Responding To Wedding Invitation Cards: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding invitation response cards, also known as RSVP cards, are an important part of the wedding planning process. They allow invitees to indicate whether they will be attending the wedding or not, providing valuable information for finalising the guest list, confirming catering numbers, and arranging seating. Response cards are typically mailed along with the wedding invitation and should be returned as soon as possible to assist the couple in their planning. The cards usually include space for the number of guests attending, their names, and sometimes a short personal note or any dietary restrictions. It is important to include your name on the response card, as well as the name of your plus-one, if applicable.

Include your name

The first thing to include on your RSVP cards is a blank line for guests to write their names. On a formal RSVP card, you should write "M" at the start of the line to indicate that guests should include their proper honorific (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss) before their name. This ensures that you know who is attending your wedding and how to spell everyone's name correctly on the seating chart.

If there is an "M" preceding a blank space, your social title (Mrs./Mr./Ms./Mx.) goes first, followed by your full name. Write your name exactly as it was written on the envelope. For example, if the envelope is addressed to "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," the response line should state, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith." However, if the envelope is addressed to "Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Maggie and Drew," then the response would include: "Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Maggie and Drew."

If you are invited to bring a plus-one, it is advised to include that person's full name at the time of your response. Write your name first, and then your guest's full name.

If you are responding on behalf of multiple people, be sure to include all of their names. For example, if "Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Maggie and Drew" are all attending, write "Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Maggie and Drew" on the response card.

Some RSVP cards may include a line that indicates how many guests are invited, with a space for you to fill in the number of guests attending from your party. This is especially important if you plan to bring children or other family members.

Remember to add your names! It's easy to forget, but it is essential information for the happy couple.

Write your full name

When completing a wedding invitation response card, it is important to include your full name. This guarantees that the hosts know who is attending their wedding and how to spell your name correctly on the seating chart.

On a formal response card, the line for the guest's name usually starts with an "M". This indicates that guests should include their proper honorific (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss) before their name. For less formal celebrations, you can simply write "Name(s)".

If your full name is not on the response card, it is still important to include it on the wedding invitation itself. When addressing your invitation envelopes, spell out guests' full names, including their title, first name, middle name (optional), and last name.

It is also worth noting that if you have a plus-one, their full name should be included as well.

Specify number of guests

When completing a wedding invitation response card, it is important to specify the number of guests who will be attending. This is essential information for the hosts, who will use it to finalise their catering count and create a seating chart.

The number of guests can be indicated in a variety of ways, depending on the style and format of the response card. Here are some tips and examples to help you specify the number of guests accurately and effectively:

• Match the Format: Look at the response card format. If it includes a pre-printed line or blank space for the number of guests, simply fill in the number. For example, if the card says, "We have reserved ___ seats in your honour", write the number of guests you are bringing.
• Write it Out: If there is no specific line for the number of guests, you can write it out in your reply. For instance, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Maggie, and Drew will attend. The four of us wish everyone the best and look forward to joining you."
• Indicate Accepts and Regrets: If only some of the invited guests are attending, be sure to indicate how many are accepting and how many are declining. Instead of a checkmark, use numbers. For example, "_2_ accept and _2_ regret" if half of the invited guests are unable to come.
• Include Children: If you are bringing children, mention their names if there is room. You can also indicate the total number of attendees, including children, in the space provided.
• Be Clear and Concise: When specifying the number of guests, use clear and concise language. Simply state the number of people attending or not attending. This helps the hosts easily understand your response and plan accordingly.
• Respond Promptly: Remember to send your response card back on time. It is important to respect the requested "due date" to help the couple finalise their plans. If you are unable to attend, it is still polite to send your regrets promptly.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively specify the number of guests on a wedding invitation response card. This information is crucial for the hosts' planning and ensures that your attendance is accurately accounted for.

Indicate dietary restrictions

When it comes to indicating dietary restrictions on a wedding invitation response card, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to understand the purpose of the response card. The information provided by the guests will be used by the hosts to finalise their catering count, create a seating chart, and address guests properly on place cards or escort cards.

• Use Clear and Concise Wording: On the response card, use clear and concise wording to prompt guests to provide information about their dietary restrictions. Examples of wording include "Please indicate any dietary restrictions" or "Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements". This will allow guests to specify any food allergies, intolerances, or other special dietary needs.
• Provide a Dedicated Space: Ensure that there is enough space on the response card for guests to write down their dietary restrictions. This can be in the form of a blank line or a small dedicated section. If there are multiple guests responding on one card, consider providing additional space for each guest to indicate their individual dietary needs.
• Offer Specific Options: Instead of asking guests to write down their dietary restrictions, you can provide specific options for them to choose from. For example, you can include checkboxes for common dietary restrictions such as "vegan", "vegetarian", "gluten-free", "lactose-free", or "nut allergies". This makes it easier for guests to indicate their restrictions and also helps with catering planning.
• Online Response Option: Consider creating a wedding website or using an online RSVP platform that allows guests to provide detailed information about their dietary restrictions. This can be especially useful if you have a large number of guests or expect a high volume of dietary restrictions. Include the website address on the response card, along with a prompt for guests to provide their dietary information online.
• Contact Information: If you prefer guests to contact you directly about their dietary restrictions, provide your contact information on the response card. For example, you can include a phone number or email address with a note that says, "If you have any dietary restrictions, please call or email us to let us know". This ensures that you receive the information directly and can address any questions or concerns.
• Indicate Serious Allergies: Encourage guests to indicate any serious food allergies that may result in medical issues. It is considerate to call the host after responding to the invitation to discuss serious allergies and how they can be accommodated. This allows for proper planning and ensures the safety of guests with severe allergies.
• Accommodate Dietary Restrictions: Work closely with your wedding venue or caterer to accommodate the dietary restrictions of your guests. Notify them in advance of any special requirements and collaborate to create a menu that meets everyone's needs. It is important to provide enough food that meets the dietary restrictions of your guests and ensures they have a substantial and enjoyable meal.

Add well wishes

Adding well wishes to a wedding invitation response card is a great way to make your reply more personal and heartfelt. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft your message:

Be Yourself

It's important to let your personality shine through in your response. Whether you're more casual or formal, be sure to write something that feels natural and genuine. There's no need to be overly elaborate or complicated; a simple and sincere message is often the best approach.

Congratulate the Couple

A sincere "congratulations" is often a great way to express your happiness for the couple. You can also wish them a lifetime of love, joy, and happiness. Here are some examples:

• "Congratulations to the wonderful two of you!"
• "Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness."
• "Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for your future together!"

Make it Personal

Think about your relationship with the couple and what they would love to read on their special day. If you have a close relationship with them, you can be more personal and specific in your well wishes. Here are some ideas:

• "I'm so happy to call you both my friends. May your love continue to grow each day."
• "You've made me believe in true love. Wishing you a lifetime of unconditional love and joy."
• "It's a joy and honour to celebrate your love. Thank you for letting me share in your special day."

Add a Thank-You

It's always thoughtful to include a line of gratitude for being invited to share in one of the biggest days of the couple's lives. Here are some examples:

• "Thank you for letting me share in your joy and love. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness."
• "Congratulations on your special day, and thank you for letting me be a part of it."
• "I'm so glad to be a part of this celebration. Thank you for the invitation and best wishes to you both!"

Close with Warmth

Before signing off, leave the couple with a warm closing sentiment. Here are some ideas to finish your response:

• "Lots of Love to you Both,"
• "Congratulations Lovebirds, Love Always and Forever,"
• "Wishing you a lifetime of love and joy. Congratulations, lovebirds!"

Frequently asked questions