Wedding Invite Requests: What To Ask For

Wedding invitations should include the request to come to the wedding, the names of the couple, and reception information. The request to attend can be formal, such as request the pleasure of your company, or casual, such as invite you to celebrate with them. The names of the couple are usually displayed in larger text, and the date and time are also essential. For formal invitations, the time is written out rather than using numerals. The location of the ceremony and reception should be included, with separate reception cards if the reception is at a different venue. The dress code can be included in the invitation or on a separate card.

How to ask for gifts

Asking for gifts on a wedding invitation can be done in a tasteful and polite manner. Here are some instructive guidelines and examples to help you craft the wording for your special day:

Registry Details:

• It is generally considered impolite to include registry details directly on the wedding invitation. Instead, provide guests with this information through other means, such as a separate insert card or your wedding website.
• A simple and discreet way to handle this is to include a line such as, "Registry details can be found on our wedding website."

Monetary Gifts:

• If you prefer monetary gifts or contributions towards a honeymoon or new home, you can phrase this delicately.
• Examples:
• "Your presence at our wedding is gift enough, but should you wish to give, we would be grateful for a contribution to our honeymoon fund."
• "We are blessed to have everything we need, but if you wish to give a gift, we would appreciate contributions towards our future plans."

Charitable Donations:

• If you and your partner are passionate about a particular cause or charity, you may suggest that guests donate to this organization in lieu of traditional gifts.
• Example:
• "In lieu of gifts, we kindly request that you consider making a donation to [Charity Name], a cause close to our hearts."

No Gifts Please:

• If you and your partner do not wish to receive any gifts, you can politely convey this on your invitation.
• Example:
• "Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift of all. Please, no other gifts are necessary."

Wishing Well or Card Box:

• If you prefer a more subtle approach, you can simply set up a wishing well or card box at the reception and include a small note about it with your invitation.
• Example:
• "We are honoured by your presence at our wedding. If you wish to give a gift, we will have a card box at the reception."

Poetic License:

• Feel free to get creative with your wording to match the tone and theme of your wedding.
• Example:
• "Your love and support are the greatest gifts of all. However, if you wish to give more, we kindly ask for contributions towards our future adventures."

Remember, the most important aspect is to communicate your wishes clearly and politely. You may also want to consider including a wedding website link on your invitation or insert cards, as this provides a central place for guests to find all the necessary information.

How to specify no kids

There are many ways to politely communicate that you are having a child-free wedding. Here are some suggestions:

Be Clear and Direct

It is important to be clear and direct about your request for a child-free wedding. Simply stating "no kids" or "no children" may not be sufficient. Be specific about which age groups cannot attend. For example:

• "We respectfully request no children under the age of 16/18 to the reception."
• "No children under the age of 16 will be permitted."
• "We politely request that there be no children under the age of 18 at the reception."
• "Please note that this is an adults-only celebration."
• "We respectfully advise this is an adult-only event."

Address the Invitations to the Guests You Want to Attend

If you are sending formal invitations with both an outer and inner envelope, list only the names of the invited adult guests on both envelopes. If you are sending outer envelopes only, list only the names of the invited adults. You can also write the names of each invited guest on the response card.

Spread the Word Through Friends and Family

You can ask your immediate family, wedding party members, and friends to inform other guests of your request so they have enough time to arrange childcare.

Put the Information on Your Wedding Website

Create a FAQ section on your wedding website that addresses your decision. This will allow guests with children to plan accordingly.

Be Consistent

It is important to be consistent with your "no kids" rule. You can make clear exceptions for children of immediate family members, bridesmaids, ushers, page boys, and flower girls, as long as you communicate this to your guests.

Don't Be Afraid to Stand Your Ground

Don't let anyone guilt-trip you about your adults-only policy. If you have to deal with upset parents, be sensitive to their feelings, but don't back down from your decision. Remember, it is your wedding day, and you and your partner get to decide who is invited.

How to specify a dress code

When it comes to specifying a dress code on your wedding invitations, here are some tips and examples to consider:

Including Dress Code Information:

• Including dress code information is optional, but it can be helpful for your guests. If you have a specific dress code, such as black-tie, it is recommended to include it on the invitation.
• The dress code line should be listed on a separate line, usually in the lower right corner of the invitation.
• If you don't include attire details, guests will usually infer the dress code based on the formality of the invitation itself. A formal invitation suggests a formal affair, while a simpler invite indicates a more casual dress code.

Wording and Examples:

• The wording for dress code can vary depending on the level of formality you desire. Here are some examples:
• Black-tie (tuxedos and floor-length gowns)
• Formal attire (suits and dresses)
• Cocktail attire (suits or dress shirts with ties and cocktail dresses)
• Beach casual (long- or short-sleeve shirts with pants or shorts, sundresses, and sandals)
• Casual attire
• Dressy casual attire
• Semi-formal attire
• Black-tie optional
• White tie
• You can also use phrases like "Casual Attire," "Black Tie Optional," or "Black Tie Invited."

Using Wedding Website:

• If you prefer not to include dress code details on the invitation, you can always communicate this information through your wedding website.
• Your wedding website is a great place to provide additional details, such as accommodation, registry, and dress code information.

Remember, the key is to provide your guests with enough information to help them feel prepared and comfortable for your special day. Choose the wording and format that best reflect the style and tone of your wedding.

How to specify dietary requirements

It's important to ask about your guests' dietary requirements in advance so that you can plan your wedding menu accordingly and make your guests feel welcome and satisfied. Here are some tips on how to specify dietary requirements on your wedding invitations:

Be Clear and Direct

Be straightforward when asking about dietary requirements. You can include a separate insert or enclosure with your invitations that specifically asks about dietary restrictions and food allergies. Provide a checklist of common dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and food allergens, and include an "other" option for guests to specify their needs. Alternatively, you can include a note at the bottom of your RSVP cards or alongside the RSVP information, asking guests to inform you of any special dietary needs.

Specify a Deadline

It is essential to set a deadline for your guests to respond with their dietary requirements. This will give you enough time to plan your menu and make any necessary arrangements. Include a cutoff date or specify the date by which you need to receive their responses.

Provide Contact Information

Make it easy for your guests to reach out to you regarding their dietary requirements. Provide a dedicated email address or phone number for them to contact you directly. This will allow you to keep a record of their requests and follow up if needed.

Sample Wording

• "Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements."
• "Please note any food allergies or dietary restrictions."
• "Please advise of any food allergies."
• "Please contact us by phone or email about any food allergies or dietary restrictions."
• "If you have any dietary restrictions, please leave a note on the back of this card."

Choose the Right Invitation Style

If you plan to include menu choices and dietary requirements on your invitations, consider using pocketfold or concertina-style invitations. These styles provide ample space for including menus, tick boxes for menu choices, and areas for guests to specify their dietary needs.

How to specify song requests

There are several ways to specify song requests on your wedding invites. Here are some ideas:

Wording Ideas:

• "We're taking requests! Please tell us if there's a song you'd like to dance to! ________________________________ ________________________________"
• "We're taking requests! Let us know if there is a song you'd like to hear: ____________________________"
• "I will dance at your wedding if you play this song_______! "
• "Please request a song, so together we can dance all night long! ____________________________"
• "We would love to incorporate everyone's tastes and styles in our wedding through music. Please write a song and its artist on your RSVP card if you would like us to play a specific song."
• "What song will get you on the dance floor? ______________________"
• "I will dance if you play ______________________"
• "This song will get me moving on the dance floor: _____"

Other Options:

If you don't want to include song requests on your invites, you could include a separate card with the request. You could also create a wedding website and include a song request section, or send an email to your guests a few weeks before the wedding asking for song suggestions.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Order your invitations in advance so you have time to go through the song requests.
• Ask for no more than 3 favourite songs from each guest.
• Include a disclaimer that you (the couple) have veto power over all song choices.
• Don't treat the songs as "must-plays", but rather as a guide for your DJ to get a feel for the crowd.
• Go through the song requests and prioritise your favourites and least likely to be played, keeping in mind the age range of your guests.
• Be prepared for weird requests and guests who don't fill it in.

Frequently asked questions