You’re Invited: What to Include on Your Wedding Invitation Card

Helping You Celebrate Your Wedding or Anniversary

Your big day will involve many decisions—there’s the dress, the cake, the church, and of course, the wedding invitation card. The invitation cards are one of the most important elements of your wedding. After all, the invitations will notify everyone of your upcoming big day. It is important to send a wedding invitation card that is uniquely you. However, it is even more important to include all of the correct information on your wedding invitation card.

Who and What?

The very first information that should be included in the wedding invitation card is the names of who is hosting the wedding. Although this is traditionally the bride’s parents, these names could include the groom’s parents or it could be the names of the couples themselves. In the latter case, the invitations would read: Together with their parents, Mary Smith and Sam Jones…After the hosts’ names are stated, the wedding invitation card should request that the guests attend. For example, this line might read: Request the pleasure of your company…Finally, the names of the happy couple themselves should be listed. Traditionally, the bride is listed first. First, middle, and last names should be used.

When and Where?

The next things you should include on your wedding invitation card are the date and time. These are typically spelled out; for example: Saturday, the eighth of May, two thousand and six at two o’clock in the afternoon. Next, state the location of your wedding. It is very important to be specific with the location. If the venue is well known, there is no need to include an address. However, if the ceremony is taken place at a lesser-known setting, then the address should be written out. Some couples even choose to include a small map with the wedding invitation card. This is a nice touch that will be greatly appreciated by guests.

Information about the time and location of the reception should be included as well. Some couples choose to do this on the wedding invitation card; others choose to include a separate card with this information on it. In any case, you should indicate the time of the reception and the venue (especially if the reception is at a different location than the ceremony). You should also include whether a full meal will be served, for the convenience of your guests.

Can You Go? R.S.V.P.

The R.S.V.P. is usually a small, separate card with its own envelope that it included with the wedding invitation card. Typically, this card has blank spaces for the invitees to write their names. Some couples ask that guests indicate what their meal preference is for the reception. If you would like your guests to respond by a certain date, include this information on the card as well.

Your wedding is supposed to be the happiest day of your life, and you should make sure that every important person in your life is present for such a special occasion. If you include the right information on your wedding invitation card, then it will be the first of many decisions that will make your big day the best day of your life.