Invitation Essentials: Wedding Guests' First Glimpse

Wedding invitations are a major undertaking. While the purpose of a wedding invitation is clear, there are many components to the suite that are less obvious. The invitation itself should include the time, date, and location of the ceremony, as well as the names of the couple getting married. It is also important to include an RSVP card, a self-addressed and stamped envelope for responses, and an outer envelope to hold all the materials. Optional additions to the suite include a reception card, an accommodations card, a directions card, and a weekend events card. It is also important to consider the weight of the invitation suite, as heavier bundles will require extra postage.

Date, time, and location

The date, time, and location of your wedding are essential details that you should include in your invitation. Here are some tips and suggestions on how to present this information effectively:

Date and Time:

It is crucial to confirm the date of your wedding on the invitation to ensure your guests mark their calendars. Be sure to include the day of the week, the date, and the year. For example, "Saturday, June 17, 2023".

When stating the time, it is recommended to use words rather than numerals, especially for formal invitations. For instance, "four o'clock in the afternoon" instead of 4:00 pm. This adds a touch of elegance to your invitation.

Location:

Provide the name and full address of your ceremony and reception venues. This information will help your guests navigate to the right location without confusion. If the ceremony and reception are at the same place, you can simply add a line like "Reception to Follow" or "Dinner and Dancing to Follow".

If you have a wedding website, it is a good idea to include the URL on your invitation or a separate card. This website can provide additional details about the venue, such as parking instructions, directions, and any unique aspects your guests should know about.

Additional Considerations:

If your wedding has multiple events, such as a welcome cocktail hour or a post-wedding brunch, consider including this information on a separate insert or card. This ensures that your guests don't miss out on any of the festivities.

You may also want to include accommodation suggestions or a reserved room block at a nearby hotel, especially if you have guests travelling from out of town. This card can include the hotel's name, address, booking instructions, and any applicable discount codes.

Lastly, don't forget to include an RSVP card or instructions for online RSVPs, along with a deadline for responses. This will help you finalise numbers for your venue and caterer.

RSVP details

RSVP cards are an essential part of your wedding invitation suite. Here are some tips and suggestions for including RSVP details in your wedding invitations:

The RSVP Card

The RSVP card is a must-have, even if you're collecting responses through your wedding website. It is helpful for guests who prefer not to respond online. The RSVP card should include the deadline for responses, typically two to four weeks before the wedding date. You can also include a line about meal preferences if you're offering a plated dinner, and a space for guests to write their names.

Response Envelope

Include a small, addressed, stamped envelope designed to fit the RSVP card. This makes it convenient for your guests to send in their responses. Number the names on your guest list and write the corresponding number on the back of the response card to easily identify who is responding.

Online RSVPs

If you're collecting RSVPs through your wedding website, ensure the process is user-friendly, especially for older guests. Consider including a QR code on your invitations that directs guests to the RSVP page.

Additional Events

If you have other wedding-adjacent events, such as a welcome party or a farewell brunch, include this information in your invitations. You can use a separate insert or ask guests to RSVP to these events when they respond to the wedding invitation.

Gift Registry

It is not considered proper to include direct references to your gift registry on your wedding invitations. Instead, include your wedding website on the invitation, where guests can find registry information along with other details.

Contact Information

Provide your contact information, such as an email address, for guests to reach out with any questions or clarifications.

RSVP Wording

Feel free to implement fun and creative RSVP wording ideas to show personality, especially if your invitation has minimal text.

Final Headcount

Remember to confirm the final headcount with your venue and caterer after collecting RSVPs.

By including clear and detailed RSVP information in your wedding invitations, you'll make it easier for your guests to respond and help yourself stay organized in the planning process.

Dress code

When it comes to dress code, it is important to give your guests clear instructions on what to wear. This will ensure that they feel comfortable and confident on the day. It is also a good idea to give them an idea of what the wedding party will be wearing, so they can coordinate if they wish.

If you are having a traditional wedding with a formal dress code, it is customary to request that guests wear black-tie attire. This means that men should wear tuxedos and women should wear formal gowns or cocktail dresses. If you are having an outdoor wedding or a more relaxed affair, you may wish to specify a dress code of semi-formal or dressy casual attire. This could include suits and sundresses, or even just smart casual clothing.

If you are having a themed wedding, be sure to let your guests know so that they can dress accordingly. For example, if you are having a vintage-style wedding, guests might like to wear more retro clothing. Similarly, if you are having a beach wedding, guests will need to know so that they can choose appropriate footwear and clothing.

It is also worth considering any cultural or religious dress codes that may apply. For example, if you are having a religious ceremony, guests may need to cover their heads or wear modest clothing. Be sure to include any specific requirements on the invitation so that guests can come prepared.

Finally, don't forget to include any details about the reception dress code. If you are having a more relaxed evening, guests will need to know so that they can change or adjust their clothing accordingly.

Extra venue information

If your wedding venue is in an unfamiliar location or is particularly unique, it's a good idea to include an insert with extra information to help your guests prepare. This could include instructions for parking, public transport options, or other travel advice. You could also include details about nearby accommodation options, especially if you have guests travelling far for the wedding. A custom map of the local area can also be helpful, showing the location of the ceremony and reception in relation to each other, as well as any other points of interest.

You might also want to include a list of things for guests to do in the area, especially if people are travelling from out of town and are unfamiliar with the location. This can be a great way to ensure your guests are entertained and can make the most of their trip. It can also be helpful to include details about the venue itself, such as whether it is wheelchair accessible, or if there are any dress code requirements, such as flat shoes for outdoor venues or warm clothing for drafty old buildings.

Including these extra details will ensure your guests are well-informed and can plan their travel and accommodation accordingly. It can also help to reduce the number of questions you receive from guests in the lead-up to the wedding, giving you one less thing to worry about!

Hosts and guests

The hosts are usually the people paying for the wedding, so it's customary to include their names on the invitation. This could be the couple themselves, their parents, or other relatives. The hosts' names are typically followed by a request line, such as "request the pleasure of your company" or "invite you to celebrate the marriage of".

When it comes to the guests, it's important to include their names and preferred titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss, or the gender-neutral Mx.) on the outer envelope of the invitation. It's also crucial to double-check the spelling and gather addresses early on. If there will be additional events like a welcome party or farewell brunch, it's a good idea to include an insert or send separate invitations to avoid confusion.

• Date and time of the ceremony: Include the hour and time of day (a.m. vs. p.m.) to avoid any confusion.
• Ceremony and reception location: If the ceremony and reception are at the same place, you can simply add "Reception to Follow". If they're at different venues, include a separate reception card with the address and start time.
• RSVP details: Provide a way for guests to RSVP, such as a physical card or a link to your wedding website.
• Dress code: While including the dress code on the invitation is optional, you can indicate the expected attire, such as casual, semi-formal, or black-tie.
• Extra information about the venue: If the venue is unique or unfamiliar, include parking instructions, a custom map, or other relevant details.
• Accommodation suggestions: If you have guests coming from out of town, provide hotel recommendations or suggestions for different price points.
• Additional events: If your wedding spans multiple days or includes events like a welcome cocktail party or a day-after brunch, include a full itinerary or a separate card with these details.

Remember, the key is to provide essential information that will help your guests plan and prepare for your big day without overwhelming them with excessive details.

Frequently asked questions