Wedding Invite Wording For A Casual, Intimate Affair

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to deciding on the guest list. A low-key wedding is a great option for couples who want a more intimate and personalised celebration. When it comes to invitations for a low-key wedding, it's important to include all the essential information such as the request to come to the wedding, the names of the couple, and reception details.

To keep the wedding small and intimate, it's a good idea to narrow down the guest list to close friends and family, which will also help keep costs down. The invitation wording can be creative and whimsical, but it should still include key details such as the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception.

For a low-key wedding, consider a non-traditional venue such as a restaurant, a family home, or even a public park, which can be a more affordable option. The invitation can also mention any unique aspects of the wedding, such as a live band, interactive cocktail display, or a one-tier cake.

Ultimately, the invitation should reflect the couple's personality and the tone they want to set for their special day, whether it's casual and relaxed or more formal and elegant.

Date and time of the ceremony

When it comes to the date and time of the ceremony, it's important to provide clear and accurate information to your guests. Here are some tips to consider for your low-key wedding invitations:

Specify the Date:

Clearly state the date of your wedding, including the day of the week and the date in month-day-year format. For example, "Saturday, the fifth of May, two thousand seventeen". This format ensures there is no ambiguity about when your wedding will take place.

Time of the Ceremony:

Be explicit about the time of the ceremony, using phrases such as "at one o'clock in the afternoon" or "half past four in the afternoon". This level of detail ensures your guests arrive on time and don't miss the important part of your special day.

Consider Time Zones:

If your guests are travelling from different locations, it might be helpful to include the time zone of your wedding venue to avoid any confusion. This is especially important if you have guests joining from multiple countries or regions with different time zones.

Account for Travel Time:

If your ceremony and reception are taking place at different locations, consider the travel time between the two. You may want to include a note on your invitation, such as "reception to follow at [reception venue name] at [time]", so guests can plan their transportation accordingly.

Be Mindful of Daylight Saving Time:

If your wedding is taking place during a time of year when daylight saving time changes occur, be sure to specify the time format used on your invitation. This will prevent any misunderstandings due to clock changes.

Include a Timeline:

For a low-key wedding, it can be helpful to provide a simple timeline of events for the day. This could include the time of the ceremony, followed by any other activities such as cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing. This gives your guests a clear overview of the day's schedule.

"We invite you to join us for our wedding ceremony on Saturday, the twenty-fifth of August, at three o'clock in the afternoon. The reception will follow at the same location, with dinner and dancing into the evening."

Ceremony and reception location

When it comes to the ceremony and reception location for your low-key wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about the size of your guest list as this will impact the venue you choose. If you're keeping things intimate, a restaurant, backyard, or a small space within a larger venue might be a good option.

• Restaurant Venue: Choose a restaurant that you and your partner love, one that reflects your style and tastes. This can be a unique and meaningful space that offers a built-in catering option and often has all the amenities you need.
• Backyard Wedding: Consider hosting your ceremony and reception in the backyard of your house, your childhood home, or a family member's property. This creates a cozy and low-maintenance setting, and with a small guest list, everyone can comfortably fit and enjoy a more personal celebration.
• Airbnb Venue: Look into renting a beautiful private home through Airbnb or a similar platform. This option offers flexibility and can be cost-efficient. Just be sure to check with the host beforehand, as some properties may have restrictions on events like weddings.
• Small Space in a Large Venue: If you want a more traditional venue like a ballroom or industrial loft, consider utilizing a smaller space within the location. Think outside the box with options like a library in a historic estate, a courtyard, a theater, or a small gallery.
• Public Spaces: Public venues such as local parks or community centers can be a budget-friendly option, often allowing you to rent by the hour and providing flexibility for your celebration.

When selecting your ceremony and reception location, it's important to keep in mind the overall atmosphere and experience you want to create for your guests. Opt for venues that align with your vision and allow you to incorporate any special touches or activities you have planned. Remember, a low-key wedding doesn't have to compromise on style or elegance; it's all about creating an intimate and memorable experience for you and your loved ones.

Dress code

If you're planning a low-key wedding, you might be wondering what to put on the invitations regarding the dress code. Here are some ideas and suggestions to help you communicate the appropriate attire to your guests:

Keep it Casual: If you want your wedding to be relaxed and informal, indicate that the dress code is casual. This could mean anything from dressy jeans and blouses to sundresses and button-downs. You can also suggest that guests wear comfortable shoes, like flip-flops, so they can dance the night away without any discomfort.

Smart Casual: If you want to add a bit of elegance to your low-key wedding, you could suggest a smart-casual dress code. This might include outfits like summer dresses, blazers, and nice trousers. It's a step up from casual but still comfortable and relaxed.

Business Casual: Another option is to suggest a business casual dress code. This could include items like dress pants, skirts, button-down shirts, and blouses. It's a bit more formal than smart casual but still not as dressy as black-tie attire.

Outdoor Wedding: If your low-key wedding is taking place outdoors, such as in a backyard or a park, make sure to inform your guests. They should dress appropriately for the weather and the terrain. For example, if it's a summer wedding, suggest light and breathable fabrics. If it's an outdoor wedding in the evening, let guests know to bring a light jacket or wrap in case it gets chilly.

Theme or Colour Scheme: If you have a specific theme or colour scheme for your wedding, feel free to include that information on the invitations. For example, if you're having a rustic-themed wedding, guests might want to dress accordingly with earthy tones and textures. Or, if you have a particular colour palette, guests might want to avoid wearing those colours to stand out from the wedding party.

No Dress Code: On the other hand, if you don't want to specify a dress code and would rather leave it open-ended, you can simply omit any mention of attire on the invitations. This gives guests the freedom to dress however they feel comfortable while still respecting the overall tone of your low-key wedding.

RSVP details

When it comes to low-key weddings, there are many ways to go about planning and executing the big day. From backyard weddings to courthouse ceremonies, intimate nuptials offer a more relaxed and personalised experience for the couple and their guests. Here are some ideas for RSVP details that you can include on your wedding invitations to ensure a well-organised and memorable celebration:

Specify the RSVP deadline

It is essential to set a deadline for guests to respond to your invitation. This will help you finalise numbers for catering and other arrangements. Include a specific date by which guests should confirm their attendance, such as "Please respond by [date]." Alternatively, you could request an RSVP "at your earliest convenience."

Provide clear instructions for responding

Make it easy for your guests to respond by including clear and detailed instructions. If you prefer a traditional response by mail, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your invitation. You can also offer multiple response options, such as responding by email, phone, or text message. Provide all the necessary contact information to make it convenient for your guests.

Include a meal selection option

If you are offering your guests a choice of meals, be sure to include this information on the RSVP card. This is especially important if you are having a seated dinner with specific meal options. You can simply add a line that says, "Please indicate your meal preference:" followed by the available options. This will help your caterers prepare accordingly.

Collect any additional information

If you are planning activities or events where you need to know guest preferences or special requirements, use the RSVP card to collect this information. For example, if you are organising transportation to the venue, you can ask guests to specify if they require transportation and provide pick-up details. This ensures that you have all the necessary details to plan accordingly.

Encourage guests to include song requests

If you plan on having a DJ or band at your reception, add a fun twist to the RSVP card by inviting guests to include their favourite songs or artists. This will not only get your guests excited about the celebration but also ensure that the dance floor remains lively throughout the night.

Offer an online RSVP option

In today's digital age, many couples choose to include a wedding website on their invitations. You can direct guests to the website and provide an online RSVP option. This method simplifies the process for both you and your guests, making it easy to keep track of responses and manage your guest list.

Extra information about the venue

The venue you choose for your wedding is a key part of setting the tone for your special day. If you're going for a low-key wedding, you might want to opt for a non-traditional space that reflects your personality and style. Here are some ideas for venues that will create an intimate and relaxed atmosphere:

• Restaurant venue: Consider a restaurant that you and your partner love. This can be a unique and meaningful space that already has a cosy atmosphere, and the added bonus of delicious food! Just be sure to choose a restaurant whose interior décor and style resonate with you, as you may have restrictions on decorations.
• Family home: For an extra cosy and intimate setting, host your wedding in the backyard of your house, your childhood home, or a family member's property. This is a great way to create a sentimental atmosphere, especially if you have a small guest list. If your guest count is on the higher end, you might want to consider renting bathrooms to ensure everyone's comfort.
• Airbnb venue: Renting a beautiful private home through Airbnb can be a cost-efficient way to have a unique and intimate wedding. You'll have the flexibility to move between different spaces, and you can choose a home that reflects your style. Just be sure to check with the host beforehand, as some properties may not allow gatherings or weddings.
• Small space in a large venue: If you're set on a more traditional venue like a ballroom or industrial loft, consider using a smaller, overlooked space within the building. Think courtyards, libraries, theatres, or smaller galleries. These spaces can be perfect for creating an intimate atmosphere while still giving you that traditional venue feel.
• Public spaces: Public venues like parks are a great budget-friendly option, and they allow you to rent by the hour, giving you flexibility on your special day. You could also look into public gardens or historic homes, which often have beautiful backdrops for your ceremony and photos.

When choosing a venue, it's important to consider the size of your guest list and whether the space will be comfortable for your desired number of attendees. A low-key wedding is all about creating a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, so be sure to choose a venue that aligns with that vision.

You might also want to mention the dress code on your invitations, as this can impact how your guests experience the venue. For example, if your venue is outdoors, you might want to suggest attire that guests will be comfortable walking around in.

Frequently asked questions