Ordering your wedding invitations is one of those moments where planning suddenly feels very real. Up until now it might have been Pinterest boards, venue visits and spreadsheets. Then you sit down to write the invitation and think… wait, what actually needs to go on this?
It’s a question I get asked A LOT!
The good news is wedding invitations don’t need to include absolutely everything about your day. Their job is simply to tell guests the key information they need so they know where to be and when.
Once you know the essentials, the rest becomes much easier.
The Essential Information Every Wedding Invitation Needs
These are the details that should always appear on the invitation itself.
Your Names
Okay, this one is obvious, so the real question is how you should present your names.
Some invitations lean more traditional: Katie Price & Peter Andre
Others feel a little more relaxed: Katie & Peter
Both work beautifully. It really depends on the style of your wedding!
The Wedding Date
Again, this should be obvious! The date should always be written clearly so there’s no chance of confusion.
On most invitations, it’s written out in full rather than using numbers.
For example: Saturday 12th June 2027
Arrival Time
Your invitation should always include the ceremony start time. This is the official time your wedding begins.
For example: Ceremony at 2:00pm
Most guests will naturally arrive a little earlier, usually around 60 to 30 minutes before the ceremony starts. This gives them time to park, find their seat and settle before everything begins.
Some couples choose to include a separate arrival time on their invitation, particularly if the venue prefers guests to arrive earlier or you are offering welcome drinks.
For example:
Guests arrive from 1:00pm
Ceremony begins at 2:00pm
This can be helpful for larger weddings or venues where guests need a little extra time to find the ceremony space.
If your ceremony is at a church or somewhere with no space for guests to hang around, it’s usually best to list the ceremony time clearly so guests know exactly when things will begin.
The Ceremony Location
Include the full name of the venue and its location & postcode so guests can easily find it. Even if many guests already know the venue, it’s still helpful to include the full name.
Reception Notes
It’s a classic little phrase that tells guests the celebration continues after the ceremony without needing lots of extra wording.
If your reception is at the same venue, this line is usually all you need. Guests will naturally move through to the drinks reception or next space once the ceremony finishes.
If the reception is somewhere different, it’s helpful to include the location so guests know where they’re heading next. For example:
Reception to follow at Rowton Hall Hotel
Information That Usually Goes on a Details Card
One of the biggest changes in modern wedding invitations is that couples rarely try to squeeze every piece of information onto the invitation itself anymore.
Instead, most stationery suites include a details card that carries the extra information.
This keeps the invitation clean, elegant and easy to read.
Extra Information for Guests
The details card is also the place for the helpful bits guests will want to know.
Things like:
- accommodation suggestions
- transport information/ parking
- dress code
- gifts
- children policy
You absolutely do not have to include all of the above - just the key details you think guests need to know. It means your invitation stays simple while guests still have everything they need.
RSVP Card
Your invitation should always include a clear way for guests to let you know if they’re coming.
Most couples include an RSVP deadline. This gives you enough time to finalise numbers with your venue and suppliers.
There are a few ways couples handle RSVPs.
Some choose to add a QR code linking to their wedding website, where guests can confirm attendance online. This is becoming really popular because it’s quick and easy for guests!
If you don’t have a website, you can simply include a short line telling guests how you’d like them to respond. For example, asking them to RSVP by text or email by a certain date.
Others still love the traditional route with a printed RSVP card included in the invitation suite. Guests fill it out and post it back to you.
These usually ask for a few key details such as:
- Guest names
Whether they will be attending
Any dietary requirements
Extra Cards
Some couples also include an extra card with a little more information about the day.
This might feature things like a timeline of the day or your wedding menu so guests can select their courses.
These cards aren’t essential, but they can be really helpful for guests. They’re especially useful if your day has a few different parts, like a gap between the ceremony and reception, or if guests are travelling to the wedding.
A Quick Wedding Invitation Checklist
Before sending your invitations, check that you’ve included:
- Your names
- Wedding date
- Ceremony time
- Ceremony venue
- Reception details if different
- RSVP method
If those are covered, you’re good to go!
Planning Your Wedding Invitations?
Your invitations are usually the first glimpse guests get of your wedding.
If you're starting to think about designs, paper textures, ribbons, wax seals or how all the pieces fit together, you can explore my wedding stationery here or get in touch about a bespoke design.
It’s one of my favourite parts of the whole wedding journey. 💗
