Guide To Filling Out Wedding Invitations Properly

Filling out a wedding invitation correctly is a breeze, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, check the envelope to see who was invited. If it says The Thompson Family, your immediate family is invited. If there's no +1 on the card, only the people listed are invited. Then, write the full name of each attending guest after the M on the card, which stands for the first letter of the title (Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Ms.). If there's a blank space, write out your full name, including the honorific. Indicate the number of guests attending and their dietary restrictions, and specify your meal choices if there are options. Finally, add your well wishes and send the card back before the deadline.

Who to include

When filling out a wedding invitation, it's important to first check the envelope to see who was invited. If you are a family of five but only the names of the parents appear on the outer envelope, then just the parents are invited. If "and guest" is not listed, only the person addressed is invited.

If you are married with children and only you and your spouse are listed, it is best to assume that your children are not invited. If the card says "The Thompson Family", then your immediate family is invited.

When filling out the RSVP card, write the full name of each attending guest. If only one person was invited, you can fill in the field with a checkmark or an X. If there is more than one person invited, put your initials next to your food choices.

If the RSVP card is blank, write a short note congratulating the couple and mention who plans on attending. For example, "Joe and Charlotte Shivers kindly accept the invitation to attend Marsha and Greg's wedding on May 24th."

It is important to send the RSVP card back even if you don't plan on attending, as this will help the couple determine the number of seats and amount of food needed.

How to address guests

When addressing guests on a wedding invitation, it's important to follow proper etiquette to ensure that the guest list is finalised and the wedding planning process runs smoothly. Here are some tips on how to address guests:

• Include full names: Write the titles and full names of all invited guests, including their spouses or partners. This information will be used to create a master guest list and personal name cards. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith".
• Write legibly: Ensure your handwriting is clear and easy to read. The hosts will need to refer to the RSVP cards to create a guest list and seating chart.
• Don't include uninvited guests: Only list the names of guests who are specifically invited. If a plus one is not indicated on the invitation, do not add one. If children's names are not mentioned or if the invitation states "adults only", they are not invited.
• Indicate dietary restrictions: If you or your guests have any dietary restrictions or allergies, include this information on the RSVP card. This will help the hosts accommodate different dietary needs and ensure everyone's comfort.
• Send out the RSVP card promptly: Mailing your response card on time shows respect to the hosts and your enthusiasm for the event. It is also helpful for the hosts to finalise their plans and guest list.
• Follow up if you miss the RSVP deadline: If you forget to send the RSVP card by the due date, send it as soon as possible and give the hosts a call to confirm your attendance. This is important for the hosts to have an accurate headcount for their planning.
• Use proper titles: When addressing guests, use appropriate social titles such as "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Ms." or "Mx.". For married couples, use "Mr. and Mrs.". For same-sex couples, you can use "Mr. and Mr." or "Mrs. and Mrs.".
• Provide a stamp: Include a pre-addressed and stamped envelope with the RSVP card to make it convenient for guests to respond and increase the likelihood of timely responses.

How to indicate attendance

When it comes to indicating attendance on a wedding invitation, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to respond promptly, ideally within a few days of receiving the invitation. This allows the hosts to plan accordingly and demonstrates your respect for their time and efforts. Even if you are unsure about your availability, it is polite to acknowledge the invitation and let them know that you will confirm as soon as possible.

Secondly, check the envelope of the invitation to see who was officially invited. If there is a "+1" on the card, you are welcome to bring a guest. If the card is addressed to "The Thompson Family," your immediate family is invited. If only your name is listed, it is best not to assume that a plus-one or children are also invited.

Thirdly, when filling out the response card, write the full names of each attending guest. This is usually preceded by an "M," which stands for the titles Mr., Miss, Mrs., or Ms. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Andersen." Only include the names of those attending, and be sure to specify the number of guests who will be attending.

Fourthly, if the invitation includes food options, indicate your choices clearly, initialled next to your name. This helps the hosts plan the right amount of food and ensure everyone's needs are met.

Finally, send your response card back before the deadline. This is crucial for the hosts' planning and shows consideration for their preparations. If you are unable to attend, it is still important to send your response card, as this helps the hosts determine the final headcount.

Remember, your timely and thoughtful response contributes to the success of the wedding and showcases your appreciation for the invitation.

How to indicate food choices

When it comes to indicating food choices on your wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, if you're having a buffet-style dinner, it's not necessary to include food choices on the invitations at all. Your guests can simply make their selections at the buffet on the day. However, if you're having a plated dinner with multiple entrée options, it's a good idea to give your guests a chance to indicate their preferences ahead of time.

• Include a separate response card with your invitation: This card can have a section for food choices, where guests can write or check off their preferred entrée. Make sure to provide enough space for multiple guests to indicate their choices, and consider including a line for dietary restrictions as well.
• Be clear and specific about the meal options: Instead of just listing "chicken" or "beef", consider providing more detailed descriptions like "chicken cordon bleu" or "filet mignon". This will help your guests make a more informed decision.
• Create a system to match guests with their chosen entrées: This could be as simple as providing a line for each guest's name next to their chosen entrée, or even including a small icon of the selected entrée on their place card. This will make it easier for your catering staff to serve the correct dish to each guest.
• Consider the pros and cons: While requesting meal choices in advance can reduce food waste and make things easier for your caterers, it's important to keep in mind that guests might change their minds on the day. It's a good idea to have a few extra servings of each dish to accommodate this.
• Don't forget about children's meals and dietary restrictions: If there are children attending, make sure to include a separate section for their meal choices. You can also add a line for guests to note any food allergies or dietary restrictions, such as "Please advise of any food allergies: _________________".

When to send the RSVP

It is important to respond to a wedding invitation as soon as possible. It is recommended to respond within a week of receiving the invitation, but definitely before the deadline stated on the invite. This deadline is usually set at two to four weeks before the wedding to give the couple enough time to finalise their guest list, create a seating plan, and confirm their budget.

If you are unable to attend, it is still important to respond to the RSVP with a definitive "No" and an explanation if appropriate. It is also a nice gesture to send a gift from the couple's registry in your absence.

If you are attending, be sure to include your full name and the names of any additional guests if you have been offered a plus-one. This is important, as the couple will use this information to finalise their catering count, create a seating chart, and address place cards.

If you are unsure whether you can attend, hold off on responding until you can confirm your attendance. Keep the couple in the loop, and let them know as soon as possible.

It is also important to follow the instructions provided by the couple when responding to the RSVP. This may include responding via their wedding website, email, or postal mail.

Frequently asked questions