How to Write a Wedding Reception Invitation

Some couples choose to hold a private wedding ceremony with their closest family and friends. They follow this up with a large reception celebration. Creating and sending an invitation specific to a wedding reception is vital in wedding planning. Using the correct language and information avoids hurt feelings and guest confusion.

Instructions

1. Determine the time, date and location for your wedding reception. Consider immediately following the ceremony if you're having a private but local ceremony. If you're having a destination wedding, a few weeks after you return is appropriate.

2. Write formally. Use formal language when creating a draft for your wedding reception invitation. Your first line should reflect the first line of a wedding ceremony invitation. Try "You are cordially invited to the wedding reception of Matthew and Sara." Include the names of the party paying for the celebration. Consider "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the honor of your presence to celebrate the marriage of their daughter."

3. Include the couple's name. Continue writing your wedding reception invitation just as a wedding ceremony invitation would read. After the opening line, write the couple's names and the groom's parent's names. Consider this, "Sara Ann to Matthew Joe, son of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew White." Be consistent throughout the wedding reception invitation when using names and language.

4. Provide important information. Inform the guests of the date, time and location of the wedding reception. Write out this information, do not use numbers or abbreviate. For example, "Saturday, the fourth of April Two thousand and nine at six o'clock in the evening Fox Green Country Club Dallas, Texas."

5. Inform guests it's a reception only. Guests are often confused by this type of invitation. Clearly state the celebration is a wedding reception only. Place a sentence at the bottom of your wedding reception invitation that reads, "A private ceremony will precede the reception." This line clears up any confusion.

Tips & Warnings

• Guests will show up when and where you tell them. They don't need to know the location or time of the wedding. This causes confusion. Include directions or a map to your wedding reception location.