What to include on a wedding invitation
Updated September 30, 2026
Quick answer
A wedding invitation should say who is hosting, the couple’s names, the date and time, the ceremony and reception venues with addresses, the dress code, how many guests each invitation covers and the RSVP deadline. Everything else (a quote, gifts, accommodation) is optional but saves many questions.
What every invitation must include
- Who is hosting: the couple, their parents or both.
- The couple’s names.
- Full date and start time.
- Ceremony venue with exact address.
- Reception venue and time, if different.
- Dress code.
- Who is invited: the number of seats or each guest’s name.
- RSVP deadline and how to reply.
Optional details that prevent phone calls
- A map link for each venue.
- The timeline: ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner and dancing.
- Registry or gift details.
- Recommended hotels for out-of-town guests.
- Parking or transport between venues.
- Whether the celebration is adults-only.
The recommended order
- Opening line or quote (optional).
- Hosts and the couple’s names.
- Date and time.
- Ceremony and reception, with address and map.
- Dress code.
- Seats and RSVP.
- Gifts, accommodation and other details.
Printed or digital
Printed invitations remain a lovely keepsake for grandparents. Digital ones handle the practical side: they arrive instantly, include a map for each venue, can be corrected if something changes and let every guest RSVP from their phone.
With Invitarei the digital invitation is free with the basic template for up to 50 guests: each guest gets a personal link with their seats and replies with one tap. Premium unlocks every design, unlimited guests and QR check-in at the door.
Frequently asked questions
What goes first on a wedding invitation?
The hosts and the couple’s names, followed by the date, time and venue.
How do I show how many people are invited?
With the number of seats or, better, each guest’s name. On a digital invitation guests can only confirm the seats you reserved for them.