The hard part is done. You’ve selected a formal wedding invitation that perfectly fits your theme, you’ve carefully crafted every word that’ll be written on it, and now you have a stunning invite that screams, “my wedding.”
But, you haven’t given guests any details on the hotel you’ve block booked for them, no itinerary for the big day, and where’s the handy map?
Ok, you’ve got a wedding website, but how are those less internet-savvy guests going to find the info? You need a wedding details card!
For us, guest information cards, as part of a suite, are almost essential, because regardless of how detailed and pretty your wedding website is, it can never match up to how special a full wedding invitation suite feels.
It’s exciting for guests to receive a physical wedding invite in the mail. Opening it up, discovering all the little details inside, and imagining how your big day will look is all part of the magic of a wedding day.
Convenience aside, your guest information cards play a massive part in the overall thrill of the occasion!
What Exactly Is a Wedding Details Card?
A wedding details card (or enclosure card), is the part of your wedding invitation suite that has all the additional information written on it; the kind of details you wouldn’t want to squeeze onto the invitation itself.
Traditional wedding etiquette states that on these wedding enclosure cards, you should have the following information:
- Wedding RSVP card
- Food choices
- Accommodation information
- Transportation instructions
- Map and/or directions
- Details of the reception
- Wedding registry information
- Dress code
- Wedding website
Some of the above topics may or may not apply to you, depending on your style of celebration.
Who Should Receive Wedding Detail Cards?
All guests need to receive a wedding invitation card. Even if you think they’ll just use your wedding website, include it anyway!
Having information on physical cards is so useful in the lead-up to your big day, especially when guests are traveling to the wedding venue, or when needing key pieces of info instantly.
Many of your guests may also choose to keep hold of your wedding invitation enclosure as a memento of your special day. Custom-designed maps in particular are often framed and hung up in the houses of loved ones alongside family photos.
Don’t forget, destination wedding cards need to be sent out earlier than domestic invitations would. Aim to post these around 6-9 months before you fly. If you’re marrying locally, 3-6 months before the event should suffice.
To see how your wedding invite suite fits in with the rest of the planning schedule, take a look at our 12-month timeline template.
What To Include on Your Wedding Guest Information Cards
The RSVP
Not-so patiently waiting for response cards to trickle in is typically a headache for couples during the wedding planning process. It’s a real waiting game, and one that, to be honest, digital wedding invitations have made easier.
Nowadays, your loved ones only have to make a couple of clicks on your wedding website to confirm their attendance. Compared to a physical invitation, which requires movement of a pen on paper, and a trip to the post office.
However, at least by including an RSVP card, you’ll be creating a complete wedding stationery suite, and covering all bases when it comes to replies; making sure that those not-so computer-literate can let you know they’re coming!
And you won’t have to personally call each of your elderly relatives to see whether they want chicken or beef!
Be sure to include a deadline on your RSVP, and encourage loved ones to reply sooner rather than later. Oh, and treat your guests like your always late friend, by making the deadline sooner than it actually is.
Food & Drinks
Depending on the type of wedding reception you’re having, it’s good to include information on food and refreshments.
The timing of your wedding food, and what to expect from it, is really useful to know in advance. Guests with forever hungry tummies may need to plan ahead if you’re planning to have a late wedding breakfast for example.
Guest information cards are the ideal place to request dietary requirements, as you’ll be able to inform the catering team of their needs well ahead of time, rather than on the day.
Along the same theme, if you’re having a sit-down meal with a range of dishes on offer, you should include an option for guests to make their choices ahead of time. A simple wedding menu with tick boxes, or A, B, or C options is ideal.
Accommodation Details
If you’ve booked wedding hotel blocks, or acquired a special discount for your party, be sure to include this info on your wedding guest information cards.
This will be greatly appreciated by out-of-town guests who’ll also find information on other local hotels, and cute bed and breakfasts useful too.
Having multiple options for different budgets is a must on your accommodation cards!
Map/Directions
Directions-wise, the majority of your guests will only need your venue address, as they’ll simply Google the rest. But it’s not about need, it about wants, so try to focus on the guest experience!
Guide folks around your wedding day before they even arrive, by creating a bespoke map that pinpoints all the major landmarks. Style the map to fit your theme, and make it fun!
Not sold on the map idea? Escort your nearest and dearest around with words. Clearly explain how to reach your wedding venue, accommodation, and any other important places via the major routes.
You’d be surprised at just how useful your guests will find this information.
Reception Details & Timings
If your reception location is different from that of your wedding ceremony, then you should certainly provide details of it.
Where, when, and how to get there is vital information. But you may also want to include whether the venue has parking, public transportation details (if applicable), and how to find disability access.
At this stage, you shouldn’t spoil the surprise of the day, but your guest information cards should offer a little glimpse at the timeline of the day.
A semi-rough schedule that’ll allow invitees to work out when and where they’ll need to be at certain times is useful. If you don’t know quite yet when the first dance or cake cutting will be, at least share when the ceremony and wedding breakfast are planned for.
Wedding Registry Details
Whether you find the whole gift list thing awkward or not, your guests will want to get you something. Including wedding gift details on your guest information cards will make their lives easier. Just be polite, and clear that buying a gift for you is not compulsory!
Wedding invitation etiquette dictates that you should include each of the stores you have registered with for gifts, and how (briefly) they can purchase something for you. The same applies to honeymoon pots and charity donations etc.
If you’re certain that your guests can comfortably find and use your wedding website, you may choose to skip all this info and just direct people there. Everyone will likely be ordering online anyway!
