Franklin Dean
When addressing wedding RSVP envelopes, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to select the appropriate envelope size, with the most common size for wedding invitations being the A7 envelope and the recommended size for RSVP cards being the A2 size. The return address on the RSVP envelope is typically the address of the host or the couple getting married, though modern couples may choose to have them sent to whoever is in charge of tracking RSVPs. Traditionally, the return address does not include the couple's names, but if the couple wishes to include their names, they can use separate lines or a hyphenated title. To make it easier for guests to respond, some couples choose to include the guests' addresses on the RSVP envelopes, along with stamps. It is also important to include an RSVP date, typically three to four weeks before the wedding, and to leave space for guests to indicate their names and entrée preferences or any dietary restrictions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Envelope size | Common sizes for RSVP envelopes are A2 (4.375" x 5.75") or smaller |
| Guest's address | Printed on the envelope or included as a sticker |
| Stamp | Pre-stamped or included separately |
| Return address | Address of the host(s) of the wedding or whoever is in charge of collecting responses |
| Date | An RSVP date is included, usually 3-4 weeks before the event |
| Names | Space for the names of guests is provided to get an accurate headcount |
| Entrees and dietary restrictions | Space for guests to indicate their preferences |
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What You'll Learn
Guests' addresses on RSVP envelopes
When addressing RSVP envelopes, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is essential to include the correct return address to ensure that guests' responses are sent to the right place. Traditionally, guests would mail responses to the parents of the bride or the hosts of the wedding. However, many modern brides prefer to handle the responses themselves, in which case, the bride's address can be used. If the groom also wants his name included, proper etiquette is to present the couple's names on separate lines or use a hyphenated title such as "The Smith-Edwards Wedding".
Another important consideration is the format and style of the addresses. Response card envelopes tend to be smaller than invitation envelopes, so it is advisable to print the guests' addresses on the envelope's back flap, leaving only the return address on the front. This ensures that the envelopes can be easily identified and sorted. It is also a good idea to include a stamp on the envelopes to make it more convenient for your guests.
To save time and effort, you may consider printing the guests' addresses on the envelopes along with the return address. This can be done through a printing service or a calligrapher. Some couples also choose to include their guests' addresses as the return address on the RSVP envelopes, although this is not necessary. You may also want to consider numbering the RSVP cards or putting guest initials on the back to keep track of the responses.
Finally, it is essential to determine the RSVP date and communicate it clearly to your guests. Typically, the RSVP date should be three to four weeks before the wedding to allow for seating arrangements and final headcounts for catering purposes. You can include this date on the response cards with a fun or formal phrase, such as "Kindly reply by [date]" or "Respond by [date] or forever hold your peace."
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Return address
The return address on RSVP envelopes is an important consideration when planning a wedding. This is the address that guests will use to send their responses and, in some cases, gifts. Traditionally, guests would mail responses to the parents of the bride or the hosts of the wedding. However, modern brides may prefer to handle responses themselves, in which case, the bride's address can be used.
There are differing opinions on whether to include the return address on the RSVP envelope. Some sources suggest that only the address of the person or couple to whom the responses are mailed should be included, and not the guest's return address. This is because it can feel strange to include the guest's address, and there may be concerns about the post office not delivering mail without a return address. However, others suggest that including the guest's address can make it easier to keep track of responses as they come in.
If you decide to include the guest's return address, you can instruct your calligrapher or printing service to print the address on the envelope's back flap. Alternatively, you can provide guests with their own labels or have them write their address on the envelope themselves.
It is also important to consider the format of the return address. Formally, no names are included on the outer envelope, only the physical address. However, it is becoming more common for modern couples to include their names, especially if they are hosting the event together. In the case of the bride and groom's names appearing together, proper etiquette suggests presenting their names on separate lines or using a hyphenated title such as "The Smith-Edwards Wedding".
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Etiquette and wording
When addressing wedding RSVP envelopes, it's important to consider both traditional etiquette and modern practices. Here are some guidelines to follow for the wording and format:
Formal and Traditional Weddings
In formal and traditional weddings, response card envelopes are typically addressed to the bride's parents or the hosts of the wedding. The return address on the response cards is usually the residence of the bride's parents or the hosts. The envelopes can be addressed using traditional titles and the full names of the invitees.
Modern Weddings
Today, many brides prefer to handle responses themselves, so using the bride's address as the return address is also common. If the groom wishes to have his name included, proper etiquette suggests presenting their names on separate lines or using a hyphenated title, such as "The Smith-Edwards Wedding." Response card envelopes can be addressed to "The Future Mr. & Mrs." followed by the last name, reflecting the couple's preference.
Practical Considerations
To save time and effort, you can print the guest's address on the envelope, leaving only your address on the front. This helps keep track of responses as they come in. Including a stamp or pre-stamping the envelopes is also considerate, making it more convenient for your guests to respond.
Wording and Content
The response cards should have an RSVP date, typically three to four weeks before the event, to help with planning and catering. You can use creative wording for the RSVP date, such as "Respond by 5/3 or forever hold your peace." It's also essential to leave space for names and entrée preferences or dietary restrictions if you plan to offer options.
Remember, the key is to blend traditional etiquette with modern practices to create a personal and welcoming impression for your guests.
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RSVP date
When it comes to addressing RSVP envelopes for a wedding, there are a few options to consider. Some couples choose to include their guests' addresses on the RSVP envelopes, along with a stamp, to make it convenient for the guests. Alternatively, you can simply provide a stamp and have the guests write their return addresses. Another option is to print the guests' addresses on the RSVP envelopes, which makes it easier to keep track of the responses as they come in.
Now, let's talk about the RSVP date. It is essential to set a deadline for your wedding RSVPs, and the recommended timeframe is three to four weeks before the wedding. This allows enough time to finalise the guest list and make any necessary arrangements. Sending out invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding gives guests about a month to respond, which is generally considered a reasonable timeframe.
However, it's important to consider the potential challenges of a destination wedding or the impact of the COVID-19 situation. In these cases, an earlier RSVP deadline of around ten to twelve weeks before the wedding is advisable. This provides a buffer for tracking down late responses and allows for better planning of pre- and post-wedding events.
To ensure your guests respond promptly, consider including a friendly reminder about a week before the RSVP deadline. You can also add a countdown ticker on your wedding website if you have one. While it's not recommended to follow up with guests before the RSVP deadline, it's appropriate to reach out to those who haven't responded about a week after the due date. This helps you finalise your guest count and plan the last-minute details.
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Response card style
Response cards are typically smaller than invitation envelopes and are usually accompanied by a small, pre-addressed envelope for guests to return. Etiquette rules apply when addressing response card envelopes and these rules vary depending on the level of formality or traditionalism of the wedding.
The response cards are addressed to the host or whoever is designated to be in charge of collecting responses. In formal and traditional weddings, this is usually the bride's parents' residence. In modern weddings, many brides prefer to handle the responses themselves, so the return address may be the bride's address. If the groom insists on having his name appear on the return address, proper etiquette is to present the couples' names on separate lines or use a hyphenated title such as "The Smith-Edwards Wedding".
It is important to include an RSVP date, which is when you want guests to respond by. Typically, the RSVP date should be three or four weeks before the event to allow time to make seating charts and give a final headcount to caterers. There are several ways to word this, such as "Kindly reply by [date]" or "Respond by [date] or forever hold your peace". It is also important to leave space for names, to ensure an accurate headcount and to know the name of each attendee.
To save money on printing and postage, and to reduce paper consumption, some couples opt for a postcard-style response card instead of a traditional response card in an envelope.
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Frequently asked questions
The A2 size (4.375" x 5.75") is recommended for RSVP cards, enclosure cards, and thank you notes.
Traditionally, guests mail responses to the parents of the bride, or the host(s) of the wedding. Today, many brides prefer to handle the responses themselves, in which case, use the bride's address.
In modern weddings, the RSVP envelopes are often addressed to whoever is in charge of managing the guest list and communicating with vendors. This could be the couple themselves, the wedding planner, or the maid of honour.
It is not necessary, but it is a nice touch to include postage or a stamp on the RSVP envelopes to make it convenient for your guests to respond.
The recipients' names are typically not included on the RSVP envelopes. However, you can address them to "The Future Mr & Mrs" followed by your last name, or use both your names if you prefer.
