Wedding Invitation Wording For Separate Ceremony And Reception

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few different ways to handle the wording, especially if the ceremony and reception are in different places. The key details to include are the request to attend, the names of the couple, and the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception.

If the ceremony and reception are in different locations, it is typical to include a separate reception card with the invitation. This can be included as an insert or on a separate card. The invitation itself can also include wording such as reception to follow or dinner and dancing to follow if the reception is immediately after the ceremony and in a different location.

If the couple is hosting the wedding themselves, the invitation can begin with a warm introduction, such as Together with full hearts or With hearts full of love and joy.

> The honor of your presence is requested at the marriage of

> Jack Alexander Smith to Mason Jacob Kim

> Saturday, the seventeenth of August two thousand twenty-four

> at half after four at [venue name and address]

> Reception to follow at [reception venue name and address]

Including both ceremony and reception details on one invitation

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's essential to include key details such as the couple's full names, the hosts, the ceremony location, and the reception venue. Here are some tips and examples for including both the ceremony and reception details on a single invitation:

Host Line:

Traditionally, the bride's parents are the hosts and are named at the top of the invitation. However, it has become common to include the names of both sets of parents as hosts, regardless of who is paying. If the couple and their parents are contributing, you can use phrases like "Together with their parents" or "Together with their families."

Attendance Request:

This line invites guests to the wedding and sets the tone for the celebration. Examples include "request the honour of your presence" for a religious ceremony or "request the pleasure of your company" for a non-religious event.

Couple's Names:

Traditionally, the bride's name precedes the groom's. However, for same-sex couples, there is no set rule, and names can be listed alphabetically or based on preference. The couple's names are usually displayed in larger, perhaps more decorative, text.

Date and Time:

Formal invitations typically spell out the date and time (e.g., "Saturday, the eighteenth of August, two thousand and seventeen, at three in the afternoon"). Modern invites often use numerical figures (e.g., "Saturday, August 18, 2017, 3:00 pm").

Ceremony Location:

Provide the name and full address of the ceremony venue, including the city and state. If the wedding is abroad, include the country as well.

Reception Details:

If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, a simple "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow" will suffice. If the reception is elsewhere, include the full address on a separate card or the same invitation.

Dress Code:

Including dress code information is optional but helpful for guests. It is usually mentioned in the lower right corner of the invitation or on a separate card.

Example 1:

"The honour of your presence is requested at the marriage of

Jack Alexander Smith and Mason Jacob Kim

Saturday, the seventeenth of August, two thousand twenty-four, at half past four

[Ceremony venue name and address]

Reception to follow at [Reception venue name and address]"

Example 2:

"Together with their families,

Olivia Rose Smith and John Michael Reyes

Request the honour of your presence at their wedding

Saturday, the eighteenth of August, two thousand and twenty-four, at three in the afternoon

[Ceremony venue name and address]

Reception at six in the evening at [Reception venue name and address]"

Example 3:

"Come celebrate with

Jack Alexander Smith and Mason Jacob Kim

As they tie the knot

Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 pm

[Ceremony venue name and address]

Dinner and dancing to follow at [Reception venue name and address]"

Example 4:

"John and Eliza Smith

Invite you to share in their joy

At the marriage of their son

Jack Alexander to Mason Kim

Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 pm

[Ceremony venue name and address]

Reception to follow at [Reception venue name and address]"

Remember, these are just a few examples, and you can personalise your invitations to match your wedding's style and tone.

Using an insert card for reception information

If your wedding ceremony and reception are in different places, you can include an insert card with your invitations that provides the reception details. This is a good option if you want to keep costs down, as adding extra cards can be more expensive.

The insert card should include the reception address and the time guests are expected to arrive. If the reception is at a different venue to the ceremony, it should be treated as a separate event and the insert card should be designed as a separate invitation.

If you are having a small, intimate ceremony and a larger reception, you can print one invitation with the reception details and include an extra insert card with ceremony details for those invited to the ceremony. This card can be more personalised, with a note about the intimacy of the event.

If you are having a two-part event with the ceremony and reception on the same day, try to have your ceremony earlier in the day so you have plenty of time to celebrate before your reception guests arrive. If your reception is starting at 6:30 pm, for example, you may want to open the space at 6 pm so guests can arrive early if they wish.

If your ceremony and reception are days or weeks apart, you can include the date and time on the insert card.

Wording for a reception-only invitation

When it comes to wedding invitation wording, it's important to be clear about the details of your celebration, especially if you're hosting a reception-only event. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft the perfect invitation for your special day:

Host Line:

The host line typically includes the names of the couple's parents, especially if they are hosting the wedding. For example:

> Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Spector request the pleasure of your company...

However, if the couple is hosting, you can skip the host line or start with a warm introduction:

> Together with full hearts

> With hearts full of love and joy

Names of the Couple:

The couple's names come next, or first if they are hosting. You can use first and last names or full names for a more formal invitation. For instance:

> Ross & Rachel invite you to join them for a celebration...

> Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Johnson and Mr. and Mrs. Lee Chang kindly invite you to a reception celebrating the marriage of their children Christine and Lee...

Request Line:

This is where you invite your guests to share in your special day. Here are some examples:

> Request the honour of your presence

> Request the pleasure of your company

> Invite you to celebrate with them

> Would love for you to join them

Action Line:

This line specifies the nature of the event, such as:

> At the marriage of their daughter (if the bride's parents are hosting)

> At the marriage of their children (if both sets of parents are hosting)

> At the celebration of their union (if the couple is hosting)

> As they say "I do!"

> In celebration of their marriage

Date and Time:

Traditionally, the date and time are spelled out in full. For a more modern approach, you can use a combination of numbers and words. Here are some examples:

> Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-one, at half after four in the afternoon.

> Saturday, 15th of September 2021, 4:30 p.m.

Location:

List the venue name and city, state, or country on separate lines. If the reception has a different location, include it on a separate line or insert card. You can also mention if there will be a reception after the ceremony:

> Reception to follow

> Dinner and dancing to follow

> Join us after the ceremony for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and dancing.

Reception Details:

If the reception is at a different location, include the venue name and address, as well as the time. Here are some examples:

> Join us for hors d'oeuvres, drinks, dessert, and dancing.

> Let's Party! Join us for a reception of cocktails, dinner, and dancing following the ceremony.

Dress Code:

Including dress code information is optional but helpful for guests. If your wedding is black-tie, it's important to mention it on the invitation. Here are some dress code examples:

> Black-tie (tuxedos and floor-length gowns)

> Formal attire (suits and dresses)

> Cocktail attire (suit or dress shirts with ties and cocktail dresses)

RSVP and Website Information:

Include an RSVP card with a deadline for guests to respond. You can also provide your wedding website URL or QR code on a separate insert card.

Reception-Only Wording Samples:

> " [Names of the couple] request the pleasure of your company for a reception in celebration of their new marriage."

> "The newlyweds [Names of the couple] invite you to a reception in honour of their recent marriage."

> "We're married! Please join [Names of the couple] for cocktails, dinner, and dancing. Help us celebrate!"

How to word invitations for a church wedding

The wording of your wedding invitations is important as it conveys all the essential details of your big day, including the couple's full names, who's hosting, the ceremony location, and the reception venue. Here are some tips and examples to help you word invitations for a church wedding:

Host Line:

Traditionally, the bride's parents are the hosts and their names come first. However, including both sets of parents as hosts is also acceptable. If the couple and their parents are contributing, you can use "Together with their parents" or "Together with their families".

Examples:

• Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Timothy Williams request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter, Chloe, to James Rosen.
• Together with their families, Chloe Lewis and James Rosen request the honor of your presence at their wedding.

Attendance Request:

This is where you invite your guests to attend your wedding.

Examples:

• The honor of your presence is requested.
• We invite you to share in our joy.
• We would love for you to join us.

Couple's Names:

The names of the couple are usually displayed in larger text. For different-sex couples, the bride's name typically comes first. For same-sex couples, you can go in alphabetical order or choose what sounds better.

Examples:

• Chloe Lewis and James Rosen
• James Rosen and Chloe Lewis

Date and Time:

For formal invitations, the date and time are usually spelled out in full. For casual or modern invitations, numerals are fine.

Examples:

• Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-one, at half after four in the afternoon.
• Saturday, 9/15/2021, 4:30 pm.

Location:

Write the name and full address of the church, including the city and state. If it's abroad, include the country as well.

Example:

St. Mary's Church

123 Church Street

Springfield, Illinois

Reception Details:

If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, simply say "Reception to follow". If the reception is elsewhere, include the full address on a separate details card.

Examples:

• Reception to follow at The Country Club.
• Dinner and dancing to follow at The Country Club, 456 Country Club Lane, Springfield, Illinois.

Dress Code:

Including dress code information is optional but can be helpful for guests. It is usually mentioned in the lower corner or bottom center of the invite.

Examples:

• Black-tie
• Cocktail attire

RSVP Details:

Most couples include a separate response card for guests to fill out and return. You can also provide a wedding website link for online RSVPs.

With these guidelines and examples, you can now craft your own invitations for a church wedding, personalizing the wording to reflect your style and tone.

How to word invitations for a non-church wedding

The wording of your wedding invitation is a personal choice and can be tricky to navigate. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft the perfect invitation for your non-church wedding.

Host Line

The host line is the opening line of a wedding invitation, traditionally naming the host(s) of the event, usually the bride's parents. However, modern invitations may also include the names of both sets of parents or simply omit this line if the couple is hosting themselves. Here are some examples:

• "Together with their families"
• "Together with our families"
• "Together with their parents"
• "Together with full hearts"
• "With hearts full of love and joy"

Request Line

This line extends the invitation to attend the wedding and can be used to set the tone. For a non-religious ceremony, you may use phrases such as:

• "Request the pleasure of your company"
• "Invite you to celebrate with them"
• "Would love for you to join them"

Couple's Names

Traditionally, the bride's name is listed first, followed by the groom's. However, for same-sex couples, names can be listed alphabetically or based on design preference. First names only can also be used for a less formal feel.

Date and Time

The date and time are usually spelled out in full for formal invitations, while modern invites may use numerical figures. Here are some examples:

• "Saturday, the sixteenth of August, two thousand and twenty-four, at half past four in the afternoon"
• "Saturday, August 16, 2024, at 4:30 p.m."

Location

List the name and full address of the venue, including the city and state. The street address is typically not included unless the venue is a private residence. If the reception is at the same location, you can simply state, "Reception to follow." For a different reception venue, include the details on a separate insert card.

Reception Details

If the reception is at a different location, provide the venue name and address. You may also include a brief description of the festivities, such as "Dinner and dancing to follow" or "Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and dancing."

Dress Code

Including dress code information is optional but helpful for guests. If your wedding is black-tie, it must be included in the invitation. Otherwise, guests will infer the attire based on the invitation's formality.

Wedding Website

It is not typical to print the wedding website on the main invitation. Instead, include it on a separate insert card or reception card.

RSVP Details

Provide an RSVP date, usually three to four weeks before the wedding, and maintain consistent wording with the invitation. For example, "Kindly respond by [date]."

Additional Information

You may include meal choices and a song request line on the RSVP card. If there are multiple events during the wedding weekend, consider including an activity card with the chronological order of festivities.

Adults-Only Wedding

To indicate an adults-only wedding, address the invitations carefully, listing only the invited adult guests. Avoid putting "adults only" on the invitation itself.

Registry Information

It is not typical to include registry details on the invitation. Instead, provide this information on your wedding website.

Guest Names

When addressing envelopes, spell out guests' full names and titles, avoiding nicknames or initials.

Timing

Order invitations 4-5 months before the wedding and mail them out 6-8 weeks in advance. Set an RSVP deadline for 3-4 weeks before the wedding.

Remember, these are just guidelines, and you can personalise your invitations to match your wedding's style and tone. Feel free to add creative touches or include quirky request lines to make your invitations unique and exciting!

Frequently asked questions