Invitation Details Checklist

Look over this list to make sure that you have included all necessary information on your invitation.

If you are inviting your guests to a reception only, and not to a private ceremony (i.e. baptism or graduation) prior to the reception, be sure this is clear to your guests. Only include time and location for the event your guests are invited to.

Introductory line (Please join us for a...)
Name of event or occasion
Who it is for
Fiancee name (if bridal shower)
Graduate of (school name) if graduation
Event date
Event time
Event location (Do you need to include city, state or zip code? Invitations normally look nicer without these extra items. Zip codes often look odd in script type.)
Second event (if applicable), i.e. Open house, reception or luncheon
Second event time, or "immediately following." Second date only if different.
Second event location (use same format as first location)
Hosted by name (or include with R.s.v.p.)
R.s.v.p. by (date) See R.s.v.p. options below.
R.s.v.p. to (name, phone, email)
Theme, gift or other details. Or this information can be included on an enclosure with your invitation. Etiquette rules generally hold that no mention be made about gifts on invitations. However, it is common practice to include registry information for showers, and to include "Let your presence be your present" rather than "no gifts, please."
Proofread your order details and custom text
Check dates on a calendar
Check name spelling
R.s.v.p. Options

R.s.v.p. is French for "Please respond". If you wish to include a request for your guests to let you know their plans, choose from one of these popular formats.

  • R.s.v.p. by April 3 to 413-444-2323
  • R.s.v.p. by April 3 to Judy at 413-444-2323
  • Please respond by April 3 to Judy at 413-444-2323
  • R.s.v.p., regrets only, to Judy at 413-444-2323
  • Regrets only, please, to Judy at 413-444-2323
Adding an email address after the phone number is becoming popular.