Franklin Dean
Wedding invitations are an important part of planning your big day. They are the first glimpse your guests will have of your wedding, and they set the tone for the event. When it comes to what to include with your wedding invitations, there are a few key elements that you should consider. Firstly, make sure to include the full names of the couple getting married, as well as the hosts' names if they are different. It is also important to clearly state the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception. Other details such as the dress code, accommodation information, and wedding website can also be included, either on the invitation itself or as separate inserts. Finally, don't forget to include an RSVP card or instructions for guests to RSVP online. By including all the necessary information, you can ensure that your guests are well-informed and excited for your special day.
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What You'll Learn
A way for guests to RSVP
When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few key ways to allow your guests to RSVP. The traditional method involves including an RSVP card within the invitation suite, which guests can fill out and return via mail. This card is usually placed within a small envelope, separate from the main invitation envelope, and is stamped and marked with the host's address.
However, with the prevalence of wedding websites, many couples now opt for online RSVPs. In this case, the invitation would include the website address, and guests would respond through the site. It is worth noting that some guests may still choose to contact you directly via phone or social media to RSVP, so you may need to follow up with some individuals.
To ensure a smooth RSVP process, it is essential to provide clear instructions on the invitation. This could include a line such as "Kindly RSVP by [date]" or "Please RSVP by [date] at our wedding website: [URL]."
Additionally, if your wedding has a unique venue or spans multiple events, it is helpful to include an insert with extra information. This could be in the form of a custom map or a detailed itinerary, providing guests with clear directions and an overview of the weekend's activities.
Ultimately, the RSVP method you choose depends on your wedding's specifics and formality. By providing clear information and instructions, you can ensure your guests have the necessary tools to respond to your invitation.
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Details of the hosts and the couple
The names of the hosts and the couple are essential elements of a wedding invitation. The hosts are typically the people paying for the event, so if your parents are contributing financially, their names should be included. The names of the couple getting married should also be front and centre. For heterosexual couples, the woman's name is usually listed first, but you can order your names in a way that feels right to you.
If family or friends are hosting the wedding, their names should also be included. The hosts' names are often presented in what is called the "invitational line", which is followed by a request line, such as "Request the Pleasure of Your Company" or "Invite You to Celebrate the Marriage of".
The invitation should also make clear that the event is a wedding, and the tone of the invitation should match the tone of the event. For example, if the wedding is formal, the invitation should be formal, and vice versa.
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Date, time, and venue
When it comes to the date, time, and venue of your wedding, there are a few key things to consider including in your invitations to ensure your guests have all the information they need.
Firstly, it is important to state clearly the date and time of the wedding. Writing out the full date, including the day of the week and the month, is a good idea to prevent any ambiguity, especially for international guests who may use a different date format. For example, you could write "Sunday, 16th June 2024" instead of "16/06/24". It is also a good idea to specify the arrival time for guests and the start time of the ceremony. If your wedding has multiple events across a weekend, such as a welcome reception or a day-after brunch, you may want to include a full itinerary so guests know what to expect.
The venue's name and address should also be included in the invitation. If your venue is in a unique location, such as a national park, or somewhere your guests may be unfamiliar with, it can be helpful to include extra information such as parking instructions or a custom map of the area. A venue or city map can also be a great way to show guests important landmarks they might want to visit during their stay. If your wedding is taking place in a place of worship, it may be appropriate to use wording such as "request the honour of your presence" instead of "pleasure".
If your wedding reception is at a different location to the ceremony, you should provide the address and time of the reception. If you have reserved rooms for guests at a particular hotel, it is useful to include this information, along with any special booking codes or deadlines. If you are providing a shuttle service from the hotel to the venue, this is also worth mentioning.
Finally, it is a good idea to include a way for your guests to RSVP, such as a stamped and addressed envelope for them to send back, or a link to your wedding website where they can respond electronically.
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Additional information card
When it comes to wedding invitations, the general rule is to keep the invitation itself simple, with only the most essential information included. This is where additional information cards come in handy. They allow you to provide guests with extra details without overcrowding the actual invitation. Here are some ideas of what to include on these extra cards:
Location and Travel Information
If your wedding venue is in an unfamiliar location or somewhere guests may struggle to find, it is useful to include an insert with directions and instructions. Details such as parking instructions and public transport options can be extremely helpful. A custom map of the area, showing the ceremony and reception locations in relation to each other, can also be a great addition. If you have reserved hotel room blocks for guests, an accommodations card with the hotel name, address, and any special booking codes or deadlines is a thoughtful touch.
Itinerary
If your wedding spans multiple days or includes additional events such as welcome drinks, after-parties, or a day-after brunch, it is considerate to provide guests with a full itinerary. This allows them to plan their time and pack accordingly, especially if they are travelling from out of town.
RSVP Details
Including an RSVP card with a pre-stamped and addressed envelope makes it easy for guests to respond. Alternatively, you can include a link to your wedding website, where guests can RSVP online.
Dress Code and Other Details
Details such as the dress code, gifting options, and song requests are often included in wedding invitations. This ensures guests have all the information they need to plan their attendance.
Remember, the purpose of additional information cards is to enhance the guest experience by providing them with all the practical details they need to know. You can tailor the content of these cards to fit your wedding's unique needs and style.
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Maps or directions
Including a map or directions to your wedding venue can be a thoughtful addition to your wedding invitations. This is particularly useful if your wedding is abroad or at an unusual location, such as a national park, where guests may be unfamiliar with the area. A map can ensure your guests can easily find the venue and avoid any last-minute panics or calls from lost guests!
What to include on your map
Custom maps can include local landmarks, transport routes, and airports, as well as marking the wedding venue and reception location. You can also add local activities and attractions for guests who are staying a few extra days. It is also a nice touch to include your wedding colours and a compass.
Digital or printed?
You can choose to include a small printed map or direction card with your invitations, or simply include a link to your wedding website where guests can access a digital version of the map. You could even include a QR code that, when scanned, opens Google Maps and provides directions to the venue.
Design inspiration
There are many creative options for designing your wedding maps. You can find map illustrators on Etsy, or you could try making your own using Google Drive, which offers a variety of custom labels and map backgrounds.
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Frequently asked questions
The essentials to include with wedding invitations are an invitational line listing the hosts, a request line, the date, time, and location of the wedding, and an RSVP card.
You can also include a map or directions to the venue, transport information, and details of any other wedding events.
It is recommended to write out the time rather than using numerals, for example, "four o'clock in the afternoon". When writing the date, include the full weekday and date, for example, "Sunday, 16th June 2024", to avoid any confusion.
If you are sending formal invitations with an outer and inner envelope, list the names of the invited adult guests on both envelopes. If you are sending outer envelopes only, list the names of the invited adult guests on this envelope.
