Invitations: How to Write Them When Your Wedding's Not in a Ballroom

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When your wedding’s at a traditional venue your guests already know what to expect. They’ll open your invitation and say something like “Oh, it’s at the Riverside Club”.

They’ve probably been there before. So they know what to wear and they know what the food’ll be like.

When you’re having your wedding at a non-traditional venue, your guests won’t get the same clues. If your wedding is anywhere else - maybe a park, a restaurant or even your backyard, your guests will need a few extra hints. It’s not a ballroom, but it’s still your wedding day and it’s pretty special. You want your guests to show up prepared.

They’ll need to figure out what to wear. And it’s nice if they know what to expect food-wise. No one wants to show up ready for dinner and find out there’s only cake. Whatever you’re planning is going to be great - so let your guests know ahead of time. That way they can come prepared.

It seems like a lot to ask, but don’t worry - there’s an easy to way to share all this information on just one piece of paper: your wedding invitation.

Here’s how to handle your wedding invitations when it’s at a non-traditional venue:

Choose an Invitation That Matches Your Style

Your guests’ first impression of your wedding will be the invitation. Here’s the thing: if you say your wedding’s in your backyard, people will expect a certain thing. If you’re planning a casual affair, maybe a BBQ wedding reception or a potluck dinner, that’s great. But you might be having an outdoor reception that’s romantic, semi formal and elegant. If you’ve chosen rentals and accessories that match that theme then you want to be sure your guests get the picture.

The look and feel of your invitations will begin to set the mood for your wedding. So look at as many as you need to, until you find the one that “feels” like the wedding you’re planning.

Formal, Semi-Formal or Casual Style Invitation?

When your guests open their invitations, it should be easy for them to tell how formal your wedding will be. If you’re not sure about the level of formality, an easy way to figure it out is by thinking about the meal you’ll be serving. If you’re having a traditional reception with plated meals, choose a formal invitation suite. If you’re planning a family style or buffet meal, choose a semi-formal invitation suite. If you’ll be serving a more casual meal, like a taco bar menu, a barbecue buffet, pot luck or restaurant food, choose a casual invitation.

See the entire collection of formal invitation suites on Basic Invite: Black Tie Wedding Invitations

See the entire collection of semi-formal invitation suites on Basic Invite: Contemporary Wedding Invitations

See the entire collection of casual invitation suites on Basic Invite: Casual Wedding Invitations

What to Say on Your Wedding Invitations

Traditionally the first line is the name of the hosts. Otherwise known as the people who are paying - this used to be the bride’s parents, but today it could be both sets of parents, step parents or any configuration of family that you can think of. It’s really up to you who gets included on the invitation. Depending on your age and circumstances you may, or may not decide to include your parents names.

Next is the couple’s names. When you’re writing your invitations, keep in mind the level of formality you’ve chosen. If you’re having a formal wedding you could include all your middle names. For example, Ronald Bilious Weasley is a formal wording style. Or you can keep it casual, with just your first and last names. For example, Ron Weasley is more casual wording for a less formal invitation.

Include a request to come to your wedding. This is where you actually invite people and the wording will help convey the level of formality. The request line should come after the hosts names, if you’re including them, or after the couple’s names.

So the invitation will read like a sentence:
*Names*
“request the pleasure of your company at their wedding”
“invite you to a celebration of their marriage ”
“would love you to come to their garden wedding”

Next, Include the Time and Location

Date and time. If your wedding’s more formal, write the time in words instead of numbers. For example, “at five o’clock in the afternoon”. If your wedding’s going to be casual, use the numbers “5:00 pm”.

Location, including the address - if your wedding’s at a non-traditional venue, make sure to include the address. It makes it easier for your guests to plug it into google maps.

Wording For Your Reception Details

So far you’ve invited your guests to the ceremony. Now, at the end of the card you’ll give the information about the reception. If it’s in the same place you can add any of the lines:
“Reception to follow”
“Dinner and dancing to follow”
“Reception immediately following”

If you’re having a non traditional reception, this line becomes extremely important. This’ll tell them if they should eat something ahead of time, or come hungry. Something like:
“Cake and punch reception to follow”
“Wedding brunch to follow”
“Celebration breakfast to immediately follow”

If your reception is in a different place than the ceremony you can write:
“Reception to follow at (location)”
“Wedding luncheon to follow at the residence of (name & address)”

If your reception is non-traditional and in a different place, be sure to let your guests know what to expect:
“Cocktail party to follow at (location)”
“Dinner & dancing under the stars, at the residence of (name & address)”
“Please join us immediately following, for music, dancing & a saucy bbq. At the residence of (name & address)”

If you want to include your wedding website, add it to the bottom of the card:
“Please RSVP at www.ourweddingwebsite.com”
“For more information visit www.ourweddingwebsite.com”
“Check out our website for details, directions and more: www.ourweddingwebsite.com”

Once you’re done writing, read it out loud to see if it makes sense. Next, put it aside for a day or two, then look at it again. When you and your partner are both happy with it, show it to another set of eyes. Someone who’s not as close will spot any errors or missing information.

Don’t overthink it and don’t let it get too complicated. Remember, your guests need to know where it is, what to wear and what they’ll be eating. As long as your invitations get that information to your guests, they are perfect.

Are you planning a DIY wedding? Get organized with a printed planner. The DIY Rustic Wedding Planner has everything you need to plan an affordable wedding. It has worksheets and checklists for all your wedding plans including choosing your venue, planning your menu, hiring vendors and more:

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