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In the realm of wedding stationery, day-of paper such as menus and ceremony programs don’t always get as much immediate attention in the early stages of wedding planning. However, these elements are just as crucial to your wedding guests as those wedding invitations. Here’s everything you need to know about [traditional wedding ](https://www.zola.com/inspiration/real-weddings/traditional)programs, whether you need a traditional wedding program or a non-traditional wedding program. Keep scrolling for wedding program templates and wedding program wording examples.

## What Is a Wedding Ceremony Program? 
While you’re busy crossing off item after item on your [Wedding Checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist), don’t let programs pass you by. While they may not seem important, [wedding programs](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/programs/shop) play a vital role in communicating information to your guests and setting the tone for the most significant part of the day—the ceremony itself. Give some thought early on to your programs so that you can create a totally coordinating paper suite (including save the dates, invitations, programs, and other wedding paper) such as the ones available on [Zola](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/paper). 

Programs are pretty standard items at most weddings these days, but if you’ve never been to a wedding or are unfamiliar with them, you might be asking yourself: what even is a wedding ceremony program? A wedding ceremony program serves two purposes: 

1. Like any other program you receive during a live performance, it shares the order of events, the key players (parents, bridesmaids, wedding party, etc.), and gives details about the ceremony service that guests are about to witness. 

2. It offers a place for the couple to share messages directly with their gathered friends and family, including giving thanks, recognizing important people, expressing their intentions, and communicating important event details. 

## Do You Need a Wedding Ceremony Program?
Sure, you could get away without a wedding program—your ceremony would probably still go off without a hitch, and afterward, you’d still be married. But programs are easy to create, helpful for everyone, and add an extra dose of fun, beauty, personality, and charm to your wedding day. Here are some reasons you should consider having a wedding ceremony program: 

- __Programs officially welcome guests to the wedding itself.__ They might contain the first direct words from you to those who have made the effort to witness this moment, so they are a valuable piece of messaging real estate. 

- Beyond setting the tone through words, __programs can introduce your wedding style and/or reinforce your wedding theme.__ They come in all kinds of different shapes, colors, and designs, so they are a great opportunity to set the mood and hint at the type of celebration to come. 

- __Programs are a handy place to list the information guests need in order to prepare for hours to come:__ the ceremony timeline, what follows it, what kinds of transportation will be available at various times, and any other special requests you’re asking of them (sign our guest book/bench/guitar, please put away your phones, etc.). 

- __Programs help your guests better understand, and enjoy, your ceremony.__ If your ceremony is very long, if you are are incorporating a lot of readings, songs, or other personal elements, or if you are having a traditional wedding ceremony and many guests are from a different religion or culture, then the information you include in your program will help guide them through the service and make it more meaningful.

- __Your program allows you to express gratitude, honor lost loved ones, and mention your main supporters in a visible, permanent way.__ People will be reading your program at the beginning of the ceremony, when they are fresh and you have their captive attention. Even if you plan to give a speech later, your audience will not be 100% present or focused (hello, open bar). Take the opportunity to record your feelings and share your heartfelt thanks in this saveable, scrapbook-able piece of paper. 

## What to Include on Your Wedding Ceremony Program
Exactly what you include in your ceremony program is entirely up to you, but here are some suggestions to keep in mind, from the obvious to the optional. 

- Your names, the wedding date, and wedding location. 

- The order of events of the ceremony. Include the names of songs used at different portions of the service, as well as the names, authors, and sources of readings, poems, and prayers. Here’s a general run-down of what your ceremony outline could contain (but of course, yours could look different based on the religious or cultural traditions you’re incorporating): 
 - Seating of the Grandparents
 - Seating of the Mothers
 - Processional 
 - Bridal Processional
 - Welcome
 - Prayer
 - Message
 - Reading(s)
 - Exchange of Vows
 - Exchange of Rings
 - Pronouncement of Marriage
 - Presentation of the Couple
 - Recessional

- If you have the room, some couples choose to share the lyrics of their specially chosen songs or the entirety of their readings or [vows](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-vows) in the program for guests to follow along. 

- The names of the important players in your ceremony. This includes members of your wedding party, family members, your officiant, readers, musicians, or anyone else who plays a role in the service.

- A brief explanation of any cultural, religious, or other rituals you’ve included in your ceremony. Explaining the significance and meaning behind what your guests are watching will help make the experience richer and more engaging for them. 

- A welcome message to your guests thanking them for making the trip and being present at your nuptials.

- Any logistical messages or requests you want to share with your guests, such as:
 - What happens after the ceremony (cocktails, a shuttle to the reception, etc.)
 - The times and locations for early and late departure shuttles 
 - Instructions for what to toss, wave, or do when you process back down the aisle 
 - Requests for an “unplugged” ceremony (i.e., turn off your phones)
 - Requests to not take photos and/or post anything on social media 

- A special note of thanks to your families, important vendors, or anyone else who helped make this day happen. 

- Words of love and remembrance for loved ones who could not be present for the occasion or who have passed away. 

- Your wedding hashtag, if you want guests to post all of their photos and wedding day memories in a way that you (and everyone else) can easily find online.

## Tips for Your Wedding Ceremony Programs
__1. Coordinate them with your invitations__ 
For a truly custom feel, choose a coordinating design for your entire wedding paper suite. You can shop for matching [save the dates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop), [invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop), [enclosure cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/enclosures/shop), [programs](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/programs/shop), [menu cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop), and [thank you cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/thank-you-cards/shop) on Zola, all of which also come with a coordinating (and free) [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website). Since they come in tons of different, equally stunning designs, you can find one that easily fits your wedding theme or style.

__2. Reinforce your wedding theme__ 
Along the lines of theme, wedding ceremony programs are a great way to establish the style and mood of your big day. Whether you kick off your outdoor garden party with floral accents or set the tone for your preppy, nautical wedding with navy and white stripes, matching your program to your wedding’s decorative theme will put your guess in the right frame of mind. 

__3. Keep it simple and brief__ 
Now you have a lot of ideas for what to write in your programs, but you don’t have to—and probably shouldn’t—include all of it. Remember that the ceremony program is meant to be a guide to the bigger show (i.e., your marriage service), so give guests just enough information to make them feel included in without overwhelming or distracting them with too much text. 

__4. Consider how many you really need__ 
Depending on your budget, you might not choose to print one program for every attending guest. This is one area where you can cut costs by only printing one program for every couple, or two per family if there will be many families with children in attendance.

## Wedding Ceremony Program Examples
Take the guesswork out of your wedding program wording and templates with this quick collection of wedding program examples.

### Sample Program Language: Non-Religious Service
The wedding of 
*Name* and *Name* 
Date 
City, State 

Pre-Ceremony Refreshments

Processional 
*Song Name—Composer/Artist*

Bride’s Entrance 
*Song Name—Composer/Artist*

Welcome 
*Officiant’s Name*

Reading 
*Title, Author*

Exchange of Vows and Rings

First Kiss

Recessional 
*Song Name—Composer/Artist*

Confetti is under your seat for the recessional! 

### Sample Program Language: Episcopalian Service
The Celebration and Blessing of the Marriage of 
*Name* and *Name* 
Date 
Time 
Name of Church 
City, State 

Prelude

Seating of the Family 
*Song Name—Composer/Artist*

Processional 
*Song Name—Composer/Artist*

Entrance of the Bride 
*Song Name—Composer/Artist*

Invitation Book of Common Prayer, *page #*

Declaration of Consent

Collect for Marriage, *page #*

Scripture Reading 
*Book of the Bible Chapter: Verse #*

The Homily

The Marriage, *page #*

The Signing of the Register 
*Song Name—Composer*

The Prayers, page #

The Blessing of Marriage, page #

Recessional 
*Song Name—Composer/Artist*

Postlude

### Sample Program Language: Catholic Service 

A Celebration of Marriage 
*Bride's Name* 
and 
*Groom's Name* 
Date 
Name of Church or Chapel 
City, State 

Prelude 
*Song Name—Composer/Artist*

Processional 
*Song Name—Composer/Artist*

Bride's Processional 
Song Name—Composer/Artist

__Liturgy of the Word__ 
Opening Prayer 
First Reading—*Book of the Bible Chapter: Verse, Name of Reader* 
Responsorial Psalm: *Name of Psalm, Name of Reader* 
Second Reading—*Book of the Bible Chapter: Verse, Name of Reader* 
Gospel Acclamation—*Book of the Bible Chapter: Verse, Name of Reader* 

Homily

__Sacrament of Marriage__ 
Exchange of Vows 
Blessing and Exchange of Rings 

__Prayer of the Faithful__ 
*Name of Reader* 
Response: Lord Hear Our Prayer 

Presentation of the Gifts

__Liturgy of the Eucharist__ 
Eucharistic Prayer

Lord's Prayer

__Nuptial Blessing__ 
Sign of Peace

Communion 
*Song Name—Composer/Artist 
Name of Singer* 

Presentation of Flowers to the Blessed Mother 
*Song Name—Composer/Artist* 

Final Blessing

Recessional 
*Song Name—Composer/Artist*

### Sample Program Language: Jewish Service
The Wedding Ceremony Uniting 
*Name* 
and 
*Name* 
Venue 
City, State 
Date 

__Prelude__ 
 Seating of the Guests 

__Processional__ 
Entrance of the Rabbi 
Entrance of the Best Man 
Entrance of the Groom 
*Song Name—Composer/Artist* 

Entrance of the Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids 
*Song Name—Composer/Artist* 

Entrance of the Bride 
*Song Name—Composer/Artist* 

__Ceremony__ 
Opening Blessings 
Blessing Over the Wine (Birkat Erusin) 
Message From the Rabbi 
Exchange of Vows and Ring Exchange 
Seven Blessings (Sheva Brachot) 
Breaking of the Glass 

__Recessional__ 
*Song Name—Composer/Artist*

__Jewish Wedding Traditions and Their Meanings__ 

- *__Chuppah:__* The Chuppah, or marriage canopy, represents the home that NAME and NAME will build together. The Chuppah has no walls to represent that marriage begins with just a roof. NAME and NAME will build the walls with love and friendship, based on a foundation of love and respect. The Chuppah is open on all four sides, symbolizing a home that is open to family and friends.

- *__Ketubah:__* The Ketubah is a marriage contract, required by Jewish law, attesting to the commitments and obligations NAME and NAME make to each other as a married couple. It is one of the oldest elements of Jewish weddings, dating back over two thousand years. Prior to the ceremony, the Ketubah was signed by NAME and NAME. 

- *__Birkat Erusin:__* The rabbi will recite the Birkat Erusin, the engagement blessing, over a cup of wine. The cup is filled to overflowing, as we hope that the lives of the bride and groom will overflow with blessings. NAME and NAME will share a cup of wine, a Jewish symbol of happiness and the sanctification of a joyous time.

- *__Exchanging of the Rings:__* According to Jewish law, the rings must be solid metal, devoid of any cuts or stones. As the rings are circles with no beginning and no end they symbolize that NAME and NAME’s love is never-ending.

- *__The Seven Blessings:__* The Sheva Brachot, or seven traditional blessings, is the most ancient of the Jewish wedding traditions and the heart of the ceremony. These seven blessings symbolize the seven days of creation. The blessings represent the joy of creation both in the ancient times and the newest creation which occurs under the Chuppah. A second glass of wine is shared at this time.

- __*The Breaking of the Glass:__* At the conclusion of the ceremony, NAME will break a glass by stepping on it. Traditionally this custom is a reminder of the destruction of the first temple and the may losses that have been suffered by the Jewish people. It is also a reminder that relationships are as fragile as glass, and must always be treated with care and love. A more contemporary interpretation is that the sound of the breaking glass travels through time and space to share the couples’ joy with all who have loved them, including those separated by time and distance. The sound of the glass breaking is greeted with shouts of “mazel tov”—a wish for good fortune to the newly married couple.

## Types of Paper Wedding Programs
- __Flat Card:__ the most standard type of paper program, a [flat card](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/programs/shop) is the easiest and most affordable to design, purchase, and print. It allows you to fill the space on the front and back of the card with your information. 

- __Paddle Fan:__ if you’re getting married outside during warm months, a paddle fan program is a popular choice. Essentially just a flat card attached to a wooden stick, a paddle fan program gives guests a way to cool off while they read more about your ceremony.

- __Multi-panel Fan:__ in this program style, several sheets of paper are attached with a metal grommet or ring, allowing the pages to be spread open like a fan. The shape and size of the sheets can vary to your liking, from rounded to teardrop to long and vertical. 

- __Tri-fold:__ a larger sheet of paper is folded three times vertically, making for a ceremony program with a self-opening cover that reveals three separate panels.

- __Accordion:__ similar to tri-fold, an accordion program design involves folding a large sheet of paper back and forth on itself several times to create multiple, attached panels. 

- __Booklet:__ like it sounds, a booklet program design binds together several pages of paper (of any size or shape) so that they open like a little book. Ribbon, raffia, or other material can be used to tie together the pages, or a booklet program can be stapled in the center and folded by a professional printer. 

## Creative Ideas for Wedding Ceremony Programs

- __Favor bags:__ Print your program details on small paper bags, then fill those bags with favors for a two-in-one handout. Favor ideas include edible treats like popcorn, donuts, or cookies, or useful keepsakes like sunglasses. 

- __Include toss or send-off tools:__ Similar to favor bags, print your programs on paper bags filled with toss petals or confetti so that guests are primed for your ceremony exit. Or, turn the programs themselves into fans with streaming ribbons for guests to wave. 

- __Giant chalkboard or mirrored sign:__ Instead of creating individual programs per guest, write your ceremony details on a large surface—think chalkboard, mirror, or even etched into acrylic—and present it in a visible, beautiful way for guests to read as they enter the ceremony. 

- __Use engagement photos:__ Put those beautiful engagement portraits to good use by including a photo of you two on your ceremony program. 

- __Include tissues:__ If you expect a lot of happy tears to be shed during your ceremony, add a cute touch to your program by using washi tape to attach a single, folded tissue to the back. 

- __Design them like a newspaper or a playbill:__ This idea is especially appropriate if you or your partner like writing, journalism, or the performing arts. A fun format like the front page of a newspaper or the playbill to a Broadway show allows you to share both your information and your creativity. 

- __Infographic or flow chart:__ There’s no rule that says your program has to be all words. If you or your partner are into graphic design, tell your wedding story through symbols, charts, and other inventive visual narratives.

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Your wedding is a day unlike any other. It’s the one day when all the special people in your life come together and celebrate love. And not just any love—you and your new spouse’s love. It’s a rare occasion during which you get to bring all the important people in your life together, so you simply must document it. A traditional [guest book](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/do-you-need-a-wedding-guest-book) can do this, but looking back at signatures on a piece of paper may not effectively bring back your wedding memories. A creative guest book alternative that matches your wedding theme or personalities may be in order.

If you’re looking for a more creative way to document this special day, we’ve gathered 20 [wedding guest book alternatives](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/do-you-need-a-wedding-guest-book) that are sure to capture all the love and happiness you and your guests will be feeling and dying to express. Read on for our [unique wedding guest book ideas](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-guest-book-ideas).

## DIY Wedding Guest Book Ideas

### 1. Polaroid Cameras<a id="booth"> </a>

![DIY Wedding Guest Book Ideas ](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2vSXBJ2kGzxMAiSg5nvcjX/1de24009799445c1e33e3c9ed89673d1/inline_unsplash.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Unsplash

While polaroid cameras come at a higher price point, they provides instant results. Place a polaroid camera on each table at the reception. The cameras can be accompanied by a cute note explaining that guests are welcome to take their photos and write messages on the bottom or back of them. Leave a few markers for guests to write with and let the memories create themselves. Once you’ve gathered all the polaroids, you can compile them and create your own DIY wedding guest book. Use a photo album with double-sided pages to keep the photos and messages visible as you flip through them.

### 2. Disposable Cameras
Throw it back with some 2004 family vacation vibes by incorporating disposable cameras into your reception. This is a cheaper alternative to polaroid cameras and guests will be able to snap a ton of shots without wasting expensive rolls of film. The disposable camera photo guest book is executed similarly to the polaroid method. Leave note cards and writing utensils at each table alongside the cameras. Encourage guests to write they are well wishes in addition to taking as many photos as they want.

Once you have physical copies of the photographs, pair them with the cards left on the table and place them all together in a scrapbook. Piecing together everyone’s photos and messages will take some time, but it’s going to be a blast for any DIY enthusiast.

### 3. Minimalistic Acrylic Sign
Acrylic signage and wedding decor are extremely popular at the present moment—and for good reason. It gives off a clean, minimalistic appearance that goes with just about any wedding theme you’ve been planning for. That said, consider displaying a large slate of it for guests to sign with paint markers. To maintain that minimal look, go with markers of all one color, like white.

### 4. Woven Memories Into a Quilt
If textiles are more your cup of tea, try swapping the guest book out for a guest quilt. Sew the actual quilt together before the big day. During the reception, have guests sign the quilt with fabric markers. Take your newly decorated quilt home when the wedding is over and lay it over the back of the couch, the end of the bed, or any other cozy place you want to display your memories. The quilt will be a comforting reminder of your wedding days for years to come. 

### 5. Dropped Messages in a Shadowbox
As any experienced DIY-er knows, a shadow box is a picture frame with a spacious interior that allows you to display a wide variety of items inside it. In terms of a DIY wedding guest book, shadow boxes can be used to create an artful display out of your loved ones' heartfelt messages. Have guests write on unique objects that you’d like to hang on the wall. Some ideas for what to place in the shadow box may include wooden hearts, paper airplanes, seashells, and wine corks. Or, go beyond this list and choose something specific to your wedding’s theme.

### 6. Messages via Video Camera
If you have a quality camera, a video guest book will be a piece of cake. Ask around to see if someone on your guest list would be interested in taking charge of the video guest book (or hire a professional) and have them go around the reception filming everyone’s well wishes. Editing this together doesn’t have to be difficult, either. Use simple software, such as iMovie or Microsoft Movie Maker, to easily splice these fun little snippets together. 

### 7. Messages via Guests’ Phones <a id="love"> </a>
Everyone has a smartphone these days. Take advantage of the selfie phenomenon by having your loved ones film their short videos using their phone’s front camera. An easy way to compile all of these messages is by having guests send them directly to you or your spouse. Make this easy on guests by placing a notecard on each table at the reception with a phone number, email address, or QR code to send their videos to.

### 8. Recorded “Phone Calls”
Another guest book idea that’s been growing in popularity also revolves around the idea of a recorded message. That said, this gust book alternative revolves entirely around your loved one’s voices. To achieve this guest book idea, purchase a prop phone that will record your guests’ voice messages between the times they pick up and hang up the phone. Not only will you be able to play back their loving words, but you’ll be able to hear the love and excitement in their voices, as well. Plus, the fake phone can make for a cute keepsake post-wedding.

### 9. Giant Jenga Pieces
So, traditional guest books, puzzles, and recordings aren’t quite your style—but perhaps fun games you can use at a latter date (like future game nights) are. Enter: Giant jenga. This popular game involves stacking many wooden jenga blocks on top of one-another, then taking turns trying to pull one out. As a guest book alternative, purchase a plain set and provide a sign that prompts guests to write their names and a message of well-wishes on one piece. You can opt for the traditional, smaller size, but we suggest instead seeking out the giant version. It’ll allow for more room to write, as well as make for a stand-out piece of wedding decor.

### 10. Message in a Bottle
Perhaps you’re hosting a beach wedding or one with a nautical theme. Perhaps you and your spouse-to-be are simply big fans of wine. In either case, you can integrate these things into a themed wedding guest book. Rather than have guests sign a page in a book, ask that they write a note, some advice, a date night idea, or a bucket list item for you both on a small piece of paper. They can then roll it up, securely tie it closed with a small piece of ribbon or twine, and drop it into the provided empty wine bottle. Then, some time after the wedding, you can your partner can take the notes out of your new-found memento and read them together.

### 11. Globe Guest Book
Say you and your partner are known to [travel](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/do-you-need-a-wedding-guest-book) a fair bit. You enjoy jet-setting around or out of the country and each of your loved ones knows that about you. Play into this aspect of your personalities and relationship with a globe-style guest book. In lieu of a blank book, set out a globe meant to be written on with words of wisdom and well-wishes of all kinds. Set yours up atop a vintage trunk or stylish coffee table to really maximize its travel-themed affects.

### 12. Marked Up Map
If a globe isn’t practical, doesn’t fit your surrounding wedding decor, or simply isn’t your style, consider a printed (or hand-drawn, if you’re artistic) map instead. If you, your partner, and your loved ones are primarily from the same city or area, opt for a map of it and ask everyone to sign or annotate their favorite places they’ve been with you. They can also leave date night recommendations!

### 13. Vintage Post Cards
One more for the vintage and travel-savvy. Amidst wedding planning, begin purchasing and collecting a series of vintage post cards for your guests to sign at your reception. Display them on a card fixture or next to a full-blown mailbox for the full effect and ask that guests jot down their travel recommendations to you.

### 14. Signed Record (or Records)
Big fans or music or record collecting? Display your passion with this creative guest book idea. With your partner, decide on a record (if not two or three, depending on your guest list size) that you’d like your loved ones to sign. Then, set it atop an actual record player, frame, or other sturdy surface at your wedding reception. Set some paint markers in your wedding colors next to it and ask that guests sign away. In the days following your wedding, frame the record(s) as a keepsake and put them up as wall art in your home.

### 15. Personalized Calendar
The best part of having a wedding guest book—aside from watching all of your nearest and dearest sign it—is being able to look back at each of the notes that they’ve left. While some couples prefer to sit down and do this all at once, others prefer to take their time revealing their friends’ and family’s kind words and marriage advice. What better way to do that than to have your guest book be a personalized calendar? Encourage guests to write their names and notes throughout the pages (and perhaps even on specific dates). That way, as each month passes, you’re greeted with their love.

### 16. Creative Canvas
Another unique alternative to the typical guest book is the option of a large canvas. Allow all of your guests’ messages to sit side-by-side and come together on a custom canvas, either painted or printed in a design that’s just for you. Brain storm a beloved location or self-portrait as its centerpiece—and don’t forget your names and wedding date.

### 17. Custom Wedding Sign
Similarly, display a custom sign with your first names, shared last name, wedding date, and/or a fun phrase or wedding hashtag and asks guests to write directly on it. Prop it up on a table or easel for a more rustic wedding look, leave a handful of sharpies or markers nearby, and watch as guests line up to sign your sign (sorry, we had to). 

### 18. Pieces of a Puzzle<a id="visual"> </a>
![DIY Wedding Guest Book Ideas | Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6TK2W7LNDSa1PK8hUz7BUc/368208e6001b3c69bc39f58b5577bed2/inline_unsplash_1_.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Unsplash

How would your wedding day feel without all your loved ones by your side? A wedding is a bit like a puzzle, and the guests are the puzzle pieces. Bring this idea to life by turning your wedding guest book into a DIY puzzle. When the wedding is over, collect all your pieces and work on building the puzzle once again. This makes for a sweet activity you can do as newlyweds, and as you try to determine where each piece goes, it gives you the chance to examine each message carefully.

### 19. Reusable Coasters
Perhaps you’re trying to stick to wedding decor you’ll want to take straight home after your “I do’s” and following celebration. As a unique and practical alternative, have your guests sign a set of coasters. These can be wooden for a rustic look, stone for something a bit more modern, and so on and so forth. Once they’ve all been signed, pack them up and take them home. Guests will love visiting your home and seeing their personalized notes on proud display.

### 20. Marked Up Dictionary
Are you both really into crossword puzzles or playing Scrabble? Do you always seem to have the right word at just the right moment? Odds are you make good use of a dictionary (physical or mobile). Play on this notable trait by having guests sign an actual dictionary. Encourage them to find and circle a word that they believe describes you as a couple, then sign and leave a lovely note. Finally, ask that they mark the page with a page marker or sticky note for you to turn to.

## Make Your Memories Last a Lifetime
Go beyond the flimsy [guest book pages](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-many-pages-should-a-wedding-guest-book-have). Store your memories in a unique way that will catch your eye for years to come. The happiness your wedding brings doesn’t have to end once the big day is over.

By opting for a more creative take on the traditional wedding guest book, both you and your loved ones will have more fun and create stronger memories—and you may even go home with a beautiful piece of artwork.

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20 DIY Wedding Guest Book Ideas

Guest books are essentially crowdsourced wedding keepsakes—and they’re popular. As a wedding guest, you probably want to [write something more creative](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-to-write-in-a-wedding-card) than the standard “Congratulations on your special day!” However, if you don’t want to be predictable and pre-written, you’ll need to work on crafting a heartfelt, personal note. Here’s exactly how to write a meaningful and memorable wedding guest book message.

## Break it down.
While every guest book entry is different (and there are no set rules for writing one), many of them are made up of similar elements: a congratulations, a thank you for being invited to the wedding, and a well wish for the couple’s newlywed life. The congratulations and thanks are pretty straight-forward. It’s the third part that may trip you up. 

- Well wishes can range from short and sweet to more personal and sentimental. A few examples include:
- Wishing you a long and happy marriage.
- Best wishes for a fun-filled future together!
- As you grow and change, I hope your love and commitment remain unwavering.
- Seeing you two together helped show me what true love really is. Best wishes for a future filled with happiness!

Though none of these are deeply personal or particularly unique, they can serve as a great starting point if you have writer’s block (or if you’re attending the wedding of someone you don’t know all that well).

![INLINE LisaKayCreativePhotography 1080x720 Chrisi&Chris](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4t4rZHjfx1QXNIuSruWUAx/28b9850fd7f11b91a8923debcbc8eab6/INLINE_LisaKayCreativePhotography_1080x720_Chrisi_Chris.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Lisa Kay Creative Photography

## Let your personality shine.
Historically, guest book entries are often [formal and somewhat rehearsed](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/dos-and-donts-for-wedding-guests), like some of the examples listed above. While it’s not an absolute necessity to let your personality come out in your note, if you have the room for it, then go for it. 

Those with a humorous streak may choose to write something like “don’t mess this one up” or “can’t wait to toss rice at you!” If you’re more of a sentimental type, consider reflecting on past memories and think of what may trigger tears of happiness. These types of notes not only feel better to write but will immediately make the couple think of you as they read them.

## Keep the couple in mind.
If you’re a comedian at heart, but the couple getting married is reserved or religious, then something like “thanks for the free booze” may be a little off-putting for them to read. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if the couple is known for having a wild side, then something too formal may seem bland or predictable.

You want your personality and writing style to come through while not letting yourself forget about the purpose of the assignment altogether: demonstrating your heartfelt congratulations to the newlyweds. Always remember that many people are likely going to read what you write, which leads to our next point…

## Consider the type of guest book.
Couples are getting more and more creative, which means [guest books aren’t always just books](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-guest-book-ideas) anymore. Are your friends world travelers who are repurposing an old globe? Then a short, sweet note or signature might do. Do they have a full photo album to fill with polaroids and thoughtful messages from their guests? Then a longer personal memo may be more fitting.

You want to be especially careful (and respectful) with funnier entries if the guest book is something that’s going to be on display in their home, like a quilt or canvas print. It’s always good to have fun with it, as long as you keep certain parameters in mind. 

![INLINE Kivus&Camera 1080x720 Sarah&Monty](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/RTBIOXSfx4rBRl50JPnLq/41275340730a8ffdc933fd296add2964/INLINE_Kivus_Camera_1080x720_Sarah_Monty.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Kivus & Camera

## Think about the message you want to convey.
Do you want the couple to cry? Laugh? Think about the time they first met? These are all things to consider when writing your message. Some guests even choose to leave a [small piece of wisdom](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/should-my-plus-one-sign-the-wedding-card) for the couple to keep in mind. If you think this is something they’d appreciate, then a simple piece of advice may have a significant impact.
	
## Still having trouble? Time to brainstorm.
So how do you come up with something uniquely personal? Here are some useful starting points to brainstorm what you want to say:
- Think back to the first time you met your friend (or their significant other) and reflect on what has changed since then.
- What’s your favorite poem? Religious verse? Book passage? Think of ways to include a piece of that.
- What advice did you most appreciate in your relationship?
- How has each individual made each other better? Make note of that.
- What is something sweet about the couple that they might not notice, but you do?
- Think back to an embarrassing memory that will make them laugh, then tie it back to their relationship (or a witty piece of advice).
- Ask a married couple you respect for their most prized piece of marriage advice.

Whether you choose to keep it simple or more involved, as long as you consider the couple, your relationship with them, and the wedding guest book format, your guest book entry will be well received and appreciated.

How to Stay Sober at a Wedding

indian groom celebrates with wedding guests

How to Save Money as a Wedding Guest

How to RSVP to a Wedding 

Is It Ever OK to Ask for a +1 to a Wedding?

Do I Have to Buy a Wedding Shower Gift and a Wedding Gift?

bride and groom kissing with guests cheering and holding sparklers

Dos and Don'ts for Wedding Guests

Group Gifting 101: 26 Group Wedding Gift Ideas + Tips

Guests gifting young ethnic newlyweds during wedding celebration with confetti

How Much to Spend on a Wedding Gift as a Guest

How to Write a Memorable Guest Book Entry

Day-of wedding paper or stationary includes wedding day menus, wedding table number cards, place cards, ceremony programs, and wedding guest books. Find guides, advice and ideas for all wedding stationary here.

Sharing your wedding wishes with a newlywed couple is a thoughtful way to celebrate their new life together and [show your appreciation](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/registry/gift-etiquette/wedding-gifts-from-around-the-world) for being a part of their wedding day. But knowing what to write in a wedding card can be intimidating, especially if you don’t consider yourself to be great with words. 

To help you get started, we’ve put together a collection of tips and examples for what to write in a wedding card. Use them as inspiration for your own wedding wishes, and remember that a genuine, from-the-heart message from you is all that really matters.

- <a href="#formal-wedding-card-wishes">Formal Wedding Wishes</a>
- <a href="#casual-wedding-card-wishes">Casual Wedding Card Wishes</a>
- <a href="#religious-wedding-card-wishes">Funny Wedding Card Wishes</a>
- <a href="#funny-wedding-card-wishes">Religious Wedding Card Wishes</a>
- <a href="#wedding-card-for-a-family-member-and-new-spouse">Wedding Wishes for Family</a>
- <a href="#wedding-card-for-a-friend-and-new-spouse">Wedding Wishes for Son or Daughter</a>
- <a href="#wedding-card-for-a-coworker-and-new-spouse">Wedding Wishes for a Friend</a>
- <a href="#wedding-card-for-a-parent-and-new-stepparent">Wedding Wishes for a Coworker</a>
- <a href="#wedding-card-for-a-son-or-daughter-and-new-spouse">What to Write in a Wedding Card When You Can't Attend</a>
- <a href="#wedding-card-for-a-sibling-and-new-spouse
">Printable Wedding Gift Tags</a>

Wedding cards are traditionally gifted to the couple at the wedding [reception](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-reception-timeline). If you [can’t make it to the ceremony](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-postpone-your-wedding), be sure to mail your wedding card as close to the wedding date as possible. The most important rule of thumb when it comes to wedding card etiquette is to write a warm, genuine message unique to the newlyweds. 

## How to Structure Your Wedding Card Message
Depending on the nature of your relationship with the newlyweds, you might not feel the need to follow a specific message structure when you write your wedding card. However, the standard format of a wedding card message typically follows the format below: 

1. Note of congratulations
2. Warm wishes for their new marriage 
3. Personal message, memory, joke or marriage advice (this will vary depending on your relationship to the newlyweds) 
4. Loving sign off 

If you’re stuck on [how to word your wedding card message](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-word-wedding-invitations), the format above is a great place to start. For more inspiration, keep reading for a variety of wedding message examples.

## Examples for What to Write in a Wedding Card

To get your pen moving, here’s some wedding card inspiration at different levels of formality and for various types of couples:

### Formal Wedding Wishes
<a id="formal-wedding-card-wishes"></a>
Examples: 

- “Sending you wishes for a lifetime of love and happiness.” 
- “I/We wish you all the best as you begin your lives together.” 
- “May the years ahead strengthen the love that you share.”
- “Best wishes for a beautiful marriage filled with wonderful memories.”
- “Warm wishes for a beautiful wedding day and a happy union.”
- "May your joining together bring you more joy than you can imagine."
- "May today be the beginning of a long, happy life together."
- "Thank you for letting us/me share in this joyful day. We/I wish you all the best as you embark on this wonderful union."
- "Wishing you joy, love and happiness on your wedding day and as you begin your new life together."
- "May the love and happiness you feel today shine through the years."

### Casual Wedding Wishes
<a id="casual-wedding-card-wishes"></a>
If the newlyweds you’re writing to are close friends or family members, a formal message might not feel as genuine. Or perhaps a formal note just doesn’t fit your personality—that’s okay too! Opting for a more casual message allows you to be more personal, and works well when combined with a specific detail or memory you have of the couple. 

Examples: 

- “Best wishes!”
- “Congratulations on your wedding!”
- “Here’s a little something to start your life together.” (if you’re including a gift) 
- “Here’s to a long and happy marriage!” 
- "I'm seeing a fun-filled life in your future. Congratulations!"
- “I/We wish you guys lots of love now and always.”
- “Here’s to many years of love and happiness!”
- “Best wishes for an amazing future together.”
- “Hope the days ahead are filled with lots of hugs and kisses.”
- “Wishing you guys fun-filled adventures in married life!”

### Funny Wedding Wishes
<a id="religious-wedding-card-wishes"></a>
If you want to make the happy couple laugh, consider writing a funny wedding card message if it will put a smile on their faces! Don’t be afraid to include something laugh-worthy in your note—after all, you know them best, so you can be the judge of what to include based on their sense of humor. 

Examples: 

- "Thanks for inviting us/me to eat and drink while you get married. Congrats!"
- "I haven't been this happy for anybody since [insert team name here] won the World Series/other championship!"
- Being married is like any other job; it helps if you like your boss. Congratulations!
- "Congratulations—your wedding successfully made me sob like a baby!"
- “Hope you guys have more belly laughs than fights overloading the dishwasher!”
- “Best wishes as you annoy each other for the rest of your lives.”
- “Here’s to endless sleepovers with your favorite weirdo.”
- "Thanks for the free booze. Best wishes on a long, happy marriage!"
- “May Facebook notifications always save you from forgetting your anniversary.”
- “Good luck and remember that dating apps are only getting creepier.” 

### Religious Wedding Wishes
<a id="funny-wedding-card-wishes"></a>

If the newlywed couple is religious, this could be the perfect way to tailor your wedding card message. A religious wedding card may include mentions of your prayers over their marriage, quotes from scripture, and mentions of God. Be sure to think about the couple’s religious beliefs before you opt for this type of wedding card, and use their practices to frame your note. 

Versatile Examples: 

- “May God bless your marriage.”
- “May the One who brought you together bless your marriage, enrich your lives and deepen your love throughout the years.”
- “May your union be filled with God’s blessings, now and every day forward.”
- “We/I pray that God will cover you both as you enter this new life together.” 
- “Sending you prayers for a marriage filled with love and joy.”
- "God bless you both on this day with a lifetime of shared love and joy."
- “Praying that your marriage will prosper and be strengthened by the love of God each step of the way.” 

Christian Examples: 

- "Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." –Ephesians 4:32
- "No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." –1 John 4:12
- "'Love is patient. Love is kind… Love never fails.' – 1 Corinthians 13:4-13"

Jewish Examples: 

- “Mazel Tov! May joy fill all the days of your life together."
- "'I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine.' – Shir Ha'Shirim/Song of Songs 6:3" Or " 'Ani L'Dodi, v'Dodi Li.' – Shir Ha'Shirim/Song of Songs 6:3"
- "Mazel Tov on your wedding!" or "Mazel Tov on your marriage!”

### Wedding Wishes for Family
<a id="wedding-card-for-a-family-member-and-new-spouse"></a>
There’s something special about celebrating the wedding of a close family member. A wedding card message to someone in your own family is a great chance to get personal, and you don’t have to be afraid of being too over the top—in fact, it’s probably expected! 

Examples: 

- “Today, we add one more member to our family and we couldn’t be happier.”
- “I love you both. Thanks for letting me share in your celebration.”
- I love you both and couldn’t be happier for our family!
- What a beautiful day for our family, we’re finally complete.
- Thanks for letting us share in your celebration.
- “So excited to add a new member to our family! Here’s to a lifetime of love and growing old together.”
- “Today is a wonderful day for our family. Congrats and warm wishes!”
- “Congratulations and welcome to the family! Hope today and every day after is amazing.”
- “We’re so happy to call you both family. Here’s to lots of love and future family drama!”
- “Cheers to family and love! Congrats on getting married you guys.”

### Wedding Wishes for Siblings
<a id="wedding-card-for-a-friend-and-new-spouse"></a>
Your sibling is someone you’ve grown up with and shared some of life’s defining memories with, and watching them get married is one of the greatest milestones you’ll share. When writing a wedding card to one of your own siblings, a good rule of thumb is to just write what feels natural to you. 

Examples:

- “I’m so happy to add a brother/sister to our family. Congratulations and best wishes for a happy life together.”
- “Congrats to the best brother/sister in the world and my new brother-in-law/sister-in-law. Lots of love to you both.”
- “So thankful that my brother/sister has found the one whom his/her soul loves. Welcome to the family and congratulations on finding love in each other.”
- “Yay! So excited to gain a sibling today. All my love to you guys!”
- “Best wishes to you guys as you begin your lives together. Let’s celebrate!”
- “For my brother/sister who’s found love. May your wedding be the first day of many years of happiness to come!”
- For my brother/sister who deserves only the best, may your wedding day be everything you’ve dreamt of.”
- To my brother/sister who has always meant so much to me, I am so happy for the wonderful love you’ve found. I’m wishing you all the best on your wedding day.”
- "It seems like yesterday we were playing 'house' in the backyard, and now you get to do it in real life. I couldn't be happier for you both. Congratulations!"
- I couldn’t be happier as a brother/sister than I am to see the joy you’ve found in marriage. Can’t wait to watch you two grow old together.”

### Wedding Wishes for Son or Daughter
<a id="wedding-card-for-a-coworker-and-new-spouse"></a>
For many parents, watching their son or daughter get married is a huge milestone. If you’re the mother or father of a bride or groom, you might feel overwhelmed with emotion that can feel tough to put into words. What’s most important is that you express your joy and wish the couple well. From there, feel free to get as personal as you’d like. 

Examples: 

- “So happy to welcome a new son/daughter to our family. Thank you for the joy you bring my son/daughter. May the joy you feel today last a lifetime!”
- “Today we add a new member to our family and we couldn’t be happier. Congrats to you both!”
- “Lots of love and happiness to you both on this joyful day for our family.”
- Son/Daughter, I’m so happy to see you marry someone who brings you so much joy. Here’s to a beautiful marriage that grows through the years.”
- “Best wishes to my son/daughter and my new son-in-law/daughter-in-law on this wonderful occasion!”
- "We/I know we're/I'm not losing a son/daughter. We're/I'm gaining a son/daughter. Much happiness to you."
- "Son/daughter, I/we feel many emotions on this day. Most of all, I'm/we're happy you've found someone wonderful to share your life with. Best wishes to you both."
- “Seeing you go from a young girl/boy to the grown man/woman you are today is such a special sight to see. May you both be blessed in your future together, and know how much I love you!”
- “Watching you reach this milestone is a proud moment for a parent, and I’m filled with joy to know you’ve found love.” 
- “It’s a privilege to watch you get married and to give you away to [spouse]. I have no doubt that your marriage will be an adventure, and don’t forget I’ll always be here to support you as your mother/father.”

### Wedding Wishes for a Parent
<a id="wedding-card-for-a-parent-and-new-stepparent"></a>
Finding the right thing to say to a parent who’s getting married or remarried can be tough, so when in doubt, keep it simple! Any parent will likely be grateful for any type of message they receive from their child, whether you want to get deep and personal or keep it short and light. 

Examples: 

- “Welcome to the family. Love you both so much!”
- “I’m so thrilled that you have found each other. Congrats and best wishes!”
- “Mom/Dad, I’m so happy for the love that you have found. Congrats to you both, and welcome to the family [Name of Stepparent]!”
- “[Name of Stepparent], thank you for the joy you bring my Mom/Dad. Cheers to a bigger, better family!”
- “So excited to see our family grow today. Congratulations on your big day!”
- “Mom/Dad, thank you for all the advice you’ve given me over the years. Now here’s mine: [Fill in your own advice].”
- “I’m overjoyed to see you so happy. Lots of love.”
- “Mom/Dad, seeing how happy [Name of Stepparent] makes you is such a gift. So happy for you both.”

### Wedding Wishes for a Friend
How you craft your wedding card message to a friend will depend on how close you are to them. The message might be short, sweet and classic, or you may choose to get specific and personal. Consider your relationship and how personal, sentimental, serious or funny you want to get with your wedding wishes. 

Examples: 

- “May you bring each other as much happiness and friendship as you’ve brought me. Congrats!”
- “Here’s to love, friendship, and double-dates! Best wishes for an awesome marriage.”
- “So thrilled to celebrate this day with two amazing friends! Happy wedding day, guys!”
- “Can’t wait to get down on the dance floor and celebrate with you. Congratulations on getting married!”
- “Thanks for inviting me to eat cake and drink champagne. You should get married all the time!” 
- "Of all the big life events we've celebrated over the years, today tops the list. Congrats!"
- "We've had so many laughs together! May you always make each other laugh!"
- "Here's to love and friendship!"
- "Congratulations to a wonderful friend and his/her new husband/wife."
- “We’re so thrilled to celebrate this wonderful day with you both.”

### Wedding Wishes for a Coworker
If you’re writing to congratulate a coworker on their marriage, it’s unlikely you’ll be including deeply heartfelt sentiments. Instead, it’s best to be more general with your wording. You might choose to use one of the more formal or casual examples above depending on your relationship, or opt for one of some of the work-inspired wedding quotes below. 

Examples: 

- “Thank you for inviting me to share this day with you. Best wishes!”
- “I’m so happy to have bonded with you at work. Congrats to you and your love!”
- “Cheers! I’m looking forward to seeing your new title on your email signature.”
- “Wishing you guys the very best and a happy honeymoon!”
- “Congrats on finding each other! Here’s to many happy years.”
- "Best wishes to a very cool coworker and his/her new husband/wife."
- "Wishing you success—and most of all happiness—in your marriage."
- "You've got a new title: husband/wife! Wishing you and your spouse the best."
- "What a wonderful day to celebrate my coworker and his/her spouse. All the best to you both in your marriage."
- What a wonderful day to celebrate my coworker. All of the best to both of you in marriage.

### What to Write in a Wedding Card When You Can't Attend
<a id="wedding-card-for-a-son-or-daughter-and-new-spouse"></a>
Sometimes life gets in the way and you can’t make it to the wedding. This type of wedding card presents the perfect opportunity to express your apologies for not being able to attend and share warm wedding wishes to the couple. 

Examples: 

- “With you in spirit as you celebrate your love. Congratulations!”
- “So sad to miss your special day, sending all our love and best wishes to the happy couple!”
- “So sorry we can’t be there to celebrate your special day, but please know we are toasting you from afar!”
- “We are glad we have the rest of your lives to congratulate you on your new marriage. Best of wishes!”
- “Your wedding is important to us, don’t let our absence tell you otherwise! We would’ve loved to be a part of your special day and wish you all the best on your union.” 
- “While we hate to have missed your special day, we’re celebrating from afar. Congratulations!”
- “Just because we missed your wedding doesn’t mean we aren’t still celebrating! We’re so thrilled for you two and wish you all the best.”
- “I’m sure the wedding was beautiful—we’re so sorry we missed it! We wish you all the best as you start your next chapter as newlyweds.”
- “Congratulations to the happy couple, I wish I could have been there to watch you say ‘I do’!”

You might feel guilty if you have to miss a friend’s wedding, but you can still share your love from afar and let them know you care with a thoughtful wedding gift. With all the [wedding gifts](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/engagement-gift-ideas) they’ll probably be receiving, give yours a special touch with these printable gift tags with sweet messages. 

### Printable Wedding Gift Tags
<a id="wedding-card-for-a-sibling-and-new-spouse"></a>
![gift-tag-mockup-1](//images.contentful.com/77l22z9el0aa/1YSxxFUV0HoCMVDQ0PWfPF/4cb1348a2bb1bd0e1eddf895ae93345d/gift-tag-mockup-1.jpg)

[![download-gift-tags](//images.contentful.com/77l22z9el0aa/J0f9yxZ4rnHV9r0EdYbl4/a320342aa5519dda542669ad1f9b2f20/download-gift-tags.png)](//assets.contentful.com/77l22z9el0aa/5ImtAZV4XdSDrYm7vD8NeA/b933d79d65dcea2818ec399d36c817e2/wedding-gift-tags.pdf)

Weddings are one of the most joyous occasions to take part in, and your wedding wishes are an opportunity to make the newlyweds feel special, loved and supported as they embark on their new life together. If you’re looking for the perfect wedding card to send, there are hundreds of [beautiful and affordable designs](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/paper) to choose from that can add that special touch to your message.

wedding gifts from a Zola registry including copper Kitchen Aid stand mixer, Le Creuset turquoise ramekins, and a copper Vitamix blender

What Is a Registry (And Why Do You Need One)?

a bridal shower card labeled "soon to be mrs." on the grass next to a few pastel-colored bridal shower cookies

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Vintage-style display of decorated cakes with cherries, including a tall yellow tiered cake and blue dome cake with slices.

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What to Wear to a Bridal Shower as a Guest 

wedding guests laughing with bride at wedding receptions

Wedding Guest Attire: A Guide to Every Dress Code

What to Write in a Wedding Card: Funny, Thoughtful & Lovely Wishes Ideas 

### The +1 Pledge 

We’re showing the world some extra love by *planting a tree for every paper order placed on Zola*. Read more about our [+1 Pledge here](https://www.zola.com/faq/plus-one).

---

Basking in the post-wedding glow with your significant other is much more enjoyable when all of the [wedding to-dos](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/checklist?_branch_match_id=1112793252738758355&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXr8rPSdRLLCjQy8nMy9bP8sjMCMvKKjE1AgBLvb9XIAAAAA%3D%3D) are officially checked off—like thanking your guests for celebrating this new chapter with you both.

Thanking every guest in an original and genuine way can take time and preparation. And it all comes down to how you approach your wedding thank you card wording, which is why we’ve pared down the dos and don’ts of writing a thank you card. 

For safe measure, we also compiled 15 wedding thank you card wording examples to help you navigate every type of guest and gift. Keep reading to learn about the dos and don’ts of writing a wedding thank you card.

## How to Write Wedding Thank You Cards: 10 Dos and Don’ts
![how-to-write-a-thank-you-card](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2AYbSbjBaeZZm67pCd8tNW/c17dbca3cd6962c25e75edea6e0afc18/how-to-write-a-thank-you-card.png)

Crafting sincere [wedding thank you card](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-write-wedding-thank-you-cards) messages is much easier when you understand the basics of what a wedding thank you card should or shouldn’t mention. 

### Do Prioritize the Structure

__1. Greeting__: Begin with a greeting that identifies to whom the card is written.

__2. Thank them for coming__: Immediately thank them for attending your wedding in the first place.

__3. Thank them for the gift__: Get right to the heart of your message by thanking them for their wedding gift.

__4. Say why the gift brings you joy__: Write a line or two about why their gift fits your needs, how it will be used, or why you’re so grateful to have it.

__5. Show gratitude for the big picture__: Don’t forget to acknowledge the love and support given by your loved ones as you made this major life decision.

__6. Closing__: Wrap it up with an expression of your warmth, love, or friendship for the recipient, and sign your name.

### Don’t Try to Write Them All at Once

Writing wedding thank you cards all at once might sound like a good idea in theory, but this method can quickly lead to fatigue.

Depending on the size of your [wedding guest list](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-make-a-wedding-guest-list), plan to set aside some time every weekend or so to write your wedding thank you cards in small batches.

The last thing you and your significant other want is to make your guests feel unappreciated by your rushed wedding thank you card wording. 

### Do Opt for Handwritten Cards (If Possible)

Handwritten notes signify that a lot of time and effort went into crafting your message. If possible, try to create handwritten wedding thank you cards.

Sourcing stationery that matches your [wedding theme](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-themes) is another way to add a considerate touch of style to your handwritten notes.

### Don’t Forget to Thank the Vendors

If time allows, consider writing thank you notes for the vendors, caterers, and any support staff that took part in making your big day special!

### Do Write Notes for Guests Who Didn’t Send Gifts

Show everyone who took the time to celebrate you and your partner’s ceremony just how special their presence was, even if they didn’t send a present.

Depending on the accessibility of your wedding venue, some guests may have had to spend more resources to attend than others. A wedding thank you card for their attendance lets them know that their efforts were appreciated.

### Don’t Write the Same Note for Every Guest

Receiving a beautifully written thank you card is like a present all its own, but realizing that your thank you card is completely unoriginal can leave a guest feeling unimportant.

Attempt to write a personalized thank you card for every guest who attended your wedding ceremony. Mentioning the specific gift you received from them is a great way to add a personal touch.

### Do Send Thank You Cards as Soon as Possible

Sending your thank you cards ASAP allows you to check off one of the final tasks on your post-wedding checklist—even if you run into shipping delays and other factors outside of your control.

Although it's common practice to send wedding thank you cards within three months of the wedding, sooner is always better, so that no guest feels forgotten.

### Don’t Send Multiple Thank You Cards to One Household

Stationary prices and stamps can add up, especially if you had a long guest list. There is no need to send multiple thank you cards to one household.

If multiple gifts were sent by different guests living under the same roof, make sure to address them individually in your wedding thank you card wording so that everyone feels appreciated.

### Do Mention the Specific Gift You Received

Mentioning the specific gift you received is the best way to tailor each wedding thank you card to the sender. 

If you’re able to do so, include a brief sentence on how that gift is now bettering your marriage with your significant other. These small details can help the sender understand the impact their gift is making on your new life together.

### Don’t Mention Exact Monetary Amounts

For security reasons, it’s typically a good idea to avoid mentioning the exact monetary amount of cash gifts. 

In case your thank you card is lost or given to a stranger, you want to protect the gift-giver by not mentioning the cash amounts they were able to give away.

## Wedding Thank You Card Wording Examples

Whether you’re writing a thank you note to a guest who didn’t come to your wedding (but still sent a gift) or someone who gave you an off-registry present that you immediately returned, these wedding thank you card examples will help you navigate wording for every kind of message.

### For When the Gift Was from Your Registry

*Dear Jacqueline,

We’re so grateful you could come to our wedding a few weeks ago. And thank you so much for the chef’s knife and honing steel you gave us! We’ve both been learning some basic cooking skills, and can’t wait to show them off when you visit us this summer.

Our wedding was a day we’ll remember for the rest of our lives. Words really can’t express how thankful we are that you could be part of it.

Love,
Janine and Kai*

### For When the Gift Was a Monetary Gift

*Dear Ellen and Sam,

It was wonderful to see you at our wedding! Thank you for making the trip—and for your incredibly generous gift. We’re planning to take a long camping trip this summer, and we were able to pick up some crucial gear thanks to you. We’ll send pictures!

Again, we’re so grateful for your friendship. Thank you for being part of our special day.

With love,
Millie and Beau*

### For When You Didn’t like or Exchanged the Gift

*Dear Uncle Jeff,

It was a true delight to see you at our wedding. Thank you for the fondue set you gave us! It was incredibly thoughtful of you, and we’re both touched by your generosity.

Our wedding was all we could have hoped for, and it wouldn’t have been the same without you. Thank you again for helping us get our marriage off to such a wonderful start.

Gratefully yours,
Cher and Kiera*

### For When the Gift-Giver Didn’t Attend the Wedding

*Dear Henrietta,

Thank you for the stunning serving bowl! It’s the perfect accent for the open shelves in our kitchen. Thanks to you, our newlywed home is looking beautiful so far.

While we missed you at the wedding, we know you were there in spirit. We hope to see you when we’re back from our honeymoon! Again, our deepest thanks for your generosity.

Sincerely,
Margaret and Kate*

### For When the Gift-Giver Is a Very Close Friend

*Dear Jake,

We loved having you at our wedding! Thank you so much for the beer brewing kit. We’re going to fire it up in the next few weeks, and hope to be sipping backyard IPAs with you in no time.

You can’t imagine how moving it was for us to see you in the crowd with everyone else we love. These memories will last a lifetime and then some. Thank you for being part of our lives.

Much love,
Zach and Tracy*

### For When the Gift-Giver Is a Formal Acquaintance

*Dear Dr. Milford,

Please accept our deepest gratitude for the crystal vase you gave us. It’s a stunning centerpiece for our coffee table, and we can’t wait to fill it with the first flowers of spring.

We were both touched that you could attend the wedding. Your kindness and support means everything as we set off on a new life together.

Gratefully yours,
Logan and Mackenzie*

### For When Guests Sent a Group Gift

*Dear Chia, Hector, Phoebe, and Tonya,

We are so grateful that you all pitched in to gift us our new grill! We already cooked our first meal on it and cannot wait to grill for everyone whenever you’re all back in town.

We have profound gratitude for your gift and it touched our heart that you worked together to make this happen. We miss you all so much already!

Our love to all of you,
Sebastian and Terry*

### For When Guests Traveled Far to Attend

*Dear Aunt June,

We are eternally grateful that you traveled all the way from the other side of the country to be part of our big day! The memories we all made are cherished more than you can imagine.

Your presence at our ceremony was such a gift and we both look forward to spending more time with you this summer!

Love,
Haru and Aki*

### For When the Sender Was in Your Wedding Party

*Dear Esmerelda,

We cannot thank you enough for being in our wedding party. Your help with the decor and rehearsals made this big day such a breeze for us both!

We love our new dishware as well! We’re so lucky to have your artistic touch in our home now, and we hope to celebrate our new life with you over dinner very soon.

Talk soon,
Diaz and Iris*

### For When the Gift Is from Your Parents

*Dear Dad and Papa,

We are beyond grateful to have shared our special day with you both by our sides. You both were a tremendous help in making this wedding come to life and the new bookcase you sent was an incredibly thoughtful gesture.

Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us throughout the process and being our shoulder to cry on during the stressful moments—it was all worth it to dance with you like we did.

We love you always,
Cassie and Clarke*

### For When the Gift Is from Wedding Vendors

*Dear Wedding Supplies & Co.,

Thank you for all the thoughtful touches you added to our big day. Your help made everything run smoothly and we deeply appreciate the wine and charcuterie board you gifted us.

We will be able to host lots of dinners at our new home thanks to your generosity.

Sincerely, 
Lupita and Louise*

### For When the Gift Is a Charity Donation

*Dear Fletcher and Fiona,

We cannot begin to thank you enough for your generous contribution to our charity of choice, The Nippon Foundation Ocean Innovation Consortium.

Your thoughtful gift will help fund ocean cleanup events across East Asia! Our dream is to one day live in a world free of plastic ocean waste, and you have just helped us get one step closer to that goal.

We are forever grateful,
Jessie and Matt*

### For When a Guest Didn’t Send a Gift

*Dear Leonard and Nancy,

Thank you for taking the time to celebrate our special day with us. We were so excited to see you hitting the dance floor during the reception!

Your presence at our ceremony was such a gift, and we cannot wait to dance the night away with you again soon!

Love,
Taylor and Elizabeth*

### For When the Gift Is from Someone You Don’t Know

*Dear Ms. Ramirez,

We received the gorgeous vegan cookbook you sent us, and wanted to thank you for the thoughtful gift honoring our new life together.

We appreciate your generosity and kindness, and we hope to cook a delicious meal for you sometime soon. Please give our thanks to your wife and family as well!

Our sincerest gratitude, 
Yasmine and Maxwell *

### For When the Gift Is from a Shared Household

*Dear Shibuya family, 

Thank you all so much for helping us celebrate our big day! Little Vanessa’s paintings were the perfect gift, and they’re now hanging up in our study.

We know her artwork will help spark creativity while we both begin new careers during this new chapter of our lives. We can’t thank your family enough for taking time to dance the night away with us!

Take care,
Antonio and Alex*

## Helpful Synonyms for Wedding Thank You Notes

When you’re writing card after card (after card), it can get pretty tiresome to say the same thing over and over. Here is a list of synonyms for common expressions that will help you keep your thank you card language fresh.

__Ways to Say “Thank You for Your Gift”__
- We deeply appreciate your gift.
- We have profound gratitude for your gift.
- We’re offering the deepest thanks for your gift.
- We’re truly thankful for your gift.
- We’re so grateful for your gift.
- We can’t thank you enough for your gift.
- We love your gift; thank you so much!
- Your gift is very much appreciated.
- Thank you for your generosity.
- Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

__Ways to Say “Our Wedding”__
- Our ceremony
- Our special day
- The big day
- Our union
- The beginning of our life together
- Our celebration
- Our big event

__Ways to Say “We’re Happy You Could Come”__
- It was a joy to have you at our wedding.
- We were delighted you could come.
- We’re honored that you made the trip.
- It was wonderful to see you at our wedding.
- We were so grateful to have you as a guest. 
- We really appreciate your presence. 
- We loved having you there. 
- We’re so thankful you could join us. 
- You made our celebration complete. 

__Ways to Say “With Love”__
- Many thanks,
- Gratefully yours,
- With love and gratitude,
- Warmly yours,
- With deepest thanks,
- All our love,
- Best wishes, 
- Together with love,
- Fondly, 
- Cheers,
- Sincerely,

![how-to-say-thank-you](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/Mo3WiDrPLVN3sEcVhDbbB/08a338683d1d71cab499690697e735d9/how-to-say-thank-you.png)

Hopefully these phrases help you best express the warm fuzzies you got from your wedding gifts. Crafting a heartfelt thank you card is all about the little details, like which adjectives you use and how personal your thank you card wording comes across.

[Beautiful wedding card designs](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/paper) can also heighten the wow factor guests will feel upon opening their custom thank you card. Test out these tips while writing your next thank you card batch and you’ll be amazed by how tender your words can be.

## FAQs About Wedding Thank You Card Wording

Have more questions about wedding thank you card wording? We have answers.

### What Do You Say in a Wedding Thank You Card?

The core elements of wedding thank you card wording include a personalized greeting, thanking the guest for attending, showing gratitude for their specific gift, and a heartfelt closing.

### Who Receives a Wedding Thank You Card?

Anyone who sent you and your significant other a gift should be sent a wedding thank you card, and some couples also choose to send a thank you card to every guest who attended the wedding.

### Do I Send a Thank You Card to Someone Who Didn’t Attend the Wedding?

This is a personal decision between you and your spouse. Depending on the length of your guest list, this can also be a major time commitment. 

If you have the budget to invest in stationary and stamps, then consider taking the time to thank guests who made their presence your present.

### How Do You Say Thank You for Wedding Money?

Instead of mentioning the specific monetary amount the guest gifted you, tell the sender what you plan on doing with their investment in your future. 

For example, mention that their gift will help make your honeymoon adventures possible or will go to a diaper fund for the next chapter of your life.

### When Should Thank You Cards Be Sent Out After a Wedding?

In general, wedding thank you cards should be sent out between one to three months of the wedding. Any earlier is always appreciated by the guests, but later than this might leave guests wondering if you truly enjoyed their gifts or not.


## We'll do the work.
<a id="zola"> </a>
Now that you know *what* to write in your wedding thank you cards, let us do the hard part. If you aren't into handwriting—or you tried and your hands can't handle it—we'll do that part for you. Now with Zola, you can type messages for any of your guests or customize our suggested notes. Yes, you can write individual messages to individual guests or families—it's still super personal. Then, we'll print whatever you write in a beautiful font.

Find this feature when you select any thank you card style on Zola. You have the option to write your custom message on the inside step of your customization process.

A pair of newlyweds are captured holding the words “thank you” while sharing a kiss, perhaps before practicing their wedding thank you card wording skills.

Wedding Thank You Card Wording: Tips & Examples 

### What's New: Table Numbers at Zola!

Shop Zola's latest addition to your full suite of day-of wedding paper— [Table Numbers!](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/table-numbers/shop) Mix and match your favorite designs with your [place cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/shop), [menus](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/menus/shop), and [programs](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/programs/shop), and customize eveything from paper types, colors, fonts, shape, and style to create the ultimate personalized guest experience at your wedding reception.

Whether it's [rustic](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/table-numbers/shop/rustic), [modern](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/table-numbers/shop/modern), or [vintage](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/table-numbers/shop/vintage_retro), you can add a personal, diy touch to your wedding table, centerpieces, and table setting settings with unique wedding table numbers that stand out. Plus, Zola makes it easy to manage all your [Day-of Paper](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/day-of), integrating details from your Guest List, RSPVs and Seating Chart seemlessly into your wedding planning process. [Shop Zola's new table numbers today!](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/table-numbers/shop)

---

You chose a dining style, hired a great local [wedding caterer](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search), and selected the delicious food that will be served at your wedding reception. Now, the next menu consideration you need to tackle is the [wedding menu cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/menus/shop). If you’re like most couples, you probably have a few questions about wedding reception menu cards: Are they necessary? What should you include on them? What are the display options? Discover the answers and more in our guide below. 

## Are Wedding Reception Menu Cards Necessary? 
Wedding reception menu cards are not a requirement, but they are great for communicating the details of the meal to your guests. If you’re serving a plated meal with multiple main course options, it’s common to ask your guests to choose the main course they would prefer on the [RSVP card](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-wedding-invitation-rsvps). However, in some cases, you may prefer that guests make their choice at the event—therefore it’s important to have a printed dinner menu on hand for them to refer to when making their decision. 

If you opt for buffet or family-style service, menu cards are a quick and easy way to share the food options and give guests the courtesy of knowing what to expect. Guests with dietary restrictions and food allergies will appreciate the heads up about what’s on the menu so they can plan ahead and enjoy the meal without stress. 

## What to Include on Wedding Menu Cards? 
What you include on your [wedding menu cards](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-menu-card-ideas) is up to your preference and the style and tone of your event. Feel free to get creative and have fun with your wording, but your menu template should include the following: 

### 1. Description of Courses (or List of Dishes Served)
- __Plated Meal:__ Outline the courses or meal options in the order they will be served. 
- __Family Style Meal:__ List the food items or meal options that will be served to each table.
- __Buffet Meal:__ List the food items or meal options that will be served at the buffet.

### 2. Main Ingredients in Each Dish
While it’s not required to list every ingredient used in a dish, it is customary to provide a shortlist of the main ingredients, including foods that are common food allergies, such as nuts, shellfish, gluten, and dairy. 

### 3. A Welcome and Thank You (Optional)
Many couples also use their wedding menu cards as an opportunity to welcome and thank their guests. This text is typically very short and is often found at the top or bottom of the card. 

### 4. Your Names and Wedding Date (Optional)
To turn your wedding menu card into a scrapbook-worthy memento, include your names and your wedding date on the card. 

## Wedding Menu Card Wording Samples

### Menu Sample Wording: Plated

__APPETIZER __

*Assorted Empanadas* 
*and* 
*Gazpacho with Fried Almonds* 

__SALAD __

*Kale Salad with Spicy Quinoa* 
*and* 
*Jicama and Mango Slaw* 

__MAIN COURSE __

*Skirt Steak with Chimichurri* 
*or* 
*Snapper with Avocado Salsa* 
*or* 
*Charred Street Corn Risotto* 

__DESSERT__

*Gelato Sundae Bar* 
*and* 
*Local Pie and Tart Bar* 

### Menu Sample Wording: Buffet

Thank you so much for celebrating this special occasion with us! 
Please eat, drink, and be merry. 

*Braised Pork Shoulder* 
*Bacon, Apple, Sausage, Cheddar Stuffing* 
*Brandied Cream Sauce* 

*Hot Smoked Salmon* 
*Dijon Cream Sauce* 

*Whipped Russet Potatoes* 
*Garlic & Chives* 

*Roasted Local Vegetables* 
*Fig Tapenade* 

*Seasonal Green Salad* 
*Balsamic Vinaigrette* 

*Whole Grain Baguette* 
*Honey Butter* 

### Menu Sample Wording: Family Style

Welcome to Our Wedding Reception. Please enjoy this family-style menu as you get to know everyone at your table, and thank you for being part of our special day.

__First__

*Local Cheese & Charcuterie Platter* 
*Olives, Crostini, Apples, Bread & Seasonal Garniture* 

__Second__

*Mixed Green Salad* 
*Port Wine Poached Pears, Stilton Cheese, Walnuts* 
*Aged Sherry Vinaigrette* 

__Third__

*Pan Seared Duck Breast* 
*Blood Orange Gastrique* 

*Sweet Potato Gnocchi* 
*Mushrooms, Peas, Parmesan, Carrot Sauce* 

*Rice Pilaf*

*Seasonal Roasted Vegetables*

__Fourth__

*Passed Local Sweets*

## Wedding Menu Card Display Options
There are many different ways to display your catering menu at your wedding, but here is a look at the main styles you’re likely to encounter: 

- __Individual Menu Cards —__ For formal or elegant weddings with plated dinner service, it is typical for small [menu cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/menus/shop) to be placed at each place setting. This option adds a nice finishing touch to your design and individually welcomes each guest. In some cases, couples might have the menu card do double duty as a place card by including the guest’s name as well. That way, guests can find their seat, read your welcome message, and peruse the menu in one go. 
- __Large Display or Signage —__ If you prefer not to invest in individual menu cards for each place setting, a great option is to display a large sign at the reception. From chalkboard signage to calligraphy on gilded mirrors, there are limitless ways to get creative and elevate your decor at the same time. 
- __Small Buffet Sign —__ For a sign that gets the job done but is more inconspicuous, many couples opt to place a small menu sign beside the buffet or at each food station. 
- __Table Sign —__ To retain the intimate feel of individual menu cards without straining your budget, we recommend posting a menu sign on each round table, or a displaying a menu per every 4 chairs if you’re using rectangular tables. 

Your wedding stationery isn’t really complete with wedding reception menu cards. Follow our menu template above to create stunning and informative paper products that let your guests know exactly what they can or will eat for dinner at your wedding.

### What's New: Table Numbers at Zola!

Shop Zola's latest addition to your full suite of day-of wedding paper— [Table Numbers!](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/table-numbers/shop) Mix and match your favorite designs with your [place cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/shop), [menus](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/menus/shop), and [programs](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/programs/shop), and customize eveything from paper types, colors, fonts, shape, and style to create the ultimate personalized guest experience at your wedding reception.

Whether it's [rustic](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/table-numbers/shop/rustic), [modern](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/table-numbers/shop/modern), or [vintage](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/table-numbers/shop/vintage_retro), you can add a personal, diy touch to your wedding table, centerpieces, and table setting settings with unique wedding table numbers that stand out. Plus, Zola makes it easy to manage all your [Day-of Paper](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/day-of), integrating details from your Guest List, RSPVs and Seating Chart seemlessly into your wedding planning process. [Shop Zola's new table numbers today!](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/table-numbers/shop)

---

[Wedding place cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/shop) are an incredibly important part of a wedding reception, not only for decor purposes, but also for organizational purposes. Not only can place cards serve a double purpose as favors, but they act as crowd control and a home base for your guests during the after-ceremony festivities. If you’re looking for information about writing your place cards—from how to address them to what font to use—you’re in the right place! We’re breaking down every single thing you need to know about wedding place cards so that you and your guests can celebrate stress-free.

__Table of Contents:__

<a href="#1">Part 1: Wedding Place Cards 101</a> 
<a href="#2">Part 2: Tips for Writing Your Wedding Place Cards</a> 
<a href="#3">Part 3: Wedding Place Card Ideas </a> 

## Part 1: Wedding Place Cards 101<a id="1"> </a> 
Whether you’re here to learn the basics of [wedding place cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/shop) or you just need a refresher, we’re outlining all the wedding place card details possible. No matter the size, formality, or venue, we’re here to help you make the best wedding place card decisions possible. 

### What Is a Wedding Place Card?
Traditionally, a wedding place card is a piece of stationery that goes on the reception tables with guests’ names on them to let people know where they're sitting. Typically, there's one place card at every reception seat. This card serves as a way to direct guests to their seats, plus it lets them know where they can expect dinner to be served and which seat they can relax in between busting some moves on the dance floor. 

### What’s the Purpose of a Wedding Place Card?
Place cards serve as a way to tell guests where to sit. While you might think just providing chairs is all you need, place cards can cut down on confusion and costs. They help ensure that you have the right number of seats so that you don’t pay for extra chairs, and they give your attendees a place to sit back and relax. Place cards can also help facilitate traffic for buffets, and separate any family or friends that need to keep their distance from each other. 

### Do I Need Wedding Place Cards?
[Wedding place cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/shop) are always a good idea, no matter how elegant or casual your celebration is. Place cards can literally help you plan, as they help your guests feel at ease knowing where to sit and whom to sit by, plus they can even help your vendors when it comes to delivering food/beverages and directing traffic. In general, wedding place cards might be small in size, but they serve a big purpose that can help your celebration run smoothly. 

So, why can’t you just allow your guests to choose their seats? People naturally spread out when doing so, which means that you’ll have random chairs in between groups that will cost more, and it might make it so that some people don’t have chairs. This could result in more open seats or lost meals, which can increase your final cost and create frustration. The only instance where you might really be able to skip place cards and seating charts is if you’re having a small celebration, such as in your backyard. Typically, if you’re having over 20 people—especially if you’re mixing groups or renting tables/chairs—a seating chart will come in handy.

That being said, as with everything wedding-related, it’s your day to make your own! While place cards are recommended to make your guests comfortable, help you plan, and manage the crowd, there’s no rule that says you have to have them.

## Part 2: Tips for Writing Your Wedding Place Cards <a id="2"> </a> 
As you’re getting ready to create your place cards, you might be at a loss for what goes on them, how to make them, and how to address your guests. Here’s everything you need to know about actually writing your place cards:

### What Should I Write on My Wedding Place Card?
Before placing your order for your wedding place cards, it’s a good idea to not only have your seating chart organized and set, but also check with your vendors to see what information they need to be included on each place card. Sometimes vendors prefer you to include an indication of your guests’ meal choice (such as chicken, beef, or veggie) or any dietary restrictions, while other vendors will adapt with your creative vision. Here’s what you should consider including on your place cards:

- Guest’s name
- A title (if you use titles, ensure that you use them for each guest above the age of 18)
- A symbol or color indicating the guest’s meal preference
- The table number

### When Should I Make My Wedding Place Cards?
Creating wedding place cards can be a time-consuming process, but you want to wait until your seating chart is set and you’ve received your RSVPs before diving into the process. This is so you can plan for table numbers, as well as not spend extra cash on cards for guests who RSVP their regrets. Ideally, you want to have your place cards completed about a month before your wedding date, so there’s a little wiggle room for any edits, additions, or replacements needed. 

### How Should I Address My Wedding Place Cards?<a id="add"> </a> 
You now know place cards have your guests’ names on them, but you might be wondering how to address everyone. Here’s a rundown of the best way to address your guests on their place cards:

#### For Married Couples:
When addressing married couples, their last name with "Mr. and Mr.," "Mr. and Mrs.," or "Mrs. and Mrs.," preceding the surname is correct. If more than one couple shares the same last name, include the first name of the spouse whose surname they share, or include each person’s full name. You could also use each person’s full name without a title, especially for less formal celebrations. For married couples with different last names, feel free to either omit the title completely or write out each of their names in full with their respective titles. 

#### For Unmarried Couples or Single Guests With Plus-Ones:
For unmarried couples, you’ll generally follow the same format as married couples with different last names, but instead of “Mrs.,” your female guests will be either Miss. or Ms. While you’ll want to follow the above rules for your invited guests, you might be wondering how to handle their plus-one’s place cards. 

While you could address them as “Mr. X’s Guest,” consider asking for full names of guests with your RSVPs, or have a member of the wedding party reach out and get the name of plus-ones ahead of making your place cards, as it’s much more polite.

#### For Single Guests Without Plus-Ones:
The key with all of your place cards is to be consistent. If you’re titling any group, you must title them all, which is why many guests simply stick to full names when creating wedding place cards. For your friends flying solo, you can either opt for titling each guest or omitting the titles for single guests. Whatever you choose, be consistent (so don’t just address all the men by their names while the single women get Miss. in front of theirs). 

#### For Children:
All single women can be addressed as “Miss,” but especially those under the age of 13. Additionally, boys under the age of 13 can be addressed as “Master.” That being said, even if you have titles for the rest of your guests, it’s always okay to omit titles for all children under the age of 18.

#### A Note About Pronouns:
Before deciding to use titles on your wedding place cards, it’s important to ensure that you’re 100 percent confident in all of your guests’ preferred pronouns. You could ask for them when collecting RSVPs, just as you would ask for meal preferences or dietary requests, or have friends reach out. Regardless, if you’re unsure of anyone’s pronouns, it’s best to omit titles for all of your guests. Don’t ever assume someone’s pronouns for the sake of a title.

## Part 3: Wedding Place Card Ideas<a id="3"> </a> 
As you’re narrowing down your place card options, [Zola has options ](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/shop)for every wedding preference, whether it’s formal, casual, vintage, or classic. The best part is, whatever option you choose can easily be matched to the rest of your paper suite. Check out some of our favorite options below:

### Modern-Themed Place Cards
Think clean lines, marble backing, clean fonts, and textured paper when selecting place cards for your modern wedding. Here are a few modern options we adore:

![Bow Bridge](//images.contentful.com/77l22z9el0aa/6uhBfc3SO3reJMZy6rdEvo/e5d73765d9df9a8f0c84b2184c9feabf/2e470b2a-1361-4536-8f51-389be0125fea.jpeg) 
*Photo Credit* // Zola - [Bow Bridge Place Cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/789eaffb-f145-4297-a74a-8ac1dbf84cbb)

![Powell](//images.contentful.com/77l22z9el0aa/5U8IhRIvTdsh2BKQKfClH9/ccd2bdf708ae7111baecf24068e7e7c5/a8b4aebc-8e13-4209-bfe9-f6a6830d1062.jpeg)
*Photo Credit* // Zola - [Powell Place Cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/51961910-51b3-4668-a911-e02aaaaa588d)

### Formal-Themed Place Cards
A formal wedding provides the chance to lean into the drama, so don’t be afraid of fancy calligraphy, jewel tones, sparkles, and glamour when choosing your formal or vintage-themed cards. 

![Griffin](//images.contentful.com/77l22z9el0aa/5nNh2Ma3vX4a84YRXMNcb7/e9d0bfd3f620b242333250231d8995a7/35091983-f063-40ef-ad33-9290adb7d2a8.jpeg)
*Photo Credit* // Zola - [Griffin Place Cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/7dc9d594-b038-4a5a-b635-2d7e76caa7b8)

![Weyers](//images.contentful.com/77l22z9el0aa/1N0Aodzfn8pkqIw5FIOzIm/e364468bd26472abcd462d2249f9fbc3/7732ba6b-edae-4665-a8e4-9c6184c84095.jpeg)
*Photo Credit* // Zola - [Weyers Place Cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/de8d1153-af8e-4e21-b081-4618343b8465)

### Place Cards for Outdoor Venues
Feel free to lean into the vibe of your outdoor venue for your place cards, but just make sure that they are sturdy enough so that they don’t blow away! It’s a good idea to consider using something other than paper for outdoor wedding place cards.

![Terian](//images.contentful.com/77l22z9el0aa/2eTElqyubAT2VqtLLR8QWk/9a7f73c8209794522bdf1496d2344042/29e7efbe-db8f-405f-bca5-b79c7215d884.jpeg)
*Photo Credit* // Zola - [Terian Place Cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/c6f8a73e-f6a1-4c93-8e35-14500fbe11c9)

![Camden](//images.contentful.com/77l22z9el0aa/2pZdjHYXBO89J9aRN8nkHy/25f4942becd28a0b5807ec52c1f4f1eb/7d594ff0-706f-46a3-a6e5-f69462dc4c56.jpeg)
*Photo Credit* // Zola - [Camden Place Cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/c0c6f994-5dac-46b7-81d5-0b180129f245)

## More About Making Wedding Place Cards

### What’s the Difference Between Wedding Place Cards, Escort Cards, and a Seating Chart?
You might not have realized that there’s a difference between wedding place cards, escort cards, and a seating chart, but knowing how they differ is essential to know what tool(s) are best for your celebration. 

Wedding place cards are placed on the table in front of each place setting so that guests know which seat is theirs. [Escort cards](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-escort-cards), however, help guests know which table to go to when entering the reception venue. Wedding place cards simply feature the guest’s name (and sometimes food options) and they are already placed at the tables; whereas escort cards usually include the table number and are arranged on a table or display at the entrance of the reception. 

[A seating chart](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-create-a-wedding-seating-chart), as the name suggests, is a chart that outlines where everyone at your wedding will sit and be served dinner. This is a very important planning tool as it will determine the number of tables and chairs you need, as well as help the caterer serve meals and help you pair (or separate) different groups of people. A seating chart is like the overall seating map, while the place card is like a marker for a person. The escort card is a reflection of the seating chart, but is person-specific as opposed to an overview of the entire reception floor. 

### Do I Need a Wedding Seating Chart?
Most venues and celebrations use seating charts to stay organized. Unless you have a very small and casual event, [a seating chart](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-create-a-wedding-seating-chart) will both save you money and relax your guests. Additionally, some venues and caterers require a seating chart, so check with your pros before omitting the project. If you do plan to omit the chart, make sure that you have extra seating available and a plan in place so that all of your guests get served. 

### When to Order Your Place Cards
While you’ll want to ensure that you have plenty of time to receive your place card order, plus some wiggle room in case you need to reorder any, this isn’t a task that you can accomplish way in advance. However, it’s a good idea to order the cards as soon as your RSVPs and seating chart are confirmed, so that you have time to adjust, if needed. Typically, this happens about a month or two before the wedding, but you’ll want to hire your calligrapher, if you’re using one, at least four to six months before your big day, since they’ll need time to create all of the place cards and you’ll want to pad in some time to give any feedback or view corrections. 

### Where to Order Your Place Cards
Luckily, depending on your preferred style and budget, there are so many options when it comes to ordering place cards, and [Zola is here to help](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/shop) no matter your vision or budget. Zola’s place card settings are not only of the highest quality and come with fast shipping, but they’re also easy to match and incorporate with the rest of Zola’s paper goods. As part of the “Day Of” suite, Zola’s place settings can be ordered to match your menus, invitations, thank you notes, and additional paper details. 

With five different paper options—including smooth, eggshell, linen, pearlescent, and felt—as well as a huge variety of fonts and styles, there’s something for everyone. Additionally, with Zola’s one-time export, you can easily check everyone off of your guest list for printing place cards without stressing about missing anyone or spelling a name incorrectly. 

### Can I DIY My Wedding Place Cards?
While you can absolutely DIY your place cards, writing them by hand is not only tricky—even if you have artistic talent—but time-consuming too. If you’re considering making your own, do a few trials to see how much time and resources they take before committing to creating them all yourself. There are lots of resources out there that can teach you how to create stunning lettering, as well as offer lessons that you can take either online or in person. 

### What to Do After Receiving Your Place Cards
After placing and receiving—or finishing your DIYing—your place cards, keeping them clean and safe until it’s wedding time is vital. Store your wedding place cards in a cool, dry place where there’s no risk of them getting spilled on or messed up. Additionally, you’ll want to have a plan for how the place cards will get to the venue for the wedding, who will place them on the tables, and when they’ll be placed on the tables to avoid any confusion or in-the-moment scrambling. Chat with your planner or coordinator to make sure that you have a plan for not only creating the place cards but utilizing them too. 

### Where Should I Put My Wedding Place Cards and Wedding Escort Cards?
[Wedding place cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/shop) go at the place setting where you’d like each guest to sit. Sometimes the cards are placed in holders and sometimes they’re placed on the actual setting. Either way, make sure that it’s clear which card goes to which seat to cut down on confusion. 

If you’re assigned your guests’ specific seats at specific tables (or just specific tables where they can choose their own seats) escort cards are a must. These help get your guests from the entrance of the reception area to their seats. Place the escort cards in alphabetic order in an obvious place at the entrance of the reception area, such as a table in front of the reception hall. You’ll also want to ensure that your table numbers (which are usually on the center of each table) are visible so that your friends and family can easily find the table(s) they’re looking for. 

Finally, if you decide to just have place cards (which are already placed at each setting) instead of escort cards, make sure to have a large diagram of some sort so that your guests can figure out which table to go toward. This can either be done by listing each table number and the names of the guests assigned to that table below, or by listing all the guests’ names in alphabetical order with each person’s table number written next to their names. 

## Zola: The One-Stop-Shop for All Your Wedding Place Card Needs
Whether you opt for simple place cards or options that double as decor, finding cohesive and cost-effective options for your paper goods is a game-changer, and that’s where Zola comes in. Not only can you simply select your favorite [place cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/shop) from our site, but you can also coordinate all your other paper goods so that everything complements each other seamlessly. Plus, you can get everything printed at once to cut down on coordinating with multiple vendors and potential errors in spelling or consistency. 

From creating the design to printing your place cards, let Zola do the work so that you can spend less time stressing and more time celebrating.

A metal calligrapher's pen resting next to a wedding invitation envelope addressed using ink calligraphy

How to Address Wedding Invitations: Etiquette & Examples 

How to Write Place Cards for Your Wedding

What to Write on Wedding Place Cards

### What's New: Table Numbers at Zola!

Shop Zola's latest addition to your full suite of day-of wedding paper— [Table Numbers!](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/table-numbers/shop) Mix and match your favorite designs with your [place cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/shop), [menus](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/menus/shop), and [programs](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/programs/shop), and customize eveything from paper types, colors, fonts, shape, and style to create the ultimate personalized guest experience at your wedding reception.

Whether it's [rustic](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/table-numbers/shop/rustic), [modern](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/table-numbers/shop/modern), or [vintage](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/table-numbers/shop/vintage_retro), you can add a personal, diy touch to your wedding table, centerpieces, and table setting settings with unique wedding table numbers that stand out. Plus, Zola makes it easy to manage all your [Day-of Paper](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/day-of), integrating details from your Guest List, RSPVs and Seating Chart seemlessly into your wedding planning process. [Shop Zola's new table numbers today!](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/table-numbers/shop)

---

No wedding planning is complete without figuring out the seating, and the best way to stick to the seating arrangement is with [wedding place cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/shop). Wedding place cards, while physically pretty small, are an incredibly important part of a wedding reception. Not only do place cards serve as sentimental decor and sometimes even double as favors, but they act as crowd control and a home base for your guests during the after-ceremony festivities. 

If you’re wondering how to make [wedding place cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/shop), what your place cards need to include, and the best way to go about selecting your wedding place cards, you’re in the right place! We’re breaking down every single thing you need to know about place cards so that you—and your guests—can celebrate stress-free on the special day. 

__Table of Contents:__

<a href="#1">Part 1: Wedding Place Card Etiquette</a> 
<a href="#2">Part 2: How to Create Your Wedding Place Cards</a> 
<a href="#3"> Part 3: Making Your Wedding Seating Chart </a> 
<a href="#4">Part 4: Wedding Place Card Ideas </a> 

### Is There Really Wedding Place Card Etiquette? 
When you think of wedding etiquette, you probably know not to wear a white dress to the event, and that it’s customary to bring a gift, but you might not have considered place card etiquette too. From how to address names on your cards, to where to place them, to whether or not you should even have them, here’s all the wedding place card etiquette you could ever need to know. 

## Part 1: Wedding Place Card Etiquette: Everything You Need to Know<a id="1"> </a> 
Need a refresher or you’re here to learn the basics of wedding place cards? Below, we’re outlining all the wedding place card details possible so that you can make the best—and most beautiful—seating choices for your special day. 

### What Is a Wedding Place Card?
A [wedding place card](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/shop) is essentially a name tag for a seat. Traditionally, it’s a piece of stationery that goes on reception tables to let guests know where they're sitting. Typically, there's one place card at every reception seat with a guest's name. This card serves as a way to direct guests to their seats and let them know where they can drop their purses and coats, and where to expect dinner to be served. 

### What’s the Purpose of a Wedding Place Card?
Essentially place cards serve as a way to tell guests where to sit. This helps ensure that you have the right number of seats (and you don’t pay for extra chairs or, worse, don’t have enough seats and force some of your guests to stand), plus it gives your attendees a place to sit back and relax. Place cards can also help facilitate traffic for buffets and separate any family or friends that need to keep their distance from each other. 

### Do I Need Wedding Place Cards?
No matter how formal or casual your wedding celebration is, wedding place cards are always a good idea. They help you plan, they help your guests feel at ease knowing where to sit and whom to sit by, and they can even help your vendors when it comes to delivering food/beverages and directing traffic. In general, wedding place cards might be small, but they serve a big purpose that can help your celebration run much more smoothly. 

Allowing guests to seat themselves can be tricky since people naturally spread out. This might mean more open seats or lost meals, which can not only add up the cost and but create frustration as well. 

## Part 2: How to Create Your Wedding Place Cards<a id="2"> </a> 

Now that you know all about wedding place cards, it’s time to learn how to create them! Here, we’re breaking down everything to consider when choosing and designing your cards. 

### Consider Your Venue
The more formal the venue, the more formal you’ll typically want your cards to be—think rich stock paper, fancy script, and elegant cardholders. Regardless, you’ll want to make sure that the cards are not only well-placed so that the guests can find them, but that they are easy to read and are sturdy, so they don’t blow away from a gust of wind or AC. 

### Consider Your Theme
We love when guests lean into their theme for their place cards since these can double as part of your tablescape decor. Think of including designs with gold or glitter for flashy events, pressed flowers for garden celebrations, or even the pages of old books for literature lovers. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

### Choose Your Material
While [wedding place cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/shop) are traditionally done on paper or cardstock, there are many options out there to consider. Items such as shells, tiles, rocks, potted plants, candles, and even mirrors can all serve as place cards, so have fun with it! As long as your guests’ names can be attached to the item, it’s safe, and it’s easy to read, it’s fair game!

### Consider Your Colors
Place cards are a great chance to add a pop of your wedding colors, so experiment with different color backgrounds, fonts, and embellishments. Your vendors might prefer that you opt for different colored ink or borders for different food options to make catering serve the meals seamlessly. 

### Select Your Font
In general, fonts with serifs are more formal than those without, as are cursive letters. Whatever font you choose, make sure that it’s legible enough so that your guests can read their names, even in low lighting. 

### When to Order Your Place Cards
While you’ll want to make sure that you have plenty of time to get your place cards, you don’t want to order them too soon and risk ordering too many or having to make changes. It’s a good idea to order the cards as soon as your RSVPs arrive and your seating chart is confirmed, so that you have time to adjust, if needed. Typically, this happens about a month or two before the wedding, but you’ll want to hire your calligrapher, if you’re using one, at least four to six months before your big day. 

### Where to Order Your Place Cards
There are so many options when it comes to ordering place cards, depending on your preferred style and budget. From DIY options that you can print yourself to Etsy sellers and even [Zola](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/shop), your options are endless, so take your time perusing and comparing so that you find an option you love. 

If you do choose Zola, you’re in luck because [our paper suite](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop) can be matched across the board, so that your place cards can match your menus, your signage, your invitations, and beyond. Additionally, with our one-time export option from your Zola guest list, all personalization paper goods can be completed efficiently and in one fell swoop to save you time and stress. 

Finally, with five different paper types including smooth, eggshell, linen, pearlescent, and felt—all of which come either printed or unprinted—there’s something for every style, setting, and budget so that you can check off your paper goods easily and expertly. 

### Can I DIY My Wedding Place Cards?
While you can absolutely DIY your place cards, writing them by hand is not only tricky—even if you have artistic talent—but time-consuming too. Do a few trials if you’re considering making your own to see how much time and resources they take before committing to creating them all yourself. 

### What to Do After Receiving Your Place Cards
After receiving your place card order or finishing creating them all, store them in a cool, dry place where there’s no risk of them getting spilled on or messed up. Have a plan for how the place cards will get to the venue for the wedding, who will place them on the tables, and when they’ll be placed on the tables to avoid any confusion or in-the-moment scrambling.

## Part 3: Your Wedding Seating Chart: The Complement to Your Wedding Place Cards<a id="3"> </a> 
Before you can make wedding place cards or escort cards, you need to create a seating chart. Below, we’re outlining all the seating chart basics that’ll help you get ready to make your wedding place cards. 

### What Is a Wedding Seating Chart?
[A seating chart](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-create-a-wedding-seating-chart), as the name suggests, is a chart that outlines where everyone at your wedding will sit. This is a very important planning tool, as it will determine the number of tables and chairs that you need, plus help the caterer serve meals and help you pair (or separate) different groups of people. 

### What’s the Difference Between a Wedding Seating Chart, a Place Card, and an Escort Card?
A seating chart is like the overall seating map, while the place card is like a marker for a person. The escort card reflects the seating chart but is person-specific, as opposed to an overview of the entire reception floor. 

### Do I Need a Wedding Seating Chart?
Most venues and celebrations run much more smoothly with seating charts. Unless you have a very small and casual event, a seating chart will save you money and relax your guests. Additionally, some venues and caterers require a seating chart, so check with your pros before omitting the project. 

### How Do I Make a Wedding Seating Chart?
There are many great resources to help you [make a seating chart](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-create-a-wedding-seating-chart), from websites to apps to printables. Additionally, if you have a planner or coordinator, they’re pros at figuring out where to place people to ensure that the celebration runs smoothly and that your guests feel cared for. 

### How Should I Display My Wedding Seating Chart?
Some couples choose to display their seating chart by turning it into a giant map, while others would rather list guests’ names with their table numbers next to them. If you choose not to showcase your seating chart, make sure that your table numbers are easy to see so that your guests don’t have to do extensive searching to find where they’re supposed to sit. 

## Part 4: Wedding Place Card Ideas<a id="4"> </a> 
Now that you know what place cards are and how to make them, you’re probably looking for a little bit of inspiration. Luckily, Zola has options for every wedding preference, whether formal and fabulous, or casual and chic. Check out some of our favorite options below:

### Modern-Themed Place Cards
Think clean lines, marble backing, and clean fonts when selecting place cards for your modern wedding. 

![Cabo](//images.contentful.com/77l22z9el0aa/7ByLn4FgchViLVeqBYILnm/7147ee9cbc653983a1767a5987eabaab/9910e8a0-9925-4a8c-9ac5-d2342a4dcff5.jpeg)*Photo Credit* // Zola - [Cabo Place Cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/42cee477-6079-4857-8efd-7df334608c9d)

![Violin](//images.contentful.com/77l22z9el0aa/72rIVnXvai3s0U6iZfcZn2/653a3859a52cdd208d83048e56df84c7/1a3a84f1-6db1-4089-b5d9-5dd127456a2c.jpeg)*Photo Credit* // Zola - [Violin Place Cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/b2ef622c-0671-469f-9099-60ed82a18241)

### Formal-Themed Place Cards
A formal wedding is a fun chance to really lean into the drama, so don’t be afraid of fancy calligraphy, jewel tones, and glamour when choosing your formal-themed cards.

![Ames Place Cards](//images.contentful.com/77l22z9el0aa/28coMKNY1HSdT6owt72jnp/5c0d4a2e886134692187598ec48d453b/4d024b76-f241-4c5b-8c90-f469904cff6e.jpeg)*Photo Credit* // Zola - [Ames Place Cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/0bf92490-5ad9-45de-83cb-65609bfcb1a9)

![Dubuque](//images.contentful.com/77l22z9el0aa/3onGwRjyapyXmUbjSR3tFk/ae0d50f7a92aa9bbf9872396ded3226d/62e9ebcc-3791-4a23-9673-705b53af6563.jpeg)*Photo Credit* // Zola - [Dubuque Place Cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/c3d5e881-030d-4e87-8075-b0f4599a7056)

### Place Cards for Outdoor Venues
Feel free to lean into the vibe of your outdoor venue for your place cards, but just make sure that they are sturdy enough, so that they don’t blow away. 

![Waterfront](//images.contentful.com/77l22z9el0aa/4Uitq71bDiQvjUJVsNJZco/8874a0dca0688948c22fc1bb160f6f82/aa32613f-24da-4bef-b04c-96f5cb9ff921.jpeg)*Photo Credit* // Zola - [Waterfront Place Cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/12a4aa2e-56c7-47cc-8063-05925669adae)

![Sparrow](//images.contentful.com/77l22z9el0aa/6q7DCW77rsFiYMSHIm0oer/ef593924ca84c8e057a829c97784726b/9d105f70-653a-4c61-be5e-2e22db161538.jpeg)*Photo Credit* // Zola - [Sparrow Place Cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/1d302087-1c29-471f-a8b4-d603a193020e)

### Place Cards for Destination Venues
We love when couples really showcase their destination wedding theme with fun, environmental touches. 

![Tamarine](//images.contentful.com/77l22z9el0aa/4ABs2GMUQ0E4hrdMT5Q5qE/ba960fa8d932e6799098a7582a2ef471/1bb803e0-3b94-4749-bc0d-bc010c839d64.jpeg)*Photo Credit* // Zola - [Tamarine Place Cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/125ffe61-7741-4c2e-a6fa-fee8652bad63)

![Deepcreek](//images.contentful.com/77l22z9el0aa/42DbyerXEQLYyF0MMTGUnR/f17f753ac0af5e07c057d242f9c3c288/82f7254c-1736-449a-a144-173a3156d18e.jpeg)*Photo Credit* // Zola - [Deepcreek Place Cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/8b8b7a3e-8f98-4717-a75a-4b9c768d3232)

You could also consider writing your guests’ names on sand dollars, starfish, or even large tropical leaves for a fun decor option that’s both appealing to the eye and sturdy enough to withstand the weather. 

## More About Wedding Place Cards

### I Don’t Want to Use Place Cards. Is That Okay?
As with everything wedding-related, it’s your day to make your own! While place cards are recommended to make your guests comfortable, help you plan, and manage the crowd, there’s no rule that that says you have to have them. If you’re having a tiny very small celebration (such as a casual backyard event), you might not need to assign seating, in which case, place cards aren’t entirely necessary.

### What’s the Difference Between Wedding Place Cards and Escort Cards?
Essentially, [escort cards](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-escort-cards) assign your guests to a table, while place cards get them to their actual, specific seat. Wedding place cards are placed on the table in front of each place setting so guests know which seat is theirs. Escort hards, however, help guests know which table to go to when entering the reception venue. Wedding place cards simply feature the guest’s name and sometimes food option, whereas escort cards usually include the table number and serve as a well to help your guests find their assigned table. 

### Where Should I Put My Wedding Place Cards?
Wedding place cards go at the place setting where you’d like each guest to sit. Sometimes the cards are placed in holders just above the place setting, and sometimes they’re placed on the actual setting. Either way, to cut down on confusion, make sure that it’s clear which card goes to which seat. 

### Where Should I Put My Wedding Escort Cards?
If you’ve assigned your guests’ specific seats at specific tables (or just specific tables where they can choose their own seats), [escort cards](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-escort-cards) are a must. This helps get your guests from the entrance of the reception area to their seats. Place the escort cards in an obvious place at the entrance of the reception area. It helps to have the escort cards listed in alphabetical order to make it easier for your guests to find. You’ll also want to ensure that your table numbers are visible so that your friends and family can easily find the table(s) they’re looking for. 

Finally, if you decide to just have place cards (which are already placed at each setting) instead of escort cards, make sure to have a large diagram of some sort so that your guests can figure out which table to go toward. These can either be done by listing each table number and the names of the guests assigned to that table below, or by listing all the guests’ names in alphabetical order with each person’s table number written next to their names. 

## Zola: The One-Stop-Shop for All Your Wedding Place Card Needs

Whether you opt for an elaborate seating cheat, elegant escort cards, simple [wedding place cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/place-cards/shop), or a mixture of all three, finding a cohesive, cost-effective, and stress-free solution for your paper goods is where Zola comes in. Not only can you simply select your favorite place cards from our site, but you can also coordinate all your other paper goods so that everything complements each other. You can also order favor tags, thank you notes, and table numbers that appear cohesive with your place cards for one seamless aesthetic. 

Let Zola do the work, from creating the design to printing the products to shipping them to your door so that you can do what’s really important: celebrate this next exciting milestone of your life surrounded by the people you love! That’s what we’re here for, after all!

How to Make Place Cards for Your Wedding

From save the dates to wedding shower invitations to the famous wedding invitation, there is so much wedding paper to think about. When do you order invities and paper? When do you send them? What do they say? Does it all have to match? We've got the answers to all your invitations and paper questions here.

There’s nothing quite like getting wedding invitations or save the dates in the mail. We all love the anticipation as we open them, read the event details, and feel all the feels as we mark our calendars.

But when you’re actually the one planning the wedding, there’s a whole other side to wedding invitations that you’ve likely never thought of. *Until now. *

Suddenly your mind is racing. How many wedding invitations will you need? Do you need backup wedding invitations? How much is postage, anyway? How much of your [wedding budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget) is allocated for wedding invitations and wedding stationery? When do you have to order them? 

From solidifying your most important details to figuring out what to put in your invitation suite, plus who to invite and how to invite them, here’s our complete guide to wedding invitations and paper. 

## 5 Details you need to know before ordering your wedding invitations<a id="details"> </a>

Not sure where to begin? We get that. Start by thinking through these 5 details.

### 1. Your wedding date

This one might be obvious, but it might just be the most important piece of information on your wedding invitations, aside from who you’re marrying. Make sure your wedding date is officially locked in before you design and order your save the dates or wedding invitations. If there’s any question about the date, or if you’re only penciled in at the [venue](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues), hold off on making any moves until you know for certain. Trust us. 

### 2. Location and start times of ceremony and reception

Once the date is settled, the other important info follows. The location and start times of both your ceremony and reception (especially if they’re at different locations) should be set in stone before you place your wedding invitation order. 

If you’re in between times or not sure if you’ll have the ceremony on-site, you aren’t ready to order wedding invitations. However, as long as you have your date and wedding venue secured, you can order your [save the date cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop).

__Expert Advice__: You might also want to build your [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) before sending save the dates or wedding invitations. Zola offers free wedding websites and the option to add a [QR code to your invitations](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-include-your-wedding-website-on-your-invitation) that will take guests directly to your website when scanned!

### 3. How to word personal information

Ah, this one can be tricky and can feel a bit intimidating. When it comes to the [wording](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-word-wedding-invitations) of your name, your partner’s name, and your parent’s name(s) on the invites, there are two approaches.

To stick with tradition, the formal structure for wedding invitation wording is: 

__If one set of parents is hosting:__

The parents’ names can appear first on the invitation.

*Example: Mr. & Mrs. Edward Jones request the pleasure of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Katie Jones to Mr. John Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Smith.*

__If both sets of parents are hosting:__

You can include their names together.

*Example: Mr. and Mrs. Edward Jones and Mr. and Mrs. Michael Smith request the pleasure of your presence at the marriage of their children, Katie Marie and John Peter.*

__If the couple is hosting it themselves:__

When you’re paying for your own wedding, you can signify that by omitting any mention of your parents or families and keeping it simple.

*Example: Katie Marie Jones and John Peter Smith request the pleasure of your presence at their wedding.*

Of course, if neither parents are hosting but you still want to include their names, you can absolutely do that, too. 

### 4. Total number of invitations you want to order

The number of invitations you’ll need to order will depend on the size of your guest list. So, you’ll want to have a good idea of [how many people you’re inviting to your wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-many-people-to-invite-to-a-wedding) before ordering save the dates or wedding invitations. But remember, you only need to send one invitation per couple or family that shares an address.

__Expert Advice__: The number of invitations you order should not, we repeat, should not, be the exact number you need. Always order at least 5-7 extra to account for any mishaps, errors, and late invitees. Plus, your [photographer](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers) may want a clean copy for pictures, and you’ll also probably want to save a set for yourself as a cherished keepsake. 

### 5. Your budget

In general, you can expect to spend between 2% and 5% of your entire wedding budget on wedding invitations and stationery, keeping in mind that this includes save-the-dates, invitations, postage, shower, party and brunch invitations, and RSVP cards. You’ll want to be mindful of your wedding budget in every wedding-related purchase, and [track your expenses as you spend](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget). 

## Save the dates <a id="save"> </a>

![51b7e6f6-b004-4729-b12d-60843764db93](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6jlCPxHPB39d9GBZA2jMr8/23b9cd3d67e9d7de222a976e85a68803/Screenshot_2023-12-26_171433.png)

Wedding save the dates serve two purposes. Of course, they’re a way of letting your guests know that they’re invited to your upcoming wedding and to mark the date in their calendars. But they’re also your way of giving a sneak peek into your wedding day. You only need to include the basics — your names, your wedding date, and a general idea of the location. No need to be too specific or go into too much [detail on a save the date card](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-save-the-dates).

Many couples like their save the dates to match their invitation suite, which requires some advance planning. Others opt to use an engagement photo or even an assortment of photos to share the news. There aren’t nearly as many “rules” or components to consider with save the dates as there are wedding invitations, so try to have fun with it!

### When should you order save the dates?

Ideally you want your save the dates to be received about 8 months before a destination wedding and 6 months before a local wedding, so ordering them about 2-3 weeks in advance is a safe bet. 

Check out [When to Send Save the Dates](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/when-to-send-save-the-dates) for a full explanation of when to order and send your date announcements.

## Wedding invitations <a id="invitations"> </a>

Unlike [wedding shower](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/bridal-shower/shop) or engagement party invitations, wedding invitations are a bit more complex. Your wedding invitation includes all the information your guests need to know about the wedding—who, what, when and where. 

Sometimes, but not always, people will match their wedding invitations to their save the dates and the rest of their wedding paper. At Zola, we offer fully customizable [wedding invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop) with hundreds of beautifully crafted templates and designs to get you started. 

### How to choose wedding invitations?

![New-Shapes-Marketing MAIN 0777](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6p4uncDsnqaPQQkIaA67yc/93ef3fe97338d007caca8e65749e2405/New-Shapes-Marketing_MAIN_0777.jpg)

We always suggest that wedding invite designs reflect who you are as a couple, your love, or have hints from your big day woven in, like color themes or detailing. But there are truly no rules. In fact, you can get as custom as you like at Zola with our “[upload your own design](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/afe11498-7506-4d03-b30f-d7a024c91afa)” option that lets you DIY your wedding invitation design.

Upload your desired image or design file, and customize the size, foil, shape, paper type, and other details. 

### How to address your wedding invitations?

Once you’ve finalized your guest list and have tracked down each address (try using our free [Contact Collector](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/guests) tool to make that part easier!), it’s time to formally address your invitations. But with so many different prefixes, suffixes, pairings and unique guest situations, you might be wondering, what’s the right way to address your wedding invitations? 

There are a lot of specifics when it comes to addressing your wedding invitations, but a few general rules include:
- Full names instead of nicknames 

- Formal titles — avoid abbreviations

- Address couples of the same sex as you would based on their preferred pronouns

- If including children, address them by name

- If inviting a single guest, make sure that is clear

- Double check spelling

- Triple check that the addresses are correct

What about families? Children? Those with special titles? See our article on [How to Address Wedding Invitations: Etiquette & Examples](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-address-wedding-invitations) for more on the nitty gritty grammar and style recommendations. 

And to lighten your never-ending wedding planning to-do list even more, our [Guest List Tool](https://www.zola.com/faq/360009615491-how-do-i-use-zola-to-address-my-invitations-) makes addressing invites super easy by displaying all your guest data in one convenient place (it can also seamlessly upload contact data from Excel). Best of all? It’s free.

### When should you order wedding invitations?

In short? Earlier than you think. Here’s why.

Planning backwards can come in handy when it’s time to order wedding invitations. Start with your wedding date and count backwards 6-8 weeks (assuming you’ve already sent a save the date). That’s when your invitations should arrive in your guests’ mailboxes. 

At Zola, the typical turnaround time to design and print wedding invites and paper is 1-3 business days. Shipping can take 5-10 business days, so you can reliably allow about 14 business days for your items to arrive after you place your order. But no worries, Zola will always give you an [estimated arrival time ](https://www.zola.com/faq/360035252031-how-long-does-it-take-for-paper-products-to-ship-invitations-save-the-dates-thank-you-cards-etc-)when you add your order to your cart. 

Then, give yourself as much time as you need to [assemble the invitations](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-stuff-wedding-invitations-a-complete-guide-to-creating-the-perfect), add postage, and get them out. Keep in mind that mail can take up to a full week to arrive in guests' mailboxes depending on where they live. Still with us? 

Here’s a helpful example: If you’re getting married on January 1st, you should order your invitations about 11 weeks before, in early/mid October. 

__Expert Advice__: Make sure you add a firm RSVP date to the invitation, and carefully track responses (or leave that to us! You can [create events and track RSVPs online via your free Zola wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-write-your-wedding-website)).

## Wedding event and party invitations <a id="event"> </a>

While the wedding is, of course, the main event, there are also so many fun milestone events leading up to it that make the journey that much better.

Each event you’re planning — from your [engagement party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/engagement-party-ideas) to the farewell brunch after your wedding — should have its own unique invitation to keep things clear and organized. 

Sometimes, the bridal party or families will take care of the invitations for the bachelor or bachelorette party and the [bridal showers](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/cute-bridal-shower-brunch-invitations) (or [Jack and Jill party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/coed-wedding-shower)). But for any wedding-related event you’re in charge of planning, you can find matching or complementary styles to keep all your wedding stationary cohesive ([or mix and match!](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/does-wedding-stationery-have-to-match)). 

## Day-of paper <a id="day"> </a>

When you’re planning for all your wedding paper and stationery needs, don’t forget to think of the big day itself! Items like menus, ceremony programs, welcome notes, table numbers, place cards — pretty much anything you want to convey to your guests as they enjoy your reception — will need a variety of [day-of wedding stationary](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/day-of) or signage. 

__Expert advice:__ Double check with your venue to see if they have day-of paper offerings included in your package. But if you want them to match your existing designs, you can always choose to use your own!

## Thank you notes <a id="thankyou"> </a>

We highly recommend ordering your [wedding thank you notes](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/thank-you-cards/shop) ahead of time, unless you plan on using a photo from the wedding day.

Once you’ve said “I do,” the last thing you want to do is have another thing to cross off your list. Ordering your thank you notes along with your wedding invitations fixes two potential problems. First, they’ll match, and second, they’ll be at home and waiting for when you’re feeling super grateful and ready to share your gratitude. 

Here, you can find out more about [how to write your wedding thank you cards](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-write-wedding-thank-you-cards). 

## Wedding invitation suite <a id="suite"> </a>

![paper-invitation-staton-portrait color-712334 pdp full suite 1800px](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1ug9vmawaBHlzhdo5nTFHe/c4ca53cb16609edf1d2925b16a07480c/paper-invitation-staton-portrait_color-712334_pdp_full_suite_1800px.jpg)

What’s included in a wedding invitation suite? Here are the essential components of a complete [wedding invitation suite](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/suites/shop), including some optional “nice to haves” you might want to include. Often, couples will buy their thank you cards at the same time, so those are part of the coordinated suite, too. 

- The wedding invitation itself (the main event! typically the largest inclusion)
- The RSVP Card (with a pre-addressed, stamped return envelope)
- Accommodation cards (gives information for where guest can stay overnight and how to make the reservations) 
- Itinerary card (if you have a jam-packed wedding weekend with different events, you can outline them here)
- Attire Cards (includes guidance for guest’s attire) 
- Reception Cards (gives all the details needed for the reception)
- Map / Directions card (you can include a handy map or written out directions for your guests that are driving.) 
- Meal selection card (if your venue has suggested you give an estimated total for dinner selection)
- Song request card (a fun way to ask your guests to select a song they’d love to hear at your wedding)
- Belly bands (optional decorative accessory to keep all stationary neatly together)
- Inner and outer envelopes (the main envelope addressed to the guest and a pre-addressed stamped envelope for the return rsvp)

Note that you can combine many of the items above in a details or enclosure card vs several separate components of the suite. See our guide on [wedding details cards](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-to-include-on-a-wedding-details-card) for more info.

The world of wedding invitations is vast, and it can feel a bit overwhelming if you go it alone. With so much room for both creativity and personalization, the process of selecting, designing, and (finally!) sending out your wedding invitations should be more fun than it is stressful. That’s why Zola is with you every step of the way. 

Want to stay organized and on-track throughout the whole wedding planning process? Introducing: [The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist & Timeline](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist).

## FAQs about wedding invites <a id="faq"> </a>

### When to send wedding invitations?

For local-ish weddings, sending your invitations 6-8 weeks in advance is pretty standard. For destination weddings, give your guests ample time to prepare and make arrangements — send a save the date about a year in advance, followed by a wedding invitation that arrives at least four months before the big day.

See our article: [When to Send Out Wedding Invitations](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/when-should-you-send-out-your-wedding-invitations).

### When to send save the dates?

Send save the dates 4-6 months before a local wedding, and 8-12 months before a destination wedding. This will give your guests plenty of time to make arrangements, but not so much time that they forget about your big day. 

See our article: [When to Send Save the Dates](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/when-to-send-save-the-dates).

### Should I have a “B” list for my wedding invitations? 

If you’ve signed an event contract for your wedding that includes a minimum headcount, you’ll pay for that number whether you reach it or not. Many couples create a “B” list, or alternative guest list of people to invite to replace any guests that RSVP “no.” 

Some etiquette experts advise against this, as it can be difficult to manage and sometimes can appear obvious to the guests you’re inviting later that they weren’t a first choice. Others say it’s fine if it’s done properly.

But to avoid needing a “B” list in the first place, make sure you invite the right amount of people. While, of course, you can’t control who can come and who can’t, the general rule is to expect 15-20% of people to RSVP “no,” and allow leeway for that number (it might be higher if you’re getting married on a holiday weekend, for example).

### How much do wedding invitations cost?

The [cost of wedding invitations](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-much-do-wedding-invitations-cost?pkey=pmax_mobile_paper&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PMax%20-%20Paper&orderkey=pmax_mobile_paper&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAACea2FTxLvLLgyaACaPLGqV9yF6Yy&gclid=CjwKCAiAmZGrBhAnEiwAo9qHiSaNycFPE1mrKdvFJ96gja9-iuDQmkkfgXXUOQxwTra4XwF75EY_WhoCsxAQAvD_BwE) can vary greatly depending on the quantity, quality and level of personalization you’re looking for. 

In general, wedding industry reports suggest that an average of 100 wedding invitations costs between $300 and $700 — or [an average of $5.50 per guest](https://blog.gitnux.com/wedding-cost-statistics/). But of course, this is a highly unique number dependent on the couple's specific needs and wants. 

### Can I order sample paper products?

Finding your perfect wedding invitation suite or stationery for your big day can be overwhelming. It’s so important that you love what you pick out. That’s why Zola offers up to five [free customizable samples](https://www.zola.com/faq/360052512531-do-you-offer-samples-of-your-paper-products-), including shipping. Just head to the Invites & Paper page on our website and “*select your designs*” on the left-hand side of the screen. Or choose the “*Pick Free Sample Designs*” toggle button on the right.

Floral wedding invitation suite laid out on a green table

The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Invitations and Paper

Save the dates are how you let your guests know the initial details of your wedding, like the date and venue location. Whether you're wondering when to send saves the dates, what to include on them, or which design to choose, find everything you need to know about wedding save the dates.

[Save the dates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop) serve as the first piece of formal communication about your wedding logistics that you’ll share with guests. Before the invitation, a save the date simply lets wedding guests know, well, what date to save for your wedding. Here’s everything you need to know about wedding save the dates (sometimes called wedding save-the-dates), from etiquette, wording examples, to when to send save the dates, and much more.

## What Is a Save The Date? 
As the first piece of your wedding stationery or invitation suite, save the dates serve a functional purpose and add an extra touch of style and coordination to your wedding event. Sent to your guest list months ahead of actual invitations, save the dates let guests know that your wedding is happening—and they should quite literally “save the date” for the celebration. They also indicate that a [wedding invitation](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop) is coming. 

These announcements most often take the form of printed cards sent via snail mail. Some couples get creative with save the date magnets or other small mementos, though (also sent via snail mail).

## Save The Date Goals
Your wedding save the date card should serve the following purposes: 
1. Alert your guests to your wedding date, and have them record it in their calendars.
2. Let guests know that there’s a [formal wedding invitation](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop/formal) to follow.
3. Direct guests to your wedding website to learn more details about your wedding weekend.
4. Prompt your guests to think about travel arrangements, if necessary.
5. Set the general tone (including style, theme, or formality) for your event.
6. Provide a tangible memento (that can coordinate with the rest of your wedding paper) to include in your wedding album or scrapbook. 

[![Zola QR Code Promo](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5hYJyrZbdCbVYf8gL8ZRtq/1abe728cdf14a9b3e0e0ade433128c67/EA_Article__1_.jpg)](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop)

## Save the Date Etiquette: The Five Ws of Save The Dates

### WHO Gets a Save The Date?
One hundred guests on your list, 100 save the dates, right? Think again. Every household on your guest list (rather than every individual guest) should receive a save the date. 

### WHAT Should I Include on My Save The Dates?
Save the dates provide guests with the most basic information: who is getting married, when, and where. An engagement photo of you and your partner from your engagement shoot is also a great addition. You can also include a link to your wedding website if it’s set up so that invited guests can check for updates in real time. See below for more information about how to word save the dates. 

### WHEN Should I Send My Save the Dates?
<a id="send"> </a>
If you’re wondering when to send save the dates, it all depends on your specific wedding timeline. The standard rule of thumb is to send save the dates four to six months before your wedding celebration (if it’s a local wedding). If your timeline is different, don’t stress: the safest thing to do is to send them as soon as possible once you’ve booked a venue and settled on a date. If you’re hosting a destination wedding, you want to send save the dates earlier. If you have a year, send them two [months](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop) earlier than normal.

For more details, check out our [complete guide to sending your Save the Dates.
](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/when-to-send-save-the-dates)
### WHERE Should I Shop for Save The Dates?
<a id="website"> </a>
We might be a little biased, but [Zola](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop) has an incredible selection of save the dates and related wedding stationery. Designed to coordinate with our [free wedding websites](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) and matching [paper invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop), our stunning array of save the dates means there’s a design for every style and type of wedding. Customize the wording (and upload your favorite photo) to make it feel 100 percent personal to you. 

### WHY Are Save The Dates a Thing?

Since the trend gained traction in the mid-2000s, these classy head’s ups have become increasingly popular as people become busier (and more forgetful) and couples need to give their invited guests more time to block out the event on their calendars. They are especially important if your wedding day falls during a popular month to travel like close to the holidays or during the summer.

## How to Word Wedding Save The Dates
<a id="wording"> </a>
Save the date wording should be short and sweet, and communicate the basic information guests need to know: who is getting married, where the wedding is taking place, and when. Typically you can just name the city in which you’re getting married—at this stage, guests only need to know if travel is required. 

If you have a [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website), which we highly recommend you set up as soon as you’ve secured your wedding date and location, include the link so guests can read more details about your wedding online for themselves. Then save other details for the invitations you’ve promised them—and do be sure to promise them invitations to follow! 

## Save the Date Wording Ideas

If you want to know exactly how to word your wedding save the dates, here are some examples in a variety of styles, moods, and formalities. Use them as a jumping-off point when crafting your own original save the date wording. 

### Formal Wording Examples

> Meghan Markle and Prince Henry of Wales 
> are getting married in London 
> May 19, 2018 
> Formal invitation to follow 
>

> Please save the date 
> to celebrate the marriage uniting 
> George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin 
> September 27, 2014 
> Venice, Italy 
> Formal invitation to follow 

### Traditional Wording Examples

> Please save the date 
> to share in the joy of 
> Gisele Bundchen 
> and 
> Thomas Brady 
> at their marriage on February 26, 2009 
> in Santa Monica, CA 
> Invitation to follow 
>

> Please save the date 
> for the wedding of 
> Neil Patrick Harris to David Burtka 
> September 6, 2014 
> Perugia, Italy 
> Formal invitation to follow 

### Casual Wording Examples

> Save the date! 
> April 4, 2008 
> for the wedding celebration of Beyonce and Jay Z 
> New York City 
> Formal invitation to follow 
> 

> Jessica and Justin 
> are tying the knot! 
> Friday 19 October 2012 
> Fasano, Italy 
> Invitation to follow 

### Whimsical Wording Examples

> We’re spreading the news! 
> Ellen and Portia are getting hitched! 
> Please save the date: 8/16/08 
> in Beverly Hills, California 
> Invitation to follow 
> 

> Will proposed… 
> Jada said yes! 
> Join us on December 31, 1997 
> as we say, “I do!” 
> in Baltimore, Maryland 
> Invitation to follow

When to Send Out Wedding Invitations

How to Choose The Best Wedding Month 

From the wedding invitation to details cards, wedding shower invites, bach party invites, thank you cards and more it can be hard to keep track of all the invites involved in wedding planning. Our experts break each invitation down for you, like what details to include in each, when to order them, when to send them, and everything else you might need to know. Find design inspiration and unique ideas for invitations like online or DIY invites too.

With so many different ways to send out wedding invitations and RSVPs, it can be a little confusing to know what the best way to RSVP to a wedding is. In this post, we’ll walk through how to RSVP to different types of wedding invitations.

## Things to Keep in Mind for All RSVPs

There are a few things to keep in mind for all RSVPs, regardless of the format: 
1. Follow instructions from the couple so your RSVP is not lost
2. Include your full name(s)
3. Include your response (Attending or Not Attending)
4. Include the total number of guests attending
5. If entree selection is requested, place the initials of the guest next to each meal selection
6. Respond to any special prompts from the couple
7. Send RSVPs back as soon as you can

## What Does RSVP Mean? 
The acronym RSVP stands for the French phrase “répondez, s'il vous plaît" which translates literally to “respond if you please.” 

## When Should Guests RSVP to a Wedding?
<a id="respond"> </a>
Guest should respond to the invitation as quickly as possible, but at least by the RSVP deadline listed on the invite. The RSVP deadline should be two to three weeks before the wedding - enough time for the couple to get a final headcount and make arrangements as needed. Late RSVPs are not only impolite, but can lead to you not having a seat or meal at the wedding as wedding vendors require final headcount by a particular date. Whatever you do, don’t show up to the wedding without notifying the hosts that you’re planning to attend. 

## How to Fill Out a Wedding RSVP Card
<a id="forms"> </a>
A [wedding RSVP card](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop) will look different for every event, depending on the couple’s style and the formality of the celebration. However, there are a few things that are pretty standard across all RSVP cards. Here’s a breakdown of what you might typically find on a response card:

1. A place for your name(s)
2. A place to check off or write your response
3. A place to choose your meal of choice
4. A place to provide the total number of guests attending
5. A place to answer a fun question from the couple
6. A place to share a note with the couple

### How to Fill Out The Name Line(s)
Here are examples for how the name line(s) might be worded: 

 – __M__\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 
 -OR- 
 – Name(s):\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 

Here are examples for how to actually fill it out: 

 – __M__ r. David Beckham & Mrs. Victoria Beckham 
 -OR- 
 – Name(s): Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi 

__Pro Tips:__
1. Include the first and last name for each guest. 
2. Do not add the names of individuals to whom the invitation was not specifically addressed. 
3. Unless the invitation is addressed with a nickname, don’t use one on the RSVP card. 
4. Use proper titles if the name space has a capital “M” (see more on this below). 

## What Does The “M” Means on a Wedding RSVP?
On more formal wedding invitations, the name line is often preceded by a capital letter “M.” What does this mean, and more importantly, what is it for? It’s actually pretty simple. The “M” indicates that guests should fill out the line for their names with their proper title(s): Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss. 
- For example: M_ Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter & Mrs. Beyoncé Knowles-Carter

## What If There’s No RSVP Card? 
If the invitation doesn’t have a response card included, look closely at the invitation for details about how to RSVP. It’s likely that the wedding hosts have opted to take RSVPs online (a common choice with couples who use Zola, since our [Tools](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/guests) makes it easy to track responses and keep them all in one place). Alternatively, the host has included other instructions, like a phone number or email address, for how to communicate your acceptance or your regrets. 

## How to RSVP Online
How to RSVP online will vary depending on which [website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) or tool the couple has chosen for gathering responses. Your best bet is to type the URL provided on the invitation into your browser and follow the steps provided. The same rules of etiquette apply if you’re RSVPing online (with the exception of those that only relate to paper response cards), so see our quick list of RSVP rules to follow below. 

## How to RSVP By Email
When the hosts ask that you RSVP via email, it’s important to honor their request and follow directions. Specifics will vary, but here are some basic guidelines. 

- __RSVP on time.__ As with all RSVPs, do the couple the courtesy of responding by the provided deadline. 
- __Respond to the email provided.__ It can be tempting to shoot over a text or use a personal email you might already have saved for the couple, but it’s important that you address your reply to the email provided on the invitation. It’s likely that the couple created a dedicated email address for the wedding to make it easier to keep track of responses. 
- __Write a gracious note, regardless of accepting or declining.__ While a simple “yes” or “no” gets the point across, it isn’t the most polite. Take a few moments to write a personal message to the couple when you RSVP via email. Also, make sure to include your name, how many in your party will be attending or declining (if someone other than you was invited), and any other information the couple has asked you to provide (such as entree choice or song request). See sample wording just below.

## How to RSVP By Email Sample Wording

*Dear Charles & Audra,* 

*Thank you for inviting us to join your wedding celebration. Matt and I are happy to accept your invitation to the wedding day and the rehearsal.* 

*In regard to entree choices, Matt and I would both prefer fish.* 

*Looking forward to the big day!*

*Warmly,*
*Matt & Shea Simmons*

## How to Decline a Wedding Invitation
<a id="decline"> </a>
It’s okay if you are unable to attend the wedding, but it’s important to let the hosts know by declining their invitation formally. Don’t assume that not responding at all makes it clear that you won’t be present. Here’s how to properly decline a wedding invitation: 

- __RSVP with a “No.”__ If you need to decline an invitation, it’s proper etiquette to RSVP via the host’s preferred method (online, response card, etc.) with a “no” or “regrets.” It’s never okay to not respond at all. If you’re particularly close with the couple, it can also be a nice gesture to send them a handwritten note or call them in addition to expressing your regrets formally. 
- __Make sure to still send a wedding gift.__ Even if you cannot attend the wedding, it’s important to still send the couple a wedding gift from their [Registry](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry). 
- __Don’t change your mind.__ Once you have declined, it’s bad form to change your response later. The hosts are required to give final guest counts to their caterer and many other vendors before the wedding to ensure that there’s enough seating and food for everyone. Although the couple may be overjoyed that your situation has changed, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they can accommodate you. And whatever you do—never show up at a wedding after you have responded no to the invitation without speaking to the hosts first. 
- __Don’t make up excuses.__ If you have a legitimate excuse for declining the invitation, it’s fine to share with the couple why you cannot attend their celebration. However, it’s not necessary—and it’s sometimes better to decline without details if the reason behind your absence could hurt the couple’s feelings. 

## How to Decline a Wedding Invitation Sample Wording

*Dear Charles & Audra,*

*Thank you so much for inviting us to join you at your upcoming wedding. Unfortunately, we will not be able to attend as we will be out of the country on business that weekend. We are sad to miss this special event and will be celebrating with you from afar on the big day.*

*Sending our love and best wishes. Congratulations!*

*With love,* 
*Matt & Shea Simmons*

## What to Do If You Can’t Attend A Wedding After RSVPing Yes
Life happens, and there will be instances where you are unable to attend a wedding after you have said “yes” on the RSVP. Whether it be inclement weather, an illness, or an emergency, there’s a right and wrong way to inform the couple that you won’t be able to make it to the celebration:

- __Have a good reason for your cancellation.__ Only back out if the circumstances are truly serious, such as a severe illness or a family emergency. Time and money have been dedicated to preparing for your presence at the wedding, so don’t disregard your commitment lightly. 
- __Don’t bother the couple if it’s the wedding day.__ If you need to cancel on the day of the wedding, don’t reach out to the couple. Instead, touch base with the planner or the maid of honor or best man to inform them that you are unable to attend. The couple should be focused on getting married and distractions like these will only cause stress. 
- __Apologize.__ Even if the situation was outside of your control, it’s good decorum to apologize to the couple for missing their big day. As mentioned before, lots of planning was done to secure your spot—let them know that you appreciate all their prep work by issuing a sincere apology for your absence. 

## Wedding RSVP Etiquette 
- __Don’t add additional guests.__ You should never add additional guests to your RSVP. Only those to whom the invitation is addressed should respond and/or attend the celebration. 
- __Don’t swap out +1s.__ If one or more of your party cannot attend the event, note that it isn’t okay to swap out the guest that cannot attend with someone else. In the case that the invitation reads “with guest,” note that you may bring whomever you like. Traditionally your guest would be your romantic partner or spouse. 
- __Don’t (attempt to) RSVP to a wedding you haven’t been invited to.__ Period. 
- __Fill out the response card fully, if provided.__ Do the hosts a favor and make sure to fully fill out the RSVP card with all requested information. They are likely already juggling a lot of planning details, so don’t make them track you down for your preferred menu selections, too. 
- __Follow instructions and the host’s preferred RSVP method.__ Similarly, make sure to RSVP using the method the hosts have requested. If they’ve asked you to respond online, don’t shoot them a text, a call, or send them a DM on Instagram. Using anything other than their preferred way of gathering responses will make it difficult for them to keep track of everyone and maintain accurate totals. 
- __Use the RSVP card, if provided.__ If a paper response card is included with your invitation, use it let the hosts know if you can attend or can’t make it. 
- __Use the provided stamped envelope.__ Don’t go rogue with the response card envelope either. If there’s an RSVP card included with your invitation, traditionally an envelope (complete with a return address and postage) is included is well. Don’t let that stamp go to waste! 
- __Respond even if you can’t attend.__ Even if you can’t attend the wedding, you should always respond to acknowledge that you’ve received the invitation and to politely decline. 
- __Respond to all wedding event invitations.__ You should receive separate invitations to all wedding-related events, such as the engagement party, shower, and rehearsal dinner. RSVP to each event individually (again, using whatever RSVP method they’ve requested). Don’t assume that a “yes” to one is a “yes” to all, or that you can just send blanket “regrets.” Also, an invitation to the wedding doesn’t mean that you’re automatically included on the guest list for all pre-nuptial celebrations—use your invitations as guides!

### The +1 Pledge 

We’re showing the world some extra love by *planting a tree for every paper order placed on Zola*. Read more about our [+1 Pledge here](https://www.zola.com/faq/plus-one).

---

Anyone familiar with addressing an envelope is probably wondering how we have a full article on how to address wedding invitations. More goes into wedding invitation envelope wording than names and addresses and a postage stamp, though. Wedding planning involves a long to-do list and, often, a lengthy guest list. Make sure your own invitations get to your wedding guests with envelopes that appropriately call out their titles, relationship status, and similar. Below is our complete guide on how to address [your wedding invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop/formal).

## General Rules for Addressing Wedding Invitations

- If both names do not fit on Zola's template, try shortening the names

- If you’re having a [casual wedding](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search), such as a backyard barbecue or brunch in the park, you might be able to get away with addressing your envelopes less formally, such as leaving off titles or just using first names. Otherwise, [wedding etiquette](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-word-wedding-invitations) suggests you err on the side of formality.

- Avoid using nicknames or name abbreviations

- Ensure you use the correct titles or prefixes (more on these below)

## 1. How to Address Wedding Invitations Without an Inner Envelope
[Traditional wedding invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop/classic) have both an outer mailing envelope, which contains the mailing address, postage, and return address, and an inner envelope. The inner envelope is printed with only the recipients’ names, and contains [all the pieces of the invitation suite](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop): the invitation, [RSVP card](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-wedding-invitation-rsvps), RSVP envelope, and any [additional enclosures](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/enclosures/shop) such as a reception card, a map with directions, or invitations to additional weekend activities. When two envelopes are involved, the outside envelope is addressed more formally while the inside envelope is slightly more casual and frequently incorporates first names.

If you choose to send wedding invitations without an inside envelope, which is more common these days, simply focus on properly addressing the outer envelope.

## 2. How to Address Wedding Invitations To a Family

### For One Envelope
- When [sending wedding invitations](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/when-should-you-send-out-your-wedding-invitations) to a family, first decide whether you want to be specific about whom in the family is invited. If you don’t want to call out specific family members, simply address the envelope to the entire family:

- *The Simpson Family*

- If you do want to specify which family members are invited, write the names of each family member in list form. Begin your [wedding invitation wording](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-word-wedding-invitations) with the parent or parents’ names, and list invited children's name in order of age below. Female children under the age of 18 should be addressed as Miss:

- *The Simpson Family Mr. and Mrs. Homer Simpson*
 *Mr. Bart Simpson*
 *Miss Lisa Simpson*

### For Two Envelopes
- If the whole family is invited, use the family name or only the names of the parents on the outer envelope:

- *The Simpson Family*
 *—or—*
 *Mr. & Mrs. Homer Simpson*

*Then list the first names of all invited family members on the inner envelope:*

- *Mr. and Mrs. Simpson*
 *Bart, Lisa, and Maggie*
 —or—
 *Homer, Marge, Bart, Miss Lisa, and Miss Maggie*

## General Rules for Addressing Wedding Invitations
- If both guests' names don’t fit on one line, indent the second line.
- If you’re having a [casual wedding](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search), such as a backyard barbecue or brunch in the park, you might be able to get away with addressing your envelopes less formally, such as leaving off titles or just using first names. But otherwise, err on the side of formality: people expect a bit more pomp and circumstance surrounding weddings, and older or conservative guests will take note if you are too informal.

- <a href="#how-to-address-wedding-invitations-to-a-family">How to Address Wedding Invitations To a Family</a>
- <a href="#how-to-address-wedding-invitations-to-a-married-couple">How to Address Wedding Invitations to a Married Couple</a>
- <a href="#how-to-address-wedding-invitations-to-married-doctors">How to Address Wedding Invitations to Married Doctors (or two!)</a>
- <a href="#how-to-address-wedding-invitations-to-an-unmarried-couple">How to Address Wedding Invitations to an Unmarried Couple</a>
- <a href="#how-to-address-wedding-invitations-to-a-same-sex-couple">How to Address Wedding Invitations to a Same-Sex Couple</a>
- <a href="#how-to-address-wedding-invitations-to-an-individual">How to Address Wedding Invitations to an Individual</a>
- <a href="#how-to-address-wedding-invitations-with-a-guest">How to Address Wedding Invitations With a Guest</a>

[![Zola QR Code Promo](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5hYJyrZbdCbVYf8gL8ZRtq/1abe728cdf14a9b3e0e0ade433128c67/EA_Article__1_.jpg)](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop)

<a id="formal"> </a> <a id="inner"> </a>
## How to Address Wedding Invitations Without an Inner Envelope

[Traditional wedding invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop/classic) have both an outer mailing envelope, which contains the mailing address, postage, and return address, and an inner envelope. The inner envelope is printed with only the recipients’ names, and contains [all the pieces of the invitation suite](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop): the invitation, [RSVP card](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-wedding-invitation-rsvps), RSVP envelope, and any [additional enclosures](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/enclosures/shop) such as a reception card, a map with directions, or invitations to additional weekend activities. When two envelopes are involved, the outside envelope is addressed more formally while the inside envelope is slightly more casual and frequently incorporates first names.

If you choose to send wedding invitations without an inside envelope, which is more common these days, simply focus on properly addressing the outer envelope. __Below, we provide guidelines for how to address invitations with a single envelope vs. an inner and outer envelope for your reference.__
<a id="guidelines"> </a>

## How to Address Wedding Invitations To a Family
<a id="how-to-address-wedding-invitations-to-a-family"> </a>
### For One Envelope
- When [sending wedding invitations](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/when-should-you-send-out-your-wedding-invitations) to a family, first decide whether you want to be specific about whom in the family is invited. If you don’t want to call out specific family members, simply address the envelope to the entire family: 
 - *The Simpson Family*

- If you do want to specify which family members are invited, write the names of each family member in list form. Begin your [wedding invitation wording](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-word-wedding-invitations) with the parent or parents’ names, and list invited children's name in order of age below. Female children under the age of 18 should be addressed as Miss: 
 - *The Simpson Family*
 Mr. and Mrs. Homer Simpson 
 Mr. Bart Simpson 
 Miss Lisa Simpson *

### For Two Envelopes 
- If the whole family is invited, use the family name or only the names of the parents on the outer envelope: 
 - *The Simpson Family* 
 —or— 
 *Mr. & Mrs. Homer Simpson* 

- Then list the first names of all invited family members on the inner envelope: 
 - *Mr. and Mrs. Simpson* 
 *Bart, Lisa, and Maggie* 
 —or— 
 *Homer, Marge, Bart, Miss Lisa, and Miss Maggie*

## How to Address Wedding Invitations to a Married Couple
<a id="how-to-address-wedding-invitations-to-a-married-couple"> </a>
### For One Envelope
- If a married couple has the same last name, you can list them together just using the husband’s first and last name: 
 - *Mr. and Mrs. Robert Belcher* 
- Or you can use BOTH the husband’s and the wife’s first and last names, if you’d prefer to address both partners equally:
 - *Mr. Robert Belcher and Mrs. Linda Belcher* 
 —or— 
 *Mr. Robert and Mrs. Linda Belcher*

- If a married couple has __different last names__, you can list either name first based on your preference, whomever your closest with, or the alphabet. “Mrs.” is traditionally used to indicate married women’s or men’s marital status: 
 - *Mrs. Leslie Knope and Mr. Ben Wyatt*

- If one partner has a __hyphenated name__, list the hyphenated name last. Either “Ms.” or “Mrs.” can be used: 
 - *Mr. Andy Dwyer and Ms. April Ludgate-Dwyer*

- If __one partner is a judge__, list the judge’s name first using the term “The Honorable,” and then use “Judge” for the inner envelope:
 - *The Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Mr. Martin David Ginsburg*

- If __one partner has a distinguished title__, such members of the clergy, rabbis, or military personnel, the distinguished title comes first regardless of gender: 
 - *Rabbi and Mrs. Richard Glass* 
 —or— 
 *Rabbi Richard and Mrs. Rosina Glass* 
 —or— 
 *The Honorable Senator Elizabeth Ann Warren and Mr. Bruce Mann* 

- If __both partners have distinguished titles__, follow the same format as for medical doctors listed above regarding same or different last names. The higher-ranking title should come first, and if they are the same rank, traditionally the woman is listed first:
 - *Colonel Peter Jefferies and Reverend Margaret Jeffries* 
 —or— 
 *Lieutenants Amy and Jake Peralta* 
 —or— 
 *Captain Benjamin Pierce and Major Margaret Houlihan, US Army*

### For Two Envelopes
For outer envelopes, address them using the choices above for each married-couple scenario. For inner envelopes, you can be less formal though one of two options: titles + last names, or first names only (but only if you are very close with the couple). Here are examples of inner envelope addressing etiquette for married couples:

- For a couple with the same last name: 		
 - *Mr. and Mrs. Belcher* 
 —or— 
 *Robert and Linda*

- For a couple with different last names:
 - *Mrs. Knope and Mr. Wyatt* 
 —or— 
 *Leslie and Ben* 

- For a couple with a hyphenated last name:	
 - *Mr. Dwyer and Ms. Ludgate-Dwyer* 
 —or— 
 *Andy and April* 

- For a couple with a judge: 				
 - *Judge Ginsburg and Mr. Ginsburg*

- For a couple with one distinguished title: 
 - *Rabbi and Mrs. Glass* 
 —or— 
 *Senator Warren and Mr. Mann*

- For a couple with two distinguished titles, same last name: 
 - *The Lieutenants Peralta* 
 —or— 
 *Colonel and Reverend Jefferies*

- For a couple with two distinguished titles, different last names:
 - *Captain Pierce and Major Houlihan*

## How to Address Wedding Invitations to a Married Doctor (or Two!)
<a id="how-to-address-wedding-invitations-to-married-doctors"></a>
### For One Envelope
If one partner is a doctor, list the doctor first regardless of gender. You can choose to spell out "Doctor" rather than hyphenate it to "Dr." if you would like to be more formal. Note that for academic doctors, you should always use the abbreviated "Dr." rather than spell it out. If the doctor is a woman and she has taken her husband's last name (or uses it socially), reflect that:

- *Doctor Michaela Quinn and Mr. Byron Sully-or-Doctor Rainbow and Mr. Andre Johnson, Sr.-or-Doctor and Mrs. Perry Cox-or-Doctor Perry and Mrs. Jordan Cox*

If __both partners are doctors with the same last name__, you can address their invite to the plural, non-abbreviated "Doctors" to be more formal. Traditionally the woman's name comes first:
- *Doctors Monica and Alan Quartermaine-or-Drs. Monica and Alan Quartermaine*

If __both partners are doctors with different last names__, traditionally the woman's name comes first, or you could list their names in alphabetical order:
- *Dr. Meredith Grey and Dr. Derek Shepherd*

### For Two Envelopes
For a couple with one doctor:
- *Dr. Quinn and Mr. Sully For a couple with two doctors, same last name:*
- *(The) Doctors Quatermaine For a couple with two doctors, different last names:*
- *Dr. Grey and Dr. Shepherd*

## 5. How to Address Wedding Invitations to an Unmarried Couple
### For One Envelope
- If a couple is not married but living together, you have two options. You can either list their names alphabetically by last name on separate lines:

- *Mr. Ross Geller*
 *Ms. Rachel Green*

- Or you can list both names on the same line, leading with whichever person you’re closest with. If you’re equally close with both, go alphabetical again:

- Ms. Rachel Green and Mr. Ross Geller

- If a couple is not married and do not live together, send a separate invitation to each guest.

### For Two Envelopes
Follow the above guidelines for the outer envelope. For the inner envelope, as with above, use courtesy titles + last names or only first names if you are close with the couple.

- *Ms. Green and Mr. Geller*
 —or—
 *Rachel and Ross*

## 6. How to Address Wedding Invitations to a Same-Sex Couple
### For One Envelope
The same etiquette applies for same-sex couples as for any other couple, married or unmarried. If they’re married or live together, definitely list both names on the same line. If one partner has a hyphenated last name, list the hyphenated name last:

- Ms. Susan Bunch and Ms. Carol Willik-Bunch

- For a same-sex couple with different last names, you can list names either alphabetically or according to whichever guest you’re closest with:

- Mr. Mitchell Pritchett and Mr. Cameron Tucker

### For Two Envelopes
Follow the above guidelines for the outer envelope. For the inner envelope, as with above, use courtesy titles + last names or only first names if you are close with the couple:

- *Mr. Pritchett and Mr. Tucker*
 —or—
 *Mitchell and Cameron*

## 7. How to Address Wedding Invitations to an Individual
### For One Envelope
- If the guest is an __unmarried woman__, use “Ms.” unless she is younger than 18—in this case, “Miss” spelled out is more acceptable:

- *Ms. Elizabeth Lemon*
 —or—
 *Miss Donna-Jo Tanner*

- If the guest is a __single male__, use “Mr.” unless he is younger than 18—then no title is necessary

- *Mr. George Constanza*

- If your guest identifies as __nonbinary__, they have similarly simple rules to addressing women or men. Most often, you can use the honorific “Mx.” If you’re unsure, ask for their personal preference.

- *Mx. Courtney Andrews*

- If the guest is a __widowed woman__, it’s best to ask someone close to her if she prefers to still be addressed using her husband’s name, or if she prefers her married name. Some widows might also prefer to use “Ms.,” so be sure to inquire.

- *Mrs. George Devereaux*
 —or—
 *Mrs. Blanche Deveraux*

- Similar options exist if the guest is a __divorced woman__: you can address her envelope using “Ms.” or “Mrs.” and either her ex-husband’s last name (if she still uses it) or her maiden name, depending on her preference.

- *Mrs./Ms. Cookie Lyon*
 —or—
 *Mrs/Ms. Cookie Holloway*

- If the guest is a __judge__, use the term “The Honorable” before his or her full name:

- *The Honorable Sonia Sotomayor*

- If the guest is a __priest__, use the term “Father” before his full name:

- *Father Damien Karras*

### For Two Envelopes
The same traditional etiquette rules apply here as with couples when it comes to inner vs. outer envelopes. Outer envelopes follow the above suggestions. Inner envelopes either drop first names or just use first names—but only if you are very close with the individual. Here are examples of Inner envelope addressing etiquette for individuals:

- For a single female:

- *Ms. Lemon*
 —or—
 *Elizabeth*

- For a single female under 18:

- *Miss Chase*

- For a single male:

- *Mr. Costanza*
 —or—
 *George*

- For a widow:

- *Mrs. Devereaux*
 —or—
 *Blanche*

- For a divorced female:

- *Mrs./Ms. Lyon*
 —or—
 *Mrs./Ms. Holloway*

- For a single judge:

- *Judge Sotomayor*

- For a priest:

- *Father Karras*

## 8. How to Address Wedding Invitations With a Guest
### For One Envelope
- For guests to whom you’ve allowed a plus-one, send only one invitation—to the person you’re truly inviting—to that person’s address. If you know the name of the guest, include his or her name on the envelope as you would for an unmarried couple:

- *Ms. Jessica Spano*
 *Mr. Albert Clifford Slater*

- If you do not know the name of your friend’s guest, simply write “and guest” after your friend’s name. You do not capitalize either “and” or “guest:”

*Mr. Zachary Morris and guest*

### For Two Envelopes
Outer envelopes follow the above rules, while inner envelopes drop the first names or, when you are very close with the guests, use first names exclusively:

- *Ms. Spano*
 *Mr. Slater*
 —or—
 *Jessie and A.C.*
 —or—
 *Mr. Morris and guest*

From [invitation templates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop), to proper addressing, to [wedding invitation wording](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-dos-and-donts-of-wedding-invitation-wording), Zola’s here to help you each step of the way. For answers to more questions—like, *[how do we share our wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-include-your-wedding-website-on-your-invitation)*?—look through our Expert Advice.

## How to Address Wedding Invitations to an Unmarried Couple
<a id="how-to-address-wedding-invitations-to-an-unmarried-couple"></a>
### For One Envelope 
- If a couple is not married but living together, you have two options. You can either list their names alphabetically by last name on separate lines: 
 - *Mr. Ross Geller* 
 *Ms. Rachel Green*

- Or you can list both names on the same line, leading with whichever person you’re closest with. If you’re equally close with both, go alphabetical again: 
 - *Ms. Rachel Green and Mr. Ross Geller*

- If a couple is not married and do not live together, send a separate invitation to each guest.

### For Two Envelopes
- Follow the above guidelines for the outer envelope. For the inner envelope, as with above, use courtesy titles + last names or only first names if you are close with the couple. 
 - *Ms. Green and Mr. Geller* 
 —or— 
 *Rachel and Ross*

## How to Address Wedding Invitations to a Same-Sex Couple
<a id="how-to-address-wedding-invitations-to-a-same-sex-couple"></a>
### For One Envelope 
- The same etiquette applies for same-sex couples as for any other couple, married or unmarried. If they’re married or live together, definitely list both names on the same line. If one partner has a hyphenated last name, list the hyphenated name last:
 - *Ms. Susan Bunch and Ms. Carol Willik-Bunch*

- For a same-sex couple with different last names, you can list names either alphabetically or according to whichever guest you’re closest with:
 - *Mr. Mitchell Pritchett and Mr. Cameron Tucker*

### For Two Envelopes
- Follow the above guidelines for the outer envelope. For the inner envelope, as with above, use courtesy titles + last names or only first names if you are close with the couple: 
 - *Mr. Pritchett and Mr. Tucker* 
 —or— 
 *Mitchell and Cameron* 

## How to Address Wedding Invitations to an Individual 
<a id="how-to-address-wedding-invitations-to-an-individual"></a>
### For One Envelope
- If the guest is a __single female__, use “Ms.” unless she is younger than 18—in this case, “Miss” spelled out is more acceptable:
 - *Ms. Elizabeth Lemon 
 —or— 
 Miss Donna-Jo Tanner*

- If the guest is a __single male__, use “Mr.” unless he is younger than 18—then no title is necessary 
 - *Mr. George Constanza* 

- If the guest is a __widow__, it’s best to ask someone close to her if she prefers to still be addressed using her husband’s name, or if she prefers her married name. Some widows might also prefer to use “Ms.,” so be sure to inquire.
 - *Mrs. George Devereaux* 
 —or— 
 *Mrs. Blanche Deveraux*

- Similar options exist if the guest is a __divorced female__: you can address her envelope using “Ms.” or “Mrs.” and either her ex-husband’s last name (if she still uses it) or her maiden name, depending on her preference.
 - *Mrs./Ms. Cookie Lyon* 
 —or— 
 *Mrs/Ms. Cookie Holloway*

- If the guest is a __judge__, use the term “The Honorable” before his or her full name:
 - *The Honorable Sonia Sotomayor*

- If the guest is a __priest__, use the term “Father” before his full name:
 - *Father Damien Karras*

### For Two Envelopes
The same traditional etiquette rules apply here as with couples when it comes to inner vs. outer envelopes. Outer envelopes follow the above suggestions. Inner envelopes either drop first names or just use first names—but only if you are very close with the individual. Here are examples of __Inner envelope addressing etiquette for individuals__: 

- For a single female:
 - *Ms. Lemon* 
 —or— 
 *Elizabeth*

- For a single female under 18:
 - *Miss Chase*

- For a single male:
 - *Mr. Costanza* 
 —or— 
 *George*

- For a widow:
 - *Mrs. Devereaux* 
 —or— 
 *Blanche*

- For a divorced female:
 - *Mrs./Ms. Lyon* 
 —or— 
 *Mrs./Ms. Holloway*

- For a single judge:
 - *Judge Sotomayor*

- For a priest:
 - *Father Karras*

## How to Address Wedding Invitations With a Guest
<a id="how-to-address-wedding-invitations-with-a-guest"></a>
### For One Envelope
- For guests to whom you’ve allowed a plus-one, send only one invitation—to the person you’re truly inviting—to that person’s address. If you know the name of the guest, include his or her name on the envelope as you would for an unmarried couple: 
 - *Ms. Jessica Spano* 
 *Mr. Albert Clifford Slater*

- If you do not know the name of your friend’s guest, simply write “and guest” after your friend’s name. You do not capitalize either “and” or “guest:” 
 - *Mr. Zachary Morris and guest*

### For Two Envelopes
- Outer envelopes follow the above rules, while inner envelopes drop the first names or, when you are very close with the guests, use first names exclusively: 
 - *Ms. Spano* 
 *Mr. Slater* 
 —or— 
 *Jessie and A.C.* 
 —or— 
 *Mr. Morris and guest*

Your wedding invitations are an important piece of the planning puzzle. Not only are your invitations one of the first things your guests will see, touch, and feel when it comes to your wedding, but they also do an important job of conveying critical information. For the sake of politeness and formality, as well as for clarity of your message, be sure to choose clear and appropriate wedding 
invitation wording.

Worried you’re not good with words, or you don’t know all the proper “rules” for wedding invitation wording? Follow our comprehensive guide, to understand the ins and outs of wedding invitation wording and etiquette.

## What to include in your wedding invitation<a id="include"> </a> 
![what-to-include-in-your-wedding-invitation](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6OrqLSs7G5su3LU5E5fq1x/b66c146a6b51f678844aa5dccc591c64/what-to-include-in-your-wedding-invitation.jpg)

Wedding invitation cards and messages set the theme for weddings. When guests see [a rustic invitation](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop/rustic) with informal wording, it lets them know that the event will be on the casual side. On the other hand, when they see a [classic wedding invitation](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop/classic) with traditional, formal wording, they will expect a more upscale affair.

Like your wedding, invitations can be as simple or as grandiose as you want as long as they accomplish the following jobs:

- Tell guests the critical information about the wedding: who is getting married, the wedding date, and the wedding location.
- Recognize the hosts of the wedding.
- Convey the tone and formality of the wedding, including the dress code.
- Indicate how guests should RSVP, if no response or other enclosure cards are included.
- Recognize the couple’s parents, if they are not also the hosts. (Optional)

If you are writing your own invitations from scratch, follow these requirements line-by-line as you fill out this piece of your wedding stationery. Each section of this guide outlines what information should appear, and in what order, on a traditional wedding invite. Once you understand the various components of a wedding invitation, feel free to get creative with your own personal touches and style, using the unique wording that feels right for you and your partner.

[![Zola QR Code Promo](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5hYJyrZbdCbVYf8gL8ZRtq/1abe728cdf14a9b3e0e0ade433128c67/EA_Article__1_.jpg)](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop)

## The essentials of a wedding invitation (line-by-line)<a id="etiquette"> </a> 

Wedding invitations typically don’t have a lot of space, so you’ll want to make the most of every line you get. These tips will ensure that your guests get all the information they need. 

__1. Start by writing the host line the right way__

Located at the very top of the invitation, the host line is where the name(s) of the event hosts appear. The hosts are typically the people who are paying for the wedding. Depending on who’s hosting, the wording will vary slightly: it could be one set of parents, both sets of parents, the couple and their parents together, or just the couple. Jump down to the Wedding Invitation Wording Etiquette section for guidance on how to format names in your invitation.

Be sure to capitalize proper names and titles. Don’t use punctuation, except after courtesy titles. 

__2. Include a proper request line__

The request line is where you'd invite your guests to join your wedding celebration! Traditionally, couples would include formal wording in the request line to denote a formal religious ceremony, whereas wedding invitations for modern celebrations tend to use more casual language.

Include the British spelling of "honour" to denote a more formal tone to your wedding day (“request the honour of your presence”). Opt for more casual language if you're planning a non-religious service or more casual wedding ceremony. 

Common wording options include "invite you to join," "please join us to celebrate," and "love the pleasure of your company."

__3. Continue with the couple’s names__

Make sure you and your partner’s names are front and center. They may be placed high, low, or center depending on your invitation design, but make sure they are clearly legible and prominently featured. For heterosexual couples, the bride’s name traditionally comes before the groom’s. For same-sex couples, the wording of the host line may dictate who’s name comes first (i.e., if one set of parents is hosting, their names will come first and their child’s should follow). If you are hosting yourselves, then it’s up to you to decide which name comes first.

If you’re using traditional wedding invitation wording, follow these rules to format names: 

- Capitalize proper names and titles.
- Don’t use punctuation, except after courtesy titles.
- Avoid abbreviations; in general, spell everything out except courtesy titles.
- Don’t spell out courtesy titles, except for “Doctor” in the case of medical doctors.
- Consider using both partners’ full legal names. If you prefer to go by a nickname, use it on the save the date or other, less formal pieces of the invitation suite.
- Drop the bride’s and/or groom’s middle names if they become too long to fit on one line.

__4. Include the date, time, and location of the ceremony__

Don’t make your guests guess. Include everything they need to show up at the right place at the right time. The real meat of the<a href="https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/paper" target="_https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/paper"> invitations</a>, the information section, follows the couple’s names. Include this must-have information: 

- __Date of the wedding:__ Spell out the date and year for formal invitations so that guests don’t transpose numbers. For instance, you should write July 2, 2025, instead of 7/2/2025. 
- __Start time:__ Spell out the time for formal invitations, and don’t use a.m. or p.m. Instead, use “in the morning”, “in the afternoon”, or “in the evening”. 
- Location: Include the wedding venue. Use the full address for a destination wedding or out-of-town guests. 
- __Number of guests:__ Some couples allow guests to bring a plus one, while others prefer to keep their ceremonies more intimate with only close friends and family. Luckily, it’s easy to create [wedding invitations with no plus one](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-word-wedding-invitations-with-no-plus-one). Only write the name of the guest on the envelope to subtly convey that the invitation is only for them. You can also use the wedding invitation to specify if the wedding allows children. If little ones are welcome, write "X and X and Family" on the envelope. If you're planning a child-free wedding, write "Adults only, please" at the bottom of the invitation.

You can also include information on the dress code and how guests should RSVP (a wedding website, an email, and/or phone number, and an RSVP deadline) if you forgo a response card.

__5. Finish the wedding invite with the reception details line__

The party line comes at the end of the invitation and notifies guests of what’s scheduled to follow the wedding ceremony. Your wedding reception card wording should let your guests know what type of festivities they should expect, whether it’s dinner and dancing, a light luncheon, or cocktails and canapes.

If the ceremony and reception are at different locations, include the addresses on separate cards for [formal wedding invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop/formal). 

## Examples of wedding invitation wording<a id="examples"> </a> 
![wedding-invitation-wording-etiquette](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/hlMIKAeagmXrwzYvymnRc/aaeee860c12da1a4db12d697f626c7c3/wedding-invitation-wording-etiquette.jpg)

Wedding ceremony invitation wording often makes people nervous. What if you accidentally misspell a word, or leave out critical info? Never fear—we’ve put together a list of wedding invitation wording etiquette and examples that will help you craft perfectly on-point invitations.

__Note:__ We realize that every wedding is unique. You will have to decide as a couple what type of language feels right for your specific style. These etiquette “rules” are really more suggestions for the most traditional and formal wedding invitation wording. If you are having an informal wedding, and/or prefer a more modern approach to your invitation design, then use whatever unique wedding invitation wording works for you and your style.

### Hosted by one set of parents
![hosted-by-one-set-of-parents](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5ShCgsAATreIQByWCnFeJy/9850df43ba058415cfe1b904573e1846/hosted-by-one-set-of-parents.jpg)

Traditionally, the bride's family hosted and paid for the wedding. While that is still common, the groom’s family or even other loved ones may host the event. In all of these cases, it is a nice gesture to include their names on the invitation.

- Include your parents’ full names with middle names (for very formal invites).
- Avoid using initials.
- Write "and" to join the two names if the parents have different last names.

#### Formal invitation example

> Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Lively 
> invite you to share in the joy 
> of marriage uniting their daughter 
> Blake Ellender 
> to 
> Ryan Rodney 
> Saturday, the ninth of September 
> two-thousand twelve 
> at noon 
> Boone Hall 
> Mount Pleasant, South Carolina 
> Dinner and merriment to follow 

#### Casual invitation example

> Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Simon Peter Blunt 
> invite you to the marriage of 
> Emily Olivia Leah 
> and 
> John Burke 
> July 10, 2010 
> at half past six in the evening 
> Via Regina Teodolinda, 35 
> Como, Italy 
> Food, wine, and merriment to follow 

### Hosted by both sets of parents
![hosted-by-both-sets-of-parents](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2v37R0g9ao3mqyZdY1tdgn/05518e0f091bb63185d8d22168633206/hosted-by-both-sets-of-parents.jpg)

Weddings are beautiful celebrations of unity and what better way to demonstrate that unification than both sets of parents hosting the big day. If you are fortunate to have both families host your wedding, configuring all of the names on the invitation may be tricky.

- List the bride’s parents’ names first if you are a different-sex couple.
- List parents’ names in alphabetical order if you are a same-sex couple.

#### Formal invitation example

> Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Adams 
> and 
> Mr. and Mrs. David Beckham 
> request the pleasure of your company 
> at the marriage of their children 
> Victoria Caroline 
> to 
> David Robert Joseph 
> Saturday, the fourth of July 
> Nineteen ninety-nine 
> at half past seven in the evening 
> Luttrellstown Castle 
> Clonsilla, Ireland 
> Reception to follow. 

#### Casual invitation example

> With great pleasure 
> Kimberly and Jonathan Biel 
> and Lynn Bomar Harless and Randall Timberlake 
> invite you to celebrate the marriage of their children 
> Jessica and Justin 
> October 19, 2012 
> at four o’clock in the afternoon 
> Borgo Egnazia Resort 
> 72015 Savelletri di Fasano BR, Italy 
> Dress as you wish, dine as you like, dance as you please 

For more expert advice and direction, check out our [Complete Guide to Wedding Invitations and Paper](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-invitations-paper-guide).

### Hosted by the couple
For modern couples, the tradition of parents hosting a wedding is often skipped. Whether the couple has unique ideas for their wedding, wants to keep it small, or don’t have parents with us anymore, hosting your own wedding is a wonderful thing.

To save space you can skip the host line or you can start the wording with a welcoming introduction.

#### Formal invitation example

> Amal Alamuddin 
> and 
> George Timothy Clooney 
> request the pleasure of your company 
> at the celebration of their marriage 
> Saturday, 27 September 2014 
> at noon 
> Aman Canal Grande Hotel in Venice, Italy 
> Festivities to follow 

#### Casual invitation example

> Miss Beyonce Knowles 
> and 
> Shawn “Jay Z” Carter 
> are getting married 
> Friday, April 4th, 2018 
> at four o’clock in the afternoon 
> Join us for dinner and drinks 

#### Hosted by divorced parents
To include divorced parents on the invitation—either for the bride or the groom—include the mother’s name first followed by the father’s name on a separate line without an “and” separating them.

- For divorced mothers who are not remarried, use the courtesy title “Ms.” followed by whichever last name she prefers (maiden or married).
- To include stepparents on the invitation—for either the bride or the groom list the mother and stepfather’s names first, followed by the father and stepmother’s names.
- List the mother first regardless if the father is remarried and the mother is not.
- The bride should consider including her last name if multiple sets of parents, with different last names, come before her on the invitation.

#### Formal invitation example

> Mr. Angiolo Guiseppe and Ms. Elettra Rossellini 
> invite you to share in the joy 
> of marriage uniting their son 
> Roberto Rossellini 
> to 
> Ingrid Bergman 
> Saturday, the twenty-fourth of May 
> nineteen fifty 
> at noon 
> Hotel Boca Chica, Acapulco, Mexico 
> Dinner and merriment to follow 

#### Casual invitation example

> Ms. Pamela Jacobsen 
> Mr. and Mrs. Fred Jacobsen 
> invite you to share in their wedding festivities 
> at the marriage of their daughter 
> Jordan 
> to 
> Paige 
> Saturday, the tenth of April 
> two thousand and twenty one 
> at half past six in the evening 
> Hotel Chantelle 
> New York City, NY 
> Dress as you wish, dine as you like, dance as you please 

#### Hosted by parent, including deceased parent
Weddings are emotional events, especially when a parent isn't there to witness it. If you want to honor a deceased parent on your invitations, include them in the host line or after the bride or groom's name.

- Use the phrase “the late” preceding his or her name.

#### Formal invitation example

> Mrs. and Mr. Michael Francis Middleton 
> request the honour of your company 
> at the marriage of their daughter 
> Catherine Elizabeth Middleton 
> to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge 
> Son of Charles, Prince of Wales and the late Diana, Princess of Wales 
> Friday, the twenty-ninth of April 
> two thousand and eleven 
> at eleven o’clock in the morning 
> at Westminster Abbey – 20, Deans Yard 
> London, England 
> Reception to follow 

#### Casual invitation example

> Together with their families 
> Malaak Compton 
> daughter of Gerald and Louisa Compton 
> and 
> Christopher Rock 
> son of the late Julius Rock and Rosalie Rock 
> invite you to share in their wedding festivities 
> November 23, 1996 
> at eight o’clock in the evening 
> The Estate at Florentine Gardens 
> 97 Rivervale Road 
> River Vale, New Jersey 
> Dinner reception to follow 

#### Hosted by same-sex parents
If your parents identify as the same sex here are a few ways to best honor them on your invitation.

- To include the names of two parents with different last names, use the courtesy title “Mr.” “Mrs.” or “Mx.” and list their names in alphabetical order by last name.
- To include the names of two parents with the same last name, use the courtesy title “Mr.” “Mrs.” or “Mx.” and list their names in alphabetical order by first name.

#### Formal invitation example

> Mr. Michael and Mr. Sean Flannigan 
> request the pleasure of your company 
> at the marriage of their daughter 
> Julie Marie 
> to 
> Stephen Anthony 
> Saturday, the tenth of April 
> two thousand and twenty one 
> at half past six in the evening 
> Hotel Chantelle 
> New York City, NY 
> Reception to follow 

#### Casual invitation example

> Ms. Jane and Ms. Courtney Lowe 
> invite you to attend the marriage 
> of their daughter 
> Madison 
> to 
> Colton 
> Saturday, April 10th, 2021 
> at half past six in the evening 
> Allan House 
> 1104 San Antonio Street 
> New York City, NY 
> Party to follow 

## What to include in enclosure cards and RSVP cards<a id="cards"> </a> 
Once you have your bases covered on your invitation, feel free to include enclosure cards–also known as detail cards—with more information about the event. Your cards could include reception details, RSVP information, or anything else that wouldn’t fit on the invitation. Use matching wedding stationery so your guests understand that the extra cards are related to the main event. 

RSVP cards are great tools for getting an accurate headcount for your big day. Make sure to include a reply-by date that occurs at least three weeks before the wedding. This will allow you to give a final headcount to the caterer and fill out your seating chart. Ideally, that means you’ll [send wedding invitations](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/when-should-you-send-out-your-wedding-invitations) around six to eight weeks before your ceremony. 

On the RSVP card, include specific instructions about the number of guests they're allowed to bring and how they should respond. If you expect them to be mailed back to you, it is courteous to include a stamped envelope. If you prefer the convenience of an [online RSVP](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/benefits-of-an-online-rsvp-for-your-wedding-website), include the URL or even a QR code linking to the wedding website on the card.

Traditional RSVP wedding invitation wording typically includes two options for guests: “Accepts With Pleasure” or “Regretfully Declines.” But you can also personalize your RSVP cards with more informal wedding invitation wording. For example, if you’re planning a casual wedding in the mountains, you could write, “We’re ready to join your adventure!” or “Apologies, but our hiking boots are heading in a different direction that day.” 

If you have meal choices for your reception, the RSVP card is a great way to collect your guests’ preferences and dietary restrictions. You can also get them excited about the event by asking them to recommend a song for the wedding playlist or submit a picture of the couple to include in a wedding slideshow.

If you run out of space on your invitation but need to mention details about accommodations, directions, or attire, a details card is the perfect place for overflow. These are especially important if the reception is held at a different location than the ceremony.

See our article, [Wedding Details Cards: Everything you need to know](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-to-include-on-a-wedding-details-card), for more info about these.

## Create invitations for your dream wedding day with Zola 

Browse Zola’s [wedding invitation designs](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/paper) to start creating your dream wedding invites. We offer stationary in various sizes, materials, styles, and colors. With such a huge selection, you’re sure to find the perfect invitations that reflect your personality. Customize your invitations even more with creative [paper add-ons](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/paper-add-ons/shop) like belly bands, vellum jackets, and wax seals. 

That’s not all. Zola also offers a broad range of wedding stationery so you can get everything you need for your big day. Browse matching [save the dates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop), menus, place cards, and table numbers. You can also pick up thank you cards to express your gratitude for your guests after the wedding. 

The best part? Order sample wedding invitations to get a feel for the texture and weight of the paper before committing.