The Essential Elements Of A Wedding Invitation

Wedding invitations are an important part of wedding planning. They set the tone for the special day and give guests a taste of what's to come. While the design and style of the invitation are important, it's also crucial to include essential information such as the names of the couple, the wedding venue details, timing, and how guests should RSVP. Here's a breakdown of what to include in your wedding invitations to ensure your guests have all the details they need.

Date, time and location

When it comes to the date, time and location of your wedding, there are a few key things to include in your invitations to ensure your guests have all the information they need.

Firstly, be sure to include the date of your wedding. It is also important to include the time of the ceremony, and whether this will be in the morning or afternoon. For formal invitations, it is customary to write out the time in words, for example, "four o'clock in the afternoon".

Next, you will need to include the name and location of the venue. If your ceremony and reception are in the same place, you can simply add a line such as "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow". If your reception is at a different location, include a separate card with the start time and address.

If your wedding is in a unique venue, such as a national park, or somewhere your guests may be unfamiliar with, it is useful to include an insert with extra information, such as parking instructions. A custom map of the area or a list of things for guests to do is also a fun addition.

Finally, if your wedding will span a whole weekend with multiple events, it is a good idea to include a full itinerary so that guests know what to expect.

RSVP details

RSVP cards are essential to include in your wedding invitation suite. This is how you will confirm your final headcount with your venue and caterer. You can either include the RSVP card on the actual invite or as a separate reply card. If you opt for the latter, be sure to include a pre-addressed and stamped envelope for your guests' convenience.

The RSVP card should include a specific date by which you would like guests to respond—this is usually three to four weeks before the wedding date. It's also good to include a place for your guests to write their names. If you're offering a plated dinner, you can include a section for them to check their entrée preference.

If you're having multiple events during your wedding weekend, it's a good idea to include a full itinerary for guests so they know what to expect and pack for. This can be included as an insert card in your invitation suite.

If you have a wedding website, you can direct guests to RSVP there instead. However, it's considerate to offer a response card option for older guests who may not be comfortable using a computer.

If you're worried about latecomers, communicate the time of the ceremony on your invitations and state the start time so guests know how early they need to arrive.

Dress code

When it comes to dress codes for wedding invitations, there are several options to choose from, ranging from formal to casual. Here are some detailed explanations and suggestions for each type of dress code:

White Tie

The most formal wedding attire possible, white tie events are comparable to royal events or White House state dinners. Women should wear formal floor-length evening gowns with jewellery, heels, and elegant clutches. Men are expected to wear tuxedos with tails, formal white shirts, vests, bow ties, and formal footwear such as derby shoes or oxfords. White gloves and top hats are also encouraged.

Black Tie

A step down from white tie, black tie dress codes usually indicate a formal, evening event. Women typically wear floor-length gowns in sumptuous fabrics like silk and organza, although sophisticated cocktail dresses or elegant pantsuits are also acceptable. Men are expected to wear tuxedos, preferably with a black bow tie, black vest or cummerbund, and patent leather shoes. For summer weddings, a white dinner jacket with black tuxedo trousers is a good option.

Black Tie Optional

As the name suggests, this dress code is slightly less formal than black tie, giving guests more flexibility. A tuxedo is not required, and a formal dark suit, white shirt, and conservative tie are acceptable for men. Women can choose from a floor-length gown, a fancy cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit.

Creative Black Tie

This option is perfect for couples with a unique style who still want a formal celebration. Guests can wear outfits with bold patterns and materials, such as velvet suits or sequined cocktail dresses, adding a creative twist to the formal reception.

Cocktail Attire

Cocktail attire signals to guests that they should dress up but with less formality. Knee-length cocktail dresses or tie-optional suits are perfect for a semi-formal reception. This option is ideal if you want a formal yet slightly relaxed atmosphere.

Semi-Formal

Semi-formal attire is similar to cocktail attire but a bit more casual, and it is most common for daytime weddings. Men can wear a nice dress shirt and well-tailored jacket with pants, while women can opt for below-the-knee dresses, slip dresses, dressy skirts and tops, or elegant pantsuits.

Festive Attire

Festive attire encourages guests to have fun and be creative with their looks. Women can wear cocktail party attire featuring bold colours, playful accessories, and unique silhouettes. Men can sport patterned or textured suits with bright ties or creative pocket squares.

Casual Attire

Casual attire usually indicates that the wedding will be held outdoors or on the beach. Guests are expected to dress comfortably while still looking neat and presentable. Women can wear summer sundresses or floral patterned minis with wedges or dressy sandals. Men can opt for dress pants or khakis paired with a collared shirt and the option of a tie or sports jacket.

Beach Attire

Beach attire is comfortable and stylish, complementing the relaxed and picturesque setting. Guests can wear flowy dresses and lightweight suits, with practical shoes suitable for the outdoor environment.

Garden Party Attire

Garden party attire blends elegance and natural beauty. Light and floral outfits are perfect for this setting. Women can wear flowy dresses, and men can opt for dressy casual suits, creating a stylish and charming event.

Rustic or Barn Wedding Attire

This dress code combines charm, elegance, and a relaxed, country feel. Comfortable and stylish attire is encouraged, such as sundresses with dressy boots for women and casual suits with a touch of country for men.

Vintage Attire

A vintage-themed wedding invites guests to embrace classic styles from bygone eras. Think flapper dresses, suspenders, bow ties, and retro dresses. Guests can step back in time with their stylish retro looks.

Cultural or Traditional Attire

A cultural or traditional wedding honours the couple's heritage and customs. Guests are invited to wear cultural attire, adding richness and diversity to the event. This could include traditional Indian clothing such as sarees, lehengas, sherwanis, or African heritage attire such as dashikis, kaftans, or kente cloth.

Reception info

The reception is the party that follows the wedding ceremony, and it's important to include information about it in your wedding invitations. Here are some tips and suggestions for including reception details in your wedding invitations:

Location

If your reception is at the same location as the ceremony, you can simply include a line like "Reception to follow", "Celebration to follow", or "Dinner and dancing to follow". If your reception is at a different location, you'll need to include a separate reception card with the address. Include the time if the reception is not immediately after the ceremony.

Timing

If the reception starts immediately after the ceremony, you can simply write "Reception to follow". If there is a gap between the ceremony and reception, include the time the reception will start. For example, "Reception at 7 pm".

Nature of the Event

If your reception includes a sit-down meal, you can indicate this with a line like "Dinner Reception". If you're serving something other than a full meal, you can let guests know with a line like "Join us after the ceremony for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and dancing".

Formality

The formality of your reception can be indicated by the wording and style of your invitation, but you may also want to include specific dress code information. This is optional, but it can be helpful for guests. If your wedding is black-tie, it's important to include this information on the invitation. For other levels of formality, you may choose to include a dress code such as "Formal Attire", "Cocktail Attire", or "Beach Casual".

RSVP and Website Details

If you're including an RSVP card, make sure to provide an RSVP deadline and the address to which guests should send their responses. You may also want to include your wedding website address, where guests can find more information about the wedding and reception.

Additional events

If your wedding includes additional events, such as a welcome cocktail party, after-party, or farewell brunch, it is a good idea to include a separate card outlining the full itinerary for your guests. This ensures that they are well-informed and can plan and pack accordingly, especially if they are travelling from out of town.

If your wedding spans a whole weekend, an insert card with the details of each event is a good way to formally invite guests to these activities and provide them with the necessary information. This card can include hotel recommendations, room block details, and transportation locations and times.

If you are hosting a destination wedding, it is helpful to provide recommended online travel information and other print resources to assist your guests in navigating their trip.

For any additional events, it is important to make it clear whether children are invited. This can be done through word-of-mouth or by indicating it on the invitation.

If you are collecting RSVPs through your wedding website, it is still a good idea to include an insert with details of additional events, as not all guests may visit the website.

Frequently asked questions