Rsvp Card Prefill: A Quick Guide For Couples

When it comes to wedding planning, one of the most important things to know is how many guests will be in attendance. This is where RSVP cards come in. But what happens when you want to make it clear how many people are invited per invitation? Prefilling RSVP cards can be a great solution, but is it acceptable etiquette?

The general consensus is that it is acceptable to prefill the number of guests attending on an RSVP card, especially if space is limited. This can be done by writing We have reserved ___ seat(s) in your honour and filling in the number of people invited. This makes it clear that only a certain number of guests are invited and prevents any confusion or awkward conversations later on.

However, it is important to note that some people may still try to bring additional guests, even if the number of seats reserved is explicitly stated. To avoid this, it is recommended to fill in the names of the invited guests on the RSVP card, leaving no room for ambiguity.

Ultimately, the decision to prefill the number of guests on an RSVP card is a personal one and may depend on the specific circumstances of the wedding and guest list.

Prefilling the number of guests attending

Firstly, it is important to understand the purpose of the RSVP card. The host will use the information provided to finalise their catering count, create a seating chart, and address guests properly on place cards, escort cards, or personalised favours. Keeping this in mind, it is crucial that you provide accurate information to make the planning process easier for the host.

Now, regarding the number of guests, it is generally recommended to use a specific number instead of a checkmark to indicate the number of attendees. For example, if you are invited as a couple and both of you are attending, you would write "_2_" under the "accept" option. This provides a clear indication of the number of guests and helps the host with their planning.

If you have been invited as a single person without a plus-one, it may be appropriate to prefill the number as "1" to make it clear that you are the only invitee. However, some people may find this presumptuous, especially if they are declining the invitation. In such cases, you may want to use a different phrasing, such as "We have reserved _1_ seat in your honour." This approach clarifies the number of guests without assuming their attendance.

Another option is to use a format such as ""_ of _ attending," where you prefill the second blank with the number of guests invited. This allows the invitee to indicate their acceptance or regret and provides clarity on the number of guests expected.

When in doubt, consider the wording carefully to avoid any confusion. You can also include additional information or instructions on your wedding website to communicate any specific details or restrictions, such as an adults-only wedding.

Remember, the key is to provide clear and accurate information to help the host plan accordingly.

Including a line for dietary restrictions

There are a few ways to approach this. You could simply add a line that says "Please note any dietary restrictions or allergies here:" followed by a blank space for guests to fill in. This is a straightforward way to gather the information you need.

Alternatively, you could provide a list of common dietary requirements, such as "Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other special meal accommodations available. Please indicate your request here:" This approach ensures that your guests are aware of the options available and can make a specific choice. It also helps to avoid any confusion or guests forgetting to mention their requirements.

If you are offering a choice of meals, you could also add a line for dietary restrictions within this section. For example, "Please initial your meal choice. If you have any dietary restrictions, please note them here:" This ensures that guests provide their meal preference and any requirements in one go.

If you are collecting RSVPs online, you can include a text box for dietary restrictions as part of the response process. This allows guests to type in their requirements, which can then be added to your guest list and easily accessed when planning.

It is also a good idea to provide your email address or another contact method so that guests with serious allergies or requirements can reach out to you directly. This ensures that any urgent or complex requirements are addressed and that your guests feel valued and understood.

Adding a personal note

Keep it sincere and heartfelt

Write from the heart and let the couple know how excited you are to celebrate their special day with them. Express your enthusiasm for their upcoming nuptials and wish them a lifetime of happiness together. For example, "We are so thrilled to celebrate this special day with you and can't wait to watch you both say 'I do'! Wishing you both a lifetime of love and happiness."

Share a favourite memory

Recalling a favourite memory with the couple is a wonderful way to personalise your note. It could be a funny story, a shared experience, or a memorable moment that stands out to you. For instance, "We will always remember that epic karaoke night we had in Thailand! It's a memory we cherish, and we can't wait to make more memories with you on your wedding day."

Offer words of encouragement or advice

If you're comfortable doing so, offer some words of encouragement or marriage advice. This could be a favourite quote, a piece of advice passed down from your own marriage, or simply a heartfelt wish for their future together. For example, "May your love continue to grow and flourish with each passing year. Always remember to make time for each other and never go to bed angry!"

Mention a gift or contribution

If you're planning on giving the couple a gift or contributing to their honeymoon fund, you can briefly mention it in your note. This adds a thoughtful touch and lets them know your gift comes from a place of love and excitement for their future together. For example, "We've made a contribution to your honeymoon fund and can't wait to hear all about your adventures in Paris! We hope it creates memories that will last a lifetime."

Keep it concise

While adding a personal note is a lovely idea, try to keep it concise so that it fits neatly on the RSVP card. A short and sweet message will do the trick! Something like, "So happy to share in your special day! We know it will be filled with love and joy, and we can't wait to celebrate with you both!"

Specifying the number of guests

Number of Guests Attending

The first approach is to include a line for the number of guests attending and another line to indicate the number of guests who regretfully decline. For example:

"____ Number of Guests Attending

____ Number of Guests Regretfully Declining"

However, this format can be confusing if a guest declines the invitation. Instead, you can use the format:

"____ of ____ guests attending"

This format clarifies the number of guests attending and leaves no room for confusion. For example, a guest would fill this out as "2 of 2 attending" if they are bringing their invited plus-one, or "1 of 2 attending" if they are attending alone.

Reserved Seats

Another option is to indicate the number of seats reserved for the invited guests. This approach makes it clear that only a certain number of guests are invited and there are no plus-ones. For example:

"We have reserved ____ seat(s) in your honour"

Names of Guests

Including the names of the guests can also help specify the number of attendees. This is especially useful if you are inviting families with children and need to clarify how many seats are reserved for them. Here is an example:

"Circle one: Ms. Martha Doe will/will not attend

Mr John Richards will/will not attend

Elizabeth Doe will/will not attend"

This format ensures that each invited guest's attendance is accounted for, and it provides clarity on the number of guests attending.

Pre-filling the Number of Guests

In some cases, you may want to pre-fill the number of guests attending on the RSVP card, especially if you are not offering plus-ones. This can be done by using the "____ of ____ guests attending" format and filling in the second blank with the number of invited guests. For example, if you are inviting a single guest, you can fill in "1 of ____ guests attending".

However, some people may still cross out the pre-filled number and add their own, so this approach may not always be effective in managing guest numbers.

Final Thoughts

Writing out your full name

When it comes to pre-filling names on RSVP cards, there are a few different approaches you can take. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations to help you with this task:

• Understanding the purpose: The main purpose of including names on RSVP cards is to guarantee that you know who is attending your wedding and to ensure you have the correct spelling of their names for items such as the seating chart.
• Using "M" as an indicator: It is customary on formal RSVP cards to write an "M" at the start of the line where guests are expected to write their names. This indicates that guests should include their proper honorific (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss) before their names. For example, "Mr. Joe Smith" or "Ms. Emily Brown".
• Consistency with the invitation: It is recommended to write your name on the RSVP card exactly as it was written on the wedding invitation envelope. For instance, if the envelope is addressed to "Mr. and Mrs. Smith", then the response should state, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith". However, if the envelope includes additional names, such as "Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Maggie and Drew", the response should include those names as well.
• Number of guests: If you are inviting families or groups, it is helpful to indicate the number of guests invited on the RSVP card. This can be done by writing the number of guests after the names, such as "Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Maggie and Drew (4)". This will help the hosts plan for the appropriate number of seats and meals.
• Pre-printing names: One option is to pre-print the names of the invited guests on the RSVP cards. This ensures clarity and avoids any confusion about who is invited. However, this option may be more costly and time-intensive, especially if you have a large number of invitations.
• Handwriting or calligraphy: If you choose to write the names by hand, consider using clear and legible handwriting. Alternatively, you can ask a friend with good handwriting to help, or even hire a calligrapher for a more elegant touch.
• Translucent labels: If you are concerned about the aesthetics of handwritten names, you can use translucent labels printed with the guests' names and stick them onto the RSVP cards. This option may be more cost-effective than custom printing while still achieving a neat appearance.
• Coding the cards: Instead of writing the names, you can code the RSVP cards by assigning each guest or group a number and writing that number on the card. Keep a separate list that matches each number to the corresponding guest(s). This method ensures privacy and saves time while still allowing you to track responses accurately.
• Online RSVPs: If you prefer a more modern approach, you can include a ""details" card with your wedding website information and instruct guests to RSVP online. This eliminates the need for physical RSVP cards and postage, and it may be more convenient for tech-savvy guests.

Remember, the key is to provide clear information about who is invited and to make it easy for your guests to respond. Choose the option that best suits your preferences, budget, and the level of formality you desire for your wedding invitations.

Frequently asked questions