A separate reception invitation card, sometimes with directions or a map, is often included in the invitation. This is usually done when the reception is at a different address, and including all of the information on the main wedding invitation would be cumbersome, wordy, and possibly confusing.

If the reception is in the same place as the wedding, you may include information about it at the end of the main invitation text.

Generally, we feel it is courteous to give your guests an idea about the nature of the reception, especially whether it will include a meal, so that they can plan accordingly. Here are some examples of lines that could be included at the end of an invitation or on a separate reception invitation card:

• Food, wine and merriment to follow
• Dinner and dancing to follow at six o’clock
• Light dinner and dancing to follow
• The celebration continues with dinner, dancing, and merriment
• Reception { Dinner and dancing to follow
• Buffet dinner and dancing to follow
• Dessert reception immediately following 
• Cocktails and cake to follow
• Food and festivities to follow until midnight
• Cocktails and hors d’oeuvre following the ceremony
• Please join us for a garden reception following the ceremony (typical language for second reception card…)
• The pleasure of your company is requested at the reception immediately following the ceremony  (typical language for second reception card…)
• The pleasure of your company is requested at the dinner reception at 8 o’clock in the evening at… (typical language for second reception card…)
• Please join us for the celebration following the ceremony at half past two o’clock in the afternoon (typical language for second reception card…)
• Jane and John invite you to a lunch reception following the ceremony (typical language for second reception card…)