Creating The Perfect Wedding Rsvp Card

Creating an RSVP card for a wedding is an important step in the wedding planning process. It is a way to confirm the number of guests attending the wedding, which is essential for the couple and their vendors to finalise details such as food and seating. While RSVP cards are not mandatory, they are a useful addition to a wedding invitation as they prompt guests to respond in a timely manner. This article will provide a guide on how to make a wedding RSVP card, covering aspects such as design, wording, and etiquette. It will also explore creative ways to incorporate RSVP cards into the wedding theme and offer suggestions for electronic alternatives.

Design and format

The design and format of your RSVP cards can be as creative or as traditional as you like. The card is an extension of your personality, so feel free to branch out with unique wording and design options.

The first thing to consider is the size of your card. RSVP cards on Greetings Island are 5" x 3.5" in portrait or landscape and 5" x 5" as a square card. You can also create a postcard-style RSVP card, which is a fun and unique option.

Next, you'll want to choose a colour scheme and design that matches the theme of your wedding. You can find many free templates online, or you can design your own from scratch. If you're looking for something more unique, you can use a service like Canva, which offers easy-to-use tools and layouts for creating classy RSVP postcards. You can also upload your own photos or choose from stock images to include on the card.

The wording on your RSVP card is also important. You'll want to include a blank line for guests to write their names, an attendance line for guests to accept or decline the invitation, and a deadline for responses. If you're serving dinner at the wedding, you'll also want to include meal options and a fill-in-the-blank line for guests to detail any dietary restrictions.

Finally, consider adding a special request line, such as song requests or drink preferences, to make it more fun for you and your guests.

Don't forget to include a pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelope with each RSVP card to make it easy for your guests to respond.

Wording and etiquette

RSVP cards are a crucial part of your wedding stationery suite. They are a way to prompt guests to respond to your invite in a timely manner and help you organise the seating chart, menu and even music playlist. 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 might write an "M" at the start of the line to indicate that guests should include their proper honorific (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss) before their name.

The primary purpose of an RSVP card is to learn who is coming to your wedding, so you'll need an attendance line for guests to accept or decline your invite. This could be formatted as checkboxes, circling or fill-in-the-blank lines. You can also include a line for guests to indicate the number of people attending, for example, "_ of _ attending".

If you are serving dinner at your wedding reception, you will want to collect your guests' food preferences and dietary requirements. You can indicate meal options with checkboxes or a fill-in-the-blank line.

It is also important to include an RSVP deadline, which should be around three to four weeks before your wedding date. This deadline should be featured prominently on the card.

You'll need to include a pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelope with each RSVP card so your guests can easily send their responses. The envelopes should have the name(s) and address of whoever is handling the RSVPs on the front. This could be you and your partner, either of your parents, your wedding planner or someone in the wedding party.

Couples should send out their RSVP cards, along with the official wedding invitation, six to eight weeks before the wedding date.

Digital vs paper

When it comes to wedding RSVP cards, you have the option of going digital or sticking with the traditional paper route. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and it's important to consider which option will work best for your wedding.

Digital RSVPs offer a modern and environmentally-friendly approach to wedding planning. They are often more cost-effective than paper invitations, with some websites offering free online invitations and RSVPs. Digital RSVPs can be easily tracked and sorted, making it convenient for the couple to manage their guest list and gather information such as meal selections and lodging preferences. Additionally, digital RSVPs usually result in quicker response times as guests can simply click their response.

However, one of the main concerns with digital RSVPs is the potential difficulty for older guests who may not be tech-savvy. While some guests might prefer the convenience of online responses, others might struggle with navigating the website or providing the necessary information. This can result in incomplete or missing responses, requiring follow-up calls or alternative response methods.

On the other hand, paper RSVP cards offer a traditional and nostalgic approach to wedding invitations. They are often preferred by couples who want to preserve the custom of sending paper invitations. Paper RSVP cards can be designed to match the wedding theme and provide a tangible keepsake for the couple and their guests. Additionally, paper RSVP cards may be more accessible to guests who are not comfortable with technology.

However, one of the main drawbacks of paper RSVP cards is the cost. Handmade invitations and response cards can be expensive, and there is always the risk of them getting lost in the mail or taking longer to be delivered. Paper RSVP cards may also require more manual work to collect and organise the responses, especially if guests forget to include necessary information.

Ultimately, the decision between digital and paper RSVP cards depends on the couple's preferences and the demographics of their guest list. Some couples choose to offer both options to accommodate different guest needs and preferences. By blending tradition with modernity, couples can create a wedding experience that feels personal and memorable.

Costs

The cost of wedding RSVP cards can vary depending on several factors, including the number of cards ordered, paper quality, and design. Here is a breakdown of the costs involved:

Cost of RSVP Cards

The average cost per RSVP card is about $1.38, but this is based on ordering 100 invitations. If you order fewer than 100 invitations, the cost per card is likely to increase by 20% or more. Premium RSVP cards can cost upwards of $5 each. The more cards you order, the better the discount you may be able to get.

Cost of Envelopes

The cost of RSVP envelopes is another expense to consider. The average cost of an RSVP return envelope is about $0.37, but this can also increase depending on the quality and volume ordered.

Postage Costs

Don't forget to factor in the cost of postage for sending out your RSVP cards and their return envelopes. Postage costs can add up quickly, especially if you have a large number of guests.

Time and Hassle

There is also the less tangible cost of your time and effort in managing the RSVP process. Collecting and organizing RSVPs can be time-consuming and may involve chasing guests for responses, dealing with unexpected plus-ones, and managing guest preferences and dietary requirements.

Online RSVP Services

As an alternative to traditional paper RSVPs, consider using an online RSVP service. This can help save time and money, as well as being more environmentally friendly. Some online services, such as RSVPify, are available for a fee, while others, like Greetings Island, offer free customizable templates for online RSVPs.

Printing and Paper Quality

If you decide to create and print your own RSVP cards, the cost will depend on the paper quality and printing method you choose. Using high-quality paper and rich colour printing will result in a more expensive per-card cost.

Overall, the costs of wedding RSVP cards can vary widely depending on your specific choices and the number of invitations needed. It is important to consider all the associated costs when planning your wedding budget.

Timeline

Eight to ten weeks before the wedding: Finalise your guest list and send out your wedding invitations and RSVP cards. This is the standard time frame for sending out wedding invitations, and it's important to include the RSVP card with the initial invitation.

Three to four weeks before the wedding: Set your RSVP deadline for around three to four weeks before the wedding. This gives you enough time to finalise the details with your vendors and make any necessary adjustments.

One week before the RSVP deadline: Remind your guests to RSVP if they haven't already. You can do this in person, over the phone, or online. This is a friendly reminder to ensure you receive responses from everyone on your guest list.

After the RSVP deadline: If there are still guests who haven't responded, wait for a week after the due date before contacting them for a verbal response. Most people simply forget to send their RSVP, so a friendly call or message will help you get an accurate headcount.

It's important to send out your RSVP cards with plenty of time to receive responses and finalise your wedding plans. This process will help you create a seamless guest experience and ensure you have everything organised for your big day.

Frequently asked questions