Wedding guest information cards are the perfect way to let your nearest and dearest know everything they need to be prepared for your special day. Sometimes there simply isn’t enough space for all the details to be printed on your wedding invitations. These simple cards help introduce the tone of the day and are designed to complement the rest of your wedding stationery.
Every wedding is unique, so there’s no set ‘wedding guest information card template’ as such. Here are some of the things you might like to include:
1. Venue Details and Directions
First thing your friends and family need to know is where your wedding is going to be. The name of the venue is likely to be mentioned on the main wedding invitation, but the wedding guest information cards allow you to add more details. For example, you could include a map with directions. This is especially useful if it’s a countryside venue that’s a little off the beaten track. Alternatively, the full address with a postcode for satnavs, a phone number and the venue’s website will often suffice.
2. Timings
There’s no need to give away the full schedule of the day on your wedding invitations, but you may want to outline a few important timings. If your ceremony and reception are at different locations, your guests will want to know when they should arrive in each place. You could also include details of any extra activities you’re planning around the day. For example, it’s becoming increasingly popular to have a small gathering the day after the wedding. This gives couples another chance to see everyone, as the wedding day itself can be very busy.
3. Transport
Details of how to get to and from your wedding is always helpful for guests. Depending on your arrangements, this could include:
- Nearest carpark
- Whether you’re providing a minibus or coach transportation
- Phone numbers of good local taxi firms
- Public transport options – bus, tram or train
- Nearest airport and cheapest flight options if relevant
4. Accommodation Suggestions
If they’re unfamiliar with the area, guests really appreciate a few suggestions of where to stay overnight. How much detail you put in your wedding guest information cards is up to you. You may simply list the names of a few nearby bed and breakfasts, or you could propose a variety of options for different budgets.
Some hotels will offer discounts, or set aside rooms so your guests can all stay in the same place. If you have time, it’s worth calling around in advance to find out what’s available. You can then recommend the best places and ensure people find it quick and easy to book a place to stay.
5. Dress Code
You may have already put a note about this on your wedding invitation. However, if there’s a theme or anything specific you want your guests to wear, the wedding guest information cards are a good place to go into more detail. You only really need to mention this if there’s something very formal (black tie), very informal (beach wedding) or unusual about your wedding (Harry Potter theme, anyone?). Otherwise, your guests are likely to know to dress smartly.
6. Local Information
At least some of your guests may be travelling a distance to attend your special day – especially if you’re planning to get married abroad. They might want to make the trip into a little holiday as well as celebrating with you.
If this is the case, it’s a nice touch to include some extra local information with your wedding invitation. You could list some nearby attractions and places to visit that are close to your heart. Tourist information leaflets can be helpful, or perhaps write a list of useful websites.
7. Carriages
The official finishing time is useful for those who need to book a taxi or organise a lift. This is another opportunity to give the finer details of any arrangements for transport you’re providing. You could also mention in advance if you’re planning an after party for those staying in the same accommodation as you.
8. Gift List
Many couples feel a little awkward mentioning presents. However, your guests will want to know the gift etiquette for your wedding, so it’s worth including some information about this. You can phrase it in a polite way that doesn’t sound compulsory, while giving them the option to buy something you really want. Keeping it short and simple works well. Plus, it’s a good idea to include a link to your gift list, honeymoon fund or a chosen charity, if relevant.
9. Food and Drink
Your guests are likely to expect to be fed at some point during your wedding day. You may want to provide the timings for this if you’re planning a late wedding breakfast, so they know to eat in advance. The information card would also be good place to ask for any dietary requirements and to let people know if they need to bring cash for the bar.
If you’re offering a choice of dishes for the wedding menu, you could include a separate tick-box card that guests can return to you. Alternatively, labelling the options for each course ‘A, B, C etc.’ and having a space on the RSVP card to respond also works well. That way, your guests can keep the menu alongside the rest of the information.
10. Children
People often decide not to invite children to their wedding for reasons that could be a matter of cost, or simply personal choice. Wedding guest information cards can be an easier place to say this than the invitation itself. It’s important to be tactful and sensitive to the feelings of any parents amongst your friends. If you want some help with how to phrase this, check out our guide to the Perfect Wedding Invitation Wording.
11. RSVP Deadline
It can be a waiting game for RSVPs after your wedding invitations have gone out. Giving a deadline on your wedding guest information cards is a good way to encourage friends and family to confirm their attendance sooner rather than later. Make sure your deadline is a bit before when you actually need to know by to allow for a few late arrivals.
12. Wedding Website
Wedding websites are a popular way to go into more detail about your big day, share photos and facilitate guests communicating with each other in advance. They’re easy to set up and a simple link can be printed on your wedding guest information cards. Although all the information in this blog post can also be included on the website, we still recommend providing a hard copy. It’s invaluable for guests to have a handy printed version of the address and details to take with them on the day.
Anything Else for Your Wedding Guest Information Cards?
Although our list covers the most popular elements to wedding guest information cards, you may have other things in mind. As we said before, every wedding is unique, so there’s no standard wedding guest information card template. Our collection of info cards can be adapted in any way you wish to meet the needs of your big day.
Looking for more inspiration? Take a browse through our collection of wedding guest information card designs. You can order online or get in touch – we’d be happy to talk through your ideas.
The Foil Invite Company were so helpful, by sending samples ASAP. They kept us informed of how the invitations, order of service, table names, table plan and name tags would look. The final products were amazing! Just as we imagined them.
– Sara Coker (Nelson)
I would like to go for the wedding I formation card…… also how will it take to deliver.
Thanks for your interest Daniel. Once we’ve received your order, wording and payment we’ll aim to produce digital proofs of your designs within 3 working days. We will then amend these if necessary until you’re completely happy with them. Once you’ve approved the final designs we print and dispatch your order which will take approximately 10 working days.