Wedding invitation wording for a reception only
How to word a reception-only invitation, with examples for a private ceremony or one held elsewhere, formal and warm, and a picker that writes the wording for you.
For a reception-only invitation, replace "the marriage of" with "a reception celebrating the marriage of", and leave the ceremony details off the card. Say who is hosting, who the couple are, when and where the party is, and how to reply. Use the picker below to write yours.
Reception-only wording for your situation
Choose who is hosting, the tone and why the ceremony is not on the invitation. Add your details and copy the wording.
What to write when only the reception is on the invitation
Use "reception" in the wording, so guests know the ceremony has happened or is private. Then give the date, the time the party starts, the place and the reply date. Two common examples:
Mr. and Mrs. Alan Carter
request the pleasure of your company
at a reception celebrating the marriage of
Priya and Dev
Saturday, June 12, 2027, at six o'clock in the evening
The Garden Room, Austin
We got married, and now we want to celebrate with you.
Join Priya and Dev for dinner and dancing on June 12 at 6 p.m.
How do you say the ceremony was already held?
Say it plainly. "Priya and Dev were married on [date]" or "A reception celebrating the marriage of". Do not apologise. Guests understand, and a short, warm line removes any doubt.
How do you say the ceremony is small and private?
Use "following the marriage of" if the ceremony is happening that day with only family present. This signals that the party is the main event for everyone else, without suggesting they were left off a longer list.
What else belongs on a reception-only invitation?
- The start time, and when dinner is served if guests will wait.
- The reply date and how to reply.
- A line for the dress code if it is not obvious.
- Your website address, so guests can find the map and parking.
Who should be listed as hosts?
List whoever is hosting. The couple can host in their own names. Parents who are paying often appear first. See wedding invitation wording for divorced parents if the situation is not simple, and the full wedding invitation wording guide for the other parts of the card.
For a complete invitation with your names, dates and hosts in one go, use the wording generator.
Questions
What do you write on a reception-only invitation?
Write "a reception celebrating the marriage of" followed by the couple's names, then the date, time and place. Add a reply date. Leave the ceremony details off.
Is a reception-only invitation rude?
No, as long as it is clear. Guests are happy to celebrate, and a warm, honest line about the ceremony being private removes any awkwardness.
Should I say the ceremony has already happened?
Yes, if it has. "Were married on [date]" or "celebrating the marriage of" tells guests what to expect.
When should reception-only invitations go out?
On the same timeline as a normal invitation: six to ten weeks before the party for most weddings. See when to send wedding invitations.
Do I still need to ask for replies?
Yes. Your caterer needs a headcount, and a reply date three to four weeks before is typical.