Now that you know how to word your wedding invitation, it’s time to move onto the next piece in your invitation suite: the RSVP card!
RSVP Card Wording
Traditionally, no rsvp card was included (or a blank card was used) with an invitation— guests knew they were expected to respond to the host as to whether they would attend the event. These days, however, it is common to include a response card (along with a stamped and addressed envelope).
The wording you choose depends on what sort of response you require from your guest: how many people will attend, the meal choice they prefer, or you may also want to find out who will attend another wedding event that same weekend, e.g. a welcome dinner or farewell brunch.
You may also want to consider assigning a number to each guest and lightly marking that number on the rsvp card in the event a card is returned with an illegible name or no name at all!
1. TITLE
RSVP is an abbreviation for the French term “répondez s’il vous plait” which translates to “please reply”. (it’s redundant to put “please” or “kindly” before “RSVP” so skip it, or use “please reply”) If you used the old English spelling of “honour” on your invite, use the corresponding “favour” here.
2. Reply By Date
Make sure to include a response deadline for your guests. It is traditionally three to four weeks before your event, but you may want to adjust the date if you need to give your venue or caterer a headcount earlier.
3. Guest Names
Include a line for your guests to write their names. Traditionally, an “M” (for Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms) is included at the start of the line.
4. Reply Options
Provide a check box or line so your guests can note if they will or will not attend.
5. Additional details
You could also include space for guests to indicate how many people are attending. If you’re offering a meal choice, you can add a place for guests to indicate their preference. You might also ask that guests list any food allergies. Small icons indicating the meal choices are a popular option too!
Traditional RSVP Card Wording Samples
The following wording samples would be perfect for a traditional or formal wedding.
OPTION 1
RSVP
The favor of a reply is requested
by the fifteenth of May
M_______________________
__accepts
__regrets
Option 2
R.S.V.P.
Kindly reply on or before
the fifteenth of May
Name(s)____________________
___will attend __will not attend
___guest(s) attending
Option 3
Kindly reply
by the fifteenth of May
M__________________________
__joyfully accepts __regretfully declines
please indicate your desired meal choice
__chicken __steak __vegetarian
ONLINE RSVP CARD WORDING
While it’s not a traditional option, more and more couples are offering guests an option to RSVP online via their wedding website. In this case, you’ll still want to include a card with instructions regarding how guests can RSVP online.
ONLINE RSVP Card Wording Samples
The following wording samples would be perfect for couples using an online RSVP and offering guests the option to RSVP on their wedding website.
OPTION 1
RSVP
The favor of a reply is requested
by the fifteenth of May
Visit our wedding website to RSVP and for additional details.
www.ourbigweddingday.com
password: 08162024
OPTION 2
RSVP
Kindly reply by the fifteenth of May
via our wedding website:
www.ourbigweddingday.com
password: 08162024
OPTION 3
Response
To RSVP and for more wedding details,
please visit our website:
www.ourbigweddingday.com
password: 08162024
Kindly reply by the fifteenth of May
For a more casual wedding (or if you want to share your sense of humor with your guests) there are lots of “fun” wording alternatives.
Hopefully, these tips and sample wording cleared up any confusion and maybe even solved your RSVP card wording dilemma! If you have more questions, let me know – I’m happy to help out.
Next week in The Wedding Stationery Guide, I’ll be sharing wording tips and etiquette advice for the next piece in your wedding stationery suite: the reception card!
