When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a lot of details to consider. From the design and wording to the RSVP deadline and dress code, every aspect of the invitation can affect how your guests perceive and respond to your wedding. One question that often comes up is whether or not to include “reception to follow” on the invitation. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons for and against including this phrase on your wedding invitations.
What Does “Reception to Follow” Mean?
“Reception to follow” is a phrase that is sometimes included on wedding invitations to let guests know that there will be a reception immediately after the ceremony. This phrase is typically used when the ceremony and reception are being held at the same location so that guests know they do not need to travel to a different venue. In some cases, the phrase may also be used on separate reception cards that are included with the invitation.
Reasons to Include “Reception to Follow”
There are several reasons why you might want to include “reception to follow” on your wedding invitations:
Clear Communication
Including “reception to follow” on your wedding invitations can be a good way to communicate with your guests and ensure that they understand the sequence of events for your wedding day. By letting them know that there will be a reception immediately following the ceremony, guests can plan their schedules accordingly and avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.
Convenience for Guests
If your wedding ceremony and reception are being held at the same location, including “reception to follow” on your invitations can be a convenience for guests. They will know that they don’t need to travel to a different venue or make any additional plans to attend the reception. This can make it easier for them to attend your wedding and can help to ensure that all of your guests are able to celebrate with you.
Tradition
“Reception to follow” is a phrase that has been used on wedding invitations for many years, and some people feel that it is a traditional and elegant way to invite guests to the reception. If you are planning a more formal or traditional wedding, including this phrase on your invitations may be in keeping with the style of your event.
Reasons Not to Include “Reception to Follow”
While there are certainly some good reasons to include “reception to follow” on your wedding invitations, there are also some reasons why you might choose not to include this phrase:
Space on the Invitation
Wedding invitations can be quite detailed, and there is often a lot of information that you need to include on them. If you are working with a limited amount of space on your invitation, you may need to prioritize the most important details like the date, time, and location of the ceremony. In this case, “reception to follow” may not be a crucial piece of information that needs to be included.
Assumption of the Reception
In some cases, it may be assumed that there will be a reception after the ceremony, especially if the ceremony and reception are being held at the same location. If this is the case, including “reception to follow” on your invitation may be redundant and unnecessary.
Preference for Modern Style
If your wedding is more modern or informal in style, you may not feel that “reception to follow” is an appropriate phrase to include on your invitations. You may choose to focus on more contemporary wording or graphics that better reflect your personal style and the tone of your wedding.
Conclusion
In the end, the decision of whether or not to include “reception to follow” on your wedding invitations is entirely up to you. It’s important to consider the style and tone of your wedding, as well as the needs and preferences of your guests, when making this decision. Whether you choose to include this phrase or not, the most important thing is that your invitations effectively communicate all of the necessary information and set the tone for your special day.
FAQ
Where do you put reception to follow?
When sending out invitations for a wedding or other formal event, it’s important to provide your guests with all the necessary details, including the location and time of the reception. One common way to let guests know about the reception is to include a simple line at the bottom of the invitation that says “reception to follow.” This phrase tells guests that there will be a reception immediately following the ceremony, but without providing any additional details about the location, time or type of reception.
It’s important to note that the reception information should typically be included on the same invitation as the ceremony information. This way, guests have all the details they need to plan their schedules in advance. If the reception details are being sent out separately or through a different method such as email or a wedding website, it’s still a good idea to include a brief mention on the invitation so that guests are aware that there is more information to come.
When deciding what to include on your invitation, remember that you want to keep it as clear and concise as possible. So, if you plan on having a more elaborate or specific reception (such as dinner and dancing), you may want to add a bit more information to the invitation. For example, you could say “reception with dinner and dancing to follow” to let guests know what to expect.
Including the phrase “reception to follow” at the bottom of your invitation is a simple and effective way to let your guests know that they are invited to take part in the festivities after the ceremony.
Do you put church or reception on save the date?
When it comes to creating a save the date card for a wedding, couples often wonder if they should include information on the church or reception. The short answer is that you don’t necessarily have to.
Save the date cards are a great way to announce your wedding date and give your guests a heads up to keep it open on their calendar, especially if you’re planning a destination wedding or getting married during a busy time of year. However, save the date cards are not typically an invitation to the wedding itself, so you don’t need to include a lot of details about the ceremony or reception yet.
Generally speaking, a save the date card should be simple and to the point. It should include your names (and any relevant titles), the date of the wedding, and the city and state where it will be taking place. You can also include a simple phrase like “formal invitation to follow” or “more details to come” to let guests know that more information about the ceremony and reception will be coming later.
If you feel strongly that you would like to include information about the wedding location or reception venue on your save the date card, you can certainly do so. Just keep in mind that this may add additional cost to the card (since you’ll need to include more details), and may not be necessary or helpful for all of your guests.
The decision on whether to include information about the church or reception on your save the date card will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and the overall style and tone of your wedding. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to talk to your wedding planner, stationer, or other trusted advisor to get their input and recommendations.
Should a ceremony and reception be in the same place?
When it comes to wedding planning, deciding on a location for your ceremony and reception is one of the most critical choices you will make. One debate that often arises among couples is whether or not to have the ceremony and reception at the same place. There are several advantages and disadvantages to consider when making your decision.
One significant advantage to having both events in the same location is cost savings. Renting out one venue for both events can be much cheaper than booking two separate locations. Additionally, if you have your wedding ceremony at a house of worship, having the reception at the same venue is a no-brainer since the guests don’t need to travel between two different locations. It also allows guests to feel more relaxed and less rushed because they won’t have to travel from one place to another in-between events.
Another advantage of having the ceremony and reception in the same place is the ease of the planning process. Your vendors will already be familiar with the venue, which can make coordination much smoother. You also don’t have to worry about coordinating transportation for yourself and your guests, saving you both time and money.
On the other hand, there are some disadvantages to having both events in the same location. For instance, it can be challenging to maintain a distinct atmosphere between the ceremony and reception. You will need to create a separation between the two events to avoid making them feel like the same event. You run the risk of guests being bored if there is not enough change in scenery or activity between the ceremony and reception.
Furthermore, if the ceremony and reception are in the same location and in the same space, it can be a challenge for vendors to ‘flip’ the space when it’s time to transition from the ceremony to the reception. The delay in the setup could potentially cause the reception to start late, which would not be ideal for the guests who have to endure a long wait time between the two events.
Deciding whether to have your wedding ceremony and reception in the same place is a personal choice. It really depends on your priorities, needs, and preferences. If you are prioritizing a smooth planning process and reducing costs, having both events at the same venue is the way to go. However, if you value the distinct separation between the two events, or you are working with a tight timeline, having both events in different locations may be a better fit. it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages based on your specific situation and make the best choice.
