Wedding Invitations: What To Include Inside

Wedding invitations are a key part of wedding planning. They are often the first impression of your wedding and set the tone for the event. But what information should be included in a wedding invitation? The invitation itself should cover the who, what, when, and where of the wedding. This includes the names of the couple getting married, the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception. It is also important to include information on how to RSVP and the deadline for doing so. Other optional details that can be included are the wedding website, dress code, and extra information about the venue, such as directions or accommodation options. In addition to the invitation, a response card with a pre-addressed and stamped envelope is typically included to make it convenient for guests to respond. For weddings with multiple events and activities, additional inserts or cards can be included in the invitation suite to provide guests with a full itinerary.

RSVP card and envelope

The RSVP card and envelope are crucial components of your wedding invitation suite. Here are some detailed instructions and suggestions for crafting this element:

The RSVP Card:

The RSVP card is essential, even if you offer an online RSVP option, as it caters to guests who prefer a physical response. This card can be more than a simple "yes" or "no" response; it can also serve multiple purposes. Here are some ideas and tips:

• Include a deadline for responses, typically three to four weeks before the wedding.
• Provide a space for guests to write their names.
• If you're offering a plated dinner, include a section for guests to indicate their entrée preference.
• If you're having meal choices, add checkboxes for options like chicken, fish, steak, or vegetarian.
• Number the names on your guest list and write the corresponding number on the back of the RSVP card. This helps identify responses, especially if someone forgets to include their name.
• If you're having multiple wedding weekend events, the RSVP card can also serve as a response to those.
• Include any dietary requirements or restrictions.

The RSVP Envelope:

The RSVP envelope is another important element that requires attention to detail:

• Include a pre-addressed, stamped envelope with the host's address and a name.
• Ensure the envelope is the correct size, typically 3½˝x 4⅞˝, to fit the RSVP card without any folding.
• Take a fully assembled invitation, including the RSVP card and envelope, to your local post office to determine the correct postage amount.
• Consider using inner envelopes to list the names of everyone invited, especially if you're offering a "+1" option or inviting children. This helps indicate who is invited to the wedding.
• If you have the budget, you can add aesthetic touches to the envelope, such as envelope liners with patterns or colours that match your wedding theme.

Reception card

A reception card is an optional but important addition to your wedding invitation suite, especially if your wedding reception is at a different location or venue to your ceremony. This card can be included in the same envelope as your wedding invitation, or sent separately.

The reception card should include all the information your guests need to know about the reception, including:

• The type of reception (e.g. cocktail, formal, dinner)
• The location and address of the reception, including full address and postcode
• Directions to the reception venue, especially if it's in a rural location or hard to find
• The time of the reception, and whether it will be held immediately after the ceremony
• The theme of the reception, if there is one
• Any extra details about the venue, such as parking availability or cashless payment policies

Directions card

A directions card is an optional but helpful addition to your wedding invitation suite. It ensures that your guests can find the ceremony and reception venues without a hitch, even if they don't have a smartphone or are attending a rural wedding with poor signal.

Include All the Necessary Details

On your directions card, be sure to include the full address and contact details of your venue(s). If your venue is in a remote location or has limited parking, consider including brief directions and parking instructions. For example, "Parking around the church and village is limited. We recommend parking in Ton Road."

Provide Context for the Venues

If your ceremony and reception are taking place in the same location, a simple line like "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow" can clarify this for your guests. If the reception is at a separate venue, include its full address and any relevant details, such as the type of reception (cocktail, formal, dinner, etc.) and the theme (if it's not a surprise).

Consider Including a Map

A custom map or weekend map adds a personalised touch to your directions card and can be a lovely keepsake for you and your guests. This is especially useful if your wedding is in a rural area or an unmarked location.

Legibility is Key

Choose a legible font for your directions card to ensure that all your guests can easily read the information.

Online Backup

Even if you don't include a directions card, it's a good idea to list the venue addresses and directions on your wedding website as an additional resource for your guests.

By including a well-designed directions card in your wedding invitation suite, you'll ensure that your guests can arrive at the right place at the right time, setting the stage for a smooth and enjoyable celebration.

Accommodations card

An accommodations card is a great way to inform your guests about their stay during the wedding. It is especially useful if you have guests coming in from out of town. Here are some key details you can include on the accommodations card:

Hotel Information

Provide the name and address of the hotel where you have reserved a room block. This makes it convenient for your guests to book their stay.

Booking Deadlines

Let your guests know about any deadlines for making reservations. Rooms can fill up quickly, so giving them a date to aim for ensures they don't miss out.

Special Rates or Codes

If there are any special rates available for guests, be sure to mention them on the card. Also, provide instructions on how to book and the relevant contact details.

Transportation

Include information about transportation to and from the hotels to the wedding venue. This helps guests know what options are available and plan their travel accordingly.

Nearby Alternatives

Consider suggesting alternative accommodation options nearby, catering to different budgets. This gives your guests a choice and ensures they can find something that suits their needs.

Covering Guest Accommodations

If you are covering the cost of guest accommodations, it is proper etiquette to mention this on the accommodations card. This lets your guests know that their stay is taken care of.

Remember, the accommodations card is an optional but helpful addition to your wedding invitation suite. It ensures your guests have the information they need to plan their travel and stay comfortably during your wedding celebrations.

Gift registry information

Wedding invitations are a great way to give your guests all the information they need to plan and prepare for your big day. While the invitation itself should cover the who, what, when, and where of the wedding, there are several other pieces of information that can be included in the wedding invitation suite. One important element is gift registry information, which can be included on a separate card or as part of the wedding website. Here are some tips and suggestions for including gift registry information in your wedding invitations:

It is becoming increasingly common for couples to include gift registry information in their wedding invitations. This can be included on a separate card, often referred to as a details card, or it can be added to the wedding website. If you have a specific store or website where you have registered for gifts, this is a great place to include that information. This makes it easy for your guests to find and access your registry, and it prevents them from having to ask around or search for it themselves.

Additionally, if you are requesting monetary gifts or contributions to a honeymoon fund, this can also be mentioned on the details card or website. A simple phrase such as "Your presence on our special day is gift enough, but if you wish to honour us with a gift, we would be grateful for a contribution to our honeymoon fund" can be added. This provides guests with a polite and subtle suggestion, without being too imposing.

For those who do not feel comfortable directly mentioning gifts, a more subtle approach can be taken. A simple line such as "Further details can be found on our wedding website" can be included, directing guests to the website where they can find the registry information. This way, guests have the option to look up the registry if they wish, but it is not directly mentioned in the invitation suite.

Other Optional Elements

In addition to the gift registry information, there are several other optional elements that can be included in your wedding invitation suite. These include:

• Reception card: If the reception is at a different location or has additional details, a separate card can be included.
• Directions card: This can be helpful for guests, especially if the venue is in a rural area or hard-to-find location.
• Accommodations card: For guests travelling from out of town, a card with hotel options and booking information can be provided.
• Weekend events card: If there are multiple events throughout the wedding weekend, a full itinerary can be included for guests' convenience.
• Dress code: While not necessary, indicating the expected attire can be helpful for guests who are unsure.

Remember, the key is to provide your guests with the information they need without overwhelming them with too many details. Select the elements that are most relevant to your wedding and include them in a clear and concise manner.

Frequently asked questions