How To Write Wording For Wedding
Reception Invitations
"Finally a section with so many 'CREATIVE'
wedding reception cards!"
The typical wedding reception invitations are crafted in one of two ways.
The first way is to add a line to the bottom of the wedding invitation.
The second method is to include a separate card in the envelope with the wedding invitation.
Whichever style you choose to go with, the following tips will help you create wording for wedding reception invitations.
Adding A Line To The Wedding Invitation
If the wedding and reception are held at the same location, it's common to simply add a line to bottom of the wedding invitation. If you have a theme wedding with wording to match, you can have a lot of fun with this!
When you start with playful wording at the top, a fun footnote at the bottom will do a lot to tie the invitation together. Here are a couple of examples to get you started.
- Pig pickin' followin' the hitchin'! (Western barbecue reception)
- An evening of enchantment follows in the ballroom. (Fairy tale wedding)
- Follow the red carpet to the reception after the ceremony. (Hollywood wedding)
If you opt to simply add a line, you can do so quite effectively with a little tongue in cheek humor or a fine formal addition to the end of your personalized wedding invitation.
Creating Separate Wedding Reception Cards
If the wedding ceremony and the reception are to be held at separate venues (a particularly appropriate choice if you'll be serving alcohol after a church wedding!) then it is customary to enclose a separate reception invitation.
The most basic wording for wedding reception invitations might read something like this.
"Reception to follow the ceremony at
three o'clock in the afternoon.
New Harbor Country Club
4389 Harbor Drive Annandale"
In addition to the announcement card, you'll need to include a map from the ceremony to the reception. It is also tradition to send a stamped and addressed response card indicating the number of people attending the reception.
If you'd prefer that children not attend the ceremony or reception, one of the most tactful ways to suggest this is by turning "number attending" into "number of adults attending."
Another more direct phrase might read "Adult-only cocktail and reception to follow." (Weary parents may adore you for giving them a required reprieve from their children!)
If, alternatively, you'll have a separate room for attending children, include a note about child care. A simple "Special activities planned for guests under the age of 12. Number attending _____" will get the point across easily.
Match The Formal Invitation Style
When you choose wording for wedding reception invitations, be sure to use a tone that matches the wedding invitation itself.
If you created a theme wedding invitation, the reception invitation should match it for a seamless presentation for guests.
Matching stationary will not only look good, but it'll make your parents and in-laws look good and that's certainly preferable to the alternative! For just a bit longer - at least until the honeymoon is over - you're a reflection on them. Your life will be much easier if everyone is happy with what they see!
A final tip is to make sure you include any details about the reception that might affect the way guests dress for the party.
No one wants to end up on the beach in high heels, and an extra wrap might be required for a winter reception outdoors under the stars.
Likewise, a mid-day reception outside during the hottest part of the summer will leave guests wilted (not to mention carried off and eaten alive by bugs) so warn them ahead of time, especially if sunscreen and bug spray might be in order!
Follow these tips when choosing wording for wedding reception invitations and you can be sure that everyone arrives at the party on time. Even better, you'll have ample warning that they're on the way!
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