When it comes to your big day, we’re sure you want everything to be perfect. The best way to ensure a smooth and seamless wedding day is to provide your guests with all the important information before they even arrive. 

Your wedding invitation cards provide the best opportunity to do this. But what exactly should be included in that all-important information you ask?

Well, from our years of experience in creating beautiful wedding invitations for clients, we’ve picked up a thing or two about this very topic. So, here are some suggestions for what we think should go on your wedding invitation cards… 

Here’s a summarised list of what should go on a wedding invite or within your stationery suite;

• Wedding date
• Venue and directions 
• Timings
• Transport 
• Accommodation
• Food and drinks menu 
• Children
• Dress code
• Tourist information for international guests
• Gift list
• Digital details
• Disclaimers
• RSVP details

Wedding Date

An obvious one, and something that has probably already been communicated via a save the date card, but nonetheless, something that is important to reinforce. By this point, the date is probably embedded in the minds of your nearest and dearest, but a little reminder never hurts, so, this is one of the first things we’d recommend including on your invitation card. 

Venue and directions 

It might be that some of your guests already know where your wedding venue is, they may even have helped you choose it, but for those who don’t, and as another reminder for those who do, venue details are incredibly important to include. 

As well as an address, you may also want to include a map or some tips on getting there, especially if your venue is a little more remote. It might even be useful to include the venue’s phone number and website address just in case anyone has trouble getting there on the day. 

Timings 

It’s likely you have everything planned to the second already. While it’s not necessary to include every little detail, letting your guests know the timings for important events such as the ceremony, reception, dinner, cake cutting and send off will help ensure the day runs as smooth as possible. 

Transport 

Another thing to consider to make your guests lives a little easier, and to avoid any hiccups or disruptions on the day, is information regarding nearby transport. This should include things such as nearest car parks, at both the ceremony and reception venue if they are different, public transport links and local taxi firms. 

It might also be a good idea to provide numbers for things such as taxi firms so your guests can arrange their transportation in advance for greater peace of mind and security. 

Nearby airports are another important bit of information for international guests, or for travelling guests if you are having a destination wedding. 

Accommodation 

As well as transport options, your guests will also want to know about any close by accommodation, especially if they are travelling quite a distance, or simply because they want to make sure they can enjoy the entire day by your side, with no concerns about rushing back home. 

Again, this information is vital for international guests and destination weddings. 

You may want to give your guests a number of options, or do your own research and arrangements first to find hotels or accommodations that offer group bookings, packages or discounts, and that are in fact, available on the date of your big day.

Food and drinks menu 

Food and drinks form a large part of any wedding day. You may have already set out a schedule for when meals and refreshments will be served in your timings, but you may also want to consider including a menu so guests have no surprises or issues on the day. 

Some couples may even offer their guests a few different options, so in these cases, you can include a response form or tick box that can be returned to you with the RSVP card. Another important thing to include here is the option for guests to inform you of any dietary requirements. 

And, this may also be a good place to disclose whether there will be a free or cash bar, and any timings or limits attached to it, so guests can come prepared. 

Children

The inclusion of children in your wedding is completely a personal choice, but it can be a sensitive topic. Addressing the matter early in the process, e.g. when your guests receive their invitation, can be a good way to avoid any confusion or awkwardness later down the line. It also gives any guests with children plenty of time to make arrangements for their care. 

Dress code

In most cases, the dress code for a wedding is pretty standard and most people know how to dress appropriately. So, including a dress code might seem like a bit of a waste of space. 

But, if your wedding has a certain colour scheme or guests are expected to follow any other theme, including it on your invitation card gives them a heads up and time to find the perfect outfit. 

Tourist information 

This is another handy thing to consider including on your wedding invitation cards. Although not a formal part of your wedding, international guests or guests travelling to your destination wedding may want to make the most of the trip by visiting some local tourist attractions before or after the big day and its busy schedule of events. Therefore, including a few examples, or even some links to helpful tourist guides will be a nice touch. 

It may even be that the location has personal meaning to you and your partner - perhaps it’s where you met, proposed or your first holiday destination? You could share details of the specific areas these events took place to add to the wedding experience. 

Gift list 

This is often another uncomfortable topic area for weddings, but one that everyone expects and is aware of. While you might not want to include a full list of gift ideas, a website address that takes you to an online list might be more practical. 

Or, perhaps you have a honeymoon fund or a charity you’d like your guests to donate to instead of buying you a gift? Addresses to these can also be included on your invitation card. 

Digital details

Of course, nothing can be done these days without some digital involvement, and weddings are no different. Increasingly, couples are creating websites or social media pages, profiles or groups linked to their wedding. The best part of these is updates and communications can happen instantly and it keeps everyone informed and connected to ensure a successful special day. 

They also add to the entire wedding experience, building excitement and a sense of uniqueness before the date arrives, and a place for images and memories to be shared and kept after the event. 

Similarly, more and more couples are creating their own hashtags or filters for guests to use to share images and videos with. But whatever you choose, it’s a good idea to include details of these on your wedding invitation card to ensure no one misses out! 

Disclaimers and other important information 

For the foreseeable future certainly, a little disclaimer or nod to important information regarding the coronavirus situation might be useful on your wedding invitation cards. 

While no one can really predict what will happen in the months to come, you might want to give your guests a little explanation of how you are following the latest government guidelines to ensure their health and safety, and that you will inform them of any changes in order to provide some reassurance and peace of mind. 

RSVP details 

So, once you have given your guests all the information they need, it’s time for them to let you know that they are planning to attend and celebrate your special day with you. To make sure everyone has a way of getting in touch with you, you should include some information on how they are to RSVP. 

This may include a response card and envelope, or simply a number you wish for them to contact you on. There really are no rules on the how, but it’s recommended to include a deadline to ensure you get all your responses promptly, and with enough time to make your final arrangements. 

Set a tone 

Although you might have sent a save the date, the wedding invitation card is the first detailed idea guests get of the theme and tone for the special day. Therefore, while it’s important to include all this important information on your cards, it’s equally as important to set the right tone and introduce them to what they should expect on the day and from your wedding stationery, in order to create positive perceptions and excitement.

But with all that said, we understand that you will want your wedding invitations to be personal and unique to you, your partner and your big day, so these are just some suggestions. It always goes down well when couples include personal messages, anecdotes, phrases or images, as this way, you can guarantee to leave a lasting impression on your guests before the day even arrives.

To discuss your wedding card invitation design, get in touch with our friendly team today.