Guide To Filling Out Wedding Invitations Properly

Filling out a wedding invitation correctly is an important part of wedding planning and wedding guest etiquette. The M on the RSVP card stands for the titles Mr., Miss, Mrs. and Ms. and is followed by the full name of each attending guest. The number of guests attending is also included, and their dietary requirements or meal choices if they have been offered options. It is important to send the RSVP back as soon as possible, even if you are unable to attend.

Who to include

The wedding invitation suite refers to all the paper goods sent with the wedding invitation. The invitation itself should include the names of the couple getting married, the names of the hosts (traditionally, those who are paying for the wedding), the date and time of the ceremony, and the location.

The invitation suite should also include a response card and a pre-addressed and stamped envelope for guests to send their responses. The response card should include the number of guests attending and their names. If there are children included in the invitation, their first names can be added if there is room, or their attendance can be indicated in the number of guests attending. If there are meal options, each guest's initials should be placed next to their food choice.

If there is no response card, guests can send a handwritten note on their personal stationery. This should include a short congratulatory message and the names of those attending.

Other optional inserts for the invitation suite include a reception card (if the reception is at a different location), a directions card, a weekend events card (if the wedding spans multiple days), and an accommodations card (for guests coming from out of town).

How to address guests

When addressing your wedding invitations, it is important to spell out the full names of your guests, including their title, first name, middle name (optional), and last name. Avoid using nicknames or initials. Be sure to use the appropriate social titles as well, addressing married couples as "Mr. and Mrs." or "Mr. and Mr."

If you are inviting a family, it is common to address the parents as "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the father's first and last name. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith". If the family has a different last name, you can address them as "The Smith Family".

When addressing unmarried couples, it is appropriate to use "Ms." or "Miss" followed by the woman's first and last name. For example, "Ms. Jane Doe and Mr. John Smith".

It is also important to clearly indicate who is invited. If you are inviting a guest's spouse or partner, be sure to include their name on the invitation. If children are invited, include their names as well. If only the adults are invited, you can specify "Adults Only" on the invitation.

Another important consideration is whether to allow guests to bring a plus-one. It is generally considered good etiquette to offer a plus-one to married, engaged, and cohabitating guests, as well as wedding party members. For other guests, you can set a blanket rule such as "only immediate family members can bring a date".

Finally, don't forget to include RSVP cards with your invitations. This will help you keep track of the number of guests attending and allow you to plan accordingly.

How to indicate dietary requirements

When it comes to your wedding, you want to ensure that all your guests feel welcome and satisfied, and one way to achieve this is by accommodating their dietary restrictions. Asking your guests about their dietary requirements through the invitation is a convenient way to plan your wedding menu in advance. Here is a guide on how to indicate dietary requirements on your wedding invitations:

Insert or Enclosure:

Consider including a separate insert or enclosure with your wedding invitations, specifically asking your guests about their dietary needs. This can be a simple checklist indicating common dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, food allergens, and an "other" option for additional requirements. This insert can be mailed back with the RSVP.

RSVP Cards:

A more simplified approach is to include a note about dietary requirements on the RSVP cards. You can ask guests to inform you about any special dietary restrictions or food allergies. It is important to distinguish between medical conditions and preferences to ensure the caterers have clear information. Here are some wording suggestions:

• "Please note any food allergies or dietary restrictions."
• "Please advise of any food allergies."
• "Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions."
• "Do you have any food allergies or special dietary requirements? Please let us know."

Online RSVPs:

If you are using an online RSVP system, you can include a section for dietary requirements. You may also provide an email address for guests to contact you directly with specific dietary needs. It is a good idea to follow up with guests who indicate "other" dietary restrictions to clarify their needs.

Reply Cards:

If you are not including RSVP cards, a simple line with the RSVP details will suffice. For example, "RSVP by 18th August to 'your wedding email' (please include dietary requirements)". This encourages guests to inform you of their dietary needs when responding.

Menu Choices:

If you are offering your guests different menu options, it is essential to include dietary requirements on the reply card. Provide a full menu with options and encourage guests to reply with their names and tick boxes for each dish they choose. This ensures you know who has ordered what and can accommodate their dietary needs.

Remember, it is important to give your wedding venue or caterer ample notice of any dietary requirements to ensure they can provide the required meals. Also, don't forget to include drinks in your considerations, as some dietary restrictions may extend to beverages. By following these suggestions, you can ensure that all your guests' dietary needs are accommodated, making them feel valued and included in your special day.

When to send the RSVP

When it comes to sending your RSVP, it's important to respond as soon as possible. This is one of your first duties as a wedding guest, and it's a crucial one. The couple will be finalising their numbers, creating a seating plan, and confirming their budget before the big day, so it's important to let them know early.

The RSVP deadline is usually around two to four weeks before the wedding date, so be sure to respond by then at the latest. This gives the couple and their vendors enough time to coordinate last-minute details, such as finalising the number of meals required and renting enough napkins.

If you miss the RSVP deadline, it's best to call the couple as soon as possible so they can have an accurate headcount. Then, send the RSVP note anyway, especially if it includes a response card and postage. Many couples keep these notes as keepsakes.

If you're not sure whether you can attend, it's best to hold off on responding until you know for sure. However, keep the couple in the loop, and don't leave them waiting for your response.

If you're responding via email, it's important to use the correct email address provided on the invitation. Many couples create a separate email address for their RSVPs to keep all the responses in one place.

Remember, responding correctly and promptly is one of the best ways to help out the happy couple!

What to write on the invitation

When filling out a wedding invitation, it is important to respond promptly and legibly. The host will use the information you provide to finalise their catering count, create a seating chart, and address you properly on place cards, escort cards, or personalised favours. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to write on the invitation:

• Write your full name and title: On the invitation, you will likely see an "M" with a blank space after it. This "M" is intended to be the first letter of your title (Mr., Miss, Mrs., Ms.). Write out your full name, including your title, and that of any guests you are bringing. If you are married, traditional etiquette suggests that you write the husband's name first, followed by the wife's name. For same-sex couples, the names can be listed alphabetically by last name or based on personal preference.
• Indicate the number of guests attending: Write the number of people who will be attending the wedding. If only one person was invited but they are bringing a guest, be sure to indicate the total number of attendees, usually with a number, not a checkmark.
• Specify your dietary restrictions: If the invitation includes meal options, indicate your food choices by initialing your preferred option. If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, be sure to include this information.
• Write a congratulatory note: Many RSVP cards include a blank space for a personal message. Take this opportunity to write a short note congratulating the couple and expressing your excitement to attend their wedding.
• Send your response promptly: It is important to send your RSVP as soon as possible. This will help the couple finalise their plans and ensure they have an accurate headcount for catering and seating arrangements.
• Follow up if you miss the RSVP deadline: If you forget to respond by the deadline, send your RSVP card back and also call the couple personally. This is proper etiquette, and it will help the couple manage their guest list and accommodate your attendance.
• Include your full name and title: When writing your name and the name of any guests, don't forget to include your titles (Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms.). This is especially important if the couple is creating place cards or escort cards, which are typically formal and require full names.
• Do not include uninvited guests: Only include the names of guests who were officially invited. If the invitation does not indicate a plus one or mention your children's names, do not add them to your response.
• Write legibly: Use clear and legible handwriting. Avoid using cursive if it is not easy to read. The host will need to understand your response, especially if they are managing a large number of invitations.
• Don't respond by phone or email: It is generally considered rude to respond by phone or email if an official RSVP card was sent to you by mail. Respect the host's chosen method of communication and respond by mail as well.

By following these steps, you will be able to fill out a wedding invitation with all the necessary information, ensuring that you provide the host with what they need to plan a wonderful celebration.

Frequently asked questions