So far in the wording portion of the Wedding Stationery Guide, we’ve covered how to word your wedding invitation and your RSVP card. Next up is the Reception Card! I’ve found that this can be one of the more confusing pieces of an invitation suites. Do you even need a reception card? What good is it? Read on to find out!
Reception Card
While the reception information is sometimes included on the main invite, you can also use a separate card. This is particularly helpful if the reception is at a different location than the ceremony, or if you want to let your guests know start times or end times for certain events at the reception. You would also indicate attire on the reception card.
The reception card is also an opportunity to let your guests know what to expect at the reception, that way if you’re having a champagne and cake reception they won’t show up expecting a full seven course meal.
While frowned on by traditional etiquette, if you’re not inviting children to the reception, you could indicate it on this card by stating “adult reception”.
So here’s my advice: if your reception is at a different location than the ceremony, use a separate reception card if at all possible. You might be able to fit the reception location on the main invite, but I think having it on its own card is helpful to your guests. You could also make this a multi-purpose “Information” insert, and include the reception specifics alongside helpful details like your wedding website or hotel accommodations.
1. TITLE
“Reception” is the standard heading choice, but alternates like “Celebrate” , “Dinner and Dancing” , or “The celebration continues” are also popular.
2. REQUEST
A formal reception card contains a request line like the invitation. Use “the pleasure of your company” for receptions held at secular locations.
3. TIME
If the reception begins as soon as the ceremony is over, you can use “following the ceremony”. You can also note if there is a cocktail hour, or specify dinner and/or dancing start times.
4. LOCATION
Include the full name of your reception venue, along with the street address, city, and state. Zip code is optional (but is traditionally omitted).
5. Additional details
You could include details such as transportation arrangements.
6. Attire
If you’d like guests to follow a certain dress code, you can indicate it on the reception card.
Reception Card Wording Samples
[col_wrapper] [col3]OPTION 1
Reception immediately following the ceremony
Midtown Loft and Terrace
5103 Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, Illinois
black tie
[/col3] [col3]Option 2
Please join Abigail and Lucas in celebrating
the union of their lives and their families
Midtown Loft and Terrace
5103 Lincoln Avenue
Cocktail hour begins at six o’clock
dinner and dancing to follow
[/col3] [col3_last]Option 3
The celebration continues
at the reception
Dinner at six o’clock
dancing and merriment to follow
Midtown Loft and Terrace
5103 Lincoln Avenue
[/col3_last] [/col_wrapper]Hopefully these tips and sample wording cleared up any confusion and helped you decide whether you need a reception card or not! If you have more questions, let me know – I’m happy to help out.
Make sure to check back for more tips and advice in next week’s installment of The Wedding Stationery Guide!
