The Ultimate Wedding Invitation Resource Centre: Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Invitations
- Bryony Allman
- Jun 23
- 12 min read
Updated: Jun 24
The complete guide to wedding invitations, wedding invitation wording, RSVP cards, save the dates, wedding invitation etiquette, timelines, printing and more.
Planning your wedding invitations can feel overwhelming. When should you send them? What information should you include? Do you need RSVP cards? How do you word invitations when parents are divorced? What size should your invitations be?
This Wedding Invitation Resource Centre brings together everything you need to know in one place. Whether you're planning a formal black-tie wedding, a relaxed garden celebration, a destination wedding or an intimate ceremony, this guide will help you create beautiful wedding invitations your guests will love.
Contents
What Information Goes On A Wedding Invitation?
At a minimum, every wedding invitation should include:
Couple's names
Wedding date
Ceremony time
Ceremony venue
Reception information
RSVP instructions
Many couples also include:
Dress code
Wedding website
Accommodation information
Transport information
Gift information
The key is ensuring guests can answer five questions:
Who?
Who is getting married?
What?
What event are they being invited to?
When?
Date and time.
Where?
Venue details.
How?
How guests should RSVP.
If guests can answer those five questions, your invitation is doing its job.
Wedding Invitation Wording
One of the most common questions couples ask is:
"What should my wedding invitation actually say?"
The answer depends on your wedding style.
Formal Wedding Invitation Wording
Together with their families
Olivia Smith
and
James Wilson
request the pleasure of your company
at their wedding celebration
Saturday 18th July 2027
at two o'clock in the afternoon
The Manor House
Yorkshire
Reception to follow
Modern Wedding Invitation Wording
Olivia & James
are getting married
and we'd love for you to celebrate with us
18 July 2027
The Manor House
Yorkshire
Dinner, drinks and dancing to follow
Casual Wedding Invitation Wording
We're tying the knot!
Join us for food, drinks, laughter and dancing
as we celebrate our wedding day
Olivia & James
18 July 2027
Wedding Invitation Wording For Divorced Parents
Many couples worry about this situation.
The good news is that modern wedding etiquette offers several options.
Option 1
Together with their families
Olivia Smith
and
James Wilson
invite you to celebrate their wedding
Option 2
Olivia Smith
daughter of
Sarah Smith and David Smith
and
James Wilson
son of
Michael Wilson and Emma Wilson
invite you to celebrate their wedding
Many modern couples simply use "Together with their families" to avoid complications.
Wedding Invitation Wording For Blended Families
Families come in many forms.
Examples include:
Example 1
Together with their families
Olivia Smith and James Wilson
request the pleasure of your company
Example 2
Together with their parents and step-parents
Olivia Smith and James Wilson
invite you to celebrate their marriage
This wording keeps the focus on the couple.
Wedding Invitation Wording For Second Marriages
Many couples prefer wording that feels mature and understated.
Example
Together with their loved ones
Olivia Smith
and
James Wilson
invite you to celebrate their marriage
Saturday 18 July 2027
This elegant approach works beautifully for second marriages.
Wedding Invitation Wording For Destination Weddings
Example
Pack your bags and join us in France!
Olivia & James
invite you to celebrate their wedding
Provence, France
18 July 2027
Further travel information can be found on our wedding website
Should You Include Gift Information?
Traditionally, gift information should not appear directly on the invitation.
Instead include:
Wedding website
Details card
Information card
This keeps your invitation elegant and avoids appearing gift-focused.
Wedding Invitation Wording For Evening Guests
Example
You're invited to join us for an evening of celebration
following the wedding ceremony of
Olivia Smith & James Wilson
Saturday 18 July 2027
From 7pm
The Manor House
Yorkshire
Quick Wedding Invitation Wording Checklist
Before sending your invitations, check that you've included:
✓ Couple's names
✓ Wedding date
✓ Ceremony time
✓ Venue
✓ Reception details
✓ RSVP information
✓ Dress code (if applicable)
✓ Website details (if applicable)
✓ Accommodation information (if applicable)
Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Everything You Need To Know
One of the biggest sources of wedding planning stress is worrying about whether you've followed the "rules" correctly.
The good news is that modern wedding etiquette is far more flexible than it used to be. While some traditions remain popular, couples today have much more freedom to personalise their wedding invitations and guest experience.
This guide covers the most common wedding invitation etiquette questions.
Plus-One Etiquette
One of the most frequently searched wedding invitation topics is:
"Who should receive a plus one?"
There is no single correct answer.
Many couples choose to offer plus ones to:
Married couples
Engaged couples
Couples living together
Long-term partners
Some couples also choose to offer plus ones to:
Guests travelling long distances
Guests who may not know many other attendees
How To Indicate A Plus One
The easiest method is to address the invitation to both guests.
For example:
Sarah Jones and Michael Brown
rather than:
Sarah Jones
If only one person is invited, simply list that person's name.
Children At Weddings
Another common question is whether children should be invited.
Many couples choose an adults-only wedding due to:
Venue capacity
Budget
Evening celebrations
Personal preference
Remember that your wedding day is your decision.
How To Politely Say No Children
Example 1
We respectfully request an adults-only celebration.
Example 2
Although we adore your little ones, our wedding will be an adults-only occasion.
Example 3
We hope you can join us for a child-free evening of celebration.
Keep wording polite and positive.
Should You Send Invitations To Children?
If children are invited, include their names on the envelope.
For example:
Mr & Mrs Wilson
Emily Wilson
Thomas Wilson
This clearly communicates that the children are included.
Addressing Wedding Invitations Correctly
Traditionally, wedding invitations were addressed very formally.
For example:
Mr and Mrs David Wilson
However, modern etiquette allows much more flexibility.
Examples include:
David and Emma Wilson
Mr David Wilson and Mrs Emma Wilson
David Wilson & Emma Wilson
Choose the style that best matches your wedding.
Should You Use Titles?
Using titles is entirely optional.
Examples:
Mr
Mrs
Miss
Ms
Dr
Professor
Many modern couples choose not to use titles at all.
Wedding Invitation Envelope Etiquette
Your envelope creates the first impression.
Check:
Correct spelling
Correct addresses
Correct postcode
Appropriate postage
Taking time here helps avoid returned invitations.
Handwritten Or Printed Addresses?
Both options are perfectly acceptable.
Handwritten
Advantages:
Personal
Traditional
Elegant
Printed
Advantages:
Faster
Consistent
Professional
Most modern couples choose printed envelopes.
Return Address Etiquette
Always include a return address.
This allows undelivered invitations to be returned if necessary.
Many couples place the return address on:
Back flap
Reverse side
Small printed label
Wedding Invitation Timing Etiquette
Timing is important.
Save The Dates
6–12 months before the wedding.
Destination weddings may require earlier notice.
Invitations
6–12 weeks before the wedding.
RSVP Deadline
Typically 3–4 weeks before the wedding.
Is It Rude To Chase RSVPs?
Not at all.
Most guests simply forget.
A polite message is perfectly acceptable.
Example:
"Hi! We're finalising numbers with our venue and just wanted to check whether you'll be able to join us. We'd love to celebrate with you."
Wedding Website Etiquette
Wedding websites have become increasingly popular.
They are ideal for sharing:
Accommodation information
Travel information
Gift registry information
Schedule details
FAQs
This allows invitations to remain clean and uncluttered.
Dress Code Etiquette
If you have a dress code, make it clear.
Examples:
Black Tie
Formal
Lounge Suit
Cocktail Attire
Smart Casual
Garden Party Attire
Guests appreciate clear guidance.
Is It Rude To Mention Gifts?
Traditionally, gift requests should not appear directly on invitations.
Instead use:
Wedding website
Information card
Gift registry page
This remains the most widely accepted approach.
Destination Wedding Invitation Etiquette
Guests attending destination weddings need additional information.
Consider including:
Airport information
Accommodation recommendations
Travel deadlines
Local transport information
Many couples provide this via a wedding website.
Evening Invitation Etiquette
If guests are invited only to the evening celebration, this should be made clear.
Example:
We would be delighted if you could join us for an evening of celebration following our wedding ceremony.
This avoids confusion while remaining warm and welcoming.
Common Wedding Invitation Mistakes
Avoid these common errors:
1. Sending Invitations Too Late
Guests need time to make plans.
2. Forgetting RSVP Instructions
Always explain how guests should respond.
3. Missing Venue Information
Double-check all venue details.
4. Incorrect Guest Names
Carefully proofread every invitation.
5. Ordering Too Few Invitations
Remember that one invitation usually covers a household, not an individual.
6. Using Difficult-To-Read Fonts
Beautiful fonts are wonderful, but readability is essential.
7. Forgetting Postage Costs
Heavier invitation suites may require additional postage.
8. Missing RSVP Deadlines
Guests need clear dates.
9. Leaving Out Reception Information
Guests should know exactly where to go.
10. Skipping Proofreading
Always review invitations several times before printing.
Wedding Invitation Etiquette Checklist
Before sending your invitations, make sure you have:
✓ Checked all names
✓ Checked all dates
✓ Checked venue details
✓ Included RSVP instructions
✓ Included RSVP deadline
✓ Added postage
✓ Proofread carefully
✓ Included any necessary information cards
✓ Confirmed guest list details
✓ Ordered spare invitations
Wedding Invitation Suites, RSVP Cards & Matching Wedding Stationery
Once you've decided on your invitation wording and guest list, the next step is building your wedding stationery suite. Many couples assume they only need invitations, but wedding stationery often includes several matching pieces that help guests stay informed and create a cohesive wedding aesthetic.
What Is A Wedding Invitation Suite?
A wedding invitation suite is the collection of stationery sent to guests before your wedding.
A typical suite may include:
Wedding invitation
RSVP card
Details card
Information card
RSVP envelope
Wedding website information
Not every wedding needs every element.
The right suite depends on your wedding style, budget and guest requirements.
What Should Be Included In A Wedding Invitation Suite?
Essential
Wedding invitation
Recommended
RSVP card
Optional
Information card
Accommodation card
Transport card
Gift information
Weekend itinerary
Most modern couples keep invitations simple and place additional information on a wedding website.
Wedding Invitations
The invitation is the most important piece of wedding stationery.
It answers the key questions:
Who?
Who is getting married?
When?
Date and time.
Where?
Venue information.
What?
Wedding ceremony and celebration details.
How?
RSVP instructions.
Everything else is secondary.
RSVP Cards
RSVP cards help couples collect guest responses efficiently.
Traditionally, RSVP cards were returned by post.
Today many couples use:
QR codes
Wedding websites
Email responses
Online forms
However, RSVP cards remain popular because they feel personal and elegant.
What Should An RSVP Card Include?
Most RSVP cards include:
Guest names
Accepts or declines
RSVP deadline
Additional options:
Meal choices
Dietary requirements
Song requests
Accommodation requirements
RSVP Wording Example
Kindly respond by
1st June 2027
☐ Joyfully accepts
☐ Regretfully declines
Guest Name:
Meal Choice RSVP Example
Please select your preferred meal:
☐ Chicken
☐ Beef
☐ Vegetarian
☐ Vegan
Dietary requirements:
Song Request RSVP Example
What song will get you on the dance floor?
This small addition often creates fantastic guest engagement.
Information Cards
Information cards prevent invitations becoming overcrowded.
They can include:
Accommodation recommendations
Taxi information
Parking instructions
Wedding website details
Gift information
Keeping this information separate creates a cleaner invitation design.
Accommodation Cards
Particularly useful if:
Guests are travelling
You're hosting a destination wedding
Hotels are nearby
Typical accommodation information includes:
Hotel names
Booking links
Discount codes
Recommended options
Transport Cards
Useful when:
Coaches are provided
Multiple venues are involved
Parking is limited
Transport cards help guests plan ahead.
Wedding Website Cards
Many couples now include:
A wedding website can reduce the amount of information needed elsewhere.
Save The Date Cards
Save the date cards are usually sent before invitations.
They provide advance notice and help guests reserve the date.
Typically they include:
Couple's names
Wedding date
Location
Wedding website
Nothing more is required.
Do You Need Save The Dates?
You may wish to send save the dates if:
Guests are travelling
Your wedding falls during peak holiday periods
Guests may need accommodation
You're planning a destination wedding
Many couples find them extremely helpful.
Matching Wedding Stationery
One of the easiest ways to create a polished wedding aesthetic is using matching stationery throughout your wedding.
Popular matching items include:
Save the dates
Invitations
RSVP cards
Welcome signs
Seating plans
Menus
Place cards
Table numbers
Order of the day cards
A consistent design creates a professional and coordinated look.
Welcome Signs
Welcome signs help greet guests as they arrive.
Typical wording:
Welcome to the Wedding of
Olivia & James
18 July 2027
Welcome signs can be displayed on easels, frames or mirrors.
Seating Plans
Seating plans help guests quickly find their tables.
Popular styles include:
Alphabetical lists
Table-by-table layouts
Mirror seating plans
Board seating plans
Individual escort cards
Table Names vs Table Numbers
Many couples choose themed table names instead of numbers.
Examples:
Travel Theme
Paris
Rome
New York
Santorini
Flower Theme
Rose
Peony
Hydrangea
Lavender
Coastal Theme
Seaside
Harbour
Lighthouse
Cove
These themes can help personalise your wedding.
Menus
Menus are both practical and decorative.
Typical menu sections include:
Starter
Main course
Dessert
Drinks
Matching menus help elevate table styling.
Place Cards
Place cards help guests find their seats and can also become keepsakes.
Popular styles include:
Folded cards
Flat cards
Acrylic place cards
Ribbon place cards
Order Of The Day Cards
Order of the day cards outline the wedding schedule.
Example:
2:00pm – Ceremony
3:00pm – Drinks Reception
5:00pm – Wedding Breakfast
7:00pm – Evening Reception
9:00pm – First Dance
Guests appreciate knowing what to expect.
Building The Perfect Wedding Stationery Suite
A complete wedding stationery collection may include:
Before The Wedding
Save the date
Invitation
RSVP card
Information card
On The Wedding Day
Welcome sign
Seating plan
Menus
Place cards
Table names
Order of the day cards
Not every wedding requires every item.
Choose the pieces that best suit your wedding and budget.
Wedding Stationery Checklist
Before ordering, ask yourself:
✓ Do we need save the dates?
✓ Do we need RSVP cards?
✓ Do guests need accommodation information?
✓ Will we have a seating plan?
✓ Will we use menus?
✓ Will we have place cards?
✓ Do we need an order of the day card?
✓ Do we want all stationery to match?
One of the most common wedding planning concerns is timing.
When should you order your invitations? When should you send them? How long should guests have to RSVP? This section answers those questions and helps ensure your wedding stationery runs smoothly from engagement to wedding day.
The Complete Wedding Invitation Timeline
The exact timeline varies between weddings, but the schedule below works well for most couples.
12 Months Before
Start Gathering Inspiration
Consider:
Wedding style
Colour palette
Invitation design
Guest numbers
Venue details
This is also a great time to create a wedding Pinterest board.
9–12 Months Before
Send Save The Dates
Especially important if:
Guests are travelling
Wedding falls during school holidays
Wedding falls during peak summer season
You're planning a destination wedding
Guests appreciate advance notice.
6 Months Before
Finalise Your Guest List
Confirm:
Names
Addresses
Plus ones
Family groups
Accurate guest information makes invitation ordering much easier.
4–5 Months Before
Order Your Wedding Invitations
This gives you plenty of time to:
Proofread
Print
Assemble invitation suites
Correct mistakes
Avoid leaving invitation ordering until the last minute.
3 Months Before
Prepare Invitation Mailing List
Double-check:
Addresses
Postcodes
Guest names
This simple step prevents many common issues.
8–12 Weeks Before
Send Wedding Invitations
For most weddings this is the ideal window.
Guests have enough time to:
Arrange travel
Book accommodation
Request leave from work
Organise childcare
4–6 Weeks Before
RSVP Deadline
Most couples choose an RSVP deadline around one month before the wedding.
This provides time to:
Finalise catering
Create seating plans
Confirm venue numbers
3 Weeks Before
Chase Missing RSVPs
Many guests simply forget.
A friendly message is completely acceptable.
2 Weeks Before
Finalise Seating Plans
At this stage you should have:
Final guest numbers
Dietary requirements
Meal choices
This is when seating plans become much easier to organise.
Destination Wedding Timeline
Destination weddings generally require more notice.
Save The Dates
9–18 months before
Invitations
3–6 months before
RSVP Deadline
6–8 weeks before
The more travel involved, the earlier guests should be informed.
Wedding Invitation Sizes
Choosing the correct invitation size is important for printing, postage and presentation.
A6 Invitations
Size
105mm x 148mm
Advantages
Popular
Affordable postage
Easy printing
Compact and elegant
A6 is one of the most common wedding invitation sizes.
A5 Invitations
Size
148mm x 210mm
Advantages
More space
Luxury feel
Ideal for detailed wording
Perfect for couples wanting a statement invitation.
5 x 7 Inch Invitations
Size
127mm x 178mm
A popular size in the United States and increasingly common elsewhere.
Square Invitations
Square invitations create a contemporary look.
However:
Often require special envelopes
May increase postage costs
Always check postage requirements before ordering.
Choosing The Right Paper
Paper quality dramatically affects how invitations feel.
250gsm
Lightweight but professional.
Suitable for budget-conscious weddings.
300gsm
One of the most popular choices.
Offers:
Premium feel
Good durability
Excellent print quality
350gsm
Luxury option.
Creates a heavier, more substantial invitation.
Matte vs Gloss Paper
Matte
Advantages:
Elegant
Easy to read
Modern appearance
Popular for wedding stationery.
Gloss
Advantages:
Vibrant colours
Photographic designs
Less common for wedding invitations.
Can You Print Wedding Invitations At Home?
Yes.
Many couples successfully print wedding invitations at home.
Requirements include:
Quality printer
Suitable cardstock
Correct printer settings
Test prints
DIY printing can reduce costs significantly.
Professional Printing vs DIY Printing
Professional Printing
Advantages:
Excellent consistency
Premium finish
Less stress
DIY Printing
Advantages:
Lower cost
Immediate control
Convenient for small quantities
Both options can produce beautiful results.
How Many Wedding Invitations Should You Order?
A common mistake is ordering one invitation per guest.
In reality, most households only require one invitation.
Example:
100 guests often requires approximately 55–70 invitations.
Always order extras.
Recommended:
10–15 spare invitations.
Wedding Invitation Proofreading Checklist
Before printing, check:
✓ Names
✓ Dates
✓ Times
✓ Venue details
✓ Postcodes
✓ Website links
✓ RSVP information
✓ RSVP deadline
✓ Spellings
✓ Capitalisation
Proofreading can save a great deal of stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need Save The Dates?
Not always.
However, they are extremely useful for destination weddings and weddings during busy periods.
Should I Include RSVP Cards?
If you're collecting responses by post, yes.
If you're using a wedding website or QR code, they may be optional.
Should I Put Gift Information On My Invitation?
Traditionally no.
Use:
Wedding website
Information card
Gift registry page
instead.
Can I Invite Children To Only Part Of The Wedding?
Yes.
Many couples invite children to the ceremony but not the evening reception.
Clear wording avoids confusion.
What Happens If Guests Don't RSVP?
Send a polite reminder.
Most non-responses are simply forgotten rather than intentional.
Should All Wedding Stationery Match?
It doesn't have to.
However, matching stationery creates a polished and professional look throughout your wedding.
Wedding invitations do far more than simply tell guests where and when your wedding is taking place. They set the tone for your celebration, help guests prepare and become treasured keepsakes for years to come. Whether you're planning a formal black-tie wedding, a relaxed countryside celebration, a destination wedding abroad or an intimate family gathering, choosing the right wording, timeline and stationery can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
With the right invitations, RSVP cards, save the dates and on-the-day stationery, you'll create a seamless experience for your guests from the moment they receive their invitation to the moment they arrive at your wedding.
