Wedding Reception Invitation Messages and Wording: 20 Examples
20 wedding reception invitation messages and card wordings: from parents or the couple, for colleagues and friends, in Hindi, plus what to include and when.
By the VowStory Team
Updated
In this guide
The reception is often the biggest guest list of the whole wedding: family, friends, neighbours and colleagues. Here is what to write, with 20 examples for cards and WhatsApp, from parents or from the two of you.
How a reception invitation differs
- Who hosts it varies. In many families the groom’s side hosts the reception after the wedding. In many South Indian weddings, it is held the evening before the wedding morning.
- The list is longer. Colleagues and neighbours who don’t come to the rituals are often invited to the reception.
- The tone is lighter. It is a dinner and a celebration, so the wording can be warmer and less formal than the main card.
What to include in a reception invitation
- who is inviting: the parents, or the couple
- the couple’s names
- the date and start time, with “dinner to follow” if it does
- the venue, with a map link
- a dress code, if you have one
- the date by which guests should reply, and whom to tell
Formal reception card wording
Two wordings for a printed card, or for the top of a digital invitation.
Mr and Mrs [Groom’s father’s name]
request the pleasure of your company
at the wedding reception of their son
[Groom]
with
[Bride]
(daughter of Mr and Mrs [Bride’s father’s name])
on [Day], [Date]
from [Time] onwards
at [Venue], [City]
Dinner to follow
Together with their families
[Bride] and [Groom]
invite you to celebrate their marriage
at a reception
on [Date] at [Time]
[Venue], [City]
Kindly reply by [RSVP date]
Reception invitation messages from parents
Formal
Namaste 🙏 We are delighted to invite you and your family to the reception of our son [Groom] and [Bride], on [Date] at [Time], at [Venue]. Dinner to follow. Map: [Link] [Parents’ names]
Asking for blessings
Dear [Name], With great joy, we invite you to bless the newlyweds, [Groom] and [Bride], at their reception on [Date], from [Time], at [Venue]. Your presence will mean a lot to us. [Family name]
For elders
Respected [Name] ji, Please grace the reception of [Groom] and [Bride] with your presence on [Date] at [Venue]. Details and directions: [Link]
Reception invitation messages from the couple
Happy and simple
Hi [Name]! We’re married! 🎉 Come and celebrate with us at our reception on [Date], [Time], at [Venue]. Dinner, music and lots of love. [Link] [Bride] & [Groom]
Party
We said yes, now let’s celebrate! 🥂 Our reception is on [Date] at [Venue]. We can’t wait to see you. [Link]
With an RSVP
Dear [Name], It would mean the world to us to have you at our wedding reception on [Date] at [Time], at [Venue]. Please let us know by [RSVP date] if you can make it. [Link]
Reception invitations for colleagues
Keep it polite and practical. Use the office group for the team, and a personal message for your manager.
For the team
Hi team, I’m getting married on [Date], and I’d love you all to join our reception on [Date] at [Time], at [Venue], [City]. Directions and details: [Link] Please let me know by [RSVP date] if you can come. [Your name]
By email
Subject: Invitation to my wedding reception on [Date] Dear [Name], I’m happy to share that I’m getting married on [Date]. I would be delighted if you could join us at our reception on [Date] at [Time], at [Venue], [City]. The invitation, with the map, is here: [Link] Warm regards, [Your name]
For your manager
Dear [Name], I’d be honoured if you and your family could attend my wedding reception on [Date] at [Venue]. The details are here: [Link] Thank you, [Your name]
Reception invitations for friends
Short
Reception night! 🎉 [Date] · [Time] · [Venue] Dress up, show up, dance. [Link]
Teasing
Missed the pheras? No excuses for the reception 😄 [Date] at [Venue]. See you there! [Link]
Food first
You’ve heard enough about the wedding. Now come and eat the food 😋 Reception on [Date], [Time], at [Venue]. [Link]
Reception invitation messages in Hindi
In Hindi, the reception dinner is often called प्रीतिभोज, and the reception itself स्वागत समारोह. For the full card in Hindi, see our wedding card matter in Hindi.
Formal, from parents
सादर आमंत्रण 🙏 हमारे सुपुत्र [वर] एवं [वधू] के शुभ विवाह के उपलक्ष्य में [तिथि] को सायं [समय] बजे से [स्थान] पर प्रीतिभोज का आयोजन किया गया है। आप सपरिवार सादर आमंत्रित हैं। [परिवार का नाम]
From the couple
प्रिय [नाम], [तिथि] को [स्थान] पर हमारे स्वागत समारोह में आपका इंतज़ार रहेगा। नक्शा: [लिंक] [वधू] एवं [वर]
For elders
आदरणीय [नाम] जी 🙏 नवदम्पति [वर] एवं [वधू] को आशीर्वाद देने हेतु [तिथि] को [समय] बजे [स्थान] पर अवश्य पधारें। [परिवार का नाम]
A reception on another day, or in another city
Many couples hold a small wedding and a big reception later, or a second reception in the groom’s or bride’s home city. Say so clearly:
After a small wedding
Dear [Name], Our wedding was a small family ceremony in [City], and now we’d love to celebrate with you! Please join our reception on [Date] at [Time], at [Venue], [City]. [Link]
In another city
Since many of you couldn’t travel for the wedding, we’re bringing the celebration to [City]! 🎉 Reception: [Date], [Time], [Venue]. [Link]
Day-before reminder
A reminder: our reception is tomorrow, from [Time] at [Venue]. Directions: [Link] See you there!
When to send a reception invitation
With the main invitation
Six to eight weeks before, for guests coming to the wedding as well. See when to send wedding invitations.
Reception-only guests
At least three to four weeks before, so colleagues and neighbours can plan.
The day before
A one-line reminder with the time and the map (message 20).
Mistakes to avoid
- Not saying who is hosting, when the families’ guest lists differ.
- A start time with no end in sight. “Dinner from 8 pm” helps guests plan.
- No map, especially for a venue in another city.
- Forwarding the wedding card to colleagues who are invited only to the reception.
- No reply date. Caterers need a head count.
Frequently asked questions
Who hosts the wedding reception in India?
It varies. In many families the groom’s side hosts it after the wedding; in many South Indian weddings, the reception comes the evening before. Some couples host it themselves. Say who is inviting in the first line.
What is written on a wedding reception card?
Who is hosting, the couple’s names, the date and time, the venue, and often “dinner to follow” and a reply date. Examples 1 and 2 above are ready to use.
Can we invite colleagues only to the reception?
Yes, and many couples do. Send them a reception message (9–11) rather than the full wedding card, so the invitation is clear.
How early should reception invitations go out?
With the main invitation, six to eight weeks before. For reception-only guests, at least three to four weeks before.
Is it okay to send a reception invitation on WhatsApp?
Yes. Send it personally, and call elders as well. For help with the rest of the wording, see our wedding invitation wording guide.
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