Q & A – Invitation Verbiage: Wedding and Reception in the Same Place
QUESTION:
I have a quick question regarding the wording for my daughters wedding invitation. The ceremony and reception will be held at the same place. Your website says that a reception card is not needed if the reception is held at the same location as the ceremony. My question is: should we put something at the end of the invitation after the location address that says “Reception will immediately follow” or something like that?
Thanks.
ANSWER:
Greetings!
I have a couple of thoughts on this.
First, although a reception card would not be required if you are having the wedding and reception in the same place, it might be helpful so you have an accurate count of attendees attending the reception (for food/beverage purchasing, room setup, etc.). So, you may want to consider including a reception card for that purpose.
As for the invitation verbiage, here are a couple of examples of what you could use:
Mr. and Mrs. John Doe
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Jane Doe
to
Bob Doe
son of
Mr. and Mrs. Mike Doe
On Saturday the 14th of August 2005
at two o’clock in the afternoon
in the church of Luther Memorial
and thereafter to a reception at Luther Memorial
-Or-
John Doe
and
Jane Doe
invite you to join them
in celebrating their marriage
at Luther Memorial Church
on Friday 23rd August 2004
1234 SW Broad Street in Portland
At 3.30pm
With a reception to follow at Luther Memorial
Also, I would suggest that at the end of the wedding ceremony, when the parishioner finishes the service and has introduced the newly married couple, he/she say something like, “Now please join Mr. and Mrs. Doe and their family for dinner directly downstairs” or wherever the reception room is in he building. This will ensure that there is no confusion about where everyone should be headed after the ceremony.
I hope you find this information helpful. Please do not hesitate to let me know of any questions.
Happy planning!
Sincerely,
Eve-Maridy
Posted in Event Etiquette, Private Events | 1 Comment »
January 23rd, 2008 at 5:25 am
I am hosting my parents 50th wedding anniversary, and doing my own invites. 2 questions, 1) whose name goes first my mom’s or my dad’s?? I thought my dad’s but friends have said that they heard “ladies first”. Example, I have Joe and Beryl. 2) Is it implied that it’s a wedding when you say anniversary?? I have 50th wedding anniversary, or should I just put 50th Anniversary. Your help is appreciated.