Dinner And Dance: Should You Include It On Your Wedding Invitation?

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few different ways to let your guests know that dinner and dancing will follow the ceremony. If the reception is at the same location as the ceremony, a simple Reception to follow, Dinner and dancing to follow, or Dining, dancing, and happily ever after to follow will do the trick. If the reception is at a different location, you can include the venue on a separate line or on a separate insert card, also known as a reception card. It's also a good idea to let your guests know if you won't be serving a full meal with something like Join us after the ceremony for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and dancing.

Wording for a formal wedding

The wording of a wedding invitation should be a reflection of the couple's style and the wedding's overall vibe. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft the perfect formal wedding invitation:

Host Line

The host line typically includes the names of those hosting the wedding, usually the bride's parents, followed by the groom's parents. However, it is also common to include both sets of parents, especially if they are contributing financially. Here are some examples:

• Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Timothy Williams (very formal, including middle name)
• Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Williams (formal)
• Christopher and Sarah Williams (less formal)
• Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Wong and Mr. and Mrs. Adam Hollis (formal, for different-sex couples)
• Aaron and Alisha Wong together with Adam and Beatrice Hollis (less formal, for different-sex couples)
• Together with their families (when the couple and both sets of parents are contributing)

The Couple's Names

The bride's name typically precedes the groom's name. For same-sex couples, you can arrange the names alphabetically or based on what sounds better. Here are some examples:

• Talia Camila Flores and Stephen Anthony Byrne
• Talia Flores and Stephen Byrne

Ceremony Details

It is important to include the date, time, location, and address of the ceremony. For formal invitations, these are usually written out in full. Here is an example:

• Saturday, the eleventh of June two thousand and twenty-three at twelve o'clock in the afternoon
• Arctic Club Hotel, 700 Third Avenue, Seattle, Washington

Reception Information

If the reception is at the same location, you can simply write "Reception to follow". Otherwise, include the address of the reception venue. Some examples of formal wording include:

• Dinner and dancing to follow
• An evening of celebration to follow
• Reception immediately following at [venue address]

Dress Code

While including a dress code on the invitation is optional, it can be helpful for guests. If the wedding is black-tie, it is customary to include this information. Here are some dress code examples:

• Black-tie (tuxedos and floor-length gowns)
• Formal attire (suits and dresses)
• Cocktail attire (cocktail dresses and suits)

RSVP Details

It is common to include a separate response card for guests to accept or decline the invitation. You can also provide an RSVP date, usually three to four weeks before the wedding.

By following these guidelines and examples, you can create elegant and clear formal wedding invitations that set the tone for your special day.

Wording for a casual wedding

When it comes to wedding invitations, the wording is important as it sets the tone for the event and lets guests know what to expect. This is especially true for casual weddings, which are becoming increasingly popular but are still quite new to many guests. Here are some tips and examples to help you with the wording for a casual wedding invitation:

Ditch Traditional Language

On traditional wedding invitations, the wording usually begins with a formal hosting line, including the full names of the bride and groom, and their parents. For a casual wedding, you can take a more light-hearted approach. Use the first names of the couple and avoid mentioning the parents, especially if they are not the ones covering the costs. Instead of the standard "You are cordially invited", try something like, "We're tying the knot and you're invited to join the fun!"

Numerical Symbols and Dates

In contrast to traditional invitations, which tend to spell out numbers (e.g., "Two thousand and twenty-three"), it is perfectly acceptable to use numerical symbols for all numbers on a casual invitation, including the date and time.

Hint at Fun Activities

Casual weddings often involve a less structured schedule than traditional weddings. Feel free to hint at the fun activities you have planned in a way that suggests a relaxed atmosphere. For example, "Reception to follow with drinks, dancing, and games" or "Get ready to dance and play the night away." If you're only serving snacks and finger foods, be sure to indicate this, perhaps with a phrase like "Light fare to follow."

Wedding Information Cards

Your guests will appreciate additional information about your wedding beyond what's on the invitation. Include a dress code, and let guests know about any food you'll be serving, especially if it's not a full meal. "Casual dress code" can mean different things to different people, so you may want to specify "beach or garden party attire" or simply "come as you are."

RSVP Cards

RSVP cards are optional for informal wedding invitations. Many couples now provide digital RSVP options linked to their wedding website. If you don't include an RSVP card, be sure to include the URL to your wedding website on the invitation, along with an RSVP deadline. You can also have some fun with the RSVP wording, such as "Please say you do" or "Yes, I'll bring my dancing shoes."

"Megan and Dan invite you to join them on their wedding day on Saturday, 15th July 2023 at 4 PM at Hyde Park. Reception to follow."

"Megan and Dan invite you to celebrate their wedding on Saturday, 15th July 2023 at 4 PM at Hyde Park. Food, fun, and festivities will follow, so bring your dancing shoes!"

"Megan and Dan are tying the knot and it's time to eat, drink, and be married! Join us at Hyde Park at 4 PM on Saturday, 15th July 2023 for the ceremony followed by an evening of fun."

Including reception details

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few standard practices to follow, but ultimately, you can make your invitations as creative as you like. Here are some tips for including reception details on your wedding invitations:

Reception Wording

If your wedding ceremony and reception are in the same location, you can simply write "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow" at the bottom of the invitation. This lets guests know what to expect after the ceremony. If you're not serving a full meal, you might want to specify this with wording like "Cake, punch, and merriment to follow" or "Join us after the ceremony for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and dancing".

If the reception is at a different location, you can include the venue on a separate line or on a separate insert card, called a reception card. You can also include the time if the reception is not immediately following the ceremony.

• "Dinner and dancing to follow"
• "Reception immediately following the ceremony"
• "Join us after the ceremony for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and dancing"
• "Fabulous food, fun, and festivities to follow"
• "Cocktails, dinner and dancing to follow"

Dress Code

Including a dress code on your invitation is optional, but if your wedding is black tie, it's customary to include this information. If you don't specify a dress code, guests will usually infer the attire based on the formality of the invitation. Here are some examples of dress code wording:

• "Black tie: Formal gowns for ladies and tuxedos for men"
• "Formal attire or black tie optional: Floor-length dress or evening pant suit for ladies and dark suit or tux for men"
• "Cocktail attire: Cocktail dress for ladies and suit and tie or sport coat for men"

Timing and Location

Traditionally, the date and time of the wedding are spelled out in full on the invitation. For example, "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-one, at half after four in the afternoon." However, in more modern or informal invitations, it's common to use numerals for the date and time.

The street address of the venue is usually not included unless it's a private residence or leaving it out would cause confusion. The city and state are typically written out in full, and zip codes are generally omitted.

Here's an example of how to format the timing and location:

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

Ceremony Venue Name

City, State"

RSVP Details

Most couples include a separate response card for guests to fill out and return, or they may have guests RSVP via a wedding website. If you're including a wedding website, it's best to list it on a separate card, along with an indication that guests can RSVP there.

How to list parents' names

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many ways to list the names of the parents of the betrothed couple. Here are some options to consider:

Both Sets of Parents Hosting

If both sets of parents are contributing to the wedding, you can list their names as follows:

> Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Wong and Mr. and Mrs. Adam Hollis (formal)

> Aaron and Alisha Wong together with Adam and Beatrice Hollis (less formal)

One Set of Married Parents Hosting

If only one set of parents is hosting, include their full names, with middle names for a very formal wedding. If they have different last names, use "and" to join them:

> Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Timothy Williams (very formal; middle name is included)

> Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Williams (formal)

> Mr. and Mrs. Christopher and Sarah Williams (formal; includes both first names)

> Christopher and Sarah Williams (less formal)

One Set of Divorced Parents Hosting

In the case of divorced parents, include the mother's name first, followed by the father's name on a separate line. Do not use "and" to connect the names:

> Mrs. Jane Smith

> Mr. John Smith

Couple Hosting with their Families

If the couple and their families are all contributing, you can add a line such as:

> Together with their families

> Together with our families

> Together with their parents

Honouring Deceased Parents

To honour a deceased parent, you can include their name alongside the couple's names:

> Lauren Martinez, daughter of Marta Martinez, and Robert Martinez

> Lauren Martinez, daughter of Robert Martinez and the late Marta Martinez

In the case of deceased parents, it is customary to include their names in the wedding program with "the late" before their names:

> Mr. John Smith and the late Mrs. Jane Smith

Other Considerations

When addressing wedding invitations, it is proper to spell out guests' full names, including titles, first names, middle names (optional), and last names. Avoid using nicknames or initials.

Additionally, when listing the time of the wedding, it is traditional to spell out the time in full, for example, "half after four o'clock in the afternoon" for 4:30 pm.

Wedding invitation etiquette

Host Line

The host line is the first part of a wedding invitation. Traditionally, the bride's parents are the hosts, and their names come first. However, listing the names of both sets of parents is acceptable, especially if both families are contributing financially. If the couple is hosting, you can skip the host line or start with a warm introduction, such as "Together with full hearts".

Honouring a Deceased Parent

An honourable way to include a deceased parent is to write their name alongside their child's. For example: "Lauren Martinez, daughter of Marta Martinez and the late Robert Martinez."

Request Line

The request line is where you invite people to share in the celebration. "The honour of your presence" usually denotes a religious service, while "The pleasure of your company" indicates a non-religious ceremony.

Action Line

The action line specifies what guests will be participating in. For instance, "at the marriage of their daughter" if the bride's parents are hosting.

Couple's Names

For different-sex couples, the bride's name typically goes first, followed by the groom's full name or first and middle name. For same-sex couples, names can be listed alphabetically by last name or based on design preference. Using only first names is also an option for a less formal feel.

Date and Time

Traditionally, the date and time are spelled out in full. For instance, "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-four, at half after four in the afternoon." Afternoon is from noon to four o'clock, and evening begins at five o'clock.

Venue

List the venue name and city, state on separate lines. For formal weddings, spell out the state name. Including the street address is typical for private residences. Zip codes are usually excluded.

Reception Details

If the reception follows at the same location, simply state "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow." For a different venue, include the location on a separate line or a reception card. If it's not a full meal, clarify with "Join us after the ceremony for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and dancing."

Dress Code

Including a dress code is optional but helpful for guests. If the wedding is black-tie, it must be included. Otherwise, the invitation's formality will indicate attire expectations.

Wedding Website

Avoid printing the wedding website on the main invitation. Instead, include it on a reception or additional information card or use a QR code.

RSVP Card

The RSVP card should have a response deadline of three to four weeks before the wedding, allowing time to finalise numbers for the caterer and seating chart. Maintain consistent wording with the invitation. For example, "the favour of a reply" matches "the honour of your presence." Provide pre-addressed and stamped envelopes or specify an email or phone number for responses.

Guest Names

Use full names on the invitation envelopes, including titles such as Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Ms. Avoid nicknames or initials. For couples, address as "Mr. and Mrs." or by their individual names. For unmarried couples living together, list their names on separate lines.

Adults-Only Weddings

To indicate an adults-only wedding, carefully address the invitations to the invited adult guests only. Do not put "adults only" on the invitation. Spread the word through family and friends, and include the information on your wedding website.

Registry Information

Avoid including registry details on the invitation. Instead, put them on your wedding website or spread the word through family and friends.

Plus-One Guidelines

Married, engaged, and cohabitating guests typically receive a plus-one. Wedding party members and long-term couples should also be offered a plus-one. For others, a blanket rule, such as "only immediate family can bring a date," can be applied.

Frequently asked questions