The Ultimate Wedding Invitation Details: A Uk Guide

Wedding invitations are an important part of the big day, setting the tone and giving guests a taste of what to expect. While it's fun to choose a design that reflects your personal style, it's also key to include essential information. So, what should wedding invitations include? The happy couple's names, of course, plus the date, time and location of the ceremony and reception if they're in different places. It's also useful to include an RSVP deadline and method, plus details on gifts, parking, dress code and any additional inserts with further information.

Date, time and location(s)

The date, time and location(s) of your wedding are essential details that must be included in your invitations. This information will help your guests know when and where to show up for your big day. Here are some tips and suggestions for including these details in your wedding invitations:

Date and Time:

• Be sure to include both the wedding date and the ceremony start time. It's easy to forget small but essential details like this, so make sure they are included.
• If your wedding is on a Saturday, it is traditional to spell out the day and the date in full, for example, "Saturday, the twenty-first of October".
• For the time, it is recommended to use clear and specific phrases such as "two thirty in the afternoon" instead of more vague expressions like "in the morning" or "in the evening."
• If you are having a civil ceremony at the same venue as your reception, it is important to include the phrase "followed by a reception" so guests know they are welcome to both parts of the celebration.

Location(s):

• Include the full address and postcode of the wedding venue(s). This information is crucial for your guests, especially if your venue is difficult to find or located in a remote area.
• If your wedding ceremony and reception are held at separate locations, provide the names and addresses of both venues, along with clear directions to each.
• Consider including a small card with details such as venue information, time, and whether food will be provided. This is especially useful if your reception is not in the same place as your ceremony.
• Provide a detailed map, reliable directions, and public transport options for guests who don't drive. You may also include numbers for local taxi companies.
• If there are multiple events before or after the wedding day, such as a brunch or golfing trip, be sure to include these details and their respective locations as well.

RSVP instructions

RSVP cards are an essential part of your wedding stationery. They allow your guests to confirm their attendance and provide additional information such as dietary requirements or song requests. Here are some detailed instructions on how to create effective RSVP cards:

Format and Content

The RSVP card should be separate from the main invitation. It can be a simple card with tick boxes or cross-out options. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope to make it easy for your guests to respond.

On the RSVP card, you can ask guests to confirm their attendance by a specific date. For example, "Kindly respond by the 1st of December." You may also want to include a line for guests to write their names, especially if you're expecting a large number of guests.

If you're offering a choice of menu, include this on the RSVP card and ask guests to select their preference. It's also a good opportunity to ask about any dietary requirements to cater to a range of needs. You could include a section like "Please let us know of any dietary requirements" or provide tick boxes for common options like vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.

Online RSVP

If you prefer a more modern approach, you can opt for a digital RSVP. Include your wedding website link and instructions for guests to respond online. This method allows guests to respond quickly and conveniently, and it saves you the cost of additional postage.

Timing

Send your invitations 3-6 months before the wedding, and set an RSVP deadline about a month before the wedding. This gives you enough time to finalise numbers for catering and seating arrangements.

Additional Information

Use the RSVP card to gather any other relevant information from your guests. For example, if you're providing transport or accommodation, ask guests to confirm their needs. You can also include a section for song requests to the DJ or band, especially if you want to encourage guests to get on the dance floor!

Design

The design of your RSVP card can match the style and colour scheme of your wedding invitations. You may want to include decorative elements or a simple border to enhance the visual appeal.

Proofreading

Before sending your RSVP cards, proofread them carefully to avoid any errors. Ask a friend or family member to review the cards as well, as fresh eyes can catch any mistakes you might have missed.

Sample Wording

"Kindly respond by the 1st of December

_ Accepts with pleasure _ Regretfully declines

[Guest name/s]: _________________

Starter: _ _ Main: _ _ Dessert: _ _

Dietary requirements or allergies: _________________

Song request: _________________"

Gift registry or monetary gift request

Traditionally, it is considered impolite to include a gift registry on your printed wedding stationery. Instead, it is recommended that you incorporate the gift registry information into your wedding website. However, if you would like to include this information in your invitations, you can add it to an information card or a separate card included with the invitation.

If you would prefer a monetary gift, there are a few ways to approach this. Here are some examples of wording you could use:

> "Your presence at our wedding is all that we wish for. However, if you wish to give a gift, we would be very grateful for a small cash donation towards our honeymoon / making our house a home / married life."

> "We are so very lucky to have already started our family home together. If you wish to give us a gift, a contribution towards our honeymoon would be the cherry on top of the cake!"

> "If you were thinking of giving a gift to help us on our way, a gift of money in a card would really make our day!"

You could also choose to include your gift registry details on your wedding website and provide the URL and password on a card with your invitations. This way, guests can easily access the information if they need it.

Another option is to simply not mention gifts at all and leave the choice to your guests. This may be a good idea if you are unsure about what type of gift you would like or if you don't want to appear presumptuous.

Remember, it is essential to communicate your preferences clearly to avoid any confusion or last-minute queries.

Dress code and theme

If you have a dress code for your wedding, it's important to include this on your invitations. This gives your guests plenty of time to organise a suitable outfit. You can include more detail on a separate card or your wedding website. For example, if your wedding is in a marquee, your guests will need "lawn-friendly" shoes.

If you're planning a themed wedding, you can also include this information on your invitations. Are you asking guests to wear black tie? Or perhaps you're having a vintage-themed wedding and want your guests to dress accordingly? Include a sentence or two about this with your dress code information.

If your wedding is outdoors, let your guests know so they can wrap up warm or prepare for hot weather. You could also suggest that guests bring sunglasses, sun hats, fans, or umbrellas, depending on the season.

For more formal weddings, you may want to include the traditional dress code wording on your invitations. For example, "Morning dress" or "White tie".

Don't forget to consider the time of day and the venue when deciding on your dress code and theme. If your wedding is in the evening, you might want to suggest that guests wear something more glamorous. If it's during the day, perhaps suggest something more casual.

You can also use your wedding invitations to give guests a sneak peek of your wedding colours or theme. This will get them excited about your special day and give them an idea of what to expect.

Transport and accommodation

Transport

Provide clear directions to your wedding venue(s) and include the full address and postcode. If your ceremony and reception are held at different locations, provide directions and addresses for both. You can also include a map of the surrounding area and recommend local attractions for guests who wish to explore.

Offer a list of transport links such as the closest train station or the best airport for those travelling from afar. It is also helpful to provide contact details for local taxi companies or information on nearby parking options. If you are organising any transport for guests, such as coaches, be sure to mention this and let guests know how to sign up.

Accommodation

Recommend a few local hotels, bed and breakfasts, or other accommodation options for your guests, preferably within a range of budgets. If you anticipate many guests needing overnight stays, consider negotiating a discounted group rate with a local hotel. Provide the hotel's contact information and let your guests know to mention your wedding party to receive the discounted rate.

Additional Tips

You can include transport and accommodation details directly on your invitation or as part of a separate card included with the invitation. Alternatively, you can direct guests to your wedding website, where they can find this information along with other useful details.

Remember to provide this information well in advance, especially for destination weddings, to give your guests ample time to prepare their travel and accommodation arrangements.

Frequently asked questions