Rsvp Email Etiquette For Wedding Invites: A Guide

Planning a wedding comes with a lot of responsibilities, and one of the most important ones is finalising the guest list. This is where RSVP cards come in. RSVP stands for Répondez, s'il vous plaît, which is French for please reply. Including an RSVP card with your wedding invitation is a great way to confirm attendance, finalise the guest list, and make any necessary arrangements. In this discussion, we will focus on how to include an RSVP email on your wedding invitation.

Include your email address on the wedding invitation card

Including your email address on your wedding invitation card is a great way to make it easier for your guests to respond. Here are some tips and suggestions for doing so:

Formatting and Wording

When including your email address on your wedding invitation card, ensure that it is clearly formatted and easy to read. You may want to use a dedicated email address specifically created for wedding responses, which makes it easier to manage and organize the incoming responses.

A simple and direct approach is often best. For example, you could include a line that says, "Please RSVP by email to: [email protected]." This provides clear instructions and the dedicated email address for responses.

Providing Additional Information

It is essential to provide all the necessary information your guests need to respond appropriately. In addition to your email address, consider including:

• A deadline for responses, usually about two to four weeks before the wedding.
• Instructions on what information to include in the email, such as the number of guests attending, meal preferences, and any other relevant details.
• A phone number or alternative contact method in case guests have any questions or difficulties responding via email.

Matching Your Wedding Theme

The design of your wedding invitation, including the email address provided, can be tailored to match your wedding theme. If you have a particular theme or colour scheme, you can incorporate that into the invitation card and the format of the email address. For example, if you're having a rustic-themed wedding, you might use an email address like "[email protected]."

Including Stamps and Envelopes

If you're providing physical invitation cards, it is customary and courteous to include a pre-addressed and stamped envelope with each invitation. This makes it easier for your guests to respond and increases the likelihood of receiving responses promptly.

Online RSVPs

If you prefer to receive RSVPs online, you can include a link to your wedding website or a specific RSVP page on your invitation card. This allows guests to respond electronically without having to send a separate email. However, if you choose this option, ensure that the link is correct and easily accessible for your guests.

In conclusion, including your email address on your wedding invitation card is a practical way to facilitate responses from your guests. By providing clear instructions, necessary information, and a dedicated email address, you can make the RSVP process smoother for both you and your guests as you prepare for your special day.

RSVP by the deadline

Including an RSVP deadline in your wedding invitation is a crucial part of wedding planning. Here are some tips and suggestions to ensure your guests RSVP by the deadline:

Set a Clear Deadline:

It is essential to set a deadline for your wedding RSVPs, ideally, two to four weeks before your wedding date. This allows enough time for you and your vendors to finalise the details, such as food quantities and seating arrangements. Make sure to prominently display the deadline on your invitation or RSVP card.

Provide Multiple Response Options:

Offer your guests multiple ways to respond, such as printed cards, online websites, or emails. This increases the likelihood of a timely response. If you prefer a specific method, such as email, you can indicate this preference by listing your email address first or providing only your email as a response option.

Pre-address and Stamp Envelopes:

If you opt for printed RSVP cards, include pre-addressed and stamped envelopes. This not only makes it easier for your guests to respond promptly but also helps ensure the cards make their way back to you.

Reminders:

Consider sending a friendly reminder to your guests about a week before the RSVP deadline. This can be done in person, over the phone, via email, or even through your wedding website if you have one.

Sample Wording:

"The favour of your reply is requested by [date]. Please respond by phone at [phone number] or by email at [email address]. We kindly ask that you respond by the deadline to help us finalise the guest list and ensure a seat and meal for everyone."

Remember to include all the relevant details, such as your preferred method of response, the deadline, and the importance of timely responses.

Provide your full name(s)

When it comes to RSVPs, it's important to include your full name(s). This is true whether you're responding to a printed card, an online website, or an email. It's also important to follow the couple's instructions and include any other requested information, such as your response (attending or not attending), the total number of guests, and any meal preferences.

• Use proper titles and full names: Include the first and last name for each guest. For more formal invitations, use titles such as Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss before the names. For example, "Mr. David Beckham & Mrs. Victoria Beckham".
• Don't use nicknames: Unless specifically requested by the couple, avoid using nicknames or shortened versions of your name on the RSVP. This helps to maintain formality and ensures the couple can correctly identify each guest.
• Write legibly: Ensure your handwriting is clear and easy to read. The couple will use this information to create a guest list and seating chart.
• Include the names of all invited guests: If you are attending with a spouse, date, or children, include their full names as well. This helps the couple plan accordingly and create name cards for each guest.
• Be consistent: If you have a nickname or prefer to go by a different name than your legal name, consider using the same name across all wedding-related materials, such as the save-the-dates, invitations, and response cards. This avoids confusion and ensures a consistent guest experience.
• Check with the couple: If you are unsure whether to use your full name or a nickname, don't hesitate to reach out to the couple or their wedding planner. They may have a preference or specific instructions for how they would like guests to RSVP.

Remember, providing your full name(s) on an RSVP is an important part of wedding etiquette. It helps the couple finalize their guest list, create seating arrangements, and ensure a smooth planning process.

Include your response (attending or not)

When it comes to including your response—whether you're attending or not—in an RSVP email, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to make sure your response is clear and helpful to the happy couple:

Respond Promptly

It is important to respond to a wedding invitation as soon as possible, even if you are unsure of your plans. The couple needs to finalise their guest list, create a seating plan, and confirm their budget. By responding promptly, you can help them avoid last-minute stresses and ensure they have an accurate headcount for their big day.

Follow the Couple's Instructions

Make sure to follow the instructions provided by the couple in their invitation. If they have requested an RSVP by email, respect their wishes and respond accordingly. If they have provided an email address, be sure to use it. If they have requested a response by a certain date, make sure to meet the deadline.

Include All Relevant Details

In your response, be sure to include all the details requested by the couple. This may include:

• Your full name and the name of your partner or plus one, if applicable.
• Whether you are attending or not.
• The total number of guests attending from your party.
• Any dietary restrictions or meal preferences, if requested.
• Any other special requests or fun questions the couple may have included.

Wording Your Response

When wording your response, consider the tone of the invitation and your relationship with the couple. If the invitation is formal, you may want to respond in a similar tone. For example:

> "Mr Harry Smith and Mrs Sally Smith accept with pleasure your kind invitation for Saturday, 21st September."

If the invitation is more informal, you can be more casual in your response:

> "Thank you for your invitation, we will both be happily attending! Looking forward to it. Love, Sally and Harry Smith."

Be Gracious

Whether you are accepting or declining the invitation, it is important to be gracious and polite. Express gratitude for being invited, and if you are unable to attend, it is a nice gesture to send your regrets and well wishes. For example:

> "Dear Charles and Audra,

> Thank you so much for inviting us to join you at your upcoming wedding. Unfortunately, we will not be able to attend as we will be out of the country on business that weekend. We are sad to miss this special event and will be celebrating with you from afar on the big day.

> Sending our love and best wishes. Congratulations!

> With love, Matt and Shea Simmons."

Remember, your response is an important part of the wedding planning process, and by following these guidelines, you can make sure you are providing the couple with the information they need while also conveying your excitement and support for their special day.

Respond to any special prompts

Responding to any special prompts from the couple is an important part of your RSVP. This is your chance to make the couple's wedding planning process a little more fun and a little less stressful.

Special prompts from the couple might include song requests, drink preferences, or a favourite memory of the couple. These prompts are a great way for the couple to involve you in their celebration, so make the effort to answer them!

If the couple has requested that you share a song request, consider choosing a song that holds a special memory for you and the couple, or simply pick a fun tune that will get everyone on the dance floor.

If they've asked for your drink preference, be sure to include your choice of cocktail, wine, beer, or non-alcoholic beverage. This information will help the couple stock their bar and ensure that there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Sharing a favourite memory of the couple is another way to add a personal touch to your RSVP. Perhaps you have a funny story from the first time you met the couple, or a heartwarming moment that stands out in your mind. Whatever the memory may be, take this opportunity to let the couple know just how much their friendship means to you.

Remember, even if these special prompts are not mandatory, they are an excellent way to show your enthusiasm for the big day and make the couple's wedding planning a little easier. So go ahead and answer those prompts with thoughtful and cheerful responses!

Frequently asked questions