Rsvping To A Wedding: When There's No Response Card

If you've received a wedding invitation without a response card, you'll need to look closely at the invitation for details on how to RSVP. It's likely that the wedding hosts have opted to take RSVPs online and have included a wedding website, or they may have included other instructions, like a phone number or email address. If there's no specific instruction, it's time to break out your own stationery and use the same approach as you would with a pre-printed response card. This means including your full name, the number of guests attending, and a short personal note to the couple.

Include your full name(s)

When it comes to RSVPing to a wedding invitation without a response card, it's important to follow the couple's preferred method of communication, such as email or an online website. Regardless of the format, it's essential to include your full name(s) in your response. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to ensure your RSVP is clear and helpful to the couple:

• Use Proper Titles and Full Names: When providing your full name(s), ensure you use the correct titles, such as Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss, especially if there is an "M" preceding the blank space on the response card. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Andersen" for a married couple or "Miss Marissa Porte and Mr. Henry Satre" for an unmarried couple. If you have been invited as a couple, both your names should be included.
• Address Any Additional Guests: If you have been invited with a plus-one, be sure to include their full name as well. It is considered impolite to swap out your plus-one for someone else, so choose your guest thoughtfully and commit to them when responding.
• Follow the Invitation's Wording: If the invitation is addressed with a nickname, use that nickname on the RSVP. If it includes your full name and your partner's full name, follow that format. For example, if the invitation is addressed to "Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Maggie and Drew," then the response should include all four names.
• Write Legibly: Use your best handwriting or, if responding digitally, double-check that your full name(s) are spelled correctly. This will help the couple create place cards, escort cards, and seating charts with accurate and legible names.
• Respond Promptly: It is essential to send your RSVP as soon as possible. The couple will be relying on your timely response to finalise their plans, including catering and seating arrangements. If you are unable to attend, it is still important to RSVP with a "No" to avoid leaving the couple uncertain about your attendance.
• Include a Personal Note: While not mandatory, adding a brief personal note to your RSVP can be a thoughtful touch. You can express your excitement about the wedding, send well wishes to the couple, or share a fun memory or song request. This extra step can make your response even more special for the couple.

Remember, the couple will greatly appreciate receiving your RSVP, and including your full name(s) is a crucial part of that.

Respond as soon as possible

Responding as soon as possible to a wedding invitation without a response card is crucial. It is important to follow the couple's instructions and preferred RSVP method to ensure your seat at the wedding. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:

• Timeliness is Key: Responding promptly is essential. Aim to reply within a few days of receiving the invitation. This allows the couple to have an accurate headcount and make the necessary arrangements. Remember, late RSVPs can result in you not having a seat or meal at the wedding, as vendors require a final headcount by a specific date.
• Understand the Invitation: Carefully examine the invitation for details on how to RSVP. The couple may have opted for online RSVPs, providing a wedding website or email address. Alternatively, they may have included a phone number or requested a response by mail. Respect their preferred method and follow their instructions.
• Provide Necessary Information: When responding, ensure you include your full name(s) and the total number of guests attending. If there is an option for entree selection, initial your choice. Also, be mindful of any special prompts or requests from the couple and respond accordingly.
• Declining an Invitation: If you need to decline, it is proper etiquette to respond with a definitive "No" and an explanation if appropriate. It is considerate to send a gift from their registry, even if you cannot attend. Remember, it is never okay to not respond at all.
• Personalize Your Response: Think of your response as a note, not just a form. Write a few sentences to thank the couple and send your well-wishes. This adds a thoughtful touch, and many couples cherish these notes as keepsakes.
• Commit to Your Plus-One: If you plan to bring a plus-one, include their full name in your response. This helps the couple with seating arrangements and ensures everyone is accounted for.
• Be Mindful of Deadlines: While responding promptly is ideal, always aim to meet the RSVP deadline listed on the invitation. This deadline is typically set two to three weeks before the wedding to allow the couple time to finalize details. Respecting this deadline ensures your response is not lost or missed.

Remember, the couple is likely managing many planning details, so your timely and thoughtful response is greatly appreciated.

Follow the couple's instructions

When responding to a wedding invitation, it is important to follow the couple's instructions to ensure your seat at the wedding. RSVPs can take the form of printed cards, online websites, or emails, and the couple may include a “details” card with their wedding website.

• Respond promptly: It is important to respond to the wedding invitation as soon as possible, even if it is to decline the invitation. The RSVP deadline is usually about two to four weeks before the wedding, and late RSVPs can lead to not having a seat or meal at the wedding.
• Follow the specified method: If the couple has provided an email address or a wedding website, be sure to respond using that method. If they have provided a response card, use that instead of sending a text or a personal email.
• Include your full name(s): Write your full name(s) as they appear on the invitation. If only your first initial and last name are included, provide your full first and last name.
• Indicate your response: Clearly indicate whether you are attending or not. If you are unable to attend, it is still important to send your response.
• Provide the number of guests: If you have been given a plus one, indicate the number of people attending and provide their full name(s).
• Specify dietary restrictions: If there is an option to choose an entrée, indicate your preference and any dietary restrictions or allergies.
• Include a personal note: Write a gracious note to the couple, expressing your excitement or regrets. This is also a good opportunity to include any well wishes or song requests.

Remember, the most important thing is to respond promptly and provide all the necessary information requested by the couple. This will help them finalize their plans and ensure that everything goes smoothly on their big day.

Include the total number of guests attending

When responding to a wedding invitation, it is important to include the total number of guests attending. This is a crucial piece of information for the couple to finalise their planning, including the seating chart, menu and music playlist.

If you have been given a plus one, now is the time to confirm who you will be bringing. Write out the full name of your guest, as the couple will need this for seating charts and place cards. If you have children, you may write their names too, if there is room. You can also indicate that you are bringing children in the space that asks for the number of attendees.

If there is a blank space for the number of people attending, be sure to fill this out. If only one person from a household is attending, they should fill in their title and full name, then place a "1" next to "accepts" and a "1" next to "declines". Always use a number, rather than a tick, to indicate acceptance or regrets.

If you are responding for two or more people, you can use numbers to indicate how many are accepting and how many are declining. For example, if a married couple is attending, you would write "Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Andersen, _2_ accept and _0_ regret".

It is also good etiquette to include a short personal note to the couple. This could be a few sentences of well wishes, or a fun question or memory that the couple has asked for.

Disclose dietary restrictions

If you have dietary restrictions, it is important to inform your hosts as soon as possible. This will allow them to accommodate your needs and ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience at the wedding. Here are some tips for disclosing your dietary restrictions:

• Contact the Host: If you have an allergy that may result in a medical issue, it is advisable to call the host after you RSVP. Offer to contact the planner or caterer directly to disclose serious allergies and discuss options.
• Provide Details: When disclosing your dietary restrictions, be as specific as possible. Let the hosts know about any foods you need to avoid and any alternative options that you can safely consume. For example, if you are lactose intolerant, clarify whether you can tolerate fermented dairy products or hard-mature cheeses.
• Be Timely: Respond to the RSVP as soon as possible, following the couple's instructions. This will give the hosts ample time to make the necessary arrangements and ensure your needs are met.
• Offer to Help: If you are comfortable, offer to provide suggestions or resources to assist the hosts in accommodating your dietary restrictions. You could recommend specific brands or products that are safe for you or offer to bring your own food if necessary.
• Be Considerate: Remember that the hosts are planning a wedding, which can be a stressful and busy time for them. Be considerate of their time and efforts, and express your gratitude for their willingness to accommodate your needs.
• Plan Ahead: If you are unsure whether your dietary restrictions can be fully accommodated, consider bringing your own snacks or meals as a backup option. This will ensure that you have safe food options available, especially if there are limited alternatives at the wedding.

Remember, it is essential to communicate your dietary restrictions clearly and promptly to the wedding hosts. This will enable them to make the necessary arrangements and ensure that you can safely enjoy the celebration.

Frequently asked questions