The Wedding Invite: What To Include

Wedding invitations can be a major undertaking, and it's important to include all the necessary information for your guests. The invitation suite refers to all the paper goods sent along with the wedding invitation. The essentials include the date, time, location, and RSVP details. It's also helpful to include accommodation suggestions and transport information. If you have a wedding website, be sure to include the URL on the invitation. Other optional extras could be a map or directions to the venue, a dress code, and music requests. It's a good idea to send 'Save the Date' cards up to 12 months before, and then send the official invitations around three months prior to the wedding.

Date, time, and location

The date, time, and location of your wedding are essential details that should be included in your invitation. Here are some tips and suggestions to ensure your guests have the information they need:

Date and Time:

• Confirming the date of your wedding is crucial. It is a good idea to send "Save the Date" notices to your guests, especially if you are planning a destination wedding or have guests travelling from out of town.
• Clearly state the time of the ceremony on your invitations to avoid latecomers. Indicating the start time will let guests know when they need to arrive.
• Provide the hour and specify the time of day (a.m. vs. p.m.) to avoid any confusion.
• For formal invitations, write out the time rather than using numerals (e.g., "four o'clock in the afternoon").
• If you are having a separate ceremony and reception, include the times for both.

Location:

• Whether your ceremony and reception are at the same spot or different venues, include the name and full address of each location.
• If the ceremony and reception are at the same location, you can include a line like "Reception to Follow" or "Dinner and Dancing to Follow."
• If your reception is at a different location, provide a separate card with the start time and address.
• If your venue is off the beaten track or difficult to find, consider including brief directions or a custom map on your invitation or details card.
• Include the website of the venue(s) if they have useful information, such as maps and directions, that your guests can refer to.
• If your wedding spans multiple days and includes events like welcome drinks or a day-after brunch, provide a full itinerary for your guests.
• For destination weddings, send recommended online travel information and other helpful print resources for navigating the destination.

RSVP and response card

The RSVP and response card is a crucial part of your wedding invitation suite. It is one of the most important things to include in your wedding invitation and is standard unless you decide to use an online RSVP system. The response card confirms whether or not the guest will attend, if they are bringing a guest, and their food preference if you're offering a plated dinner.

The response card should include a specific date by which you would like guests to respond, with this deadline ideally three to four weeks before the wedding date. It should also include a place for guests to write their names. You can buy response cards separately or as part of a wedding invitation package.

When sending response cards, include a pre-addressed envelope and stamp for your guests' convenience. Number the names on your guest list and write the corresponding number on the back of the response card so you can easily look up responses.

If you're directing guests to RSVP on your wedding website, consider including response cards for older guests who may not be comfortable using a computer.

Reception card

A reception card is an optional addition to your wedding invitation suite. It is only necessary if your wedding reception is held at a different location from the wedding ceremony. This separate card should include the following details:

• The location and address of the reception venue
• The start time of the reception (whether it's an exact hour or "immediately following the ceremony")
• The type of reception (e.g. cocktail hour, formal dinner, etc.)
• Directions and/or a map to the venue, especially if it is in a rural location or difficult to find
• The theme of the reception, if it's not a surprise
• The dress code, if you choose to include it

The reception card is also where you would include an "Adults-Only Reception" line, if needed.

Directions and accommodations

To ensure your guests can find the venue(s) with ease, it is important to include clear directions and accommodation suggestions.

Directions

Even if most of your guests will use GPS, it is still a good idea to include a separate card with directions to the venue(s). This is especially important if your wedding is in a rural area or if your guests are travelling from out of town and may not have access to GPS.

You could also include a custom map or weekend itinerary, which can be a nice keepsake for your guests.

Accommodations

If you have guests travelling from out of town, it is helpful to include an accommodations card with hotel options. You can include the name and address of the hotel(s) and any booking information, such as reservation deadlines or special rates.

You may also want to include transportation information, such as shuttle services to and from the hotel(s) and venue(s).

Other Information

Other details you may want to include are parking instructions, a list of things to do in the area, and any unique venue instructions (e.g. road work or limited phone reception).

You can also direct your guests to your wedding website for additional information.

Dress code

The dress code for our wedding is [dress code]. We invite our guests to wear [description of men's dress code] and [description of women's dress code].

If you have any questions about the dress code, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're happy to help!

We can't wait to celebrate with you!

Frequently asked questions