What to Include with Wedding Invitations
What to Include With Wedding Invitations: Your Complete Guide
The moment your guests receive their wedding invitations is when the excitement truly begins. It’s the first real glimpse into your big day - a beautiful, tangible preview of what’s to come. By now, most of your major plans are likely in place: you’ve secured the venue, chosen your menu, and found your dream dress.
Now it’s time to share your vision. Knowing what to include with wedding invitations - and what to write on them, ensures your guests have everything they need - not only to get excited, but to be fully informed. From tone and aesthetics to practical details, your invitations set the stage.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what to include with wedding invitations, offer wording inspiration, and even suggest a few extra touches to surprise and delight your guests.
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Do You Need Just the Invite?
When deciding what to include with wedding invitations, one of the first questions is whether a single card will do or if a more complete suite is right for you. The choice is yours, but whichever route you go, your invitation should provide all the essential information your guests need to make arrangements.
Some couples opt for a single, beautifully designed invite that directs guests to a wedding website for additional details. Others prefer to send a full stationery bundle, which might include an RSVP card, details card, venue map, accommodation info - or even a small art print as a keepsake. Creating a tactile, layered experience can be a lovely way to build anticipation.
Whatever your style: traditional or modern, formal or casual, there are no hard rules. Think about your overall wedding aesthetic and your budget, and choose the format that fits both.
What STATIONERY PIECES SHOULD YOU Include With Wedding Invitations: The Essentials
To help you decide what to include with wedding invitations, here are some of the most common and helpful pieces:
Main Invitation Card – The centerpiece, with the who, what, when, and where.
RSVP Card – A reply card and return envelope for guests to confirm attendance (or include RSVP details for your website).
Details/Information Card – For dress code, accommodations, transportation, or weekend itinerary.
Venue Map or Directions – Especially helpful for destination weddings or venues off the beaten path.
Gift or Keepsake – Optional, but a small print or favor can add a thoughtful touch.
Each item should be intentional, clear, and contribute to a seamless guest experience.
How to word your wedding invites - an overview
Once you know what to include with wedding invitations, the next step is choosing the right words. The language on your invites and stationery should match your wedding’s overall tone, whether that’s classic and elegant, minimal and modern, or fun and informal.
Consistency is key. The wording should feel like a natural extension of your day, giving guests a taste of what to expect. This is also where a professional stationer can be incredibly helpful - they’ll ensure everything sounds cohesive and polished from start to finish.
Read on for some examples of what to write on each wedding invitation piece.
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The Main Wedding Invitation
When considering what to include with wedding invitations, the main invitation card is your showstopper - the star of the suite. It offers your guests the essential information they need at a glance, while setting the tone for your celebration.
Traditionally, if someone other than the couple is hosting (often the bride’s parents) this is acknowledged at the top of the invite. Their names are followed by the names of the couple, along with the wedding date, ceremony time, and venue. If your reception will take place at a different location, you can include the venue name here, but save the full address and additional details for a separate information card.
You might also note the dress code on the main invite, but keep in mind - this card is as much about design as it is about information. To maintain a clean and elegant look, it’s best to reserve smaller logistical details for accompanying inserts. Think of the main invitation as the elegant first impression that ties everything together.
what to write on a wedding invitation
Announcement
A short opening or filler that can be linked with who’s hosting and/or the couples names.
YOU’RE INVITED TO THE MARRIAGE OF (NAME AND NAME)
Who’s hosting (if applicable)
It’s polite to mention who’s hosting - read 'paying’ - and is a formal element of a wedding invitation. Traditionally it’s the Bride’s parents but it doesn’t have to be and if it’s the bride and groom to be then it needn’t be mentioned at all.
(HOST NAMES) INVITE YOU TO CELEBRATE THE MARRIAGE OF THEIR CHILDREN
Names of the couple
Here you have a choice of using just first names (less formal), first and surnames or first, middle and surnames (more formal)
wedding Date
This could be written out in words or very simply just the short date with numerals only for a clean modern look.
THE TWENTY EIGHTH OF JANUARY, TWENTY TWENTY FOUR
28.01.2024
wedding Time
Try to use a similar format used for the date of the wedding to maintain consistency.
HALF PAST ONE IN THE AFTERNOON
1:30PM
Venue and location
The name of the venue followed by that of the town and county or state - but it can be saved for the information card so as not to overcrowd. Destination weddings should include the country too.
ST. CUTHBERT’S CHURCH,
BATH,
SOMERSET
Closure
Add only the essential here and keep it to a minimum to let guests know what’s next. If you’re only sending a one piece invitation then your website should go here.
RECEPTION TO FOLLOW
BLACK TIE REQUIRED
VISIT: WWW.LUCILLEANDMAX.WEDDING.COM
Reply Card & Envelope
When planning what to include with wedding invitations, don’t overlook the RSVP card and return envelope - especially if you’re embracing tradition. A reply card gives your guests a clear and simple way to confirm their attendance, and receiving each one back in the mail can be a surprisingly joyful part of the wedding countdown.
While it’s perfectly acceptable to request responses by phone or email, including a physical RSVP card adds a thoughtful, tactile touch that many guests appreciate. It also helps keep your guest list organized, especially if your planner is managing responses on your behalf.
So, what does “RSVP” actually mean? It’s an abbreviation of the French phrase répondez s'il vous plaît—or “please respond.” That means there's no need to write “Please RSVP” - it’s already implied!
Many couples also use their reply card to gather additional information, such as meal choices, by including simple tick-box options. Just be mindful of keeping the layout clean and clear. If there’s a lot to communicate, consider adding a separate details card so your stationery remains elegant and easy to navigate.
what to write on a wedding REPLY CARD
Title
Let them know what this piece of paper is.
RSVP
PLEASE REPLY
Reply by date
When do you and your suppliers (namely caterers) want to hear back? Factor is some extra time for chasing up.
BY TWENTIETH OF APRIL
LET US KNOW BY 20|04|24
Who’s Replying
Receiving back your reply cards only to realise that you don’t know who they’re from is something you’ll want to avoid. Either leave a space for names (sometimes signified by the letter M with a line for guests to complete, Mr…Mrs) or give each guest a number on a spreadsheet and write it on the reverse of the card. Ideally, do both!
M___________________
GUEST NAMES_____________
Their Response
A simple tick box or space where your guests can accept or decline your invitation makes it quick and easy.
GRATEFULLY ACCEPTS / REGRETFULLY DECLINES
YES / NO
Additional Information (optional)
Either on the same card, the reverse or a separate piece, you can collect menu choices or anything else, making sure you leave enough room for responses.
CHICKEN _ FISH _ VEG _
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS/ALLERGIES ____________
SONG REQUEST _________
Reply Envelope
The correct etiquette is to pre-address and stamp the reply envelope, encouraging your guests to respond without delay. A simple way to do this is to provide printed envelopes and tuck the reply card/s in to the flap of the envelope when sending so your guests are in no doubt about what they have to do.
Information Cards
As you decide what to include with your wedding invitations, information cards are an essential addition - small but packed with important details. These inserts help keep your main invitation beautifully simple while ensuring guests have everything they need to plan their day with ease.
Use an information card or fold-out to include additional venues beyond the ceremony, such as your reception, rehearsal dinner, or farewell brunch. Be sure to list the full addresses, along with arrival times for each event.
It’s also a good idea to share practical travel and accommodation information here. Whether you're suggesting nearby hotels, sharing group rates, or providing directions and parking advice, this card keeps it all in one convenient place. Your guests will appreciate having everything clearly laid out, helping them feel informed and looked after from the very start.
what to PUT on a wedding information card
Title
Let your guests know what this piece of paper is.
INFO
DETAILS
Events
Chronologically, list the name of each event along with the location and necessary details, keeping it brief and useful: venue name, day/time, address with post code, phone number and website.
THE EVENING BEFORE, 7PM
REHEARSAL DINNER AT STARCROSS RESTAURANT
RIVERSIDE WALK, EXMOUTH, EX32 6RB
01329 645423
Accommodation
List the names, addresses and contact details of any reserved or recommended accommodations, including discount codes where available.
Website (optional)
If you’ve got a website and are including an information card then here’s the place to include it, leaving it off your main invitation. Let guests know what they can find there and what you want them to do.
PLEASE SELECT YOUR MENU ON OUR WEBSITE BY 26.3.24
WWW.LUCILLEANDMAX.WEDDING.COM
Gift list
If you don’t have a separate card for this, then the details or website link can be put here.
Wedding Maps
When thinking about what to include with wedding invitations, a custom map can be a charming and personal touch, especially for destination weddings or locations that hold special meaning to you as a couple.
While these maps aren’t meant to be perfectly to scale, they add character and context to your stationery suite. A beautifully illustrated map can highlight key locations like your ceremony and reception venues, nearby accommodations, local landmarks, or even favourite date spots. Hand-drawn elements, in particular, make them feel like a piece of art - and they often become treasured keepsakes for your guests.
More than just a practical guide, a wedding map is a creative way to tell part of your story and invite your guests to explore the setting with a sense of excitement and connection.
what to INCLUE on a wedding invitation MAP
Main Venues
Include your ceremony and reception venues along with any other locations that will be a part of your wedding celebration such as restaurants and accommodation.
Local Landmarks
Drawing attention to a local landmark can help set the scene and guide your guests.
Road Names
Main road names and numbers can be a useful pointer along with the names or any major towns.
WEDDING INVITATION EXTRAS
When deciding what to include with wedding invitations, why not add a little something special to delight your guests? Thoughtful extras can turn a beautiful invitation into a memorable experience because who doesn’t love receiving a surprise gift in the post?
These added touches can be included for all guests or reserved for a select few, such as your bridal party or out-of-town attendees. Just be sure they’re small and lightweight enough to send comfortably with your invitation suite.
If you’re including multiple items or a keepsake, consider packaging everything in a gift box rather than a standard envelope. Not only does it offer more space, but it also adds a luxurious, curated feel that makes your invitation truly stand out.
gift ideas to include with your wedding invitations
• Hand-drawn or painted artwork or gift tag
• Calligraphy quote
• Chocolates
• Dried flower bouquet
• Fridge magnet
• A photo of you and your guest
• Personalised pen - handy for writing the reply card
• Gift voucher
• Miniature perfume
• A decoration - ideal for a Christmas wedding
• Jewellery or a charm
• Engraved compact mirror
bringing it all together
Your wedding invitations are more than just a way to share logistics - they’re the first real glimpse your guests will have into your big day. Thoughtfully considering what to include with wedding invitations ensures that your guests feel informed, excited, and truly part of the celebration from the moment they open the envelope (or box!).
Whether you opt for a simple invite with a link to your wedding website or a full suite complete with RSVP cards, information inserts, maps, and even a special gift, your stationery should reflect your style and set the tone for what’s to come.
Above all, have fun with the process. This is your chance to infuse personality, creativity, and love into something your guests will treasure…and remember.
