Weddings are a time of celebration, but some couples choose to keep their ceremonies intimate by only inviting a select few. If you’re looking to invite people to the ceremony only, there are several ways to go about it gracefully.
Option 1: Traditional Invitation
A traditional invitation for an intimate ceremony, as compared to an invitation for a full wedding ceremony or reception, can help to make it clear that the event is private. You can use traditional invitation wording with a few modifications to indicate that the ceremony is the only event to which the recipient is invited. Here is an example of a traditional invitation wording, adjusted to invite someone to the ceremony only:
“Together with their parents, [bride and groom’s names] request the honor of your presence as they exchange vows in a private ceremony.”
This phrasing lets guests know that the ceremony is only for a close group of people and that the couple still wants them to be involved in their special day.
Option 2: Reception-Only Invitation
Another way to make it clear that guests are only invited to the ceremony is to send a separate invitation for the reception. This way, you can invite more people to celebrate with you without compromising your desire for a private ceremony.
When creating a reception-only invitation, you should make it clear that the ceremony is not open to guests and they should not plan on attending it. Here is an example of an invitation for a reception-only event:
“Please join us to celebrate the marriage of [bride and groom’s names] on [date and time] at [location]. A private ceremony will take place beforehand, but we look forward to celebrating with you at the reception.”
As you can see, this invitation lets guests know that there is a private ceremony taking place but that they are still invited to be part of the celebration.
Option 3: Personal Note
If you want to add a personal touch to your invitation, you can include a handwritten note with the traditional invitation or reception-only invitation. This way, you can explain to the guest why you only want them to attend the ceremony and not the reception.
Here is an example of what you could write:
“Dear [guest’s name],
We are excited to celebrate our special day with those closest to us. We have decided to keep our ceremony private, but we still want you to be there to share in our joy. We hope you understand and that you’ll be able to join us for the reception where we’ll have fun celebrating together!
With love,
[bride and groom’s names]”
This personal touch lets guests know they are still important to the couple and why they were chosen to be part of the special moment.
Conclusion
Inviting guests to the ceremony only can be done in several ways. The most common are using traditional invitation wording, sending a separate invite for the reception, and adding a handwritten note to clarify the couple’s intentions and show they value the guest’s presence. No matter which option you choose, preparing your guests that they will only be attending the ceremony should be done tactfully with clear communication to ensure everyone’s happiness on your special day.
FAQ
How do you write a catchy invitation?
Writing a catchy invitation can be a challenging task, especially if you want to ensure that your guests will attend your event. An invitation serves as your first impression, representing the purpose and tone of your event. To create an effective invitation that will catch the attention of your target audience, there are several important factors that you should keep in mind.
First, start with a strong subject line, which spells out what the invitation is about. This line should catch the eye of your recipient, and make them want to know more. Your subject line should be clear and concise, and it should communicate the most important information, such as the purpose of the event, what it is about, and why people should attend.
Once you’ve got their attention, the next thing you need to do is to offer value to your guests. In other words, you need to persuade them that your event is worth attending. Tell them what they will get out of attending and how it will be valuable to them. This means highlighting the benefits of the event, such as networking opportunities, education or entertainment. You could also add a personal touch by sharing a brief story on how the event came about or why it’s important.
When writing the body of your invitation, make sure to include all the necessary information. This includes the date, time and location of the event along with any other important details. While it’s essential to add in the details, you want to make them as compelling as possible. Include creative descriptions of the venue or unique features of the event to pique their interest.
After the body copy, be sure to include a call-to-action for your guests to RSVP. You can provide a link where they can register, or ask them to reply to the email if they’re interested. Be sure to provide detailed instructions so they know what to do next. You could also offer an early-bird discount or a special offer to encourage prompt sign-ups.
Finally, it’s important to finish with a positive sign-off. You’ll want to thank your guests for considering your invitation and convey an eagerness to see them at your event. Consider adding a creative element to the end, such as a GIF or picture, that will stick in their mind.
Writing a catchy invitation involves several critical components. Start with a strong subject line, offer value, provide all the necessary details, ask for an RSVP, and finish with a positive sign-off. By focusing on these factors, you will create an invitation that is both compelling and effective.
What is an example of a formal phrase for inviting someone?
When it comes to formal invitations, there are certain phrases that are commonly used to convey a tone of respect, elegance, and formality. These phrases often incorporate words such as ‘honor’, ‘pleasure’, and ‘cordially’. One example of a formal phrase for inviting someone is “The honor of your presence is requested at [event name].” This phrase is often used for formal events that require a more elevated tone, such as weddings or formal dinners.
Another example is “[Your company name] requests the pleasure of your company at [event name].” This phrase is often used for corporate events, galas, and other formal and professional events. It conveys a sense of respect and formality while also indicating that the invitation is from a company or organization rather than an individual.
A third example is “You are cordially invited to [event name].” This phrase is more general than the other two examples and can be used for a range of formal events, including weddings, dinners, and cocktail parties. “Cordially” implies warmth and friendliness while still maintaining a level of formality.
When it comes to formal invitations, it’s important to choose wording that matches the tone and style of the event. By using phrases that convey respect, elegance, and formality, hosts can ensure that their guests know what to expect and can arrive dressed and prepared accordingly.
