Creating Wedding Rsvp Postcards: A Simple Guide

Wedding RSVP postcards are an important part of your invitation suite. They are a fun and classy way to remind your guests about your big day and to help you finalise the headcount, seating charts, meal selections and more. You can create your own RSVP postcards using online tools and templates, or order them in bulk from printing services. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about making wedding RSVP postcards, from design and customisation to timing and etiquette.

Designing RSVP postcards

Choose a Platform:

You can use online platforms like Canva, VistaPrint, or 123Print, which offer user-friendly design tools and templates to create your RSVP postcards. These platforms provide a range of features, including professional graphic design elements, image editing, and text customization. They also offer printing services, making it convenient to print and deliver your designs.

Select a Template:

These platforms offer a variety of templates to choose from, including classic, rustic, floral, and modern designs. You can select a template that aligns with your wedding theme or start from scratch if you prefer a more personalized approach.

Customize Your Design:

Once you've chosen a template, it's time to make it your own. Upload your wedding photos or choose from stock images provided by the platform. Play around with different fonts, colours, and layouts to create a design that reflects your style. You can also add wedding details such as the date, meal options, and even song requests for the reception.

Include Essential Information:

Ensure your RSVP postcard includes clear instructions for your guests. Ask them to indicate their attendance, the number of guests, and any additional information you require, such as meal choices. It is recommended to include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your invitations to make it convenient for guests to respond.

Add Personal Touches:

Consider adding personal touches to your RSVP cards, such as addressing each guest by name. This adds a warm and inviting feel to your wedding stationery. You can also include a QR code that directs guests to your wedding website for online RSVPs, making it easier for tech-savvy guests to respond.

Collaborate and Share:

Involve your wedding party in the design process by using Canva's collaboration feature. This allows you to share your designs and edit them together. Once you're happy with your design, you can share it on social media platforms or print and mail your RSVP postcards to your guests.

Remember to have fun with the design process and allow your creativity to shine through. Designing RSVP postcards is a great way to engage your guests and build excitement for your upcoming wedding.

Wording and formatting

The wording and formatting of your wedding RSVP postcard are crucial to ensuring that your guests can respond easily and that you receive all the information you need. Here are some tips to help you with this process:

Key Information to Include:

• First, clearly indicate whether your guests are attending or declining the invitation. This can be done by asking a simple question such as "Will you be attending?" or using a more creative approach, such as "Join us?" followed by "Yes" or "No" options.
• If your guests are attending, include a way for them to indicate who will be coming. This can be as simple as a line that says "Number of guests attending:" or a more personalised approach such as "We have reserved [number] seats for you. Please confirm below."
• If you need your guests to indicate their meal choices or any dietary restrictions, include this on the RSVP postcard as well. You can list the available options and ask them to select their preference(s).
• Don't forget the essentials: be sure to include the deadline for responses and instructions on how to respond, such as a return address or an email address.

Customisation and Design:

• Consider adding a personal touch by addressing each guest's name on the RSVP card itself, making them feel valued and special.
• If you have a specific wedding theme or colour palette, incorporate this into the design of your RSVP postcards. This could be through the use of colours, fonts, or even adding your own photos or graphics.
• Online design tools, such as Canva, offer a variety of professional graphic design elements (banners, icons, frames, etc.) and stock images to choose from, making it easy to create stylish and classy postcards.
• If you want to give your guests the option of responding online, include a link to your wedding website or use a QR code that directs them to the RSVP page.

Proofreading and Final Checks:

• Before finalising your design, download a digital proof to review and share with others for feedback. This will help you catch any typos or design elements that need adjusting.
• If you're unsure about the wording or design, consider ordering a small batch of 10 RSVP postcards to see and feel the quality before placing a larger order. This way, you can make any necessary adjustments before committing fully.

Choosing a colour scheme

• Start with your wedding theme and colour palette: If you already have a wedding theme in mind, use it as a starting point for your colour scheme. This will help create a cohesive look for your wedding stationery. For example, if you're having a rustic wedding, you might choose earthy tones like browns, greens, and creams. If your wedding is more on the formal side, you might opt for classic colours like black and white.
• Consider your wedding colours: The colours you choose for your wedding decorations, bridesmaid dresses, and flowers can also inspire your RSVP postcard colour scheme. Using similar or complementary colours will create a sense of cohesion throughout your wedding aesthetic.
• Look for inspiration: If you're unsure where to start, browse colour palettes online or on platforms like Pinterest. Websites that offer RSVP postcard templates often have colour boutiques or galleries where you can explore different colour combinations. You can also draw inspiration from your wedding venue, the season of your wedding, or your favourite artwork.
• Keep it legible: While it's important to choose colours that reflect your style, ensure that your text is easy to read. Avoid light-coloured fonts on light backgrounds or dark-coloured fonts on dark backgrounds. Contrasting colours are usually best for readability.
• Be mindful of printing: When choosing a colour scheme, keep in mind that the colours may appear slightly different once printed. It's always a good idea to request a sample or proof of your design before placing a large order. This will allow you to see how the colours look in real life and make any necessary adjustments.
• Play with accents: Don't be afraid to add accent colours to your design. A pop of colour can make your RSVP postcards more eye-catching and exciting. Accents can be used for borders, graphics, or even the envelopes you choose to pair with your postcards.

Adding personal touches

• Custom Designs and Photos: Include your engagement photos or a picture of the venue on the postcard. You can also add graphics, borders, or other design elements that reflect your wedding theme or your interests as a couple. For instance, if you're having a beach wedding, consider adding tropical floral designs to your postcards.
• Personalized Wording: Make the postcards more conversational and intimate by using a casual tone. Instead of the standard "Accepts with pleasure" or "Regretfully declines," try something like "Ready to eat, drink and celebrate with you!" or "Will be toasting to you from afar." You can also add a special request line, such as asking for song requests or a favourite memory of the couple.
• Matching Stationery Suite: Create a cohesive look by coordinating your RSVP postcards with your wedding invitations, save-the-date cards, and thank-you cards. Use similar designs, colour schemes, or motifs across all your wedding stationery to tie everything together.
• Custom Fonts and Colours: Choose fonts and colours that reflect your personality and wedding theme. If you're having a rustic wedding, consider using earthy tones and handwritten-style fonts. For a more elegant affair, opt for classic serif fonts and a monochrome colour palette.
• Add a Map: Include a small map on the postcard with directions to the wedding venue. This is especially helpful if your venue is in a remote location or if many of your guests are travelling from out of town.
• Collaborate with your Partner: Designing your RSVP postcards can be a fun activity to do together. Brainstorm ideas, choose designs, and personalise the postcards to reflect both of your styles.

Remember, your wedding RSVP postcards should not only be informative but also a fun expression of your personalities. Get creative, and don't be afraid to think outside the box!

Sending and tracking responses

Once you have finalised your wedding RSVP postcard design, it's time to send them out to your guests. Wedding invitations with RSVP cards should be sent out 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding date. This lead time allows your guests to make the necessary arrangements to attend your wedding and gives you enough time to finalise numbers for your venue and caterers. If your wedding is a destination wedding, it is a good idea to give your guests more time and send out invitations at least 3 months in advance.

If you are sending out paper RSVP cards, it is a good idea to include a self-addressed stamped envelope so that your guests can easily send their responses back to you. You can also include your guests' names on the wedding RSVP card to add a personal touch.

To track guest responses, create a spreadsheet that you can easily access on your computer or phone. Include columns for guest names, RSVP status, meal choice, and any other relevant information. Alternatively, you can keep track of your headcount manually with a pen and paper.

If you haven't received all your RSVPs around 2 weeks before your wedding, start sending out gentle reminders to your guests. This will help you finalise your wedding plans and ensure an accurate headcount for your big day.

In addition to paper RSVP cards, you can also provide your guests with the option of responding online, especially if you have guests who may not be comfortable with technology. You can include a link to your wedding website or use a QR code that guests can scan to RSVP electronically. This option may be more convenient for some guests and can help streamline the response process.

Frequently asked questions