Brunch Nuptials: Crafting The Perfect Invitation Wording

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and the pressure to get everything right can be overwhelming. One of the most important aspects of a wedding is the invitation, which sets the tone for the entire event. With the rising popularity of brunch weddings, many couples are now opting for a more relaxed and informal celebration. But what is the best way to convey this tone in the invitation? Should you specify the time, mention food and drinks, or include dancing and other activities? This guide will help you craft the perfect invitation for your brunch wedding, ensuring your guests know exactly what to expect.

When to send invites

It's important to send your wedding invitations at the right time. The general consensus is that invites should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules and make any necessary travel arrangements. It also means that you can request RSVPs sooner, which is helpful when it comes to finalising numbers with vendors and creating a seating plan.

If your wedding falls on a holiday weekend, or you have a lot of international guests, it's a good idea to give your guests a little more notice. In these cases, it's recommended that you send your invites out 12 weeks before the wedding. This will give your guests more time to plan their travel and accommodation.

If you're sending digital invitations, it's still wise to stick to the six to eight-week timeline. A wedding invitation is a formal bid, and your guests will need ample time to respond, even if they receive the invite via email.

If you're not sending out Save the Dates, and you have a standard engagement length, you should send your invites around six months in advance. If you're only engaged for a few months before the wedding, send your invites two to three months in advance.

It's also worth noting that, if you're sending paper invitations, you'll need to factor in shipping and delivery times, especially for international guests.

What to include

When it comes to what to include in your brunch wedding invitation, here are some key points to consider:

Host Line

It is common to include a host line at the beginning of the invitation, indicating who is hosting the wedding. Traditionally, this would be the bride's parents, but it can also be both sets of parents, the couple themselves, or even the couple together with their families. For example: "Together with their families, Lauren Martinez and Robert Smith invite you to their wedding." This can also be an opportunity to honour a deceased parent.

Request Line

This is where you extend the invitation and set the tone for the celebration. For a formal, religious ceremony, you might use "request the honour of your presence". For a non-religious ceremony, you could use "request the pleasure of your company". Other options include "invite you to celebrate with them" or "would love for you to join them".

Action Line

Here, you provide more detail about the nature of the event. For example, "at the marriage of their daughter" if the bride's parents are hosting, or "at the celebration of their union" if the couple is hosting. You can also add a playful touch, such as "as they say 'I do'!"

Couple's Names

There are a few options for listing the couple's names. For different-sex couples, the bride's name typically goes first, followed by the groom's full name or first and middle name only. For same-sex couples, you can list the names alphabetically by last name or based on what looks best with the invitation design. First names only are also an option for a less formal feel.

Date and Time

The date and time should be spelled out in full, using traditional phrasing such as "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-one, at half after four in the afternoon". Noon is considered afternoon, and evening begins at five o'clock.

Location

List the venue name and city, state on separate lines. For formal weddings, spell out the state name. The street address is usually not included unless the venue is a private residence. If the reception is at the same location, you can simply say "Reception to follow" or "Dining, dancing, and happily ever after to follow". If it's at a different location, include it on a separate insert card.

Dress Code

Including dress code information is optional but can be helpful for guests. If your wedding is black-tie, this should be included on the invitation. Otherwise, guests will usually infer the dress code based on the formality of the invitation. You can also specify something like "beach casual" or "cocktail attire".

Additional Information

You may want to include an information card with extra details such as directions, transportation, and lodging suggestions. This is also the place to include your wedding website and registry information, rather than on the main invitation card.

RSVP Details

Your RSVP card should include the reply-by date, typically three to four weeks before the wedding, as well as guests' names and checkboxes for accepting or declining. You can also include meal choices and a song request line.

Wording ideas

The wording of your brunch wedding invitation can be as formal or casual as you like, depending on the style of your wedding. Here are some ideas to get you started:

"You are cordially invited to celebrate the marriage of [bride] and [groom] over brunch and dancing, on [date] at [time] at [location]"

"Join us for a post-wedding brunch to celebrate the newlyweds, [bride] and [groom]. Drop by anytime between [time] and [time] at [location]"

"Let's eat! You're invited to a wedding brunch for [bride] and [groom] on [date] at [time] at [location]"

"Please join us for a wedding brunch to celebrate [bride] and [groom]. Brunch will be served from [time] to [time] at [location]"

"We request the pleasure of your company at a brunch reception to celebrate the marriage of [bride] and [groom] on [date] at [time] at [location]"

"Together with our families, we invite you to a brunch celebration as we say 'I do!' Brunch will be served from [time] at [location]"

When it comes to the specifics of your brunch wedding invitation, you can include details such as the type of food and drinks that will be served, especially if your guests might not expect a full meal at that time of day. For example, "Brunch and mimosas to follow" or "Join us for a full brunch buffet and dancing".

If you want to convey a more casual tone, you could use wording such as:

"Come brunch with us to celebrate our wedding! We'll be eating from [time] at [location]"

"Brunch, bubbles and a whole lot of love! Join us as we celebrate our wedding on [date] at [time] at [location]"

"Let's eat, drink and be married! Join us for a wedding brunch on [date] at [time] at [location]"

"We're tying the knot and then eating a lot! Please join us for a wedding brunch on [date] at [time] at [location]"

RSVP instructions

Please let us know if you can make it to our wedding brunch by [date]. You can RSVP by [phone number], by email at [email address], or by post to [address].

If you are happy to let us know your meal preferences at the same time, please do! We will be serving a delicious brunch buffet with a range of options, including vegetarian and vegan dishes. If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know, and we will ensure there is something for everyone.

Our brunch will be a drop-in style event, so you can arrive and leave at a time that suits you. We will be there from [time] to [time], and we would love to see you at any point during the day.

If you are joining us from out of town, we have reserved a block of rooms at [hotel name]. Please get in touch if you would like us to reserve a room for you.

We can't wait to celebrate with you!

Post-wedding brunch etiquette

A post-wedding brunch is a great way to extend the festivities and spend more time with your guests before they depart. It's especially nice for out-of-town visitors or those staying in the same hotel as the wedding party. The good news is that post-wedding brunch etiquette is more relaxed than the actual wedding, giving you creative freedom. Here are some tips to help you navigate the planning process:

Who Hosts It?

The newly married couple or parents of either half of the couple often serve as hosts. Alternatively, you could delegate this task to your wedding planner. Consider your budget and discuss with your families what makes the most sense.

Typically, a post-wedding brunch is held the morning after the wedding. However, if most guests are staying for a few days, you may want to wait until their last day to host the brunch. As for timing, most brunches start at 11 am or noon and last about 2.5 hours. If your wedding is a late-night affair, consider a later start, such as 1 pm to 3 pm, so guests can rest in the morning. A drop-in style event is also a good idea, allowing guests to stop by at their convenience.

Who to Invite?

The guest list for the post-wedding brunch is entirely up to you and your budget. If budget allows, inviting all wedding guests is a nice gesture but not necessary or expected. As a rule of thumb, immediate family, grandparents, and the wedding party (with their plus-ones) should be included. Beyond that, use your discretion and be consistent. Inviting extended family members from both sides or a group of friends from both sides is a good approach to avoid hurt feelings.

The menu for your post-wedding brunch can be as relaxed or formal as you like. Local favourites and specialities are always a good choice, such as shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, or biscuits. You can also set up interactive stations offering elevated brunch options like a bagel bar, an omelet station, or a build-your-own mimosa bar. If you're on a budget, consider a simpler spread of coffee, tea, juice, pastries, and fresh fruit.

Planning and Invitations:

Start planning your post-wedding brunch three to six months in advance, and include the details in your invitation suite and wedding website. This will give your guests enough time to prepare their travel plans. When it comes to invitations, you can include a card with your wedding invitations or send out separate invites. The wording should convey a laid-back and welcoming vibe, such as "Join us for a delightful brunch as we continue to celebrate our love story" or "Brunch and love are in the air! Please join us to relive the wedding magic."

Frequently asked questions