What to include in a wedding invitation? Well, you need the essentials, obviously, but exactly how much extra detail needs to go in there? Do you have to include an rsvp card, what about menus? And is it really OK to mention gifts (or money instead of gifts)? I go through all of these questions time after time when I meet couples planning their wedding invitations. As with most things wedding related, there are no right or wrong answers. But I do have some really useful guidelines that will help you decide exactly what to include in a wedding invitation.
What to include in a wedding invitation – the essential who, where, when, and how
First, and most importantly, you need to make sure you include all the essential details that relate to the wedding ceremony and reception itself:
WHO is hosting the wedding?
This could be you, as the couple are hosting. If not, maybe it’s parents, or you together with your parents or families. This is the opener for your wedding invitation.
WHO 2 is getting married?
Then if it’s not you as a couple hosting you need to include your names too. And you’ll probably have questions about which name goes first. Don’t panic – I have you covered on that one, read my blog linked below.
Which name goes first on a wedding invitation?
WHO 3 is the invitation for?
Who are you inviting to the wedding? Whether you write your guests names on the invitation or on the envelope (see my blog linked below for more advice on this), you should be clear on the invitation who it is intended for. My blog linked below has more about this.
Do you need to write guest names on your wedding invitations?
When it comes of any of the ‘WHOS’, there are no rules about whether you use formal, full names or first names only. It will depend on you, your wedding, and the formality of the invitations. Read my blog linked below for more detail on this.
How do you address wedding invitations?
WHERE are the ceremony and reception being held?
Include the venue and location for the ceremony, and also the reception if that’s different. On the actual invitation part you can use a short version e.g. Manor Parc Hotel, Cardiff. Then include the full address, and postcode for SAT NAV, within the extra details card (read on for more about this extra details card).
WHEN is the wedding?
Your invitation should always include the wedding date, and state the actual ceremony time. If you need your guests to be there a little earlier then make it clear that it’s an arrival time. You can also include what time the party finishes with ‘Carriages at xxpm’ (keep reading for more about this).
Click here to read more about what time to put on your wedding invitation
HOW and when do you need your guests to reply by?
Finally, let your guests know how to reply to you and when by. I often talk about including your RSVP details. You can either do this with a printed wedding RSVP card, an address or QR code shortcut to your wedding website, or you can simply include an email or phone number within your invitation details. Not sure what RSVP means? Go have a look at this post:
12 things you didn’t know about wedding RSVP cards
Remember, RSVP cards are really handy for collecting other info too. Things like dietary requirements, menu choices (more on those later), transport requirements, and even song requests. Have a read of my blog linked below for some ideas.
8 details you can include on your wedding RSVP cards
How do you word those invitations now you have all the important details?
So once you’ve collected together all the important details to include in your wedding invitation you’ll be wanting to know how you go about putting that into the right wording. Do you want a formal, traditionally worded invitation or something more relaxed and casual? I’ve put some ideas together on my post here:
Wedding invitation wording ideas for UK weddings
What to include in a wedding invitation information card
OK, that’s your basic wedding invite wording is sorted. But what extra information cards that you need to include? They form part of the invitation too. What goes on them? Well, lots of things. The secret is to give your guests just enough detail to arrive at your wedding informed and prepared. Don’t overload them with things they don’t need to know. Here’s a quick summary of the type of things that are most popular to include.
1. Include the full location details for all venues
Include the full address, postcode for sat nav and any other details that might make it easier for your guests to find. Don’t forget to do this for both your ceremony and reception venues if they are different. This is especially useful if it’s not a regular wedding venue, maybe a marquee or a barn.
2. Give a little more detail about timings
The actual invitation part should have the ceremony time. If you want your guests to arrive a little earlier for welcome drinks, or to be seated in time for the ceremony, tell them in your additional information. It’s also really handy if you let them know what time the party finished so they can book their taxi home. Did you know, the fancy way to say this is ‘Carriages at…..’
What does carriages at midnight (and other weird wedding invite lingo) mean?
3. What’s the situation with transport and parking?
If you are putting on any transport for your guests, let them know. Also, give them a heads up about the parking situation at the venue.
4. Is there accommodation at or near the venue?
Tell your guests if there is accommodation available at the venue and if there is, how to book. You can also include a few nearby alternatives.
5. Do you need to include a menu?
You only really need to include a menu if you are asking your guests to pre-order from a number of choices. If you are then it’s a good idea to give them a reply card with tick boxes too so that they can easily let you know what they’ve chosen.
When and how to ask for menu choices in your wedding invitations
6. Do you have a specific dress code?
What dress code are you having for your wedding? Is it black tie, casual and relaxed, or cocktail dress? Let your guests know in the invite so that they can arrive in the correct attire.
7. Should you include a gift list or wish poem?
Is it really OK to include a gift wish or a poem about preferring a monetary gift in your invitation? In my experience, it is generally the norm now, so if you feel comfortable with it, go ahead.
Is it OK to ask for money instead of gifts in your wedding invitations?
8. What are the arrangements for children?
Traditional etiquette says that you should not assume your children are invited unless they are named on the invitation. Many couples choose to include a little note in their guest info to further clarify this.
6 ways to say ‘no children’ on a wedding invitation
Want to read more about what to include in a wedding invitation details card?
11 things you can include on a wedding invitation details card
What about your evening invitations?
Evening invitations typically include much less information than a full day invitation. Your guests will really only need to know the basics: who is hosting, who is getting married, who the invitation is for, where the evening reception is, and when. Plus, of course, those all important reply details (how to reply and when by). It’s really up to you whether you include any additional information with your evening invitations. You can put things like accommodation options, parking arrangements, and sometimes even gift lift wishes. There are no rules, go with whatever you think your guests really need to know, and what you feel comfortable including. For more detail, have a read of my other blog post, linked below, specifically about evening reception invitations.
How to word your evening wedding reception invitations
Now you know what to include in a wedding invitation
So that’s it, my comprehensive guide to what to include in a wedding invitation. You absolutely need to make sure you include all the essential details – the who, where, when, and how (to reply). How you put these details together and what words you use is entirely up to you. You can choose a very formal, traditional style or wording or something more relaxed or contemporary. For the additional information cards, try to give your guest enough information to arrive for your big day prepared and relaxed. Don’t overload your wedding invitations with unnecessary detail. Remember, other than a save the date, the invitation is the first glimpse your guests will have of the celebration to come. It should set the tone for the big day and let them know what kind of event to expect.
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This blog is part of my Wedding Stationery Guides series, read more of them here:
Click here to see what’s on my Wedding Ceremony Stationery Checklist
Click here to see what’s on my Wedding Reception Stationery Checklist
Click here to download your complete printable wedding stationery checklist
Hi, I’m Jo and I have been doing this since 2006! When you book your wedding stationery with me, I will guide you through the process of deciding what to include in a wedding invitation. I have many more, in-depth guides and checklists that my clients gain access to when they book with me. I help to make the whole process stress free and enjoyable. If you’d like to know more about how I can help you with your wedding invites and stationery, drop me a message via my contact page or check my online calendar and book a quick chat to find out more.
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