Guide
What to Put on a Wedding Invitation Details Card
A details card is a small card tucked into the invitation envelope that holds the practical information, so the invitation itself can stay short and elegant. This guide covers what belongs on it, what to leave off, common sizes, and wording you can copy and edit.
Updated 2026-11-02
What goes on a details card
Include only what guests need to plan the trip and the day. If a detail changes often, put it on your wedding website and link to it instead.
- Reception details, if the reception is at a different place or time than the ceremony.
- Accommodations: hotel names, whether there is a room block, the booking deadline and any booking code.
- Travel: parking, shuttle times, and the nearest airport or station if guests are coming from out of town.
- Dress code, especially for outdoor, beach, mountain or black-tie events.
- A schedule of any extra events, such as a welcome dinner or a farewell brunch.
- Your wedding website address, and the RSVP link or deadline if you collect replies online.
- Who is invited: a short note on plus-ones, children or an adults-only celebration.
- A contact name and email or phone number for questions.
What to leave off
- Registry details. Traditional etiquette keeps them off the invitation and its enclosures; share them on your website instead.
- Long directions or maps. Give a short address and a link or QR code.
- Anything that may change before the wedding, such as shuttle times that are not final.
- Paragraphs of text. If a card feels crowded, move the extras to the website.
Do you need one at all?
If the ceremony and reception are in the same place and guests do not need hotel or travel help, the invitation and a website link may be enough. A details card earns its place when guests have several practical questions, or when you want to keep the invitation itself to names, date and venue.
Wording you can copy and edit
ReceptionReception to follow at [Venue name], [Street address], [City]. Cocktails at [time], dinner at [time].
AccommodationsWe have reserved a block of rooms at [Hotel name] at a special rate. Please book by [date] and mention [Couple names] wedding. Details are on our website.
Dress codeDress code: [cocktail attire / black tie optional / garden party]. The ceremony is outdoors, so please plan for [grass / sand / uneven ground].
Adults-onlyWe love your little ones, but we have planned an adults-only celebration. Thank you for understanding.
Website and RSVPFor travel details, the schedule and to RSVP, please visit [yourwebsite address]. Kindly reply by [date].
QuestionsQuestions? Please contact [Name] at [email or phone].
Common sizes
Sizes vary by printer and envelope, so check your printer or stationer template before you order. These are common choices, and an enclosure should be slightly smaller than the envelope so it slides in easily.
| Card | Common size (inches) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small details card | 3.5 x 5 | Fits with a 5 x 7 invitation; room for a short list |
| Standard details card | 4 x 6 | More space for hotel and schedule information |
| Same-size insert | About 5 x 7 | Only if the envelope and invitation leave room for it |
How to stack the envelope
A common way is to stack from largest to smallest: invitation at the back, then the smaller cards on top, all facing the envelope flap so guests see them as they open it.
If you send a digital or video invitation
The same idea applies online. Keep the invitation itself short, and send the practical details as a link, a page on your wedding website, or a PDF or image of the card.
A video invitation made from a template carries your names, date, venue and a short message, which is the right amount for a video. Longer information such as hotels and shuttle times works better on a website or in a message sent with the video.
Quick checklist
- Is every date, time and address correct, and does it match your website?
- Is there a deadline guests can act on, such as the hotel booking or RSVP date?
- Can a guest find the venue, parking and dress code without asking you?
- Is the text large enough to read easily?
- Have you proofread names and spelling with someone else?
FAQ
What do you put on a details card for a wedding?
Practical information: reception details if different from the ceremony, accommodations, travel and parking, dress code, any extra events, your wedding website and RSVP information, and a contact for questions.
Can I put my registry on the details card?
Traditional etiquette says to keep registry information off the invitation and its enclosures. Most couples put registry links on their wedding website and let guests find them there.
What size is a wedding details card?
Common sizes are about 3.5 x 5 inches and 4 x 6 inches. Check your printer or envelope template, because the card needs to fit with the invitation.
Where does the details card go in the envelope?
Stack from largest to smallest with the invitation at the back and smaller cards on top, all facing the envelope flap.
Can I use a wedding website instead of a details card?
Yes. A website is easier to update, so many couples print only the website address and put the full details online. A card still helps guests who prefer paper.