Wedding Invitation Etiquette: What To Include On The Back

Wedding invitations are a crucial part of wedding planning, giving guests their first glimpse of the style and theme of the big day. They also serve a practical purpose, providing essential logistical information. While the design and format of invitations are important, it's also necessary to consider what details to include. One option for providing additional information is to use the back of the invitation. However, there are differing opinions on whether this is good etiquette. Some people view it as wasteful to include separate enclosure cards, while others believe that important information may be missed if it's included on the back. Ultimately, it's up to the couple to decide what works best for their invitation design and budget.

RSVP and response card

The RSVP and response card is one of the most important elements of a wedding invitation. It allows your guests to confirm their attendance and provides you with a final headcount for planning purposes. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for creating your RSVP and response card:

Format and Content

It is standard to include a physical response card unless you decide to use an online RSVP system. The response card should include a deadline for guests to reply by, which is typically set at least two to four weeks in advance of the wedding. It is also important to include a line for guests to write their names and indicate the number of people attending. If meal options are offered, provide checkboxes for guests to select their preferences. You may also include a line for song requests for informal weddings. Remember to stamp your RSVP cards with postage stamps as a courtesy to your guests.

Design and Layout

Keep the design of your response card simple and uncluttered. Avoid including lengthy descriptions or too much information. Opt for short and clear meal options such as "chicken", "beef", or "vegetarian". The response card should be easy to read and understand. If you have a wedding website, you can direct guests there for more detailed information.

Mailing and Postage

Provide a pre-addressed envelope and stamp for the response card to make it convenient for your guests to reply. Number the names on your guest list and write the corresponding number on the back of each response card. This will help you keep track of responses, especially if you have guests with similar names. Remember to consider the weight of your invitation suite, including the response card and envelope, when choosing postage.

Online RSVPs

If you choose to use an online RSVP system, provide the wedding website address on the invitation or on a separate card. However, it is considerate to also send response cards to older guests or those who may not be comfortable using a computer. This ensures that everyone can respond in a way that is convenient for them.

Response Card Etiquette

It is important to give your guests enough time to respond and send reminders if needed. Be mindful of your wording and avoid noting that your event is adults-only on the response card, as it may seem rude. Instead, address envelopes only to the parents' names if children are not invited. You may also politely inform guests in person or over the phone.

Reception card

The reception card is an optional part of your wedding invitation suite, but it's a good idea to include one if your wedding reception is at a different venue from the ceremony, or if there's a long break between the two events.

Here's what to include on your reception card:

Type of Reception

Let guests know whether it's a cocktail, formal, dinner reception, etc.

Directions and/or Map

Include directions to your reception venue, especially if it's difficult to find or doesn't show up on GPS. You could also include a map, either illustrated or text-based.

Theme (if it's not a surprise)

Share the theme of your wedding reception, if you have one.

Start Time

If your reception immediately follows the ceremony, you can simply write 'reception to follow' on your invitation. If there's a break between the two, include the start time on your reception card.

Attire Notation

You can include attire notations, such as 'black-tie' or 'cocktail attire', in the bottom right corner of your reception card.

Adults-Only Notation

If your reception is adults-only, you can include this information on your reception card, although traditionally it's considered rude to include this on any part of your stationery. It's more common to notify guests through word-of-mouth or by addressing the invitation to the parents' names only.

Other Details

If you're hosting a cocktail hour, be sure to include this on your card. You can also include other details such as transportation options or accommodation information, although these could also go on separate cards.

Directions card

Keep it Concise

Make it Legible

Be sure to use a legible font for your directions card. A simple and clear font will ensure that all your guests can easily read the information. You may also want to include a digital copy of the directions on your wedding website as a backup.

Include a Map

Consider including a map along with written directions, especially if your venue is in a remote location or is difficult to find. A hand-drawn map can add a fun and intimate touch to your invitation suite. Alternatively, you can include a custom weekend map that serves as a keepsake for you and your guests.

Provide Transportation Details

If you are providing transportation for your guests, such as a shuttle service from a designated hotel to the venue, be sure to include this information on the directions card. This will help your guests plan their travel arrangements and ensure they arrive at the wedding on time.

Send Invitations Early for Destination Weddings

If you are having a destination wedding, it is important to send your invitations out early. This will give your guests enough time to make travel arrangements and book their accommodations. Include recommended travel information and online resources that guests can access early in the planning process.

Combine with Accommodations Card

To save on postage and stationery costs, you can combine the directions card with an accommodations card. This card can include information such as hotel recommendations or room blocks for out-of-town guests, along with transportation details and directions to the venue. However, be mindful not to overload the card with too much information, as it may become cluttered and confusing.

Website card

If you're looking to include a website card with your wedding invitations, here are some tips to keep in mind:

The website card should include the URL of your wedding website and a brief introductory phrase encouraging guests to visit the site for more details. If your wedding website has a password, be sure to include that as well. Keep the content concise and to the point, as these cards are typically business card-sized (2" x 3.5").

Cost Savings

Including a website card can help you save on invitation postage, as it eliminates the need for separate insert cards for accommodations, weekend itineraries, and other details. You can also skip the added cost of RSVP envelopes if guests reply online through your wedding website. Alternatively, you can use a postcard format for RSVPs, which is more cost-effective than envelopes.

Combining Details

To save on postage and stationery costs, you can combine certain wedding details on the same card. For example, you can include hotel room block and transportation information on the same enclosure card. However, if you're hosting a very formal event, it's best to follow proper etiquette and list these details on separate enclosure cards.

Registry Information

While traditional wedding etiquette suggests not including registry details on any wedding stationery, many couples find it necessary to share this information, especially for long-distance guests. If you decide to include registry information, list only 2-3 stores where you are registered and avoid asking for monetary gifts or specific items. You can also skip the separate card and include registry details on your wedding website.

Design and Layout

When designing your website card, ensure that the font is easy to read and that the layout is not cluttered. Avoid including too much text, as it may become hard to read. Keep the card single-sided if possible, as flipping between a double-sided card can be confusing for guests.

Other Considerations

If you have a lot of information to convey, consider creating a wedding website that serves as a central hub for all wedding-related details. This can be especially useful for destination weddings or weddings with multiple events and activities. You can then include the URL on the website card, providing guests with easy access to all the information they need.

Accommodations card

If you have guests coming from out of town, it is a good idea to provide them with a separate accommodations card detailing hotel options. This is especially helpful if you have reserved hotel room blocks for your guests.

What to Include

Provide the name and street address of the hotel(s) and inform guests of the name or group code your room blocks are listed under. You may also include the hotel's phone number. If a shuttle is provided from the hotel to the venue, you can add this information here as well.

What Not to Include

Avoid listing the hotel website's booking page as these are often long and confusing. Instead, include this information on your wedding website. Also, refrain from including too much information, such as the temperature, recommended airports, or other minor details that guests can easily find on their own.

Ways to Save

If you are on a budget, you can omit the cost of including a separate website card by briefly mentioning your wedding website at the bottom of the accommodations card. You can also skip the added cost of RSVP envelopes if guests are replying online through your wedding website. Alternatively, you can use a postcard format for the accommodations card to save on paper and envelope costs.

Frequently asked questions