Planning a wedding is an exciting yet intricate process, and for some couples, opting for a reception-only event is the ideal way to celebrate their union without hosting a full-scale ceremony.
Whether you’ve eloped, had an intimate ceremony, or prefer a smaller gathering, crafting the perfect wording for your reception-only wedding invitations is crucial to ensure your guests understand the nature of the event.
In this guide, we will explore various wording options, design tips, and etiquette rules to help you communicate your celebration plans effectively.
Let’s get straight to the point
Planning a reception-only wedding requires clear, thoughtful invitation wording to inform guests that the ceremony has already occurred.
Whether you’ve had a private or elopement ceremony, the tone of your invitations should match the formality of your reception—formal or casual.
Essential details like date, time, venue, and RSVP options are important, and wording should reflect the celebratory nature of the event.
Craft separate guest lists for the ceremony and reception, stand firm with requests to attend the ceremony and ensure your invitations clearly communicate the type of celebration to avoid confusion.
Why Choose a Reception-Only Wedding?
A reception-only wedding allows couples to focus on the celebratory aspect of their big day, particularly if they have had a private ceremony or are keeping things low-key.
It’s an ideal solution for those who want to limit the ceremony to immediate family and close friends but still celebrate with a broader circle at the reception.
In some cases, couples may hold the ceremony weeks before the actual party or even choose to have the ceremony in a separate location altogether.
Whatever the reason, your invitation wording should reflect the unique nature of your event.
Designing Reception-Only Invitations
Crafting the Guest List
The first step in planning a wedding is to create individual guest lists for each ceremony and reception.
If you’re opting for a reception-only wedding, you’ll need to create a separate guest list for the celebration. Invitees should be clearly informed that they are being invited to the reception and not the ceremony.
This is where wording comes in importance. You need to ensure your guests understand that the ceremony has already taken place or that they are being invited to a celebration without a preceding ceremony.
Choosing the Right Tone
The tone of your invitation depends on the type of reception you’re hosting. If your event is formal, you may want to use traditional or elegant wording.
However, if the event is more casual, consider a light-hearted, fun tone. This sets the expectations for your guests in terms of attire, atmosphere, and formality.
Include Essential Details
Make sure your invitations contain all the relevant details:
- Time and date of the reception
- Venue address (don’t forget the postcode)
- Any dress code or other important instructions
- An RSVP mechanism, whether it’s an enclosed card or a link to a wedding website
Wording Your Reception-Only Wedding Invitations
Acknowledge That the Ceremony Has Taken Place
Your invitation should make it clear that the ceremony has already occurred. Phrases like “We’re married! Join us to celebrate!” or “Please join us for a reception celebrating our recent marriage” help set the stage for your guests.
Example Wording:
- “We are thrilled to announce that we were married in an intimate ceremony. Please join us for a reception to celebrate our union!”
This wording is simple, direct, and avoids any confusion about the type of event your guests are attending.
Formal Wording for Reception-Only Invitations
If you’re planning a more formal event, you can use more traditional language, particularly if the reception will be a black-tie affair. It’s also an excellent way to give your guests a sense of the grandeur of the occasion.
Example Wording:
- “Together with our families, Sarah Jones and Michael Roberts invite you to a reception celebrating their marriage.”
This option is perfect for formal weddings and sets a tone of elegance and refinement.
Casual Wording for a Relaxed Reception
For a more laid-back event, consider something light and playful. This tone works especially well for casual gatherings, like a backyard barbecue or a beachside party.
Example Wording:
- “Oh yes, we did! Now it’s time to celebrate. Join us for a relaxed reception following our intimate wedding ceremony.”
This phrasing shows that the couple had a private ceremony and invited guests to celebrate in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
Clever and Fun Wording Ideas
If you want to go a bit offbeat and creative, there are plenty of clever wording options to set the tone of your celebration. These options add personality and show guests that they are in for a good time.
Example Wording:
- “Happily ever after party! Join us for food, drinks, and dancing to celebrate our marriage.”
- “Wine and brews after the I dos!”
These fun phrases help guests feel more at ease, especially if your reception is less traditional.
Elopement Reception Wording
If you’ve eloped and now want to share the excitement with family and friends, your wording should reflect this in a way that’s celebratory yet informative.
Example Wording:
- “We eloped! Now, we’re excited to celebrate with you. Join us for a reception in honour of our recent marriage.”
This lets your guests know that while they may have missed the ceremony, they are still an important part of your wedding celebration.
Etiquette Tips for Reception-Only Invitations
Create Separate Guest Lists for Ceremony and Reception
It’s important to ensure that everyone invited to the ceremony is also invited to the reception, but not everyone from the reception needs to attend the ceremony.
Proper wedding etiquette dictates that you maintain this distinction and avoid inviting guests to the ceremony alone.
Example:
“Last but not least, make a new guest list for the celebration. Invitees should be extended invitations to both the ceremony and the reception.”
Having two lists ensures that there is no confusion and that everyone understands their role in your celebration.
Stand Your Ground on Guest Requests
Once you’ve created your lists, you’ll need to stand firm with guests who may inquire about attending the ceremony as well.
If you’ve decided to keep the ceremony private, politely explain the reasoning behind it. Offering a straightforward yet polite response ensures there are no hard feelings.
Example:
- “We’re keeping the ceremony intimate but are so excited to celebrate with you at the reception!”
Most guests will appreciate your honesty and respect your decision.
Rehearsal Dinner Considerations
Even if you don’t think you need a rehearsal dinner because your wedding is on the smaller side, it’s still a good idea to spend the night before the ceremony with close friends and family. It’s a chance to unwind, finalise the plans, and thank those closest to you for their support.
Conclusion
When crafting reception-only wedding invitations, the key is clear, concise communication.
Whether you’re aiming for a formal event or something more casual, the invitation’s wording should set the right tone and avoid any misunderstandings about the nature of your celebration.
Remember to craft individual guest lists for your ceremony and reception and to stay firm in your decisions if guests inquire about attending the ceremony.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to create beautifully worded invitations that make it clear to your guests what to expect, ensuring your wedding reception is a joyful, well-attended celebration of your love.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Invite People To Your Wedding Reception Only?
You have options if you want to send an invitation to just your reception. For example, you can send a traditional wedding invitation and adjust the wording to clarify that your ceremony is private.
Or, you can send an invitation designed especially for reception-only celebrations. Both have options to include an rsvp card.
How Do You Word Wedding Invitations With Ceremony And Reception At Different Places?
If your reception is at a different venue, you must include a small enclosure with your reception address and start time (also called a reception card).
In addition, the line “reception to follow” can optionally be added to the bottom of the invitation for stylistic purposes.
Is It Rude To Invite Guests To Reception Only?
While certain situations 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 the reception would most likely hurt their feelings, so you shouldn’t even consider it.
Can You Invite Guests To The Reception But Not The Ceremony?
In this case, a natural question comes up: can you invite people only to your wedding reception and not the ceremony? The answer is, “yes, you absolutely can!”.
Where Do Guest Names Go On Wedding Invitations?
The most common option for casual invites is to list first names on the inner envelope, or you could even include nicknames if you want to bring some personality into it.
