Wedding Invitation Details: What To Include And How

Wedding invitation inserts, also known as enclosure cards or details cards, are an extra piece of stationery included with your wedding invitation. They are used to share extra information with your wedding guests without crowding the main invitation with logistics. The main invitation should list your names, wedding date, location, start time, and dress code. The insert card will speak to the rest of the celebration.

Accommodation details

If you have a lot of guests travelling from out of town, it is a thoughtful gesture to reserve a hotel room block for them. This will ensure they have suitable accommodation and can be done shortly after booking your wedding venue. It is also important to communicate this information clearly to your guests, so they know how to book.

> "For your convenience, we have reserved a block of rooms at [name of hotel] in [city]. Please call [hotel's phone number] to make your reservation. Be sure to mention the [your last names] wedding in order to receive a discounted rate. Please book your room by [date] to receive this discount."

If you have reserved rooms at multiple hotels, you can direct guests to your wedding website for more information:

> "Please view our website for more information on accommodations, directions, and maps to the venue: [website URL]."

If you are hosting a destination wedding or a wedding where most guests are travelling, it is a good idea to include accommodation details on your save-the-date cards, if possible. You can also provide a separate wedding accommodation card that matches the motif of your invitations.

> "We have agreed preferred rates at the [hotel name and address]. Please call [telephone number] and quote [reference] to book your room. Guests are advised to book early, as rooms are only reserved until [date]."

If you have not pre-booked any accommodation, you can still provide guests with suggested options:

> "There is a wide selection of hotels near the venue. Recommended options include [hotel name] or [hotel name]. As accommodation is in high demand in [town/city], we recommend booking early."

Transportation information

If you're providing transport for your guests, it's a good idea to include a separate enclosure card with your wedding invitation. This will help to prevent confusion and give your guests all the information they need for your big day. Here are some suggestions for what to include:

Shuttle Service

If you're providing a shuttle service for guests, include the schedule and pick-up times. For example:

> Shuttle service will be provided from the ceremony to the reception. Shuttles will depart at 3:30 pm immediately following the wedding ceremony.

>

> Shuttles will depart from the Rose Garden Hotel at 2:00 pm to the Wedding Ceremony at The Brookstone. Following the reception, shuttles will return to the hotel at 9:00 pm.

Parking Instructions

Provide parking instructions for guests who will be driving themselves. For example:

> For guests arriving by car, please note there is limited parking at the venue. Upon arrival, please follow the signs provided.

Taxi Services

If guests will need to book taxis, provide the contact information for local taxi companies. For example:

> The venue is easily reached from the hotel/hotels, but for those wishing to book a taxi, it is best to reserve ahead by calling [Taxi Name] on [Telephone Number] or [Taxi Name] on [Telephone Number].

Wedding Website

Direct your guests to your wedding website for more information. For example:

> For more information on transportation, please visit our wedding website: www.ariannalovesdylan.com

Directions and/or a map

If your wedding venue is easy to find, you may not need to include a separate card for directions. However, if your venue is off the beaten path, or you're having a destination wedding, it's a good idea to include a directions card or a custom map. Here are some tips on what to include:

• Clear and concise instructions: Provide step-by-step instructions from relevant locations, such as the airport, ceremony venue, or shuttle pick-up points.
• Visual aids: Consider adding simple maps, landmarks, or other visual elements to make it easier for guests to find their way.
• Parking and alternative transportation: Include information about parking options and any alternative transportation arrangements, such as a shuttle service.
• Reception details: If the reception is at a different location, provide the address and directions separately.
• Digital alternative: If you're using digital invitations, you can include a link to a Google Map or provide directions on your wedding website.

A well-designed directions card or custom map will help your guests arrive at your celebration stress-free and ready to party!

Dress code information

If you're having a casual wedding, you might want to suggest that your guests wear business casual attire. This could include a dress or skirt and a nice top for women, and a button-down shirt with trousers for men.

For a more formal event, you could specify cocktail attire. This means that women should wear dresses that are slightly more formal, and men should wear a suit and tie.

If you're having an outdoor wedding, it's a good idea to let your guests know so that they can wear appropriate footwear. You could say something like, "Please note that the ceremony and reception will take place outdoors, so kindly wear comfortable shoes."

For a black-tie event, women should wear floor-length gowns, and men should wear tuxedos. You can specify this by saying, "The dress code for the wedding is black tie. Women are requested to wear floor-length gowns, and men are requested to wear tuxedos."

If you're having a themed wedding, be sure to let your guests know so that they can dress accordingly. For example, if you're having a 1920s-themed wedding, you could say, "Please join us for a 1920s-themed celebration. Dress code is 1920s-inspired attire."

It's also a good idea to specify if you're having multiple events with different dress codes. For example, you could say, "Please join us for a weekend of celebrations. The dress code for the welcome dinner on Friday is business casual. For the wedding ceremony and reception on Saturday, the dress code is formal attire."

Reception details

If your ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you can simply say "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow". If the reception is at a different location, you can include the full address and other pertinent information on a separate details card tucked in with your main invitation.

If you're holding a destination wedding, this travel information may have already been provided on the save-the-date, but it doesn't hurt to share it again. You can include information such as the wedding block and hotel room booking details, recommended hotels, transportation or anything significant about the area of town where guests will be staying.

If the reception is elsewhere, the location goes on a different line. Include the time if the wedding reception is not immediately following the ceremony.

If there are multiple events, it's helpful to include the suggested attire for each celebration.

If you're having a destination wedding or a multi-day affair, wedding details cards might be the place to share those extra details. Think of them as a simplified weekend itinerary document that gives guests an overview.

Get your guests ready to party with a dedicated reception details card. Share the venue address, start time, and any specific instructions for parking or entrance.

Frequently asked questions