How to Word a Reception-Only Wedding Invitation

A reception-only wedding invitation is used when guests are invited to celebrate at the reception, but not attend the ceremony itself. This approach is common, completely acceptable, and often chosen by couples who have had a private ceremony, a courthouse wedding, or a destination celebration and want to gather loved ones afterward.

The key to getting reception-only invitations right is thoughtful wording. When expectations are clear and the tone feels warm, guests feel welcomed and included. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about reception-only invitation etiquette, wording examples, and when to use an insert card.

What Is a Reception-Only Wedding?

A reception-only wedding means guests are invited to the celebration portion of your event, the dinner, drinks, and festivities, but not the ceremony itself.

Couples choose this format for many reasons, including:

• A small or private ceremony with immediate family only

• A courthouse or elopement-style wedding

• A destination wedding followed by a local celebration

• Religious or cultural ceremonies with limited seating

• Budget or venue limitations

As long as your invitation sets expectations clearly and kindly, a reception-only event is considered perfectly polite. You do not need to explain your reasons — a simple, welcoming line is enough.

What to Include on a Reception-Only Wedding Invitation

Reception-only invitations share many elements with traditional wedding invitations, with a few important additions to ensure clarity.

1. Event Title

Use a title that clearly signals a celebration rather than a ceremony, such as:

• Wedding Reception

• Celebration Dinner

• Reception to Celebrate Our Marriage

2. Host Names

Include the names of the couple, families, or hosts.

3. Reception Details

Be sure to list:

• Date and start time

• Venue name and full address

• Dress code, if applicable

4. Ceremony Clarification

This is one of the most important elements of a reception-only invitation. A short, thoughtful line lets guests know what to expect while still feeling warmly included.

You do not need to explain why guests were not invited to the ceremony, clarity and kindness are what matter most.

Warm and friendly

• We were married in a private ceremony and would love to celebrate with you.

• After a small, intimate ceremony, please join us for our wedding reception.

Simple and direct

• Please join us for our wedding reception.

• Reception to celebrate our marriage.

Formal and traditional

• The couple were married in a private ceremony and request the pleasure of your company at a reception in their honor.

• Following a private ceremony, a reception will be held.

Casual and relaxed

• We tied the knot and can’t wait to celebrate with you.

• Let’s celebrate our marriage together at the reception.

If your wording feels kind, clear, and celebratory, you’re on the right track.

5. RSVP Information

Include:

• RSVP deadline

• How to respond (card, email, or online)

• Meal selections, if required

6. Optional Guest Details

Depending on your event, you may also include:

• Parking or directions

• Notes about children

• Gift or registry information

• A brief note about the reception style

A minimalist photo wedding invitation featuring a modern arch design and warm neutral tones. This design works beautifully for both traditional wedding invitations and reception-only celebrations, with wording easily adjusted to clearly reflect your event format.

View the minimalist photo wedding invitation with an arch design.

Reception-Only Invitation Etiquette

Many couples worry about whether it’s rude to invite someone only to the reception. The short answer is no. Reception-only invitations are widely accepted when they are worded thoughtfully and clearly.

There is no expectation that you explain why someone wasn’t invited to the ceremony. Your reasons are personal, and a simple statement outlining the event format is both polite and appropriate.

When to Send Reception-Only Invitations

Timing should follow standard invitation etiquette:

• Local receptions: send invitations 8–12 weeks in advance

• Out-of-town celebrations: send invitations 3–6 months in advance

Registry information may be included on wedding or vow renewal invitations if you wish. For birthdays and other celebrations, it’s perfectly fine to keep gift mentions light or leave them out entirely.

Reception-Only Wording Examples

Here are ready-to-use wording examples for different types of events. Adjust dates, times, and venues as needed.

Wedding Reception

• We were married in a private ceremony. Please join us for our wedding reception on Saturday, January 18 at 5 PM at The Greenhouse Room.

• Together with our families, we invite you to celebrate our marriage on Saturday, January 18. Reception begins at 6 PM at Willow Grove Lodge.

Vow Renewal Reception

• After renewing our vows, we invite you to join us for a reception celebration on Sunday, February 2. Dinner and music begin at 4 PM at Parkview Hall.

• Celebrate our vow renewal with dinner and dancing on February 2 at 5 PM at The Lakeview Inn.

Milestone Birthday Reception

• Join us for an evening reception celebrating Janet’s 50th birthday on Friday, January 10. The party begins at 6:30 PM at The Oak Room.

• Reception celebration for John’s 60th birthday. Saturday, January 25 at 5 PM at Crescent Hall.

When to Use an Insert Card

An insert card is helpful when you’ve already sent invitations for a small or private ceremony but want to invite additional guests to the reception.

This is most common when:

• The ceremony has limited seating

• Only immediate family attended the ceremony

• The reception is larger or held at a later date

In these cases, the insert card should focus only on the reception details — date, time, location, and RSVP information — and should not reference the ceremony. Think of it as a separate invitation designed solely around celebrating together.

Make Your Reception-Only Invitations Feel Thoughtful and Clear

Reception-only wedding invitations are a considerate way to celebrate with friends and family, no matter where or how your ceremony took place. With clear wording and a warm tone, guests will feel informed, included, and excited to attend.

If you’re planning a reception-only celebration, every printed invitation in our shop can be customized with wording that suits your event, tone, and style.

Browse our printed wedding invitations.

Helpful Wedding Planning Resources

You may also find these guides useful as you continue planning:

Are Digital Invitations Tacky or Acceptable for Weddings?

Just got engaged? What to do first

What to include on a wedding website

Inner vs outer envelopes: what you need to know

Destination wedding invitations: when to send and what to include

When to send bridal shower invitations