Rsvp Etiquette: Selecting Wedding Entrees

how to word on rsvp wedding entree selections

Wedding RSVP cards are an important part of wedding planning, helping to finalise the guest list, seating chart, and catering numbers. When it comes to wording on RSVP cards, it's essential to include a blank line for guests to write their names, with an “M” at the start to indicate their honorific (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss). It's also crucial to set an RSVP deadline, usually about four weeks before the wedding, to ensure enough time for planning and coordination. If dinner is served at the wedding reception, collecting guests' food preferences, dietary restrictions, and allergies is essential. The best approach is to mention the meal type (buffet or plated dinner) and use checkboxes or initials for entree options to ensure clarity and eliminate confusion, especially for larger groups. Some couples choose to include a brief description of each dish on the RSVP card, with the full description on the wedding website. It's also important to provide clear instructions on how guests can submit their responses, whether by mail, email, or through a wedding website.

Characteristics Values
RSVP deadline 4 weeks before the wedding date
RSVP wording Formal or informal, depending on the format of the card (printed or digital)
Guest names Include a blank line for guests to write their names, with an M at the start of the line to indicate their honorific
Meal choices List the meal options and ask guests to initial next to their preferred entrée, or provide a brief description of each dish with the full description on the wedding website
Dietary restrictions Include a phrase such as "Dietary restrictions" followed by a blank line for guests to write out special requests
Number of guests Include a space for guests to write in the number of people attending
Guest allowance Specify if children are not allowed or if guests are allowed to bring a plus one
Contact information Provide clear instructions on how to respond and include contact information for any questions or updates

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Include a blank line for guests to write their names, with an 'M' at the start to indicate their honorific

When creating your wedding RSVP cards, it's important to include a blank line for guests to write their names. This guarantees that you know who is attending and how to spell their names correctly on the seating chart. To indicate that guests should include their honorific, such as Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss, start the blank line with an "M". This is a formal way to ensure you know how to address your guests correctly.

"Name: M _____"

"Name: M _____ (Mr./Mrs./Ms./Miss)"

"M _____ and Guest"

If you have guests with titles such as "Doctor", or if you are unsure of the correct honorific, you can simply leave a blank line or use "Name: _____". This way, guests can fill in their names and titles as they prefer.

In addition to names, you may also want to collect information such as meal choices, dietary restrictions, and attendance for other events like a rehearsal dinner. For meal choices, you can list options such as "chicken", "beef", or "vegetarian", and ask guests to initial or circle their preferred entrée. This helps ensure that your guests receive a meal they enjoy and that any dietary restrictions are accommodated.

Remember to set an RSVP deadline of around four weeks before your wedding date and feature it prominently on the card. This will help you finalise the guest list, seating chart, and catering numbers in time for your big day!

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List entree options with checkboxes for guests to indicate their preference

When it comes to wedding RSVPs, it's important to give your guests a clear way to indicate their entrée preferences. Here are some tips and examples to help you create an effective RSVP card with checkboxes for guests to indicate their entrée choices.

Wording and Layout:

Start by mentioning the meal type, such as a "plated dinner" or "buffet." If you're offering multiple entrée options for a plated dinner, use checkboxes to indicate the choices. For example, you can list the options with checkboxes next to each:

  • [ ] Chicken
  • [ ] Beef
  • [ ] Vegetarian

If you have a lot of entrée options or limited space on your RSVP card, you can use abbreviations or symbols, such as a picture of a chicken or a cow. However, make sure it's clear what each option is to avoid any confusion.

Dietary Restrictions and Allergies:

It's essential to inquire about your guests' dietary restrictions and allergies. Include a line or checkbox for guests to indicate any serious allergies or dietary requirements, such as vegan, vegetarian, or kosher preferences. You can also provide an open-ended question or a blank line for guests to specify their restrictions. For example:

Allergies or dietary restrictions:

Online RSVP Forms:

If you're using a wedding website or online RSVP tool, you can customize your RSVP form to include entrée selections and dietary restriction fields. This can be a convenient way to gather information digitally and keep track of responses.

Sample RSVP Card:

Here's an example of how you can structure your RSVP card, incorporating entrée selections and dietary restrictions:

[Guest name] will be attending:

  • [ ] Yes
  • [ ] No

Please select your entrée choice(s):

  • [ ] Chicken
  • [ ] Beef
  • [ ] Vegetarian
  • [ ] Other: __________

Please indicate any dietary restrictions or allergies:

_____________________________

Additional Tips:

  • Set an RSVP deadline of around four weeks before your wedding date to give yourself and your vendors enough time to plan.
  • Include a blank line for guests to write their names, and consider starting the line with "M" to indicate honorifics (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss).
  • If you're offering a children's meal option, use "Children's Meal" or "Child's Plate" instead of simply "Child" to avoid any confusion.

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Provide a brief description of each dish, with full details on your wedding website

When it comes to wedding RSVP cards, it's a good idea to include a brief description of each dish, with full details available on your wedding website. This will help your guests make an informed decision about their meal choice and ensure that any dietary restrictions or allergies are accommodated. Here are some tips and examples to help you word the entree selections on your wedding RSVP cards:

  • Provide a brief description of each dish: Instead of simply listing "chicken," "beef," or "vegetarian," consider adding a short description to give your guests a better idea of what they can expect. For example, "Herb-roasted chicken with seasonal vegetables" or "Grilled beef medallions with red wine reduction." For vegetarian options, you could write "Vegetable lasagna with creamy tomato sauce" or "Grilled portobello mushroom stack with roasted vegetable ratatouille."
  • Include a mix of meat and vegetarian options: Offer a variety of options to cater to different dietary preferences and restrictions. For example, you could have one option that is a classic crowd-pleaser, such as "Gourmet hamburger with cheddar cheese and fries." Then, provide a vegetarian alternative, such as "Black bean quinoa burger with avocado salsa and sweet potato fries." This way, your guests can choose based on their preferences, and you can accommodate any vegetarians or guests with dietary restrictions.
  • Consider a build-your-own option: If you're offering a taco bar or a similar interactive dining experience, provide a brief description of the base dish and then list the various options guests can choose from. For example, "Build-your-own tacos: Choose from grilled chicken, beef, or vegetable fillings, and top with salsa, guacamole, and cheese." This approach adds a fun and interactive element to your wedding dinner and ensures that a wide range of tastes and dietary needs are considered.
  • Direct guests to your wedding website for full details: While providing a brief description on the RSVP card is helpful, it's a good idea to include a note directing guests to your wedding website for more information. For example, you could write, "For full menu details and to indicate any dietary restrictions, please visit our wedding website at [website address]." This ensures that your guests have access to the most up-to-date and comprehensive information about the entree selections.
  • Include a deadline for RSVP and dietary restrictions: It's important to set a deadline for your RSVP cards to help with your wedding planning and coordination. Clearly indicate this deadline on the RSVP card, along with a gentle reminder for guests to specify any dietary restrictions or allergies. For example, "Kindly respond by [date] and let us know of any dietary restrictions to ensure we can accommodate your needs."
  • Consider online RSVP options: In addition to physical RSVP cards, consider providing an online RSVP option, especially for older guests who may be more tech-savvy. This can be a dedicated page on your wedding website or a link provided via email. This approach may make it easier for guests to provide detailed information about their meal preferences and any dietary restrictions in a more private manner.

Remember, the key is to provide enough information on the RSVP card to help your guests make a decision while also directing them to your wedding website for full details. This ensures that everyone has access to the information they need and that any dietary restrictions or allergies can be accommodated.

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Ask guests to initial next to their preferred entree to ensure clarity

When it comes to wedding planning, an accurate guest count is vital. This will help you and your vendors determine how much food you'll need, among other details. If you'll be serving dinner at your wedding reception, you'll want to collect your guests' food preferences, as well as any dietary requirements or allergies.

To ensure clarity, you can ask guests to initial next to their preferred entree. This way, you'll know exactly who has chosen each option. For example, you could include a line that says "Please initial next to your preferred entree choice". This will help to avoid any confusion and ensure that your guests' preferences are respected.

It's a good idea to provide a brief description of each dish on the RSVP card, and then include the full description on your wedding website. This will give your guests a clear idea of what to expect and allow them to make an informed decision. Alternatively, you could include a line such as "Please indicate your entree selection by initialing below". This will leave space for guests to write out their initials next to their chosen option.

You could also include a line that says "Kindly initial your selection". This adds a polite tone to the request and ensures that your guests are clear about what is expected of them. It is important to make sure that your guests understand the instructions, as this will help to avoid any misunderstandings or incorrect selections.

Finally, it's worth noting that some guests may have dietary restrictions or allergies. To accommodate this, you can include a separate line for guests to specify any restrictions or allergies, such as "Please list any dietary restrictions or allergies below". This will allow you to make the necessary arrangements and ensure that all your guests are catered for.

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Include a line for guests to write in any dietary restrictions

When it comes to wedding planning, one of the most important considerations is the food. It is essential to know about your guests' dietary restrictions and allergies, and including a line for this on your RSVP cards is a great way to gather this information.

Firstly, it is helpful to mention the meal type: a buffet or a plated dinner. If you are offering a plated dinner with multiple entrée options, it is a good idea to list the meal options and ask guests to indicate their preferences with checkboxes or initials. This ensures that guests with dietary restrictions can choose an option that suits their needs.

However, it is also important to provide a line for guests to write in any specific dietary restrictions or allergies. This could be a simple line that says "Dietary Restrictions" or "Food Allergies", or you could include a sentence such as "Please note any special dietary requirements". This gives guests the opportunity to disclose any restrictions that may not be covered by your meal options. For example, while some guests may be able to eat beef or chicken, they may have specific dietary restrictions regarding the preparation or ingredients used in those dishes.

Including this line on your RSVP cards ensures that you are aware of any dietary needs and can accommodate them. It also allows you to make adjustments to your menu or inform certain guests about which dishes they should avoid. By gathering this information in advance, you can work with your caterer to ensure that all your guests' needs are met and that there is enough food for everyone.

In addition to the RSVP cards, you can also provide a wedding website where guests can find more detailed descriptions of the entrée options and submit their dietary restrictions online. This can be especially useful for guests who may need more information or space to communicate their dietary needs.

Frequently asked questions

Whether you’re sending out physical cards or digital invites, make sure the instructions are crystal clear. You can also include contact information in case guests have questions or need to update their RSVP.

Set an RSVP deadline that's around four weeks before your wedding date to give you and your vendors plenty of time to coordinate last-minute details. The deadline should be featured prominently on the card.

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 should write "M" at the start of the line to indicate that guests should include their proper honorific (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss).

If you're serving a plated dinner with multiple different entrée options, you'll want to collect your guests' food preferences and dietary restrictions or allergies. You can include a brief description of each dish on the RSVP card and then list the full description on your wedding website. You can also ask guests to initial next to their preferred entrée.

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