Wedding Invite Details: What To Include And Why

Wedding invitations are one of the first ways to get your guests excited about your big day. They inform your guests of the event's details, from the time, date and location to the dress code, travel and accommodation. But what about all the extra details? That's where the details card comes in.

A details card is a separate card that goes with your wedding invitation and includes additional information to help your guests plan and prepare for your wedding. It's become a popular addition to wedding invitations, but what exactly do you write on it?

Well, that depends on what other information you want to include. You might want to let your guests know about parking arrangements, transport options, accommodation suggestions, the menu, and whether it's an adult-only event. You can also include a link to your wedding website for guests to find out more information.

So, if you're wondering what to write on your wedding details card, here's a rundown: include the specifics of your venue(s), such as the full address and any relevant directions; parking and transport information; accommodation options; whether your venue is cashless; the time you want guests to arrive; and any dress code or special requests.

Remember, you don't have to include everything on the details card. Choose the information that's most relevant to your guests and essential for them to know before your big day.

Travel and accommodation details

If your wedding venue is off the beaten track, it's a good idea to include brief directions on your details card. You can also note down the website of the venue if it has useful information like maps and directions.

> Our ceremony & reception venues: St Cybi’s Church, Llangybi, Usk NP15 1NP. The Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel and Spa, Llangybi, Usk NP15 1PG

If your wedding is a destination wedding, it is helpful to include information about the area of town where your guests will be staying. You can also include simple directions from the airport to the hotel block or any other pertinent information needed for parking at the wedding venue.

> The wedding will take place at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Como, Italy. The closest airport is Milan Malpensa, which is a 1-hour drive from the hotel.

If you are laying on any transport for your guests, you can include these details on the card. Brief details are enough, for example, where and when the pick-ups are and what time the return journey will be.

> There will be a shuttle bus from the hotel to the wedding venue. It will depart at 1 pm and return at midnight.

If there is accommodation available for guests at your venue, provide them with the details of any special rates available, as well as instructions on how to book and the appropriate contact details. You can also suggest some nearby alternatives, remembering to consider all price points.

> Accommodation is available at the New House. Please book directly with them, quoting "Thomas/Shaddick wedding" for a preferential rate. Alternative options include The Guest House and The Lodge, both within a 10-minute drive of the venue.

If there are any important details about parking at the venue, be sure to include these on the card. For example, if parking is limited, mention this so that guests can plan accordingly and leave enough time to park safely.

> Parking around the church and village is limited. We recommend parking on Ton Road. Cars may be left at the venue overnight but must be collected by 10 am the following morning.

Parking and transport information

• For guests arriving by car, there is ample parking available at the venue. Please follow the signs provided upon arrival.
• If you are planning to arrive by taxi, we recommend that you reserve ahead by calling [taxi company name] on [phone number] or [alternative taxi company name] on [phone number].
• For those staying at the hotel, a coach has been arranged to transport guests to and from the venue. The coach will depart the hotel at [time] and pick up guests at the end of the night.
• If you are driving, please note that parking around the church and village is limited. We recommend parking in Ton Road.
• Cars may be left at the venue overnight but must be collected by 10 am the following morning.
• For guests who plan to have a drink or two, we suggest taking a taxi back to your accommodation.

Dress code

Whether your wedding is black tie, cocktail, formal, or garden party chic, it's always helpful to inform your guests of the dress code. This will take the stress out of deciding what to wear and ensure everyone feels comfortable and appropriately dressed. Here are some examples of dress code descriptions you can include in your wedding invitation details card:

• Black-tie attire requested
• Formal attire, wedding hats encouraged
• The wedding party will be in pink, we'd love you to coordinate!
• The reception will be in a barn on a working farm, please choose your footwear accordingly
• Cocktail attire
• Garden party chic
• Semi-formal
• Beach casual

If there are multiple events throughout the wedding weekend, it's helpful to include the suggested attire for each celebration. This ensures your guests are prepared and know what to expect for each event.

Timing and location of the ceremony and reception

The wedding invitation should include the date, time and location of the ceremony and reception. If the ceremony and reception are held in the same location, you may print "and afterward at the reception" or "reception immediately following". When the reception is held at a different location or at a different time, the location and time go on a separate line.

If your ceremony and reception are at different locations, then you may want to include additional information such as venue, transportation and parking. This is even more critical if there is a time gap between the ceremony and reception.

> Mr & Mrs John Smith and Mr & Mrs Alan Jones request the pleasure of [guest name/your company] at the marriage of their children Jessica and Edward

> [location] [date] [time]

> followed by a reception

> R.S.V.P by 30th June to [parents’ address]

> Together with their parents, [couple] invite you to celebrate their wedding!

> [location] [date] [time]

> followed by a reception

> R.S.V.P by 30th June to [parents’ address]

> Mr & Mrs John Smith request the pleasure of [guest name/your company] at the marriage of their daughter Jessica to Mr Edward Jones

> [location of ceremony] [date] [time]

> and afterwards at [location of reception]

> R.S.V.P by 30th June to [parent’s address]

> Mr & Mrs John Smith request the pleasure of [guest name/your company] at a reception to celebrate the marriage of their daughter Jessica to Mr Edward Jones

> [location] [date] [time e.g. 7pm]

> followed by a reception

> R.S.V.P by 30th June to [parents’ address]

> Jessica and Edward invite you to an evening of drinks and dancing to celebrate their wedding!

> [location] [date] [time e.g. 7pm]

> followed by a reception

> R.S.V.P by 30th June to [couple’s address]

If your venue is off the beaten track (e.g. a marquee on a farm), you could include brief directions on your details card. You can also note down the websites of the venues if they have useful information like maps and directions on them.

> Our ceremony & reception venues: St Cybi’s Church Llangybi, Usk NP15 1NP The Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel and Spa Llangybi, Usk NP15 1PG

RSVP instructions

Please respond to our wedding invitation by [date]. You can do this by post, using the RSVP card provided, or online. If you are responding online, please visit our wedding website [insert link] and let us know if you can make it.

If you are responding by post, please indicate whether you will be attending on the RSVP card and return it to us in the envelope provided, no stamp required.

If you are bringing a plus one, please include their name/s on the RSVP card, and let us know if you have any dietary requirements or allergies.

We can't wait to hear from you!

Additional Details

To help you plan your trip and stay, we have included some extra information below.

Our ceremony will take place at [time] at [co: 0,1,2,3,4,5>venue address. The reception will follow at [time] at [co: 0,1,2,3,4,5>venue address.

Parking is available at both venues, and we have also laid on a shuttle service for guests travelling between the ceremony and reception venues.

Accommodation is available at a special rate for guests at [hotel name and address]. Please book directly, quoting [wedding name] for the discounted rate.

The dress code for the day is [dress code].

We kindly request that our guests do not bring children to the wedding.

Frequently asked questions