So, you eloped. Or maybe you had a tiny destination ceremony in the Amalfi Coast and now your Great Aunt Martha is guilt-tripping you because she didn’t see you walk down the aisle. Honestly, it happens way more than you’d think. Post wedding party invitations are becoming the new standard for couples who want the "I do" to be private but the "Let’s party" to be loud.
You’re basically throwing a wedding reception without the boring parts. No twenty-minute ceremony where people struggle to hear your vows over a crying baby. Just drinks, food, and people you actually like. But how do you word the invite without sounding like you’re just fishing for more blenders and air fryers?
The Etiquette is Actually Looser Than You Think
People get really hung up on "rules." Most of those rules were written in the 1950s by people who didn't have TikTok.
The biggest misconception? That you have to send these out within a month. Total myth. According to wedding planning experts at The Knot and Brides, you have up to a year to host a post-wedding celebration. Life gets in the way. Maybe you moved houses, or maybe you just needed six months to recover from the financial hit of the actual wedding. That’s fine.
Your post wedding party invitations should reflect the vibe of the event. If it's a backyard BBQ, don't use gold foil and vellum. If it's a black-tie cocktail hour at a gallery, don't send a text message.
It’s about managing expectations.
When people see a "wedding" invite, they expect a certain level of formality. When they see a "celebration of marriage" or a "happily ever after party," they relax. They know they’re coming for the fun, not the ceremony.
What You Absolutely Must Include
You’d be surprised how many people forget the basics because they’re too focused on the floral design. You need the date, the time, and the location. Obviously. But you also need to be crystal clear that the ceremony has already happened.
Try something like:
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- "We did! Now let's party."
- "We exchanged vows in a private ceremony on [Date]. Please join us for a celebration!"
- "Nothing fancy, just love. Join us for a post-wedding bash."
The phrasing "Happily Ever After Party" is a bit of a classic at this point, but it works because it’s unambiguous. You aren't tricking anyone into thinking they're going to see a wedding. You're inviting them to a party.
Dealing With the "Gift" Elephant in the Room
This is the awkward part. People are going to ask.
If you already had a registry for your small wedding, do you include it on the post wedding party invitations? Generally, etiquette experts like those at the Emily Post Institute suggest you keep registry info off the physical invite. It feels a bit grabby.
Instead, put it on your wedding website.
If you truly don't want gifts—maybe because you’ve lived together for five years and already have two toasters—say it. "Your presence is the only gift we need" is a bit cliché, but it gets the job done. Or, you can get creative: "We’re just excited to see you! No gifts, please."
Some couples choose to do a "Honeyfund" or a house downpayment fund. If you go this route, keep the mention subtle. Most guests want to give you something, but they don't want to feel obligated if they've already sent a gift for the initial ceremony.
Timing Your Mailers
Send these out about 6 to 8 weeks before the event. If it’s a destination post-wedding party (yes, that’s a thing), give them 3 months. People need to book flights.
Digital invites are totally acceptable here.
Seriously. For a formal wedding, paper is usually the way to go. For a post-wedding bash? Sites like Paperless Post or Riley & Grey have incredible templates that look high-end but save you $500 on postage and printing. Plus, tracking RSVPs digitally is a literal lifesaver when you're trying to give a final headcount to a caterer.
Design Trends That Don't Feel Dated
We’re seeing a massive shift away from the "Pinterest Perfect" aesthetic.
People are leaning into "Anti-Bride" styles. Think blurry film photography from the actual wedding used as the background of the card. It feels raw. It feels real.
Another big trend for post wedding party invitations is the use of bold, 70s-inspired typography. Think disco vibes. If the party is at a bar or a lounge, use those deep oranges, disco ball graphics, and funky fonts. It signals to your guests that this isn't a "sit down and listen to speeches" kind of night. It’s a "get on the dance floor" kind of night.
- Minimalist: Just black text on heavy white cardstock.
- The Photo Card: A shot from your elopement or courthouse wedding.
- The "Weekend Update": A card that looks like a newspaper announcement.
Don't Forget the Details
Where are people staying? Is there a dress code?
If you're hosting the party in your hometown but friends are flying in, include a small "Details" card or a link to a website with hotel blocks. Even though it's "just a party," it's still an event people are traveling for.
Dress codes are helpful. "Festive Attire" is popular but confusing. "Cocktail" is safe. "Casual" means jeans are okay. If you don't specify, you'll get ten texts a day for three weeks asking what to wear. Save yourself the headache.
Making it Meaningful
Just because there’s no aisle doesn’t mean there’s no heart.
Consider having a loop of photos from your private ceremony playing on a screen. Or have your guest book from the wedding out for people to sign if they haven't yet.
Some couples even do a "re-vow" which is basically a 5-minute version of the ceremony for the sake of the family. If you do this, mention it on the post wedding party invitations so people know to arrive on time and not skip the "first hour" thinking it's just happy hour.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being too vague. If people think it's a surprise wedding, they might freak out. If they think it's a casual dinner and it's actually a formal gala, they'll be embarrassed.
- Overcrowding the design. You don't need your entire life story on a 5x7 card.
- Missing the RSVP date. Make it clear. Give them a deadline that is at least two weeks before you need to pay your vendors.
Actionable Steps for Your Invitations
First, nail down your guest count. This dictates everything from the budget to the venue to the cost of the stamps.
Second, decide on your vibe. Are you going for "Elegant Reception 2.0" or "Low-key Pizza Party"? This determines your wording.
Third, pick your platform. If you're going paper, order samples first. Colors on a screen never look exactly like colors on paper. If you're going digital, test the link on your phone and a desktop to make sure it's readable.
Fourth, write your copy. Keep it punchy. Use your names prominently.
Finally, send them out and stop stressing. The hard part—the actual getting married bit—is already done. This is just the victory lap.
Next Steps for Success:
- Finalize your date at least 3 months in advance to ensure your favorite local venue is available.
- Draft your wording today; focus on being clear about the "post-wedding" nature to avoid guest confusion.
- Create a simple wedding website (even for a casual party) to house all the logistical info that doesn't fit on the card.