How to Format a Wedding Reception Invitation

Stick to your colors and theme when formatting the reception invitations.

One of the main components of wedding planning is the planning of the reception. Several decisions need to me made, from getting the venue booked, figuring out what food to serve and deciding whether to hire a band or DJ. Write out invitations that include the necessary information for the wedding so guests know what to expect. Send out the wedding invitations, including the reception invitation, about six to eight weeks in advance.

Instructions

1. Style the reception invitation so it matches your wedding invitations.

2. Include the wedding reception invitation on a separate card with the wedding ceremony invite. This should only be included if the wedding reception is at a separate location from the wedding ceremony or if you want to include specifics.

3. Write out the reception card either formally, or informally, depending on what type of reception it is.

4. Format the invite's wording so it is centered in the middle of the invite card.

5. Use a formal reception invite as a way for the bride and groom to invite their wedding guests to the reception. Include the bride and groom's married name, followed by "request your presence," "request your company" or other formal request. Include the date, with no numerals. For example, spell out: Sunday, the sixteenth of May. Follow with the location of the reception, the address with numerals, as well as the city and state.

6. Use an informal invitation to the reception to just include basic information like what time the reception begins, the name of the venue and the address.

7. Include a map and directions of how to get from the ceremony venue to the reception venue with the reception card.

8. Include any specific information on the reception invitation, such as a note about how much food will be served, what will be expected at the reception and if kids are invited. For example, if the reception is adult-only with an open bar and sit-down dinner, it would be written like this: "Join the bride and groom for an adult reception with a sit-down dinner, drinks and dancing."

References

• Martha Stewart Weddings: Wedding Etiquette Adviser: The Etiquette of Wedding Invitation Enclosures Reception Card
• Wedding Paper Divas: Response Cards Samples, Response Card Etiquette and More
• Wedding The Knot: Wedding Invitations: Etiquette Q&A
• Martha Stewart Weddings: Wedding Etiquette Adviser: Addressing and Mailing Your Wedding Invitations When to Send Wedding Invitations