A Guide To Reception Cards In Wedding Invites

A reception card is a separate card included with a wedding invitation that provides guests with the time and location details of the reception. It is considered essential when the reception is held at a different location from the ceremony. The card may also include additional information such as attire, start and end times for certain events, and transportation arrangements. While some invitation designs can incorporate this information, a separate reception card is often necessary and helpful for guests.

When to include a reception card

A reception card is a separate card included with your wedding invitation that details the time and location of the reception. It is particularly important to include a reception card if your reception is at a different location or venue to your ceremony, or if you want to let your guests know specific start and end times for certain events at the reception.

• The reception is at a different location to the ceremony: In this case, it is essential to include a reception card so that your guests know where to go. The card should include the full name of the reception venue, along with the street address, city, and state. You may also include transportation arrangements, such as a shuttle service between the ceremony and reception venues.
• There is a break between the ceremony and reception: If there is a gap between the ceremony and reception, you can include the time of the reception on the reception card. If there is no break, you can simply state "immediately following the ceremony" or "following the ceremony".
• You want to provide specific timing for events at the reception: If you want to let guests know about specific events, such as a cocktail hour, dinner, or dancing, you can include these details on the reception card. For example, "Cocktail hour begins at six o'clock, dinner and dancing to follow".
• You want to indicate the formality of the reception: The reception card can also indicate the formality and nature of the event. For example, if your reception is before 1 pm, you can write "Breakfast Reception". For receptions after 1 pm, simply write "Reception". If you are having a sit-down meal, you can specify this with "Dinner Reception".
• You want to provide additional details about the reception: If you want to give your guests an idea of what to expect at the reception, you can include certain details on the reception card. For example, if you are having a cake and champagne reception, guests won't expect a full meal. You can also indicate attire on the reception card, such as "black-tie" or "cocktail attire".

In summary, a reception card is a helpful addition to your wedding invitation, especially if your ceremony and reception are at different venues. It ensures your guests have all the information they need to attend and enjoy your special day.

What to write on a reception card

A reception card is often included with a wedding invitation to provide guests with the time and location details of the reception. This is particularly useful if the reception is at a different location from the ceremony, or if there is important information about the reception that you want to convey to your guests.

Location and Time

If your reception is at a different location to your ceremony, it is helpful to include the full name of the venue, along with the street address, city, and state. You can also include the zip code, but this is usually omitted. If your reception begins as soon as the ceremony is over, you can use "following the ceremony" on your card. You can also note if there is a cocktail hour, or specify dinner and/or dancing start times.

Attire

You can indicate the attire for your wedding on the reception card.

Additional Details

You can include other details such as transportation arrangements and whether there is a specific dress code.

Format

"Reception" is the standard heading choice, but alternatives like "Celebrate", "Dinner and Dancing", or "The celebration continues" are also popular.

Website

Consider adding your wedding website to the bottom of the reception card. Phrasing like "For more information, please visit our wedding website at..." can guide guests to additional details and updates.

Examples

• "Reception immediately following the ceremony"
• "Cocktails, Dinner and Dancing to follow"
• "The celebration continues. Dinner at six o'clock, dancing and merriment to follow"

Reception card wording samples

A reception card is typically included with the wedding invitation to provide guests with the time and location details of the reception, especially if it is held at a different venue from the ceremony. This card can also include other pertinent information such as the dress code, transportation arrangements, and whether the reception will be an adult-only event.

Sample 1:

Reception immediately following the ceremony

Midtown Loft and Terrace

Please join Abigail and Lucas in celebrating

The union of their lives and their families

Midtown Loft and Terrace

Cocktail hour begins at six o'clock

Dinner and dancing to follow

Sample 2:

The celebration continues

Dinner at six o'clock

Dancing and merriment to follow

Midtown Loft and Terrace

Sample 3:

Reception

Join us for dinner and dancing following the ceremony

The Grand Ballroom

Cocktail hour begins at seven o'clock

Sample 4:

Celebrate with us!

Reception to follow the ceremony

The Country Club

Cocktails, dinner, and dancing starting at six o'clock

How to assemble a wedding invitation suite

A wedding invitation suite is made up of all the paper goods sent out with the wedding invitation. The suite should include a response card and important information such as directions and accommodations. Other optional additions include a reception card, a weekend events card, and an accommodations card.

• Proofread: Check for any spelling errors, and confirm that the time, date, and location are correct.
• Confirm the spelling of guests' names: Double-check that the names and addresses are correct, and leave time to make any necessary corrections.
• Place the pieces in the right order: The invitation card goes first, followed by the reception card, response card, and any enclosure cards such as a map, directions, or accommodation details.
• Add a finishing touch: You may want to add a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap to hold the suite together.
• Recipient addressing: Print or write the recipients' names and addresses on the envelopes.
• Insert the suite into the envelope: Make sure the text is facing up so that when the envelope is opened, the recipient can immediately read the text.
• Seal the envelope: Use an envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge, being careful not to use too much liquid.
• Return address: Add address labels or stamps with your address.
• Mail: Take a fully assembled set to the post office to be weighed, and buy the correct amount of postage.

Some additional tips to consider:

• If you are using double envelopes, the inner envelope is not sealed and is placed inside the outer envelope, with the guests' names facing out.
• Number your invitations on the back so that if a guest forgets to write their name on the response card, you can still identify who it is from.
• Send out your invitations early, ideally 4-6 weeks ahead of the wedding.
• If you are including meal choices, add checkboxes on the response cards for guests to indicate their preference.
• If your wedding is at a destination that requires travel, send out the invitations well in advance.

A reception card is used to provide guests with the time and location details of the reception, especially if it is at a different location from the ceremony. It can also include other details such as attire and transportation arrangements.

Wedding invitation design and printing options

When it comes to wedding invitation design and printing options, there are numerous factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to decide on the overall look and feel you want to achieve. Do you prefer a simple and minimalistic style or something more elaborate and elegant? The design should reflect the theme and motif of your wedding celebration.

There are various printing companies that offer customizable wedding invitation templates, such as Smartpress and Canva. These companies provide a wide range of options, including different paper types, finishes, and printing methods. For example, you can choose between matte, gloss, or uncoated finishes to complement your invitation design. If sustainability is important to you, consider eco-conscious printers that use sustainably sourced paper and give back through initiatives like tree-planting.

When designing your invitations, ensure you include all the necessary information, such as the request for attendance, the names of the couple, the date, time, and location, as well as RSVP instructions. You may also want to include additional details such as the wedding website and gift list information. If your wedding ceremony and reception are at different locations, it's a good idea to include a separate reception card with the relevant information.

In terms of printing options, you can select from a range of paper thicknesses and weights to suit your preferences and budget. You can also choose between single- or double-sided printing and add finishing options like drill holes for ribbons or rounded corners for a unique touch. If you're feeling creative, digital laser cutting allows you to incorporate any shape, design, or lettering to make your invitations stand out.

Lastly, don't forget to consider the envelopes for your invitations. Some printing companies give you the option to include envelopes with your order, and you may even be able to customize them with addressing services to save you time and effort.

Frequently asked questions