Wedding announcement and invitation wording: examples and tips

Wedding announcement vs invitation

In Czech tradition, a wedding announcement (svatební oznámení) shares the news that you are getting married. Couples often give or post it to wider family, neighbours, or colleagues who are not invited to the reception meal. The invitation to the wedding table (pozvánka ke svatebnímu stolu) invites guests to the celebration itself — traditionally a smaller card slipped inside the envelope for those joining the meal.

Today, many couples combine both into a single card. That works well as long as it is completely clear what each recipient is invited to. If you are also sending announcements to people who aren't invited to the reception, stick to two separate cards.

What belongs in the wording

• Your names — and, on a traditional announcement, your parents' names if you wish to include them.
• The day of the week, date, and ceremony start time.
• The ceremony venue and address. If the reception is elsewhere, include that venue too.
• Who is invited: the names on the envelope or directly in the greeting.
• When and how guests should reply (RSVP).
• A contact for questions — eitheryourselves or a witness.

Only mention dress code, accommodation, transport, or gifts on the card if guests genuinely need that information to decide whether they can come. Otherwise it crowds the page. A single line such as “Full details are on our wedding website” is usually cleaner than cramming the back of the card.

When to send announcements and invitations

As a rule of thumb: the further guests have to travel and the more they need to arrange, the earlier they should hear from you. Treat these timings as a guide and adapt them to your wedding.

• Send a brief Save the Date as soon as your venue and date are booked — six to twelve months ahead is normal. It is especially helpful for peak-summer weddings, weddings abroad, or celebrations where guests stay overnight.
• Formal announcements and invitations typically go out six to eight weeks before the wedding, or two to three months ahead for weddings abroad or with overnight stays. That gives guests time to arrange childcare, time off work, or rooms.
• Count backwards from the date your caterer needs final meal numbers. Leave yourself a week or two before that deadline to call anyone who hasn't replied.

Plus-ones and children: word it so nobody has to guess

An invitation applies to the people named on the envelope or in the greeting. If you are offering someone a plus-one, write it explicitly: “Peter and guest”. Whenever you know their partner's name, use it — it feels much more welcoming and makes it clear who is invited.

Name invited children on the invitation too. If you are celebrating with adults only, say so kindly and clearly — and let affected parents know in person or by phone beforehand. On the invitation itself, one warm sentence is enough:

This time we are celebrating with adults only. Thank you for understanding — we look forward to celebrating with you.

If you are providing a babysitter or a children's corner at the venue, mention that on the invitation too — it makes a big difference for parents. Speak with parents of nursing babies individually.

When collecting RSVPs, ask about each named person rather than a vague “how many of you are coming”. Grouping guests by household lets you see straight away who has confirmed and who still hasn't replied. Guest list by household

How to mention wedding gifts

You don't have to mention gifts on the announcement at all. If you have a specific preference — such as a contribution towards your honeymoon — state it in one plain sentence without apologising. For example: “Your presence is the greatest gift. If you would still like to give us something, we would be grateful for a contribution towards our honeymoon.” Bank account numbers or gift lists belong on your wedding website rather than on the printed card.

What to put on paper vs on your wedding website

Keep the printed card to things that won't change: your names, the date, the venue, and the RSVP deadline. The day's schedule, parking, accommodation, or menu choices often shift during planning. It is much more practical to keep those at a single web address you can update anytime, and print just a short link or QR code on the card.

When guests reply via your wedding website, you don't have to piece together answers from phone calls and text messages. You can see immediately who is coming, how many children to expect, and who has dietary requirements.