good idea to include extra information such as instructions for parking or a custom map of the area. This will ensure your guests know exactly where they're going and reduce the risk of latecomers.

Additional Tips

• If your wedding reception is not going to be held in the same location as the ceremony, you may also need to include a separate card with the reception information, indicating the formality and nature of the event.
• For destination weddings, be sure to give guests plenty of time to plan by sending out save-the-date cards and invitations well in advance.
• If your wedding will span a whole weekend with multiple events, it's a good idea to include a full itinerary for guests so they know what to expect and pack accordingly.

RSVP details

RSVP cards are one of the most important elements of a wedding invitation. Unless you decide to use an online RSVP system, a physical response card is standard. This card, once mailed back, confirms whether or not the guest will attend and allows space for them to indicate if they are bringing a guest and their food preference.

RSVP cards can be bought separately or as part of a wedding invitation package. It is recommended to include a specific date by which you would like guests to respond, usually about three to four weeks before the wedding date. This deadline can be included on the RSVP card itself or on a separate card.

If you are offering a plated dinner, you can also include a section on the RSVP card for guests to indicate their entrée preference. If the caterer requires it, you should also include a section for guests to indicate any special dietary restrictions.

If you are concerned about uninvited guests, you can include a line such as "We have reserved ____ seats in your honour" or "Number attending: ___".

When sending response cards, include a pre-addressed and stamped envelope for your guests' convenience.

You can also choose to forego response cards altogether and direct guests to RSVP on your wedding website. However, it is recommended to still send response cards to older guests who may not be comfortable using a computer.

Dress code

The dress code is an important aspect of a wedding invitation, providing guests with guidance on what to wear and setting the tone for the event. Here are some tips and suggestions for including dress code information on your wedding invitations:

Including Dress Code Information:

• It is optional to include dress code details on the invitation itself. Many couples choose to use their wedding website to communicate the expected attire.
• If you decide to include attire expectations, you can indicate the level of formality by using terms such as "Casual Attire," "Dressy Casual Attire," "Semi-Formal Attire," "Black Tie Optional," "Black Tie," or "White Tie."
• The level of formality can also be implied through the formality of the invitation itself. For example, a black-tie ballroom event may call for full names, while a casual beach ceremony may be more suited to just first names.
• If you have a wedding theme, such as a tropical or rustic theme, your invitation design can also give guests a hint about the expected dress code.

Providing Clear Guidance:

• Be as clear and specific as possible about the dress code to avoid confusion or uncertainty among your guests.
• Consider the venue and any unique aspects of the event that may impact the attire. For example, if it's an outdoor wedding in a garden or on a beach, guests should be dressed accordingly.
• If you have a specific colour scheme or theme that you want guests to adhere to, find a subtle way to convey this information, either through the invitation design or additional details cards.
• If there are any cultural or religious elements to the wedding that may impact the dress code, be sure to provide this information as well.

Considering Your Guest List:

• Take into account the diversity of your guest list. Be mindful of different cultural backgrounds and religious beliefs that may influence their attire choices.
• If you have guests with varying levels of familiarity with wedding dress codes, consider providing a brief description or explanation of the expected attire.
• For guests who may have limited financial resources or access to formal wear, consider suggesting rental options or offering to connect them with other guests who can assist with attire.

Handling Sensitive Topics:

• Be cautious when addressing sensitive topics related to dress code. For example, avoid making assumptions about guests' cultural backgrounds or religious beliefs.
• If you are requesting a specific dress code for religious or cultural reasons, provide a respectful explanation to help guests understand the significance.
• In cases where you prefer guests to avoid certain colours or styles, communicate this discreetly and consider providing alternative options or suggestions.

Remember, the dress code you choose should align with the overall theme and atmosphere of your wedding. By providing clear and considerate guidance, your guests will be well-informed and feel confident about their attire choices for your special day.

Extra venue info

If your wedding venue is in a unique location (such as a national park) or somewhere your guests may not be familiar with, it's a good idea to include an insert with extra information. This could include instructions for parking, a custom map of the area, or a list of things for guests to do in the lead-up to the wedding.

• Directions and a map: While most people use GPS on their phones to navigate, including a map or directions to your venue is a thoughtful touch, especially for guests without smartphones or if your wedding is in an area with poor signal. A custom map can include landmarks, hotels, and the wedding venue.
• Accommodation and transportation details: If you have guests travelling in from out of town, it's helpful to reserve a block of rooms at a nearby hotel. You can include the hotel name, address, and any special booking codes or deadlines. You can also provide guests with information about parking, public transportation, and/or shuttle services.
• Rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, and other events: If you're hosting any events before or after the wedding, you can include details about these on a separate card. This could include information about a rehearsal dinner, welcome drinks, or a farewell brunch. These cards can be smaller than the invitation and worded more informally.
• Weekend schedule: If your wedding spans a whole weekend, it's a good idea to include a schedule of events so guests know what to expect. This could include welcome drinks, an after-party, a day-after brunch, and any other activities.
• Local attractions: You can include a list of things for guests to do in the area, such as local attractions or restaurants.

Including extra venue info will ensure your guests have all the information they need to get to your wedding and enjoy themselves. It will also reduce the number of questions you receive from guests, making the lead-up to your wedding less stressful.

Hosts and guests

The host line is the opening line on a wedding invitation and traditionally names the people who are paying for the wedding. However, nowadays, this isn't always the parents of the bride, and it is respectful to list anyone contributing to the wedding, either by name or with a line such as "together with their families".

If the bride's parents are hosting, their names would typically come first, followed by the groom's parents. For same-sex couples, list the names according to preference or in the order that looks best with the invitation design. For divorced parents, include the mother's name first, followed by the father's name on a separate line.

If the couple is hosting, you can skip the host line or start with a welcoming introduction such as "Together with full hearts".

The request line is where you invite your guests to join your wedding celebration. Traditionally, couples would include formal wording to denote a formal religious ceremony, whereas casual language is used for non-religious services or more casual weddings. Common wording includes "invite you to join", "please join us to celebrate", and "the pleasure of your company".

The couple's names should be clearly legible and prominently featured. For heterosexual couples, the bride's name traditionally comes first. For same-sex couples, the host line may dictate the name order. If you are hosting, it is up to you to decide whose name comes first.

Guests

The invitation should tell guests the critical information about the wedding: who is getting married, the date, time, and location. It should also convey the tone and formality of the wedding, including the dress code.

The date and time should be included in full, with the day of the week and month capitalised and the year in lowercase. The time of day should be spelled out, e.g. "four o'clock" or "half after four o'clock".

The location should include the name and full address of the venue, including the state and zip code. If the wedding is abroad, include the country. If the reception is at the same venue, you can simply say "reception to follow". If it is elsewhere, include the full address on a separate card.

Including the dress code on the invitation is optional, but it can be helpful for guests. If your wedding is black-tie, you must include this. If no dress code is specified, guests will infer the formality of the event from the invitation.

RSVP

Indicate how guests should RSVP, unless you are including a separate response card. Include a specific deadline for responses, usually about three to four weeks before the wedding.

Frequently asked questions