A Guide to Reception-Only Wedding Invitations

Having a small wedding and big reception has become so popular! Some couples simply want a more intimate ceremony, while others choose to elope, then party with their loved ones at a later date.

No matter the reason, inviting to your reception-only wedding celebration should be handled similarly to inviting to a traditional wedding. Don’t skimp on mailing out invitations! And don’t worry about the cost either – our new reception-only invitations are less than a dollar each!

Featured invitation: All My Heart

What to Include on Reception-Only Invitations

When you word your reception-only invitations, be sure to include all the critical information – who the celebration is for as well as a time and location. You’ll also want to make sure it’s clear to your guests that they are only invited to a reception, and not your wedding ceremony.

Here are two examples of how to clearly word a reception-only wedding invites:

Breely Anne Porter
and
Preston Henry Hanson
Will be married in a small ceremony
On Saturday, the twenty sixth of September
Two thousand and twenty six

Please join us in a celebration
At our wedding reception following the ceremony
At five o’clock in the evening
La Lilia
238 Holiday Way
Austin, Texas

We Got Married!
Marcus Thompson
And
Niko Jasper
Were married on
August 15th, 2026

Please join us for a reception
In celebration of our marriage
Friday, October 19th, 2026
At five o’clock in the evening
Rolling Rock Golf Club
2183 South Summit Drive
Minneapolis, Minnesota

How to Choose a Reception-Only Invitation Style

Choosing a theme or style for your reception invitation is so much fun! You can absolutely use a traditional wedding invitation, and simply adjust the wording to reflect that you’re having a reception-only bash.

Some of our favorite styles are:

We Tied the Knot Theme

Featured invitation: We Tied the Knot

Reception-Only Invitation with Your Wedding Photo

Featured invitations: Always Mr. and Mrs., Always Mr. and Mr., and Always Mrs. and Mrs.

Casual and Fun Reception-Only Invitation

Featured invitation: Happy Celebration

Rustic Reception-Only Theme

Featured invitation: Rustic Glow

Do You Need to Include an RSVP Card?

The short answer: it depends.

If you’re hosting a sit-down dinner, then yes, definitely. You’ll want a head-count and slipping an RSVP card in with your invitation will help you capture each guest’s response.

Featured invitation: Nothing Fancy

If you’re rather collect RVSP digitally, include your wedding website on the backside of your invitation.

Featured invitation: Modern Floral in Wisteria

We hope you found this reception-only advice helpful! If you have any questions as you personalize your invitations, save the dates and more, we’re here to help!

Happy planning, brides and grooms! xoxo