Wedding evening invitation wording etiquette follows many of the same rules as day invitations, but with a few subtle differences. Evening wedding invitations are traditionally sent to guests who are invited only to the evening reception rather than the full wedding day. This means they should clearly communicate the details of the evening celebration while remaining elegant and polite.

Evening wedding invitations should always include the names of the hosts or couple, the date, the venue, and the time of the reception. Unlike day invitations, you don’t need to include ceremony details, but you should make it clear that this is an evening invitation to avoid any confusion.

Many couples also like to include small details, such as whether there will be a meal, a buffet, or just light refreshments. While it isn’t necessary to mention gifts, most etiquette guides recommend avoiding including a gift list with evening invitations unless specifically asked by guests.

Evening wedding invitations are usually sent out at the same time as your day invitations. This prevents guests from wondering whether they are invited to the wedding at all and avoids any awkwardness or confusion. Sending them 4–6 months before the big day is a good timeframe, giving guests plenty of notice to plan ahead.

If you’re planning a smaller daytime celebration but want to invite more friends and extended family to your evening reception, evening invitations are the perfect solution.

Your evening wedding invitation wording should cover the following details:

• The names of the hosts (traditionally the bride’s parents, but often the couple themselves).

• The reason for the celebration (an evening reception following the marriage).

• The venue name and full address.

• The date and start time of the evening reception.

• RSVP details.

Optional extras can include:

• Dress code (if applicable).

• Catering details (buffet, canapés, drinks only).

• Accommodation suggestions if guests are travelling from afar.

Below are some tried-and-tested evening wedding invitation wording examples to help inspire you. Each one is suitable for different circumstances, from traditional to modern.

Mr & Mrs Jones

request the pleasure of the company of

……………………………………………

at an Evening Reception to celebrate

the marriage of their daughter

Nicola

to

James Owen

at The Ramada Hotel, Bewdley

on Saturday 2nd May 2020

at 8.00pm

Mr & Mrs Jones

would like you to join them

at The Ramada Hotel, Bewdley

on Saturday 2nd May 2020

at 8.00pm

to celebrate the marriage of their daughter

Nicola with James Owen

Nicola & James

have pleasure in inviting

……………………………………………

to an Evening Reception

to celebrate their wedding at

The Ramada Hotel, Bewdley

on Saturday 2nd May 2020

at 8.00pm

……………………………………………

We invite you to join us to

celebrate our marriage

at an Evening Reception

on Saturday 2nd May 2020

at 8.00pm

The Ramada Hotel, Bewdley

Nicola & James Owen

invite you to celebrate with them

at an Evening Reception to be held at

The Ramada Hotel, Bewdley

on Saturday 2nd May 2020

at 8.00pm

Evening invitations often form part of a wider wedding stationery collection. Choosing a design that matches your day invitations, order of service, table plans, and place cards creates a polished, coordinated look for your big day.

At Dotty About Paper, all of our evening wedding invitations are available as part of matching stationery sets. This means you can keep your theme consistent from the moment you send your first invite to the last detail of your reception.

• Be clear that it’s an evening wedding invitation to avoid confusion with the ceremony.
• Always include RSVP details so you can plan catering and seating.
• Consider your tone—traditional wording adds formality, while first-person couple wording feels modern and relaxed.
• Order a few extras in case you want to extend invitations later.

Whatever your style, well-worded evening invitations help set the tone for your celebrations and give your guests a warm, clear welcome.

Ready to find the perfect design? Browse our full range of evening wedding invitations and matching stationery collections. From elegant and traditional to fun and modern, Dotty About Paper has designs to suit every couple.

Complete your stationery set with:

• Order of Service

• Table Plans

• Place Cards

• Thank You Cards

Start planning today and make your evening reception just as special as your wedding day.