When it comes to wedding invitations, every couple wants theirs to be both beautiful and practical. Beyond the essential details like names, date, and venue, there are extra pieces of information that your guests truly appreciate—such as the dress code, gift preferences, and directions or map details. Including these correctly can save you from endless questions while ensuring your guests arrive prepared and stress-free.
At ShadiCards.com, we’ve seen firsthand how couples in 2025 are getting creative with how they communicate this important information. Here’s your complete guide on how to seamlessly add these elements to your wedding invitation suite.
1. Dress Code: Helping Guests Look the Part
Your wedding day is one of the most photographed events of your life. Setting a dress code not only helps guests feel comfortable but also ensures a cohesive look for your big day.
How to Include It
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On the main card: A short phrase like “Black Tie,” “Cocktail Attire,” or “Traditional Dress Welcome” can be placed discreetly at the bottom.
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On a separate details card: For cultural weddings (Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, etc.), you may wish to give more context—e.g., “Ladies, please bring a dupatta or scarf for the ceremony” or “Bright traditional attire encouraged for Mehndi.”
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QR Code option: Many couples now add a QR code linking to a gallery of outfit inspiration, making it easier for guests unfamiliar with cultural attire.
SEO Tip: Popular Wedding Dress Codes in 2025
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Black Tie & Glamour Themes
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Rustic/Formal Blend for Barn Weddings
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Cultural Dress Codes (Lehengas, Sherwanis, Anarkalis, Kurtas)
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Colour-Themed Outfits (e.g., “Wear Pastel Shades”)
2. Gifts: Striking the Right Balance
Talking about gifts can feel awkward, but it’s a practical part of wedding planning. The key is to word it gracefully while giving guests flexibility.
Options for Including Gift Preferences
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Gift registry link: Add this on a separate card or through a QR code printed on the invite.
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Polite wording:
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“Your presence is our greatest gift. However, should you wish to honour us with a gift, we have registered at…”
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“As we begin our married life, monetary gifts will be warmly appreciated.”
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Cultural considerations:
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At many South Asian weddings (Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi), cash gifts are common, so couples often politely mention this.
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For English or European weddings, physical registries are still popular.
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3. Maps & Directions: Ensuring Guests Arrive Stress-Free
Even in the age of Google Maps, many couples still choose to include a physical map or clear directions with their wedding invitation suite.
Why Add Maps?
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Some rural venues or traditional banqueting halls are tricky to find online.
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Older guests may prefer a printed map.
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Maps double as a keepsake of your special day.
How to Include It
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Insert card with illustrated map: Stylish sketches of landmarks help guests.
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QR Code to Google Maps: Practical and modern—perfect for tech-savvy guests.
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Venue details card: Include parking info, public transport guidance, and nearby hotels.
4. Where to Place These Details
To keep your main wedding card elegant and uncluttered, the best practice is to create a wedding invitation suite:
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Main Invitation Card (names, date, venue, time).
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RSVP Card (paper or digital).
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Details Card (dress code, gifts, map).
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Optional: QR Code linking to a wedding website with all the extras.
This layered approach keeps your stationery stylish while still being informative.
5. 2025 Trends in Including Extra Details
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QR Codes: Increasingly common for RSVPs, maps, gift lists.
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Sustainable Designs: Couples use a single card with a QR code to cut paper use.
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Cultural Blends: British couples with South Asian heritage often combine both traditions—using English-style wording while still mentioning things like “Please wear traditional attire for the Mehndi.”
Final Thoughts
Including dress codes, gifts, and map details in your wedding invitations may seem small, but it plays a huge role in ensuring your guests feel prepared and included. The key is to balance elegance with practicality, keeping the main card clean while offering extra details in a thoughtful way.
At ShadiCards.com, we specialise in creating bespoke wedding invitation suites—from foil, vellum, and laser-cut invitations to QR code-enabled modern designs. Whether you’re planning a traditional Asian wedding or a classic English ceremony, we’ll help you design stationery that communicates every detail beautifully.
