Things to include in your Information Insert.
The guest list is sorted and you’re ready to start inviting – HURRAH! In addition to the wedding stationery, which traditionally holds the invitation itself and the RSVP card, it’s a good idea to include an information card for your guests.
What is this information card for? Well, if you’re having a location wedding or most of your guests don’t know the area where your nuptials are taking place, then it’s pretty handy to have one, and it avoids last-minute queries on the day itself (no bride or groom wants their phone ringing off the hook by lost relatives!)
There is no set etiquette for what details you should write on the information sheet, so here are some useful pointers you might think about including (these can be placed in your invitation envelope or mentioned on your wedding website).
Directions
Include directions to your ceremony and/or reception venue, as well as maps of the local area, for all those who are not familiar with the location.
Nearby Transport
It is considerate to include the nearest transport links, like a nearby railway station or the closest airport.
Also, if your guests are treating your wedding as a little getaway, provide them with tourist information and a list of local attractions!
Taxi Companies
Another good idea is to provide your guests with contact numbers for the local taxi firms, or with nearby car park details. This way, they will be able to enjoy your reception without worrying about how to get home or designating a driver.
Accommodation
This is the perfect place to jot down all the sleeping options. Try reserving some rooms in local hotels, bed and breakfasts, or friend’s houses, so they don’t get booked out by strangers, and get your guests to mention your name. It’s a good idea to provide a variety of options here across all price ranges.
Tip: You can also ask your wedding venue where your guests can find accommodation near the wedding!
Dress Code
An information sheet will also often feature the required dress code, especially if it is in an unfamiliar climate (sun hats against the heat and mittens for the cold!) or if you need “lawn-friendly” shoes!
Kids
Are you excluding children from your wedding? Or do you have special arrangements made for them already? Put this on the information sheet. Try to be as polite as possible when excluding children from the festivities.
Gifts!
Most couples have qualms about where to mention their gift list, as traditionalists still say that it is rude for the engaged couple to mention presents. I think it’s completely acceptable to put gift list details on the information sheet (otherwise all the guests will just ask!) If this is still too obvious for you, a number of stores provide helpful cards with your gift list details on them, that you can slip into your invitation envelope.
Bring Cash
An information sheet is also a good place to let your guests know whether you’re having a cash bar or which cards the bar will accept. Then they will know what to expect and be prepared.
The Day After
If you are planning any activities for the day after, like a catch-up brunch, or golfing. The information sheet is the perfect place to put all the details.
Carriages?
If you have a set a “Carriages” time (the time everyone needs to leave the venue). You should let your guests know on the information card so that they can make arrangements for getting home in advance.
Hashtags
Having a social media savvy wedding? Get guests posting early by providing the wedding hashtag on the info sheet. Or having an unplugged wedding? Let guests know you don’t want to share pictures on social media here.
Environmentally Friendly
If you are an environmentally friendly couple, why not send out a simple business card with the URL of your wedding website, on which all of the above information can be found! Supplement this with your phone number and that of the Best Man or the Maid of Honour, so that your guests can ask any additional questions!
Final Tip
You don’t have to splurge out on expensive quality paper for the information sheet. You can just print them at home on nice paper and save some pennies!
