Creating your wedding invitations is a necessary part of the wedding planning process. After all, how else will your guests know when and where you’re tying the knot? While knowing what to include in your wedding invites sounds simple enough, there’s more to it than just your wedding date, time and location. For example, how will your guests be able to RSVP? And what about your wedding website? Additionally, there are things you don’t have to include in your wedding invites either. So if you’re having trouble on how to navigate what and what not to include in your wedding invites, here’s our wedding invitation tips you need to know before you pay for the stamps!

wedding invitation tips

Photo Courtesy of Whitney Heard Photography

DO include the couples’ names 

This seems like a no-brainer but is worth including. Typically for heterosexual couples, the woman’s name traditionally goes first, but you can order your names any way that feels right to you. The same is true for LGBTQIA2S+ couples. You might want to order names alphabetically or by age, or however you wish. You can include your full legal names, including middle names, or not. Ultimately, the theme of your wedding will dictate how formally or informally you address yourselves.

DO include the date and time of the ceremony 

Of course, this is the most pertinent information after the names of the couple. Ensure you provide the hour and the time of day (whether it’s a.m. or p.m.) and make sure you’re explicit with the times of both the ceremony and the reception so there’s no excuse for latecomers.

DO include the location of your ceremony and reception 

Whether your reception and ceremony are occurring in the same venue or not, it’s important to state the location as clearly as possible. You’ll want to state the name and location of the venue(s), including a physical address, so guests know exactly where to go.

DO include attire requirements 

Throwing a black tie affair? Or are you going for a more casual beach look? No matter what the attire is for your big day, it doesn’t hurt to include it on the wedding invite. Just one short line, “Black Tie” or “Business Casual” is sufficient.

DO include an RSVP date and address

An important part! Especially for the bride and groom, they know how many guests to expect. Include when and how you would like to receive their RSVP (snail mail? email?) And make sure to give yourself plenty of time before the wedding.

DON’T include the wedding registry 

Save this for your wedding website. Including your wedding registry is a bit of an etiquette faux-pas and can appear that you’re just looking for gifts from your guests.

DON’T include “no kids”

While you definitely are allowed to invite — or not invite — whomever you wish on your big day, including hosting adults only, stating “no kids” can be a bit of a turnoff for those guests with children. For parents whom you know, it’s a better option to address them personally and let them know that your wedding is for grownups — even though you love their kids!

DON’T include all the details 

As much as it’s tempting to include everything on your wedding invitation — you want your guests to be informed after all — your wedding invitation is supposed to be a slick and succinct (not to mention elegant) form of communication. Keep the information to the basics as much as possible.

While it’s okay to include your wedding website, remember that the most crucial details are the date, time, and location of your big day. Make sure these essential pieces of information are given top priority, and anything else can follow after. These wedding invitation tips will ensure that your guests have all the necessary details to make it to your wedding and celebrate with you.

DON’T include too many different fonts and sizes 

And the last item on our wedding invitation tips is for you to ensure your wedding invites are visually appealing and easy to read, strive for a streamlined design. Stick to one font and one colour palette (ideally matching your wedding theme) to achieve a cohesive and clear look. This will not only enhance the aesthetics of your invites but also make it easier for guests to read and comprehend the information provided.