Crafting Wedding Invites: Rsvp Compilation Tips And Tricks

Wedding invitations are a crucial part of wedding planning. They are often the first glimpse guests will have of the wedding theme and style. When it comes to wedding invitations, there are several elements to consider, such as timing, design, and wording. Sending invitations and RSVP cards is a careful art, and there is a lot of room for error. This guide will take you through the process of compiling wedding invitations and RSVP cards, including what to include, when to send them, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Include a blank line for guests to write their names

The first thing to include on your wedding RSVP cards is a blank line for guests to write their names. This guarantees that you know who is attending your wedding and how to correctly spell their names on the seating chart. On a formal RSVP card, indicate that guests should include their honorific (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss) by writing an "M" at the start of the line. This ensures that you know exactly who is coming and can address them correctly.

Including a blank line for names is also helpful for managing plus ones. By allowing guests to enter their plus one's name when responding, you can easily prepare place cards and ensure an accurate guest count for planning purposes. This is especially useful for larger weddings where not every guest may be familiar to you. It also helps to prevent misunderstandings and unexpected additional guests, as people will be clear about who is invited.

The blank line for names is an essential part of the RSVP card, providing clarity and organisation for your big day. It ensures that you have accurate information about your guests, allowing you to create a seamless and well-prepared experience for everyone involved. This simple step contributes to the overall success of your wedding planning and ensures that you know exactly who to expect on your special day.

Additionally, the name line on the RSVP card can be customised to suit the style and tone of your wedding. Whether you're having a formal or informal celebration, you can adapt the wording and format to match. For instance, you could use "Name" or "Your Name" for a more casual approach, or include "Name(s)" to indicate that guests can include their plus ones on the same line. This flexibility ensures that the RSVP card aligns with the atmosphere you want to create.

Add a line for guests to accept or decline

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to include a clear and direct way for guests to accept or decline the invitation. The primary purpose of an RSVP card is to learn who is coming to your wedding, so here are some tips and suggestions for this crucial element of your wedding stationery:

Clear and Direct Wording

It is essential to use clear and direct wording for guests to accept or decline the invitation. This could be as simple as having two boxes to check "Accept" or "Decline", or you could include a line for guests to fill in their response, such as "I happily accept/regretfully decline my invitation to [names of the couple]'s wedding on [date]." This ensures there is no confusion about the guest's response and makes it easy for them to provide their answer.

Response Format Options

You can offer different formats for guests to respond, such as checkboxes, fill-in-the-blank lines, or a simple line for guests to write their response. Consider what would work best for your guest list and the overall style of your wedding invitations. For example, if you have a more formal event, you might prefer the elegance of a fill-in-the-blank line. If you're having a more light-hearted celebration, checkboxes could be a fun option.

Response Card Design

When designing your response cards, ensure the "accept" and "decline" options are clearly visible and easy to understand. You could even highlight the response options with different colours or design elements to make them stand out. Remember to include a deadline for responses, as this will help you finalise other wedding details, such as catering and seating arrangements.

Online Response Options

In today's digital age, you may also want to consider providing an online response option. This could be through your wedding website or a dedicated RSVP app or platform. Online responses can simplify the process for both you and your guests, allowing you to easily track responses and manage your guest list.

Additional Information

If you wish, you can also include space for guests to provide additional information along with their response. For example, you might ask them to list any dietary restrictions or song requests. This can be especially useful if you're planning a seated dinner and want to give your guests meal options.

Remember, the response section of your wedding invitations is an essential part of the planning process for both you and your guests. By providing a clear and direct way to accept or decline, you'll be well on your way to finalising your guest list and creating a memorable celebration.

Ask about dietary requirements

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to ask about your guests' dietary requirements. Here are some tips to help you compile this information effectively:

It's a good idea to include a line about dietary requirements on your wedding invitation, either on the RSVP card or alongside the RSVP information. Something simple like, "Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements," will do the trick. This way, your guests can inform you of any restrictions or allergies they may have.

Provide Customisable RSVP Questions

Allowing guests to provide details about their dietary needs will help you plan accordingly. You can ask open-ended questions or provide a list of common dietary restrictions for them to choose from. For example, you can include checkboxes for options like "vegetarian," "vegan," "gluten-free," or "food allergies," with space for guests to specify further if needed.

Collect Information About Specific Allergies or Intolerances

It's important to be aware of any specific allergies or intolerances your guests may have. For example, ask if they have allergies to common ingredients like dairy, seafood, nuts, or gluten. This information will be crucial for the caterers and will ensure your guests' safety and comfort.

Decide on the Level of Accommodation You Want to Provide

Discuss with your caterer or wedding venue the level of accommodation you want to provide for guests with dietary restrictions. While it's essential to provide food that meets their requirements, you can also decide if you want to go the extra mile and offer customised options. Remember, your guests will likely be understanding, as they are used to navigating their dietary needs when dining out.

Notify Your Wedding Venue and Caterer in Advance

Give your wedding venue or caterer ample notice about any dietary requirements. This will ensure they can adequately prepare and provide the required meals. Aim to have this information ready at least a month before the wedding, and don't forget to provide them with the final table plan to avoid confusion when serving the meal.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to ensuring that all your guests, including those with dietary requirements, have a wonderful and well-fed time at your wedding!

Include a special request line

Including a special request line on your wedding RSVP cards is a great way to make the process more engaging for your guests and to gather additional information that will help with your wedding planning. Here are some ideas and instructions for creating this section:

Begin by deciding on the type of special requests you would like to include. A common and entertaining option is to ask for song requests from your guests. This can be a fun way to get your guests involved in curating the music for your wedding and ensure that everyone hears some of their favourite tunes. You could also ask for a favourite memory of the couple or even relationship advice, which can be a wonderful way to collect heartfelt messages and stories from your loved ones.

Another practical use of the special request line is to gather information about your guests' drink preferences. This can be especially useful if you are stocking your own bar and want to ensure you have enough of your guests' preferred beverages. You could also use this space to ask about their food preferences, dietary restrictions, or allergies, although this is also often included as a separate section on the RSVP card.

When creating the special request line, consider providing a brief explanation or context for the request. For example, you could write, "We want to ensure we play your favourite tunes! Please let us know any song requests below." This adds a personal touch and lets your guests know why you are making this request.

The special request line can be formatted in various ways. You could use a fill-in-the-blank line, provide a checkbox for multiple options, or simply leave a blank space for guests to write their responses. Consider the nature of your request and choose the format that best suits it. For instance, a song request might work well with a fill-in-the-blank line, while a request for dietary restrictions may require more space for detailed explanations.

Remember, the special request line is an optional addition to your RSVP cards, but it can be a great way to make your guests feel involved and excited about your big day. It also provides valuable information to help you with the wedding planning process, ensuring that you and your guests have a memorable and enjoyable celebration.

Provide RSVP instructions

The RSVP deadline should be featured prominently on the card, in a place where it won't be missed. It should be around four weeks before the wedding date, giving you and your vendors enough time to finalise the details.

If you're sending physical invitations, include a separate "RSVP card" with a pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelope. The RSVP card can either include a pre-printed template with specific questions or be left blank for guests to write their own responses.

If you're sending digital invitations, include instructions for how to RSVP online, either via a wedding website or a specified email address.

• A blank line for guests to write their names. On a formal RSVP card, write an "M" at the start of the line to indicate that guests should include their proper honorific (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss).
• A place to check off or write their response ("Accepts with pleasure" or "Declines with regret").
• A place to choose their meal (if you're serving a plated dinner).
• A place to provide the total number of guests attending.
• A place to answer any fun questions, such as song requests.

If you're not providing a separate RSVP card, include the following RSVP instructions on your formal wedding invitation, reception invitation, or another enclosure card:

• A wedding website link where guests can RSVP digitally.
• A phone number they can call to confirm their attendance.

Frequently asked questions