Rsvp Etiquette: Responding To Wedding Invites

When you receive a wedding invitation, it's important to respond promptly and correctly. The response card is the most important piece of information for the couple, as they use it to finalise their catering count, create a seating plan, and address place cards. This paragraph will outline the key steps to filling out a reply to a wedding invitation, ensuring you provide all the necessary information and follow the correct etiquette.

Respond promptly

Responding promptly to a wedding invitation is key. It's considered good etiquette to respond to a wedding invitation as soon as possible. This means checking your schedule, consulting with anyone else included in your invitation, and making your response promptly. If you know you cannot make it, a prompt reply will give the couple time to invite someone else.

It's also important to remember that if you don't send your RSVP card back, you shouldn't attend the wedding. It's considered rude to be a no-show, and it's essential to give the couple a heads-up as soon as you know you can't make it. This way, they can inform the caterers and make any necessary adjustments to their plans.

If the invitation includes an RSVP card, fill it out and send it back as soon as you can. If there is no response card, you can reply in writing or by email, depending on the couple's preferences. It's good to respond in the manner they have requested, and if they haven't specified, a handwritten note on your personal stationery is a nice touch.

When responding, be sure to include your name and the names of any guests you are bringing. This is important for the couple when they are creating a seating plan and finalising numbers with their caterers. It's also helpful to specify the number of guests attending and, if applicable, the number of people declining the invitation.

In addition to the practical details, a wedding RSVP is a chance to share your excitement and well-wishes with the couple. A few kind words or a personal note will be appreciated and can be a delightful keepsake for the couple.

Include your name

When replying to a wedding invitation, it is important to include your name. This is true whether you are accepting or declining the invitation. The host will use the information you provide to finalise the catering count, create a seating chart, and address you on place cards, escort cards, or personalised favours.

If you are replying to a pre-printed response card, you should write your name exactly as it was written on the envelope. If the envelope is addressed to "Mr. and Mrs. Smith", the response line should state, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith". If the envelope includes your first name, include it in the response: "Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Maggie and Drew".

If you are replying without a pre-printed response card, you should include your full name and the number of guests in a full sentence, as if you were speaking directly back to the host. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Maggie, and Drew will attend. The four of us wish everyone the best and look forward to joining you in May."

If you have been invited to bring a plus-one, include their full name at the time of your response. Don't assume that the host knows your guest's name, even if you have been dating for several years. Always include a full first and last name for your guest, no matter who it is.

If you are replying without any response card, follow the instructions provided by the host. If the invitation includes a wedding website, for example, reply using the website. If the invitation requests a written reply, use your own stationery and follow the same format as a pre-printed response card, adding another line to make it more personal.

Specify the number of guests

When filling out a reply to a wedding invitation, it is important to specify the number of guests who will be attending. This is crucial for the hosts' planning, as they will use this information to finalise the catering count, create a seating chart, and organise place cards or personalised favours.

If you have been invited with a plus-one option, it is essential to include your guest's full name when responding. This is not only proper etiquette but also ensures that the hosts can prepare accordingly. It is also worth noting that if your invitation is addressed to "and guest", you must decide whether to bring someone and inform the hosts accordingly.

When specifying the number of guests, it is best to use numbers instead of checkmarks on the response card. This provides a clear indication of the number of attendees, making it easier for the hosts to plan. For example, if two guests are attending, write "_2_ accept" instead of using a checkmark.

If you are responding on behalf of a family or a group, it is important to list the names of all attendees. This helps the hosts identify each guest and create a more personalised experience. It is also a good idea to number the RSVP cards, especially if there are multiple guests, to avoid confusion and ensure accurate responses.

In some cases, the invitation may include a line such as "We have reserved ___ seats in your honour." In such instances, it is polite to respect the specified number of guests and not exceed the allotted seats. This consideration is essential, as venues have capacity limits, and the hosts need to manage their guest list effectively.

Write your full name

When replying to a wedding invitation, it is important to include your full name. This is crucial, as it helps the host finalise the seating arrangements, address place cards, and create personalised favours for the guests.

If you are responding with a pre-printed response card, you should write your name exactly as it appears on the envelope. For instance, if the envelope is addressed to "Mr. and Mrs. Smith", the response card should state, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith". However, if the envelope includes your first name, such as "Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Maggie and Drew", your response should also include your first name: "Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Maggie and Drew". It is important to match the level of formality used by the host.

In the case of a more free-form response without a pre-printed card, you have more flexibility. If the invitation is addressed to "Mr. and Mrs. Smith", your reply could be: "Mr. and Mrs. Smith happily accept your invitation." Alternatively, if the invitation includes your first name, you can use it in your response: "Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Maggie and Drew, are delighted to accept your kind invitation."

Remember, it is essential to provide your full name when replying to a wedding invitation, ensuring that it matches the name on the envelope. This helps the host accurately plan and prepare for the wedding festivities.

Add well wishes

When filling out a reply to a wedding invitation, it is important to respond promptly and include your name. If you are unable to attend, it is courteous to let the couple know as soon as possible so they can invite someone else. A thoughtful, personalised message is always appreciated. Here are some ideas for adding well wishes to your reply:

Traditional Well Wishes

• "We are delighted to accept your invitation to attend [bride/groom] and [bride/groom]'s wedding. We wish them all the best on their special day."
• "Thank you for inviting us to share in your joy and celebrate your love. We are honoured to be a part of your special day and look forward to creating unforgettable memories with you."
• "Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! We are thrilled to be a part of this memorable occasion and wish you both a lifetime of happiness."

Playful and Light-hearted Well Wishes

• "We can't wait to celebrate with you and are excited to see all the special touches you have planned. Wishing you both a day filled with love and laughter!"
• "Your wedding day will be here before you know it, and we are so excited to be a part of it! May it be a day that you will always remember and cherish."
• "We are so happy to be invited to share in the fun and festivities of your big day! Here's to love, laughter, and happily ever after."

Heartfelt and Sentimental Well Wishes

• "It means so much to us to be included in your celebration of love. May your wedding day be everything you have ever dreamed of and more."
• "We are touched by your invitation and are looking forward to witnessing your commitment to each other. Your love story inspires us, and we wish you a lifetime of happiness."
• "Your love and dedication to each other are an inspiration. We are honoured to be a part of your wedding day and send our warmest wishes for a future filled with love and joy."

Frequently asked questions