Franklin Dean
Wedding invitations are an essential part of wedding planning. They provide guests with important details about the event, such as the names of the couple, the hosts, the location, the date, and the time. While some details are standard, there is flexibility in the wording and format to suit different preferences and levels of formality. This includes the option to include additional information, such as dress codes and reception details, and how to handle special circumstances, such as divorced or deceased parents. In recent times, the rise of wedding websites has also influenced the content and format of wedding invitations.
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What You'll Learn
Names of the couple and hosts
The names of the couple and hosts are essential details to include in a wedding invitation. Traditionally, the bride's parents are the hosts of the wedding, and their names are listed at the top of the invitation. However, modern couples often choose to include both sets of parents as hosts, regardless of who is paying for the wedding. In this case, you can use phrases such as "Together with their parents" or "Together with their families".
For heterosexual couples, the woman's name is usually listed first, followed by the man's full name and title. For example, "Ms. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez". If the combined names are too long, they can be listed separately or on separate lines. If the couple is hosting the wedding themselves, they can omit the host line and simply list their names, such as "Olivia Rose Smith and John Michael Reyes".
For same-sex couples, there are no traditional rules regarding name order. One option is to list the names alphabetically, or you can choose the order based on what looks best with the invitation design. For example, "Mr. and Mr. Aaron and Adam Wong and Hollis". Titles can be included or omitted based on the couple's preference.
If the couple has divorced parents, each parent's name can be listed on a separate line, with a stepparent's name written on the same line as their partner. Including the name of a deceased parent may require rearranging the wording, as someone who has passed away cannot technically serve as a host.
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Date, time and location
When it comes to the date, time and location of your wedding, there are a few different ways to format this information on your invitations.
Firstly, consider the level of formality you wish to convey. For formal weddings, the date, day of the week, month, and time are typically spelled out in full, with no numerals. For example, "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand and twenty-one, at half after four in the afternoon." The time of day can be indicated with "o'clock" or "half after five o'clock", and the use of a.m. or p.m. is optional, as the time of day is usually clear. The city and state should be written out in full, and the street address of the venue should be included unless this would cause no confusion or the wedding is at the host's home. If your wedding is taking place abroad, include the country.
For a more casual wedding, numerals are acceptable, and you may choose to drop the day of the week and the year, as most guests will assume the wedding is on the nearest date. For example, "September 15, 2024, 4:30 p.m." If your wedding is more relaxed, you may also wish to use "immediately" to indicate that the reception follows the ceremony, for example, "Reception immediately following the ceremony."
If your ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you can simply write "reception to follow" or "and afterward at the reception." If the reception is at a different location, you should include the full address and other pertinent information on a separate details card. If you are hosting a destination wedding or getting married over a holiday weekend, send your invitations out with more advance notice to allow guests to make travel arrangements.
Finally, be sure to include an RSVP date on a separate card. This should be around three to four weeks before the wedding date, giving you enough time to finalise your seating chart and provide a final headcount to your caterer.
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Reception details
The reception details section of a wedding invitation is crucial, providing essential information to your guests. Here are some tips and suggestions for crafting this section:
Location and Time
If the reception is held at the same location as the ceremony, you can simply state "Reception immediately following" or "and afterward at the reception". Including the phrase "reception to follow" is also a clear way to indicate that the celebration continues at the same venue.
However, if the reception is at a different location, it should be treated as a separate event. You can list the venue and address on a separate line, or include this information on a separate insert or reception card. If the reception is not immediately after the ceremony, make sure to include the time it is scheduled to begin.
Dress Code
Including the dress code on the invitation is optional, but it can be helpful for guests. If the wedding is black tie, it is customary to include this information. The dress code line should typically be listed after the reception location.
Additional Information
You may also want to provide further details about the reception, such as meal choices or a song request line. If there are specific instructions, such as parking information, consider including an additional insert or directing guests to your wedding website for more details.
Two-Part Events
If you're planning a smaller ceremony followed by a larger reception, you'll need two separate guest lists. It's important to be clear about this to reduce any potential confusion or emotional responses from guests. You can include an extra card with personal notes for those invited to both parts of the event.
Timing
Be precise with the timing of the reception. If the invitation states a start time of 6:30 pm, consider having the space ready and the bar open earlier, in case guests arrive early. This will allow you to either begin the cocktail hour or spend some time greeting guests before dinner.
Proofreading
Finally, don't forget to proofread your invitations carefully. Ask detail-oriented friends or family members to review the wording and format before sending them to print.
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Dress code
While including a dress code on your wedding invitation is not compulsory, it is helpful to your guests. It is also a good idea to include it on the invitation if you would be annoyed if your guests didn't follow it. The dress code can be mentioned in the lower corner or bottom centre of the invite.
If the wedding is formal, men's full names should be included, with middle names, and titles such as 'Mr' and 'Dr'. For women, the traditional format is 'Mrs' or 'Ms' followed by their first name connected to their husband's full name with 'and'. For example, 'Mrs Lauren and Mr William Grey'. If the woman has a higher rank, such as being a doctor, she is mentioned first. If both spouses have the same qualifications, the one with the higher degree is mentioned first. For same-sex couples, the traditional rule of 'woman first and man second' does not apply; instead, choose the ordering that sounds best, whether that be alphabetical or based on personal preference.
If the wedding is hosted by the couple's parents, it is traditional to include their names on the invitation. The bride's parents are usually the hosts, but it is becoming more common to include both sets of parents, regardless of who is paying for the wedding. If the couple is hosting the wedding themselves, the host line can be omitted. If the couple is hosting with their parents, you can use wording such as, 'Together with their parents, Emma and Jax request the pleasure of your company...'. If the couple is hosting with their wider families, you can use wording such as, 'Together with their families, Abigail Jane Smith and Henry James Mullen invite you to celebrate their marriage...'.
If the wedding is religious, it is a good idea to include this information on the invitation so that guests are aware of any modesty guidelines.
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RSVP and registry details
RSVP cards are a critical part of your wedding stationery suite. They allow you to confirm the number of guests attending, which is essential for planning food and other details. You can include an attendance line for guests to accept or decline, with options for dietary requirements or allergies. Set an RSVP deadline of around two to four weeks before the wedding and feature it prominently on the card. You can also use your wedding website for guests to RSVP and include dietary preferences.
If you are having a bridal shower, it is acceptable to include registry information on these invitations. For wedding invitations, it is best to include a separate card with your wedding website details, where guests can find registry information. You can also include a QR code or a short link to make it easier for guests to access your wedding website.
It is considered impolite to show up to the wedding without responding to the RSVP, and it may result in a lack of seating or meals. Guests should respond as soon as possible, and it is proper etiquette to decline an invitation via the host's preferred method with a "no" or "regrets". It is also considered good form to send a handwritten note or call the couple if you are particularly close to them.
You can create a wedding registry template with options for guests to contribute to specific big-ticket items, like a honeymoon fund, or add links to other registries.
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Frequently asked questions
The full names of the couple getting married, the hosts of the wedding (traditionally the bride's parents, but this can also be both sets of parents, or the couple themselves), the date and time, and the venue's name and address.
It's important to state that the invitation is for a wedding. Other details include how to RSVP, the dress code, and any other events like a welcome party or farewell brunch.
The traditional rule is that the bride's name precedes the groom's, but same-sex couples can choose the ordering that sounds best to them. If the bride's parents are hosting, they are mentioned first. If both sets of parents are hosting, each name should be on a separate line.
