The Ultimate Guide To Wedding Invitations: What To Include

Wedding invitations can be a daunting task. There are so many elements to consider, from the design and wording to the logistics of sending them out. But don't worry, we've got you covered! In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about what to include in your wedding invitations. From the essential information to the extra details, we will make sure your invitations are both beautiful and functional. So, let's get started!

Date, time, location

The date, time, and location of the wedding are essential details that should be included in the wedding invitation. Here are some tips and suggestions for including this information:

Date and Day of the Week

The date of the wedding should be clearly stated, and it is traditional to write out the day of the week and the date in full. However, it is also acceptable to abbreviate or use numerals for the date. For example, "Saturday, the fourth of June 2023". Avoid using ambiguous phrases like "the sixteenth of October" without specifying the year, as this could be confusing for guests.

Time

The time of the ceremony should be communicated to avoid latecomers. It is recommended to use words instead of numerals for formal invitations, for example, "four o'clock in the afternoon". Specifying the time of day is also helpful, such as "in the morning", "in the afternoon", or "in the evening". This ensures there is no confusion, especially if your wedding is in a different time zone.

Location

Provide the name and full address of the venue, including the specific space within the venue if necessary (e.g., "In the Chapel" or "On the Lawn"). Including the state or postcode is optional but can be helpful for guests who need to navigate to the location. If the ceremony and reception are at the same location, you can simply state, "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow". If the reception is at a different venue, include a separate reception card with the address and start time.

Additional Tips

• If your wedding is in a unique or unfamiliar location, consider including parking instructions or a custom map illustration to make it easier for guests to find their way.
• For destination weddings or weddings with many out-of-town guests, send out save-the-date cards in advance with recommended travel information and online resources.
• When specifying the time and location, consider any cultural differences or traditions that may impact your guests' understanding. For example, the definition of "afternoon" and "evening" may vary across countries and cultures.

RSVP details

Response Method

Decide on your preferred response method and communicate it clearly to your guests. Options include:

• Paper RSVP cards included with the invitation
• Online RSVPs through your wedding website
• Email responses
• Phone or text message responses

If you opt for paper RSVP cards, include a pre-addressed and stamped envelope for your guests' convenience. This ensures they can easily send their responses back to you.

RSVP Deadline

Set a deadline for guests to respond, typically recommended to be three to four weeks before the wedding date. This deadline should be clearly communicated on the RSVP card or wedding website.

Meal Choices

If you are offering meal options, include checkboxes on the RSVP cards for guests to indicate their preferences, such as chicken, fish, steak, or vegetarian options. This information is crucial for finalising numbers with your caterer.

Additional Events

If you have additional wedding events, such as a welcome cocktail party or a farewell brunch, clearly indicate this on your RSVP details. You can include an insert with the invitation, send separate invitations, or ask guests to RSVP to these events when they respond to the wedding invitation.

Contact Information

Provide contact information, such as an email address or phone number, for guests to reach out with any questions or clarifications. This can be included on the RSVP card or as part of the wedding website details.

Guest Names

If you are inviting guests who may have a plus-one, be sure to include a space for them to write the name of their guest. This helps you keep track of who is attending and ensures you have accurate numbers for planning purposes.

Numbering Responses

To stay organised, consider numbering your guest list and writing the corresponding number on the back of each RSVP card. This allows you to easily match responses to guests, especially if their handwriting is difficult to read or they forget to include their names.

Online RSVP Considerations

If you choose to collect RSVPs through your wedding website, be mindful that not all guests may be comfortable using a computer or navigating the internet. Consider providing paper RSVP cards for older guests or those who are not tech-savvy.

Additionally, anticipate that some guests may try to respond via phone, text, or social media. Have a plan in place to handle these responses, such as providing the website link or offering assistance to those who need help navigating the online RSVP process.

By carefully considering and communicating your RSVP details, you can ensure a smooth response process and gain an accurate headcount for your special day.

Dress code

The dress code is an important part of a wedding invitation, as it lets guests know what to wear. While it is not essential to include it on the invitation, it is useful to give guests a sense of the style of the wedding.

There are several ways to indicate the dress code. The most common way is to include a line that indicates the expectation, such as "Casual Attire", "Semi-Formal Attire", "Black Tie", or "White Tie". For example, if the wedding is black-tie, the invitation may state: "Black Tie. Kindly wear formal attire for the occasion." This gives guests a clear idea of what they should wear.

Another way to indicate the dress code is to use wording that hints at the style of the wedding. For instance, if the wedding is quite formal, the invitation could say: "Join us for an elegant evening reception to celebrate the union." This suggests to guests that formal attire is expected.

Additionally, if there are any religious or cultural considerations that may impact the dress code, it is helpful to include these details. For example, if the wedding is taking place in a place of worship with specific modesty guidelines, guests should be informed.

Finally, if there are multiple events across the wedding celebrations, it is useful to indicate the dress code for each. This could be done through separate invitations or inserts, or by directing guests to the wedding website for more information.

Overall, while the dress code is not mandatory on a wedding invitation, it is beneficial to include it to ensure guests feel prepared and able to dress appropriately for the occasion.

Reception info

If your wedding reception is at a different location from the ceremony, it's essential to include a separate reception card with all the relevant details. This should include the location, address, and time (whether it's an exact hour or "immediately following the ceremony"). You can also indicate the formality and nature of the event through your wording. For instance, if the reception is before 1 pm, the first line should say "Breakfast Reception." Anything after 1 pm can simply be labelled "Reception." If you're planning to have a sit-down meal, the first line could be "Dinner Reception."

If you want to specify an adults-only reception, this can be included on the reception card as the last line. It's also a good idea to communicate this through word-of-mouth and by the names addressed on the invitation.

You can also include extra information about the venue on an insert, such as parking instructions or a custom map of the area. This is especially useful if your venue is unique or somewhere your guests may not be familiar with.

If your ceremony and reception are at the same location, a simple line like "Reception to Follow," "Celebration to Follow," or "Dinner and Dancing to Follow" will suffice.

Additional events

If you have additional events, such as a welcome party, cocktail hour, or farewell brunch, you can include an insert in the invitation envelope, send separate invitations, or ask guests to RSVP to the additional events when they respond to the wedding invitation.

For a cohesive look, you can use belly bands or vellum inner envelopes to hold together your cards in a neat stack. A wax seal is a great way to hold the suite together while adding a personalised touch.

If you have a wedding website, you can also include all the details of the additional events there. However, it is important to note that not everyone will visit the website, so be sure to include any information you would be upset if your guests didn't know on the invitation itself.

If you have guests coming in from out of town, it is helpful to include a separate accommodations card with hotel options and recommendations. This card can also include any transportation locations and times, as well as any deadlines for making reservations.

To ensure that your guests have all the information they need, you can include a full itinerary for the wedding weekend. This will allow them to know what to expect and pack accordingly. This can be included as an insert card in the invitation envelope or on your wedding website.

Frequently asked questions