What Every Wedding Invitation Needs to Include

When it comes to planning your wedding, one of the most crucial aspects is the wedding invitation. This small but significant piece of stationery sets the tone for your entire celebration. At Heather Paperie, we understand that wedding invitations can be overwhelming, so we’re here to show you exactly what needs to be included, from the essential details to the finer touches. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what every wedding invitation needs to include to ensure that your guests have all the information they need to celebrate your special day.

The Essential Elements of a Wedding Invitation

Your wedding invitation is more than just a card—it’s a statement of your style and a source of important information for your guests. Here’s what every wedding invitation needs to include:

1. The Hosts

This line on your wedding invitation recognizes who is hosting the celebration. This can vary widely depending on your preferences and family dynamics. Traditional wording often acknowledges the parents of the couple, such as “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter.” For a more modern approach, couples might choose “Together with their families, [Couple’s Names] invite you to celebrate their wedding day.”

If one set of parents is hosting but you’d like to acknowledge the other set, you can include their names under the couple’s names. For instance:
“Mr. and Mrs. John Smith invite you to the marriage of their daughter Mary Elizabeth to Robert Joseph, son of Mr. and Mrs. David White.”

Alternatively, you can forgo hosts altogether and simply write, “You are invited to the marriage of [Couple’s Names],” keeping the focus solely on the couple. Whatever you choose, this line sets the tone for your invitation and reflects the relationships that are most meaningful to you.

2. The Request

At the heart of your wedding invitation is the request—the line that officially extends the invitation to your guests. This is where you set the tone for your celebration, whether it’s formal, casual, or somewhere in between.

Traditional wording examples may include:

• “Request the honor of your presence” (or the British spelling “honour”), typically used for ceremonies held in a house of worship
• “Request the pleasure of your company” for ceremonies held outside of a house of worship

Modern wording examples may include:

• “Cordially invite you to attend“
• “Invite you to share in the joy”

The wording you choose reflects your unique style and the atmosphere you’re creating for your wedding. A custom wedding stationery designer can guide you in selecting wording that not only fits your vision but also makes your guests feel welcome and appreciated.

3. Your Names

The names of the couple are one of the most important elements of your wedding invitation. Traditionally, the bride’s name came first; but modern invitations often place the names in the order that sounds best. Today, invitations are designed to reflect each couple’s unique story. Whether you choose alphabetical order, the name of the person with a closer connection to the host family, or simply the arrangement that feels right to you, there are no wrong choices. The most important thing is that your names are displayed clearly and prominently, setting a welcoming tone for your special day.

4. Wedding Date

The wedding date is a vital piece of information. To maintain a formal and timeless feel, write it out in full. For example: “Saturday, the twenty-third of July, two thousand twenty-four.”

5. Wedding Location

Make sure to include the location of your wedding. You can include more information, like the venue or location’s address, on other cards in your invitation suite. If your wedding and reception are at two different locations, you can indicate this on your invitation. Additional reception details can be included on the details card in your invitation suite. 

6. Wedding Time

Clearly state the time your ceremony will begin. If you’re having a reception afterward, you can either include the start time of the reception or note that it will follow the ceremony.

Additional Elements of a Wedding Invitation Suite

A well-crafted wedding invitation suite often includes more than just the invitation. Here are some additional pieces you might consider adding:

1. Details Card

A details card is an excellent way to provide your guests with additional information without overcrowding your main invitation. This card can include:

Wedding Website: Direct guests to your wedding website for further details, such as travel accommodations, dress code, and your registry. 

Additional Wedding Weekend Events: If you’re hosting events throughout the weekend, such as a welcome dinner or post-wedding brunch, list those here.

Directions and Transportation: Help out-of-town guests navigate by providing directions and transportation options to your venues.

Accommodation Information: For guests traveling from out of town, providing accommodation details is a considerate touch. Include hotel options, room block information, and any discounts or special instructions.

2. Reception Card

If your reception is at a different location than your ceremony, or if you want to highlight specific details about the reception, include a separate card. This card can include the start time and any special instructions or information about the venue.

3. RSVP Card and Envelope

While many couples now use wedding websites for RSVPs, a traditional RSVP card and envelope can add a formal and timeless touch to your suite. This card should include a space for guests to write their names, whether they’ll be attending, meal selections, and dietary restrictions.

Make sure to include RSVP information so you can get an accurate headcount. Specify how you want guests to respond (e.g., by mail, on your wedding website) and include a deadline for RSVPs, typically four to six weeks before the wedding, but times may vary based on your specific needs and requirements from the venue.

Wondering when to mail your wedding stationery? We’ve created a handy Wedding Invitation Timeline!

Knowing exactly what every wedding invitation needs to include may seem overwhelming, but Heather and I are here to guide you through the process. By including all the essential elements and adding personalized touches, you can create invitations that inform and delight your guests. At Heather Paperie, we are dedicated to making this process as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Reach out to us today to start creating wedding invitations that truly capture the essence of your special day and your unique love story.

Designing your wedding invitations? Pin an image to save it for later!