When you're customizing your wedding invitation suite, the small enclosure might be the most flexible little card you didn’t know you needed.

While it’s most commonly used as a reception card, this elegant insert can also serve as a wedding website card, future address card, or a simple note for guests regarding pretty much anything you’d like them to know.

Today, we’re covering what the small enclosure is for, when to use it, and how to craft the right wording so everything ties in perfectly with the rest of your suite.

What Is a Small Enclosure?

The small enclosure is one of the four main pieces in a traditional wedding invitation suite, along with the invitation, response card, and large enclosure.

At Shine, we refer to this card simply as the small enclosure, but you may have seen it called:

• Reception card
• Wedding website card
• Registry/wishing well card
• Details card
• Wedding reception card

They’re all referring to the same thing—the difference lies in how you use it.

When to Use a Small Enclosure Card (With Wording Examples)

While the wording is completely customizable, the small enclosure is best suited for short, specific details that don’t belong on the main invitation. Here are the most common uses—each with an example to help you visualize your own.

Reception Card

If your ceremony and reception are in separate locations, the small enclosure is the perfect place to share:

• Reception start time
• Venue name and address
• Optional notes such as “cocktails, dinner, and dancing” to give your guests more info on what to expect

Reception Card Wording Example:

Reception

six o’clock in the evening

Designer Tip: While it’s traditionally acceptable to include details like dress code or an “adults only” note on your main invitation, many modern couples prefer to keep their invitation minimal and share those extras on the small enclosure instead. If you’d like to expand on the celebration details—or simply keep things clean—this card is the perfect place to do so.

Wedding Website Card for Invitation

Many couples choose to share a wedding website with guests—and the small enclosure is a great way to point them there. You can include your website URL along with a short message inviting guests to explore details like:

• Hotel room blocks or other accommodation details
• Travel tips or airport info
• Wedding weekend schedule
• Online RSVP (especially if you're collecting responses both by mail and online)

Example 1:

For more information,
including travel details, accommodations,
and our wedding weekend schedule,

please visit our wedding website
[wedding website URL]

Example 2:

To respond online and
for more information,
including accommodation details,

Please visit
[wedding website URL]

Registry Information

It’s completely natural to want to make things as easy as possible for your guests—including sharing where you're registered. While traditional etiquette suggests avoiding direct registry mentions in your invitation suite, that guidance exists to help keep the focus on the celebration—not the gifts.

A thoughtful and widely accepted solution is to direct guests to your wedding website, where they can find all the details they might be wondering about—like accommodations, travel plans, and registry info—without making it the focus of an entire card in your printed suite.

Registry Card Wording Example:

For more information,
including travel details, accommodations,
and our wedding registry,

please visit our wedding website
[wedding website URL]

Designer Tip: This wording offers a subtle, guest-friendly way to share helpful info while keeping the tone of your suite elegant and gracious.

Future Address Card

Some couples choose to include a note with their future married address—particularly helpful if you're moving shortly after the wedding or if your address is not included elsewhere in the suite (for example, as the return address).

Example 1:

Our future address

2416 Maple Drive
Charleston, South Carolina 29401

Example 2:

The future home of
Emily and Nathan Williams

2416 Maple Drive
Charleston, South Carolina 29401

Designer Tip: Planning to include brunch details, rehearsal dinner info, or wedding weekend itinerary specifics? These are usually better suited to the large enclosure card due to the amount of text involved. We recommend keeping things short and sweet on the small enclosure to avoid the card looking crowded.

Need Help with Wording? Let Us Handle It

If you're feeling unsure about what to include—or how to say it—we're here to help. When you order with Shine, wording is one thing you can confidently check off your list.

All we need are your basic event details, and our team will craft etiquette-correct wording for your entire suite, including your small enclosure card. Already have your text prepared? You can enter it directly when placing your order. Either way, the process is easy, flexible, and stress-free.

Have specific questions before ordering? Our team is always happy to help—feel free to get in touch.

FAQs: Small Enclosure Cards & Reception Card Wording

What is a small enclosure card used for?

A small enclosure card is most commonly used to share reception details, your wedding website, registry info, or a future address. It holds any brief information that doesn’t belong on the main invitation.

What’s the difference between a small enclosure and a reception card?

They’re actually the same card! “Reception card” is simply one of the most popular ways to use the small enclosure. Other uses include a wedding website card, registry insert, or address update.

Can I include multiple pieces of information on one small enclosure?

Yes, as long as it fits and remains legible. The small enclosure is quite small, so it really is only recommended for short bits of information.

If you’re including multiple events or lengthy details, we recommend using the large enclosure instead for a clean, easy-to-read layout.

Do I need a reception card if my reception is at the same venue as my ceremony?

Not necessarily. If your reception follows immediately after your ceremony at the same location, you can simply add “reception to follow” on your main invitation.

That being said, the small enclosure is a great option if you want to give your guests some additional details regarding the reception, like dress code, timing, or whether children are invited.

How do you word an adults-only wedding invitation?

It’s best to keep the message brief, clear, and respectful. A small enclosure card is a great place to include this note.

Some couples choose a simple line such as:

Example 1:

Please join us for an adult reception of
Cocktails, dinner, and dancing at

Example 2:

Although we love your little ones,
this is an adult only affair

Example 3:

Although we adore your children,
due to budget/space constraints
we kindly request that only adults attend

If you’d like help with wording that feels true to your tone and event, our designers are happy to craft a custom message that’s both gracious and clear.

A Small Card That Makes a Big Impact

The small enclosure card may be petite, but it plays an important role in your invitation suite—offering your guests the extra details they need to feel informed and excited about your day. Whether you're including reception info, sharing your wedding website, or sharing a future address, we'll help you create wording that feels perfectly polished.

Ready to bring your suite to life? Take our styling quiz to discover the design that fits your wedding vision—or order a sample to see our timeless materials and print quality in person.