Essential Details For Wedding Invites

Wedding invitations are an important part of the big day, giving guests a taste of what's to come. While the design and style of the invite set the tone for the wedding, there are several key details that must be included to ensure guests have all the information they need.

Date, time, and location

The date, time, and location of your wedding are essential details that must be included in your invitations. Here are some tips and suggestions for including this information:

Date and Time:

It is important to include both the date and the time of your wedding ceremony on the invitation. Be sure to state the start time to indicate to guests how early they need to arrive. Provide the hour and specify the time of day (a.m. or p.m.) to avoid any confusion. For formal invitations, it is customary to write out the time rather than using numerals (e.g., "four o'clock in the afternoon").

Ceremony and Reception Location:

Whether your ceremony and reception are at the same venue or different locations, provide the name and address of each. If the ceremony and reception are at the same place, you can include a line like "Reception to Follow" or "Dinner and Dancing to Follow." If the reception is elsewhere, include a separate reception card with the start time and address.

Additional Venue Information:

If your wedding is in an unusual venue (e.g., a national park) or a place your guests may not be familiar with, consider including extra details. Instructions about parking, custom maps, or directions from the ceremony to the reception venue can be helpful. This information can be included as an insert or on a separate card within the invitation suite.

RSVP and Response Card:

Include an RSVP or a way for your guests to respond to your invitation. This can be done through a physical response card or an online RSVP system on your wedding website. If using response cards, provide a deadline for responses, typically three to four weeks before the wedding date. Also, include a place for guests to write their names and their entrée preference if you're offering a plated dinner.

Outer and Inner Envelopes:

Use outer envelopes to hold all the components of your invitation suite together. Inner envelopes are optional but can add a personal touch and provide an easy way to list the names of the invited guests. The outer envelope typically includes the names and addresses of the invited guests or their family, while the inner envelope can be more informal, listing first names or initials.

RSVP details

The RSVP section of a wedding invitation is typically a separate card that needs to be sent back to the couple. This card should include the following details:

Names of the Guests

The first thing to include on your RSVP cards is a blank line for guests to write their names. On a formal RSVP card, you may write an "M" at the start of the line to indicate that guests should include their proper honorific (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss) before their name. This guarantees that you know who is attending and how to correctly spell everyone's names on the seating chart. If you are inviting couples, it is advised to have them write in their guest's full name.

Accept or Decline

The primary purpose of an RSVP card is to learn who is coming to the wedding. So, naturally, you'll need a line for guests to accept or decline the invite. This could be formatted as checkboxes, circling, or fill-in-the-blank lines. An accurate guest count is vital for completing your wedding planning checklist, so it is recommended to set an RSVP deadline of around four weeks before the wedding date.

Number of Guests Attending

It is useful to include a way for your guests to indicate the number of people attending. You could use something like "___ guests attending out of ___". You can fill in the second box yourself, according to how many people you've invited. This is especially important if you've invited multiple people with one invitation (e.g. families and couples) as you'll need to know how many can (and can't) make it and any guests who will be bringing plus ones.

Food Options and Dietary Requirements

If you'll be serving dinner at your wedding reception, you'll want to collect your guests' food preferences and if they have any dietary requirements or food allergies. Include checkboxes to indicate their entrée options. In either case, leave a fill-in-the-blank line for guests to detail any dietary restrictions.

Special Requests

You may also include a special request line on your RSVP cards. A common one is song requests, though some couples also ask for guests' drink of choice or a favourite memory of the couple.

Stamped and Addressed Envelopes

If you are doing postal RSVP cards, include a stamped, addressed envelope with all of your RSVP cards. This is important because it can be rude to make your guests pay to send their RSVP cards back, and it makes it much easier and quicker for your guests to return their cards.

Gift registry

While it is considered poor etiquette to include registry information on your wedding invitation, you can still let your guests know about your gift registry in other ways. Here are some tips and suggestions for informing your guests about your gift registry:

Wedding Website

It is common practice to include the URL for your wedding website on your invitation, where guests can find more details about your special day, including your gift registry. Most wedding website templates offer a dedicated "Registry" tab or section, making it easy for guests to find your registry information. In the "Registry" section, you can include links to your online gift registry or cash fund, along with a personal message. Here are some examples of what you could write:

> We're looking forward to celebrating with you on our big day. Having you at our wedding is the greatest gift of all. However, if you're looking for gift ideas, we've registered here for things that we need to outfit our home: [insert registry link]

> We're moving in together for the first time after the wedding, so we've put together a gift registry of things we need to complete our home and for our new life together. You can find our wish list at [insert registry link]

> Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for! If you would like to honour us with a gift, we have registered a list with [insert registry link] Gift cards to [insert details] are also appreciated as we are moving into a new home.

> We're thrilled that you're coming to celebrate with us, and that's the best gift of all! But if you'd like to help us spruce up our place, you can find our registry at [insert registry link]

Word of Mouth

Another way to spread the word about your gift registry is through word of mouth. Inform your close family members and bridal party about your registry, and they can pass the information on to anyone who asks. This was a common practice before the advent of wedding websites. If guests want to give you a gift, they will likely ask about your registry, so it's a good idea to have this information ready to share.

Bridal Shower or Wedding Shower Invitations

If you are having a bridal shower or wedding shower, it is appropriate and encouraged to include registry information on these invitations. Here is an example of what you could include:

> " [Bride] and [Groom] have registered at [insert store name]. You can find their gift list online at [insert store URL] or in-store with registry ID number: [insert registry number]"

Some retailers also provide gift registry cards with the registry details printed on them, which can be included in the invitation. Alternatively, you can order custom enclosure cards with the registry information and a QR code, available from sites like The Knot, Zazzle, Basic Invite, and Etsy.

Online Gift Registry Wording

When creating your online gift registry, remember that guests are not obligated to purchase from your wish list. Keep your wording warm and appreciative, making it clear that a gift is not expected but appreciated. Here are some examples:

> We are lucky enough to already have nearly everything we need, but for friends and family who have expressed an interest, we have created a gift registry for your convenience: [insert registry 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 items we'd find most useful: [insert registry link]

> Please know that your presence at our wedding is present enough! But for friends and family who have been asking for gift ideas, we've created an online registry: [insert registry link]

Wishing Well Wording

If you prefer a cash donation instead of physical gifts, you can set up a wishing well at your reception or an online cash registry or honeymoon fund. Be honest and polite in your wording, and keep it light-hearted. Here are some examples:

> After spending nearly 10 years together, we already have everything we need! However, for those who wish to bless us with a gift, a wishing well will be present at our reception.

> Your love and company on our wedding day are the only presents we require! But if you do wish to honour us with a gift, a contribution to our honeymoon fund would be much appreciated: [insert link]

Remember, it is important to follow proper etiquette when communicating your gift registry details to your guests. While you want to provide clear information, avoid making it sound like a request or expectation.

Dress code

Including dress code information on your wedding invitations is a great way to ensure your guests know what to expect and help them feel confident in their attire choices. Here are some tips and suggestions for wording your wedding dress code:

Where to Include the Dress Code

There are a few options for where to include the dress code information:

• On the wedding invitation itself, either in the lower left or right-hand corner or at the bottom centre of the design.
• On a separate information or details card, especially if you want to keep your invitation simple and uncluttered.
• On your wedding website, along with other important information such as directions to the venue.

Wording the Dress Code

When wording the dress code, it's important to be clear and direct. Here are some examples of wording for different dress codes:

• White Tie: "Please join us in your most royal formalwear."
• Black Tie: "Our venue requires formal attire. Men are requested to wear tuxedos, and women are requested to wear floor-length gowns."
• Black Tie Optional: "Formal attire is suggested. Men may choose to wear a suit and tie, and women may opt for a floor-length dress or a cocktail dress."
• Creative Black Tie: "Formalwear is suggested, with a touch of flair. Feel free to incorporate bold patterns and materials, such as velvet or sequins."
• Cocktail Attire: "We suggest knee-length or midi dresses for women and suits or dress shirts with ties for men."
• Semi-Formal: "For women, we suggest below-the-knee dresses, slip dresses, dressy skirts, or pantsuits. For men, a dress shirt and slacks with the option to wear a tie."
• Dressy Casual: "We want you to be comfortable. Women can wear sundresses, lightweight separates, or nice trousers with flats or wedges. Men can opt for a light dress shirt with khakis or a jacket."
• Casual: "We suggest summer dresses or skirts for women and dress pants or collared shirts for men. Feel free to add a tie or sports jacket if desired."

Remember to consider the time of day, venue, season, and your own personality and style when choosing and wording your dress code. You can also include visual guidance, such as a Pinterest board with examples, to give your guests a clearer idea of what to wear.

Additional events

If your wedding will span a whole weekend, with multiple events such as a welcome cocktail party, rehearsal dinner, after-party, or a day-after brunch, it's a good idea to include a full itinerary for guests so they know what to expect and pack for. This can be included on an insert card that matches your wedding theme.

• Weekend schedule: Information on when and where wedding party activities will be held.
• Rehearsal dinner details: When and where it will take place.
• Other meals: Details of any other meals, such as a bridal brunch or lunch.
• Transportation: Information on transportation to and from hotels to the wedding and other events.
• Accommodation: Hotel recommendations with room blocks and transportation details.
• Dress code: If different from the wedding, specify the dress code for each event.
• Gifts: Let your guests know if you're having a wishing well or gift registry.
• Children: Clarify whether children are invited to each event.

Frequently asked questions