Etiquette Guide: Signing Wedding Invites

Wedding invitation cards are usually accompanied by RSVP cards, which are essential for the couple to plan their big day. The RSVP card is the guest's opportunity to confirm their attendance, dietary requirements, and meal preferences. It is also a chance to provide their full name, and the full name of any guests they are bringing. It is important to respond to a wedding invitation promptly, and to follow the correct etiquette when filling out the RSVP card. This includes writing legibly, providing the names of all guests, and sending the card back by the specified date.

The importance of writing full names

When it comes to wedding invitations, the importance of writing full names cannot be overstated. Here are several reasons why this is a crucial aspect of your wedding planning:

• Formality and Tradition: Using full names, including titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss), is considered the traditional and formal way to address wedding invitations. This approach conveys a sense of elegance and formality, setting the tone for your special day.
• Clarity and Avoidance of Confusion: Writing full names ensures that there is no ambiguity about who is invited, especially when inviting families or unmarried couples. It avoids any potential confusion regarding names and relationships, making it clear who is being addressed and invited to the wedding.
• Respect and Consideration: Using full names shows respect and consideration for your guests. It demonstrates that you have taken the time to address them properly and recognises their preferred names or titles. This is especially important when dealing with individuals who have strong preferences or those with distinguished titles, such as doctors or military personnel.
• Consistency and Standardisation: Using full names provides consistency across your wedding stationery. It ensures a standardised approach, making your invitations look polished and well-organised. This attention to detail will be appreciated by your guests and set the right tone for your celebration.
• Practicality and Information: Including full names can be practical, especially for guests who may not be familiar with each other. It provides clear information about who is invited, helping guests understand the nature of the event and facilitating introductions, conversation, and social interactions during the wedding.
• Personalisation and Individuality: While using full names maintains formality, it also allows for personalisation. You can choose to include middle names or opt for a more casual approach by using only first and last names. This flexibility lets you tailor the invitations to your guests' preferences while maintaining the desired level of formality.

Remember, while tradition and formality are important, ultimately, your wedding invitations should reflect your personal style and the tone you wish to set for your big day. Feel free to adapt and make choices that align with your vision, creating invitations that truly represent you and your partner.

RSVP card wording ideas

The wording of your wedding RSVP cards should ideally match the style of your wedding invitations. Whether your wedding is traditional, formal, or informal, you can adapt your RSVP wording accordingly. Here are some ideas for different styles of weddings:

Formal RSVP Wording Ideas

• "The favour of a response is requested by [date]"
• "Your reply is kindly requested before [date]"
• "A favour of response is kindly requested before [date]"
• Respectfully declines
• Accepts with pleasure
• Declines with regret

Informal RSVP Wording Ideas

• "Kindly reply"
• "Kindly respond"
• "Please respond by"
• "Can't wait!"
• "Sorry, I wish I/we could be there!"
• "Will be there to celebrate"
• "Will be toasting from afar"
• "Can't wait to hit the dance floor"
• "Will be there with bells on"
• "Yay or Nay?"
• "Yes, you will see our/my face(s)"
• "Sorry, we're/I'm busy that day!"

Unique RSVP Wording Ideas

• "Ready to eat, drink and see you get married!"
• "Will toast to you two from afar"
• "Yes, the party don't start 'til I walk in!"
• "Here's a song I'd love to request:"
• "No, party on without me"
• "Will be thinking of you at home"

Destination Wedding RSVP Wording Ideas

• "Fly away with us! Elope with us and watch us tie the knot. RSVP by [date]"
• "Yes, we're/I'm beachy keen to attend!"
• "Sorry, we/I can't make the flight!"

Online Wedding RSVP Wording Ideas

• "Please visit our website to respond by [date]"
• "Kindly respond by [date] using the following website: [insert wedding website URL]"
• "Online wedding RSVP wording: Please RSVP on our wedding website: [insert wedding website URL]"

How to address wedding envelopes

When addressing wedding envelopes, it's important to consider the formality of your wedding event and choose an addressing style that aligns with the tone of your special day. Here are some guidelines to help you address your wedding envelopes:

Formal Addressing Rules:

• Use formal names and avoid nicknames.
• Middle names are not necessary, but if used, they should be spelled out instead of using initials.
• Spell out all words such as "Apartment", "Avenue", "Street", etc.
• Abbreviate "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Ms.", and "Jr.".
• Write out professional titles such as "Doctor" or "Professor".

Examples of Formal Addressing:

• For a single guest: "Ms. Samantha Anderson, 56 North Ridge Drive, Hartinger, California 28495".
• For a single guest with a plus-one: "Ms. Anderson & Guest, 56 North Ridge Drive, Hartinger, California 28495".
• For a married couple: "Mr. and Mrs. Anthony James, 56 North Ridge Drive, Hartinger, California 28495".
• For an unmarried couple at the same address: "Ms. Sara Trent, Mr. Anthony James, 56 North Ridge Drive, Hartinger, California 28495".
• For a family with children: "Mr. and Mrs. Anthony James and Family, 56 North Ridge Drive, Hartinger, California 28495".

Informal Addressing:

Informal addressing is typically used for more casual or intimate weddings. Here are some examples:

• For a single guest: "Sam Anderson, 56 North Ridge Drive, Hartinger, CA 28495".
• For a single guest with a plus-one: "Sam Anderson and Guest, 56 North Ridge Drive, Hartinger, CA 28495".
• For a married couple: "Anthony and Sara James, 56 North Ridge Drive, Hartinger, CA 28495".
• For an unmarried couple at the same address: "Sara and Anthony, 56 North Ridge Drive, Hartinger, CA 28495".
• For a family with children: "Anthony and Sara James and Family, 56 North Ridge Drive, Hartinger, CA 28495".

General Guidelines:

• Finalize your guest list before addressing envelopes to ensure no one is overlooked.
• Consider the appropriate etiquette for titles and honorifics when addressing each recipient.
• If you're hiring a professional calligrapher or using custom printed labels, provide them with the finalized guest list and addressing style.
• Pre-address and stamp the RSVP envelopes to make it convenient for your guests to respond.

The role of the 'M'

The "M" on a wedding invitation RSVP card stands for the first letter of the guest's title, such as Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss. It is meant to indicate where the guest should write their name and the names of anyone else who has been invited. For example, "Ms. Jane Smith" is the correct response if someone is attending the wedding alone.

The "M" can be replaced with "Name:" followed by a line for guests to write their first and last names. This option is more inclusive, as guests can include their titles if they wish, but it is not necessary.

• For married couples of the opposite sex who share a last name: "Mr. and Mrs. Adam Smith" or "Mr. Adam and Sarah Smith."
• For married couples of the opposite sex who don't share a last name: "Mr. Adam Smith and Mrs. Sarah William."
• For married couples of the same sex who share a last name: "Mr. and Mr. Johnson" or "Mrs. and Mrs. Brown."
• For married couples of the same sex who don't share a last name: "Mr. Joe Johnson and Mr. Tom Jackson" or "Mrs. Pam Brown and Mrs. Mary Miller."
• For unmarried couples of the opposite sex: "Miss Sarah William and Mr. Adam Smith."
• For unmarried couples of the same sex: "Mr. Joe Johnson and Mr. Tom Jackson" or "Miss Pam Brown and Miss Mary Miller."

The "M" line is a traditional way to address guests on wedding invitation RSVP cards, but it is not mandatory. Couples can choose to use "Name:" or another alternative instead to make it more inclusive and avoid any confusion for their guests.

RSVP card checklist

• Finalise your guest list.
• Confirm your reception dinner menu.
• Pick an RSVP reply date: Set a date for three to four weeks before the date of your wedding when you’d like invitees to reply by.
• Include a blank line for the guests to fill out their names and the names of their plus ones.
• Include the RSVP reply due date.
• Include the "will attend" line.
• Include the "unable to attend" line.
• Include choice of entrées, if applicable.
• Pre-address and stamp the envelopes.
• Include your return address.
• Include a stamp.

Frequently asked questions