Wording for Casual Wedding Invitations
From LoveToKnow Weddings
It seems beside the point to have rules in wording for casual wedding invitations. Even guidelines can feel too strict – after all, isn't the whole point to be casual? However, you do want to be sure you get all the pertinent information on the invitation and if you would like to insert some creativity or fun, so much the better.
Standard Wording for Casual Wedding Invitations
A casual wedding often implies that the couple is hosting the ceremony. It can also be a wedding taking place in a private home or a similarly non-denominational, non-traditional event. Beach weddings are usually, by their nature, casual.
The minimum information you must have on any wedding invitation are the names of the couple, the date and time, and the location of the ceremony (and reception, if somewhere else). Maps or directions should be included on a separate page, and an RSVP date should be indicated. It can be as simple as saying Name and Name invite you to their wedding. Date. Time. Place. Reception." You can be more effusive as you like, but simple will always get the point across.
Wording That Suits a Theme
Some casual weddings demand invitations that play to the event’s theme or style. It's not an absolute necessity, but it can set a mood from the outset. If a wedding is a simple backyard barbecue, you might ask everyone to put on their dress shorts and bring a big appetite. For a medieval themed wedding – very nice when both parties work in or have a passion for history – you should definitely use "ye olde" language. This will make for a funny invitation that guests who know you will appreciate. One thing to be mindful of is writing something simply enough that all the invitees will understand. If only close friends and family get it, people will feel excluded – the exact opposite of the welcoming effect you wish to create.
If you are going to use wording for a casual wedding invitation that alludes to how you met in some oblique way, again, keep it simple. You should also consider having it mentioned at the ceremony itself, so at that point everyone can feel a part of the whole experience.
Many themed weddings will involve costume, which is casual only in that it is non-traditional. If yours is one of these, your invitation must include pertinent information. Guests will need to know what sort of dress is acceptable and where to get it. Where possible, you should note that some things can be provided.
Using the Internet
Even for a casual wedding, you can still set up a wedding website or blog to give further information and answer questions easily. In fact, if you want a really casual invite that is eco-conscious, you can use an online invitation service instead of sending out paper cards. You can always print up one copy as a keepsake, but be sure all your guests will be able to access their invitations easily before choosing this high tech option.
Teamwork
Putting together a wedding invitation should be fun and something the couple does together, even if one or both of their parents are hosting. You may also want to advise on dress to help your guests feel comfortable in their attire for a casual event. Even if it's a backyard event, you might still want people to be dressed up. Say so on the invitation, but keep it light and breezy, as the event itself will be. Simple and direct will be a great first step towards a lovely day.
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wording for casual wedding invitations. As long as you cover the basics and create an invitation that matches your wedding, you can get the word out to every guest easily.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 924 times. This page was last modified 14:00, 10 October 2009.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
Print this page
Follow ltk on twitter
Visit us on facebook