How to Word Reception Only Invitations
- Add Design Elements One of the best things about sending reception-only invitations is that you can have more space for your creative ideas. ...
- Show Your Request to Attend The request to attend allows you to specifically tell the guests that you’re only inviting them to the reception. ...
- State Your Names Wedding reception invitations should feature your name. ...
- Identify the Date, Time, and Location Clearly ...
How do I invite people to my wedding ceremony and reception?
One invitation will be for your wedding ceremony. The second invitation will be for your reception–i.e. if you’re having a destination wedding with a stateside celebration a few months later. If both events are on the same day, the main invitation should to include reception details only. Then, include a smaller insert card with ceremony details.
Can you add a reception insert to a wedding invitation?
If you print two different invitations–one invite for wedding ceremony guests and one invite for reception guests–you can use traditional wedding invitation wording for your ceremony invitations and add a small reception insert with after-party details. Here are some ways to word a wedding ceremony insert card.
What are the different types of reception-only invitations?
Informal Reception-Only Invitation Wording 1 Dinner and Dancing Reception. We Got Married! ... 2 I Do BBQ 3 Open House Style Reception 4 Destination Wedding Reception
Should I send out wedding invitations for a reception only wedding?
After deciding on the design of your wedding invitations, plan to send out your reception only wedding invitations as you would with the standard invitations. Plan to time your wedding invitations so your guests have enough time to pick out wedding attire and make travel accommodations if necessary.

How do you invite someone to just the reception?
If you want to send an invitation to just your reception, you have options. You can send a traditional wedding invitation, and adjust the wording to make it clear your ceremony is private. Or, you can send an invitation designed especially for reception-only celebrations. Both have options to include an rsvp card.
Can you invite guests to just the reception?
The answer is “yes, you absolutely can!”. According to the traditional etiquette, it is absolutely okay to invite a small number of guests to the wedding ceremony and have more guests attend the reception. On the other hand, everyone who's present at the ceremony should also be invited to the reception.
What do you write on a wedding reception invite?
All wedding invitations should include the following elements:Who's hosting.The request to come to the wedding.The names of the couple.The date and time.The location.Reception information.Dress code.Separate RSVP card.
How do I invite my colleagues to my reception?
Dear Team, I would like to take this opportunity to inform you that I am getting married on the 7th of May 2021. I would like to invite all of you to be a part of the celebrations and will send you an email regarding the details of the wedding shortly.
How do you say invitation only?
“Due to limited numbers, we hope you appreciate that children are only invited if named.” “Unfortunately we are only able to accommodate children in the wedding party at our reception.” “We wish we could include all children but are unfortunately only able to invite immediate family.”
Is it rude to go to reception but not ceremony?
As a general rule, skipping the wedding ceremony and attending only the reception can be seen as a rude gesture at most weddings. However, there could be serious reasons for not being able to attend the wedding ceremony or reaching late to the venue, which the hosts might consider as valid reasons.
What do I write on a reception card?
Reception Card: A reception card list the time, venue name, and address of your reception, if your reception isn't at the same location as your ceremony. Response Card: A response card asks your guests to respond and specify if they're attending the wedding or not.
How can I have a wedding reception without the ceremony?
When you throw a wedding without a ceremony, the amount of vendors is still pretty similar. The only difference is no officiant required, no ring bearer and flower girl, and there will be no need for ushers. Everything else, though, is pretty straightforward.
How do you invite a wedding in simple words?
Please add the blessing of your presence as (Bride & Groom) are united in Holy Matrimony. Please honor us with your presence as (Bride & Groom) exchange marriage vows. Please join us as we celebrate the Holy Union of (Bride & Groom) Please join us at our wedding ceremony.
What is reception ceremony?
A wedding reception is a party usually held after the completion of a marriage ceremony as hospitality for those who have attended the wedding, hence the name reception: the couple receive society, in the form of family and friends, for the first time as a married couple.
Who do you invite to an evening reception?
While your family circumstances will dictate which relatives you invite, for those of you with a large family it may be best to just invite your immediate relatives to your dinner and more extended family (aunts, uncles and cousins) to your evening reception.
How do you invite?
10 Ways to Invite Someone to SomethingDo you want to...? The first way to invite someone to something is with the phrase "do you want to..." So "do you want to" plus some activity. ... Are you free...? ... Do you want to come to...? ... Are you doing anything? ... What are you up to? ... Come... with me. ... Why don't we...? ... Wanna grab...?More items...
Is it rude to invite guests to ceremony only?
While there are certain situations that make it acceptable to invite some guests to the ceremony and reception and others to just the reception alone, you should never do the opposite. Inviting someone to your ceremony and not to the reception would most likely hurt their feelings, so you shouldn't even consider it.
Do you buy a wedding gift if only invited to reception?
If you're invited to the evening reception, or a party after the actual ceremony has occurred, you may or may not wish to give a gift, but many people do anyway. If you attend the ceremony, it's the pit of bad manners not to give a gift. Even if the bride and groom insist that they don't want a gift, give one anyway.
Do you send save the dates to reception only guests?
If you're planning on having a reception at which you're inviting evening-only guests, it's appropriate to send save the dates to them. Many brides and grooms don't want to send save the dates because they feel like their guests will be upset if they're not invited to the entire wedding, but that's just not true.
What should a reception invitation say?
You can word it as, “Please join us in celebration of our recent union at our wedding reception.” If your parents or families are to be included on your invitation, you can switch this to, “Together with our parents or families, we invite you to join us in celebration of our recent union,” or “Mr. and Mrs.
What are reception-only invites?
As the name suggests, these are invitations sent to guests invited only to your wedding reception. Reception only invites come in handy if the couple has a handful of guests that are not invited to the ceremony or if the couple has already been wed, especially through an intimate elopement ceremony. In essence, reception-only invites contain information only pertaining to—you guessed it—the reception.
Who do I send them to?
If your wedding plans have changed and you already sent out invitations, reception-only invites should be sent out to everyone who received one before. Doing so will clarify your new plans with your entire guestlist. Plus, having a formal invite will help make the event feel special and important, despite the hurdles it may have taken to get there.
How to invite people to a wedding reception?
In the case of a same-day ceremony: 1 Don’t give reception-only guests access to ceremony information. Invitations and wedding websites including this should be limited only to guests invited to both. 2 Have two separate guest lists. This will aid you immensely in sending the right things to the right people. 3 If you’re inviting someone to your ceremony, invite them to your reception. While it’s understandable to invite someone only to the latter, you shouldn’t do the opposite. Besides, if you want a person there to watch you take your vows, wouldn’t you want them to stick around for the party? 4 Have an honest, kind response to any questions like, “Why aren’t I invited to the ceremony?” in case it comes up. Whether it’s budget constraints or the desire to have an intimate ceremony, be truthful and express how excited you are to have them at your reception.
Do you need reception only invitations?
Whether you’re splitting your ceremony and reception dates or have always wanted to only host guests at the reception portion, reception only invitations are a must. Read on for our full rundown of what they are as well as how and when to use them.
When is the first last wedding?
“First Last and First Last will be married in a private ceremony on Saturday, the tenth of October.
Who should send invitations to a wedding reception?
Think friends, friends of family members, coworkers, and the like.
Can you give reception only guests access to ceremony information?
Don’t give reception-only guests access to ceremony information. Invitations and wedding websites including this should be limited only to guests invited to both.
Formal Reception-Only Invitation Wording
If you’re throwing a traditional wedding reception, your invitation wording can set the tone. Here are a few examples, based on who will be hosting:
2. The Couple is Hosting
If the two of you are hosting (i.e. paying for the reception), the traditional wording looks like this:
How to write a reception only wedding invitation?
Reception only wedding invitations can be written by saying how the event is being held as a celebration of the marriage. Your guests will assume that you and your partner have already been married by the time that they arrive at the venue even if you haven’t provided them with any specific information about when the ceremony took place.
What should be included in a reception card?
The main card should contain reception only invite wording that is mailed out to everybody on both guest lists. An insert with ceremonial information should be included only for the people invited to both parts of your special day.
What should be on a wedding reception invitation?
Any wedding reception invitation should feature the name of you and your partner along with the date and time of your event. Including the name of your chosen venue may seem like a no-brainer, but omitting the address will only cause unnecessary confusion among your guests.
What happens if you alter your guest list?
If you alter your guest list once or twice, you’re more than likely to keep going and not leave many other people who are only attending the reception. Don’t be afraid to be honest if your guests ask why they received a wedding reception invitation instead of a ceremonial one.
Why do you have separate guest lists?
Creating separate guest lists ensures that you can keep track of which people are attending both parts of your special day and the others who are only invited to the reception. Keep in mind that proper wedding etiquette says that a wedding reception invitation must be given out to everybody who attended your ceremony.
Why do couples plan a destination wedding?
Some couples plan on having a destination wedding with a group of their closest friends and family members while still wanting to host a large party after they return home. Others purposely seek out a smaller venue for the sake of easier planning and a way to meet their budget.
Is reception only invitation wording important?
No matter your reasoning behind having a small ceremony, reception only invitation wording still remains as a significant part of the planning process.
How many invitations do you need for a wedding reception?
If your wedding and reception are on different days, you will likely need two invitations for each event. One invitation will be for your wedding ceremony. The second invitation will be for your reception–i.e. if you’re having a destination wedding with a stateside celebration a few months later.
Can you print two wedding invitations?
If you print two different invitations–one invite for wedding ceremony guests and one invite for reception guests–you can use traditional wedding invitation wording for your ceremony invitations and add a small reception insert with after-party details.
Is wedding stationery overwhelming?
Wedding stationery can be overwhelming! Need a fuss-free way to keep it all together? Get The Wedding Stationery Timeline and Checklist and you’ll be well on your way to flawless wedding invitations –without feeling overwhelmed!
Do you include reception details on an invitation?
If both events are on the same day, the main invitation should to include reception details only. Then, include a smaller insert card with ceremony details. Your ceremony insert card will only be included in envelopes being mailed to guests who are invited to both events.
Should wedding announcements be sent separately?
Wedding announcements should be sent separately ahead of the reception invitation for very formal events.
Can you have a destination wedding with a stateside reception?
Or, you’re having a destination wedding with a stateside reception at a later date. No matter the reason, the good news is that it’s totally acceptable to have an intimate ceremony followed by a party-of-the-century afterward.
Where does formal ceremony take place?
Formal, ceremony takes place anywhere other than a church or place of worship:
traditional wording for a reception after a private ceremony
Lucy Anne Ballman and Zachary Joseph Kleery will be married in a small ceremony on Saturday, the sixth of August two thousand twenty-two please join us in celebration at our wedding reception following the ceremony at seven o’clock in the evening 1824 House 2150 Main Street Waitsfield, Vermont
casual wording for a reception after a private ceremony
Lucy Ballman and Zachary Kleery will be married in a sma ll ceremony on Saturday, August 6th Please join us to celebrate after we say “we do!” at 7pm in the evening 1824 House 2150 Main Street Waitsfield, Vermont
wording for a reception after a destination wedding
Lucy and Zachary are happy to announce their marriage that took place in a private ceremony on Saturday, the sixth of August two thousand twenty-two in Los Cabos, Mexico Please celebrate with them at a reception on Saturday, the sixth of September two thousand twenty-two at seven o'clock in the evening 1824 House 2150 Main Street Waitsfield, Vermont.
simple wedding reception wording
Lucy Ballman And Zachary Kleery tied the knot on September 6, 2022 Please join us for a reception to celebrate our new life together! Saturday, September 6th, 2022 at seven o'clock in the evening 1824 House 2150 Main Street Waitsfield, Vermont
wording for a reception after you elope
We Eloped! Lucy Ballman And Zachary Kleery eloped on September 6, 2022 Please join us to celebrate Saturday, September 6th, 2022 at seven o'clock in the evening 1824 House 2150 Main Street Waitsfield, Vermont
What is a pretty reception invitation?
This pretty reception only invitation mentions the hosts of the reception and invites guests to join in celebrating the marriage of the happy couple. By Susan Moyal.
What happens if there is no ceremony?
If there is no ceremony, then obviously, there’s no need for guests to worry about etiquette and instead plan to attend your reception only wedding. By properly wording your invitations for a reception only wedding, you’re ensuring guests understand the ceremony already happened so there is no confusion. Plus, they are not left wondering ...
When are reception only wedding invitations 2021?
18 Best Reception Only Wedding Invitations. by Emma Arendoski February 9, 2021. February 9, 2021. If you eloped and are planning a reception only wedding, here are the invitations and proper wording you’ll want to include! Check out our list of the best reception only wedding invitations plus etiquette for wording.
Is SimplySmittenDesigns clear?
It is clear, concise, and to-the-point. By SimplySmittenDesigns.
What to say on wedding invitation for cocktail party?
To clue them in that you're hosting a cocktail party, not a five-course feast, clearly state "cocktail reception" or "cocktails and hors d'oeuvres to follow" on the wedding invitation.
How many hors d'oeuvres per person?
Also, keep in mind that your guests will eat more hors d'oeuvres than they would during a cocktail hour that is followed by a meal, so you'll want to ramp up the volume and/or variety of foods you serve; plan for at least ten hors d'oeuvres per person.
Can you extend cocktail hour to full reception?
Hors d'oeuvres are often wedding guests' favorite part of the evening, so it's a fun idea to simply extend the "cocktail hour" to a full reception. But if you've decided to go this route, be sure to let your guests know—the last thing you want is for them to be disappointed because they were expecting a sit-down dinner.
Who is Heather Lee?
Heather Lee is the managing editor for Minted's lifestyle blog, Julep, and a former Brides editor. She has written for Bon Appétit, Sunset, and Shape. Hors d'oeuvres are often wedding guests' favorite part of the evening, so it's a fun idea to simply extend the "cocktail hour" to a full reception.
How to keep kids off of a wedding invitation?
Use the RSVP settings on your website to imply that children aren ’t allowed. If you want to keep “no kids” off of the invitation but still make it clear that you aren’t allowing children, use the wording on the RSVP card or website. Instead of using the “yes/no” options on the RSVP page, write “___ number of adults attending.” The word “adults” implies that children are not allowed, which can save you from spelling it out for guests.
How to soften a family request?
Send a personal note to families to soften your request. If there are only a handful of families that have children, putting “no kids” directly on the invitation may make them feel like you’re talking about them specifically. If you’re worried about this, send each family a personal note with their invitation. This will soften the blow and let each family know you appreciate them.
How to make sure nobody misses your request?
Write a formal and straightforward sentence if you want to be clear. To make sure that nobody misses your request, spell out the stipulation in a complete sentence. Maintain the formal tone of the invitation and keep your language concise and clear so that nobody misunderstands the information.
What to say when you invite a babysitter?
For example, you could say, “Please use this invitation as an excuse to hire a babysitter and get away for an evening!” or something similar.
What to say when you say restricted seating?
For example, you may say, “Due to restricted seating, we don’t have any room for your little ones,” or “The venue cannot accommodate children. Please plan for a babysitter!”
How to say no kids at a wedding?
2. Say “ adults only” or “adult reception” instead of “no kids. ” One of the easiest ways to say “no kids” without offending anyone is to not use the word “kids” at all. Stick with a simple wording that doesn’t leave room for interpretation while maintaining the formal tone of your invitation.
Why do you apologize for not being able to accommodate children?
This is a good way to go since it won’t seem too curt or aggressive.

What Are Reception-Only Invites?
Why Have Reception-Only Invites?
When Do I Send Reception-Only Invites?
Who Do I Send Them to?
Reception-Only Invitation Etiquette.
Reception-Only Invitation Wording Examples
- Now that we’ve covered the common questions like the whats, whos, whens, and hows, let’s look at some wording examples. Again, keep in mind that these tips may differ from traditional wedding invitationwording.