Wedding Invitation Wording For Your Gift Registry

Wedding registry information is a topic that raises a lot of questions for couples. While it is important to inform guests about the registry, it can be tricky to do so without appearing greedy or impolite. The wedding invitation is not the place to include registry details, as it may give the impression that gifts are just as important as sharing the special day with loved ones. So, what are the best ways to let guests know about the registry?

Include a link to your wedding website on an enclosure card

Wedding invitation etiquette suggests that you should never put your registry information directly on your wedding invitations. Instead, you can include a link to your wedding website on an enclosure card. This way, guests can easily access your registry information without it appearing that you are making gift requests.

Enclosure cards are small cards included with your wedding invitations that provide additional information. They are usually used to communicate details about the reception, such as the venue, time, and food and drink options. However, they can also be used to share your wedding website, which is becoming an increasingly popular option for modern couples.

By including your wedding website URL on an enclosure card, you can direct guests to your registry without explicitly mentioning gifts. This approach is considered more subtle and appropriate, as it allows guests to access the information if they wish, rather than being directed to a wish list before they have even RSVP'd.

If you are already including a wedding website RSVP, you may not need a separate enclosure card. However, if you have additional information to communicate, such as guest accommodations or travel recommendations, you can include a separate enclosure card with your website address.

It is worth noting that while it is acceptable to include your registry information on bridal shower invitations, it is generally advised to avoid posting links to your registry on social media platforms like Facebook.

Don't mention gifts on your wedding invitation

While it may be tempting to include a polite request for no gifts on your wedding invitations, it's best to avoid mentioning gifts altogether. Here are some reasons why you should steer clear of any gift-related wording on your invites:

It May Come Across as Impolite

While you may have good intentions, asking for no gifts, even indirectly, can be seen as impolite. As wedding expert Michelle Cousins notes, including a "no gifts necessary" message on the invitation itself can be a faux pas. Instead, focus on building excitement for your celebration and leave the gift-related details for another time and place.

Gifts Are Not an Expectation

One of the essential aspects of wedding etiquette is that gifts are never expected or required. By not mentioning gifts on your invitation, you avoid inadvertently sending the message that you are expecting presents. Remember, your guests' presence and well-wishes are the most important contributions to your special day.

Provide Alternative Ways to Share Gift Preferences

There are other, more subtle ways to communicate your gift preferences. For example, you can include an informational insert in the invitation envelope with a link to your wedding website. This approach is much more discreet and allows guests to access gift-related information if they wish. You can also rely on word of mouth; your close family members and friends can spread the word to curious guests.

Avoid the Impression of Greed

Directly mentioning gifts on your wedding invitation, even to decline them politely, may suggest that receiving gifts is just as important, or more important, than sharing your special day with loved ones. It's essential to maintain a delicate balance and avoid giving the impression that gift-giving is a priority.

Provide Alternative Ways to Contribute

If you are concerned about guests feeling uncertain about what to give, you can suggest alternative ways to contribute without mentioning it on the invitation itself. For example, you can include a link to your wedding website, where guests can find information about contributing to your honeymoon fund or a charitable cause close to your heart.

Maintain a Gracious Tone

Your wedding invitation sets the tone for your celebration, and it's essential to maintain a gracious and welcoming tone throughout. By avoiding any mention of gifts, you keep the focus on the joy of your upcoming nuptials and the honour of your guests' presence. This approach ensures that your invitation remains a delightful announcement of your special day.

Include your wedding website on your save the date

Wedding planning can be a confusing scenario to navigate, especially when it comes to wedding invitation etiquette. While it is considered a major faux pas to include your registry information on your wedding invitations, there are other ways to inform your guests about your wedding registry. One way is to include your wedding website on your save-the-date cards. This way, everyone invited to the wedding will get the information and be able to access your wedding registry.

• Timing is key: Send save-the-date cards 4-6 months before your wedding date. This will give your guests enough time to plan their attendance and access your wedding website for more details.
• Placement matters: If you're using a pre-made design, follow the template's guidelines for where to place your wedding website link. It's usually listed on the back or at the bottom of the front side. If you're working with a designer or creating your own, the placement is up to your preference. A QR code can be placed on the back.
• Use clear wording: When including your wedding website URL, use clear and concise wording such as "For more information, please visit [URL]" or "Kindly RSVP by [date] at [URL]". This will direct guests to your website without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.
• Maintain a formal tone: While it's okay to include your wedding website on your save-the-date cards, maintain a formal tone. Avoid making it solely about gift-giving. Instead, use wording like "If you wish to give a gift to the bride and groom..." to indicate that gift-giving is optional.
• Consider enclosure cards: If you prefer, you can include your wedding website URL on an enclosure card, a small card included with your save-the-date cards. This can be a separate card with guest accommodations, your wedding website link, and other information.
• Consistency is important: Ensure that your wedding website URL is consistent across all your wedding stationery, including save-the-date cards, invitations, and enclosure cards. This will make it easier for guests to find and access your website.

Spread the word about your registry through friends and family

It is considered a major faux pas to include your registry information on your wedding invitations. It is interpreted as a request for gifts, so do not put wedding registry information anywhere on the invitation card itself. Instead, you can include a link to your wedding website on an enclosure card. This way, guests can visit the website and view your registry along with other details such as where to stay, what to do, wedding attire, etc.

If you are already using a wedding website for RSVPs, you do not need another enclosure card with your website address. Simply include the website on the RSVP card with instructions on where, when, and how guests should respond.

Another option is to include a details card with your invite, which can list your website, travel information, requested attire, and other details.

If you want to maintain a formal tone while taking advantage of modern tech conveniences, you can add a wedding website card to your invitation suite. This card solely shares your website URL and is a good choice for couples who want to keep their invitation formal.

You can also count on old-school word of mouth to spread the word about your registry. Share the details with your immediate family, bridesmaids, and groomsmen, and let them know they can spread the word on your behalf.

Include registry information on your bridal shower invitations

While it is considered a major faux pas to include your wedding registry on your wedding invitations, it is perfectly acceptable to include your registry information on your bridal shower invitations. This is because, unlike a wedding, the intention of a bridal shower is to shower the bride with gifts.

Chances are, you're not throwing your own shower, so it's totally fine if the host adds a link or note to the invitation. While a bride or groom asking for gifts directly can be taken as a little rude, your mom, aunt, or bestie can feel free to spread the word on your behalf. And, because bridal showers are all about the gift-giving anyway, guests will want and need to know what you'd like to receive.

If you're using a wedding website, it's also a good idea to include the URL on your bridal shower invitations. This way, guests can access all the information they need in one place, including your registry, travel information, and requested attire.

"Join us for a bridal shower to celebrate [Bride's name]! She is registered at [store names or websites]."

"We're thrilled to celebrate the upcoming wedding of [Bride's name]! Please join us for a bridal shower, and visit her registry at [store names or websites] for gift ideas."

"It's [Bride's name]'s bridal shower, and we can't wait to shower her with love (and gifts, of course)! Check out her registry at [store names or websites]."

Remember to include the date, time, and location of the bridal shower on the invitations, as well as any other relevant details your guests may need to know.

Frequently asked questions