Wedding Invitation Essentials: What To Enclose

A wedding invitation suite consists of all the paper goods sent along with the wedding invitation. The suite should always include a response card and envelope, as well as important information like directions and accommodations. The invitation itself should include the names of the couple, the wedding venue and location, the date and time of the ceremony, and the dress code.

Date, time and location

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

Date and Day of the Week

It is important to include the date of the wedding, preferably written out in full. For example, "Saturday, the sixteenth of October 2024". It is also a good idea to include the day of the week, especially if the wedding is not on a traditional day like Saturday. This gives guests plenty of notice.

Time

Clearly state the time of the ceremony, using either numerals (e.g. 4:00 pm) or spelling it out in full (e.g. "four o'clock in the afternoon"). You may also want to indicate the time you want guests to arrive. For example, "Ceremony starts at 2 pm – please be seated by 1.45 pm".

Location

Provide the full official name of the wedding venue, including the address and postcode, especially if it is an unfamiliar location for some guests. This will ensure they can easily find it and arrive on time. If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you can simply state, "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow". If the reception is at a different location, include a separate reception card with the address and start time.

Additional Details

You may also want to include extra information related to the location, such as transport and parking options. This is particularly useful if there are any specific arrangements or limited parking availability. Other details such as accommodation suggestions, especially for guests travelling from afar, can be included on a separate accommodations card.

In summary, the date, time, and location are crucial elements of a wedding invitation, providing guests with the necessary information to attend the event. By including these details clearly and concisely, you can ensure that your guests are well-informed and prepared for your special day.

RSVP details

RSVP cards are an important part of your wedding invitation suite. They provide guests with a way to respond to your invitation and let you know if they will be attending your wedding. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for including RSVP details in your wedding invitations:

Response Card and Envelope:

It is standard to include an RSVP card, also known as a response card, in your wedding invitation suite. On the card, you should include a specific date for guests to respond by, usually three to four weeks before the wedding. This deadline allows you to chase any late responses and finalise your seating plan. The card should also have a place for guests to write their names and a checkbox or line for them to indicate their response, such as "Accepts with pleasure" or "Declines with regret". Numbering the cards and writing the corresponding number on your guest list can help you keep track of responses.

It is also considerate to include a pre-addressed and stamped envelope with your response card, making it convenient for your guests to reply. This envelope should be small, designed to fit only the response card, and marked with your address.

Online RSVPs:

If you prefer to receive RSVPs online through your wedding website, you can direct guests there instead of including a response card. However, it is thoughtful to consider older guests who may not be comfortable with computers and provide them with a response card. You can also offer multiple RSVP options, such as email, phone, or text, to accommodate different preferences.

Meal Choices:

If you are offering meal choices at your wedding, include checkboxes or illustrated icons on the RSVP card for guests to indicate their preferences. This ensures that your guests can enjoy their preferred meal, and it helps with finalising numbers for your caterer.

Additional Information:

You can include other relevant details on the RSVP card, such as transportation or accommodation information. If you have multiple wedding events, an activities card or a weekend itinerary can be included in the invitation suite to provide guests with a full picture of the festivities.

RSVP Deadline:

The RSVP deadline is typically set for three to four weeks before the wedding. This gives you enough time to follow up on any late responses and finalise the details with your venue and caterer. Communicate this deadline clearly on your RSVP card to ensure timely responses.

Remember to keep your RSVP details organised and consistent with the tone and style of your wedding invitations.

Reception information

If your wedding reception is at a different location from the ceremony, you should include a separate reception card with the details. This card should include the start time and address of the reception venue. You can also include details about the nature of the event, for example, "Breakfast Reception" for a morning reception or "Dinner Reception" for an evening meal.

If your ceremony and reception are in the same place, you can simply include a line on the invitation such as "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow".

If you are not serving a full meal, you can add a line such as "Join us after the ceremony for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and dancing".

If your wedding spans a whole weekend with multiple events, it is useful to include a separate card with a full itinerary so that guests can plan ahead. This might include welcome drinks, an after-party, or a day-after brunch. You can also include hotel recommendations and room block information, as well as transportation locations and times.

If you are providing wedding transport, you should mention this on your invitation so that guests can request a seat when they RSVP. It is also helpful to let guests know if parking is available at the venue and what time cars will need to be collected by.

Finally, if you are including your wedding website on your invitation, this is a good place to provide additional reception information, such as directions to the venue.

Accommodation suggestions

If you have guests coming from out of town or know that your guests will need to book accommodation, it is a good idea to include an accommodations card with your wedding invitation. This card should include a list of local hotels or accommodation options, along with their contact details and/or website. You can also include any relevant information about transportation to and from the hotels to the wedding venue.

If you have reserved a room block at a particular hotel, be sure to include this information on the card, along with the name and address of the hotel, as well as any special codes or booking deadlines that your guests should be aware of. This will make it easier for your guests to book their travel plans.

If you are covering the cost of your guests' accommodations, it is proper etiquette to indicate this on the accommodation card. This can be done by including a sentence such as "Accommodations for the wedding guests have been covered."

In addition to the accommodation card, you may also want to include a weekend events card, especially if your wedding will span multiple days and include events such as welcome drinks, an after-party, or a day-after brunch. This card can include a full itinerary for your guests, so they know what to expect and can plan their weekend accordingly. It is also a good idea to include hotel recommendations and transportation information on this card.

Finally, don't forget to include your wedding website address on your invitation or enclosure cards. Your wedding website is a great resource for your guests and can include important details such as accommodation and registry information, directions to the venue, and any other relevant information your guests may need.

Dress code

When it comes to dress code, it is not essential to include this information on your wedding invitations. However, it can be useful to give your guests an idea of what to expect on the day. If you are having a black-tie wedding, it is important to include this information on the invitation. If you don't specify a dress code, guests will usually infer the formality of the event from the style of the invitation. A formal invitation will suggest a formal dress code, while a simpler invitation suggests a more casual dress code.

• Black-tie (tuxedos and floor-length gowns)
• Formal attire (suits and dresses)
• Cocktail attire (suits or dress shirts with ties and cocktail dresses)
• Beach-casual (long- or short-sleeve shirts with trousers or shorts, sundresses, and sandals)
• Semi-formal
• Lounge suit
• Smart casual
• Casual

If you are having a less formal wedding, you could include a line such as "dressy casual attire" or "semi-formal attire". This will give your guests a better idea of what to wear than simply sending a casual invitation.

You could also include a dress code on your wedding website, which is often included on the invitation, or communicate this information through word-of-mouth.

Frequently asked questions