Personalizing Your Wedding Rsvp: Adding Names With Style And Grace

When it comes to writing names on wedding RSVP cards, there are a few options to consider. The first is 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). This ensures that you know who is attending and how to spell their names correctly for the seating chart. Alternatively, you can pre-fill the names on the RSVP cards, either by handwriting or printing them. This makes it clear who is invited and avoids any confusion. Another option is to number the RSVP cards and keep a master list of who belongs to each number, ensuring you know who the response is from even if they forget to write their name. While not necessary, including pre-addressed and stamped envelopes with the RSVP cards is courteous and helpful, increasing the likelihood of timely responses.

Include full names

Including full names on your wedding RSVP cards is a great way to ensure you know exactly who is attending your wedding. It also helps you to correctly spell everyone's name on the seating chart.

On a formal RSVP card, it is customary to write an "M" at the start of the line to indicate that guests should include their proper honorific (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss) before their name. For example, if the envelope is addressed to "Mr. and Mrs. Smith", the response line should state, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith". If the envelope is addressed to "Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Maggie and Drew", then the response would be "Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Maggie and Drew".

If you are inviting families with children, you can include the names of the children on the RSVP card, or simply write the number of guests they can bring. This helps to prevent misunderstandings and unexpected extra guests.

Some couples choose to personalise their RSVP cards so that each invited guest has their own line to accept or decline, making it very clear who is invited. This can be done by hand or by printing the names on the cards. Alternatively, you can write a number on each RSVP card and keep a master list of who belongs to each number.

Including full names on your wedding RSVP cards ensures that you have accurate information for finalising catering counts, creating a seating chart, and addressing guests properly on place cards or escort cards.

Write legibly

When writing your name on a wedding RSVP, it is important to write legibly. This is because the couple will rely on your response card to create a master guest list and ensure accurate seating arrangements. Illegible handwriting can lead to confusion and misunderstandings, so it is worth taking the time to write clearly.

If your handwriting is not the best, there are a few options to consider. One option is to type out your response, either by printing it or using a typed response card. Another option is to ask someone with neat handwriting to help you fill out the card. This could be a friend or family member with good penmanship.

Additionally, it is important to include the full names of all invited guests. This will help the couple keep track of their guest list and create name cards for each attendee. If you are attending with a spouse or partner, be sure to include their full name as well. For example, your response could look like this:

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

Ms. Jane Pearson and Mr. Jason Brown

Alternatively, you can write your own name and then add a "+1" if you are bringing a guest whose name is not listed on the invitation. This way, the couple will know to expect someone else but will not need to worry about misspelling their name or creating an incorrect name card.

In some cases, the couple may provide RSVP cards with blank lines for each invited guest to fill in their name. This allows guests to confirm their attendance and provide their name for the seating chart. Again, it is important to write legibly so that the couple can easily read and understand your response.

Overall, taking the time to write legibly on your wedding RSVP will help ensure that the couple can plan their special day effectively and avoid any last-minute confusion. It is also a sign of respect and consideration for the couple, who have taken the time to invite you to their wedding.

Don't add names of uninvited guests

When sending out wedding invitations, it is important to be clear about who is invited to avoid any confusion and prevent uninvited guests from being added to RSVPs. Here are some tips to ensure that only invited guests are included:

Be Clear and Specific:

• When addressing the invitation envelope, be specific about who is invited. Use names and, if necessary, specify "and family" or "and guest". This reduces ambiguity and sets clear expectations.
• On the RSVP card, consider including a line that states, "We have reserved ____ seats in your honour". This makes it explicit that there are a limited number of seats available for that particular invite.
• You can also use wording such as "__ of __ attending", with the second blank pre-filled with the number of guests invited from that party. This allows them to RSVP for the specified number of guests and avoids misunderstandings.

Customise RSVP Cards:

• One effective method is to create different versions of RSVP cards with varying numbers of lines for names. For instance, send a card with two lines for a couple and four lines for a family of four. This ensures that only the invited guests from each party can be included on the RSVP.
• Alternatively, you can number each RSVP card and keep a master list that matches each number to the corresponding guests. This way, even if names are not provided, you can identify which guests are responding.

Utilise Your Wedding Website:

• Use your wedding website to communicate any relevant information, such as an adults-only wedding or the number of guests allowed. This helps set expectations and prevents surprises.
• Consider providing an online RSVP option on your website, encouraging guests to respond digitally. You can include a note on the RSVP card, such as "Save a stamp, RSVP online".

Additional Tips:

• If you have the budget, consider including pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelopes with your RSVP cards to increase the likelihood of responses.
• For a more personal touch, write the names of the invited guests on the RSVP cards before sending them out. This ensures clarity and avoids any confusion.
• If you're concerned about handwriting legibility, consider asking a friend with good handwriting for help or using translucent labels printed with the names.

Initial food choices

When it comes to initial food choices, there are a few different approaches you can take. Here are some options to consider:

Option 1: Provide a General Description

You can simply provide a general description of the meal options, such as "Steak/Chicken/Fish". This approach saves space on the RSVP card and assumes that guests will expect a certain level of sophistication at a wedding dinner. However, some guests may appreciate more detail, especially if they have particular preferences or dietary restrictions.

Option 2: Provide Detailed Descriptions

If you want to give your guests a better idea of what to expect, you can include more detailed descriptions of each dish. For example, instead of just "Chicken", you could specify "Chicken Marsala" or "Stuffed Chicken". This approach helps guests make a more informed decision, especially if they have specific tastes or dietary needs. However, detailed descriptions can take up more space on the RSVP card.

Option 3: Online RSVP with Detailed Meal Choices

Another option is to direct your guests to your wedding website or online RSVP form, where you can provide more detailed descriptions of each meal option. This approach allows you to collect guest preferences in advance, making it easier for your caterer to prepare. It also gives your guests a sense of being valued and considered. Additionally, you can use this opportunity to collect information about any food allergies or special requirements your guests may have, ensuring that your venue is well-prepared to accommodate their needs.

Option 4: Initial Next to Meal Choice

To ensure that your guests receive their preferred meal option and to aid in seating chart planning, you can ask your guests to initial next to their meal choice on the RSVP card. This method is especially useful if you have guests with the same or similar names. However, if initials are the same or if guests use checkmarks instead, it may require some follow-up to confirm their selections.

Option 5: Numbered Responses

If you're inviting families or groups, you can ask them to number their meal choices to indicate how many of each dish they prefer. For example, "Please write the name of each guest next to their meal choice, with numbers indicating their preference: Vegetarian: _____, Child's Meal: ________". This approach helps you determine the total number of each meal option required and ensures that each guest's preference is noted.

Remember, the key is to provide enough information for your guests to make an informed decision while also gathering the details you need for planning and accommodating any special dietary requirements.

Send RSVP ASAP

Sending your RSVP as soon as possible is crucial for a variety of reasons. Firstly, it allows the couple to finalise their guest list and ensure a smooth wedding planning process. Secondly, it helps them confirm numbers with vendors, such as caterers, to finalise details like food quantities and seating arrangements.

• Respond promptly: As soon as you receive the invitation, make it a priority to send your RSVP. This will not only show your enthusiasm for the event but also make the planning process easier for the couple.
• Use the provided envelope: Wedding RSVP cards usually come with pre-addressed and stamped envelopes. Use these envelopes to send back your response, as it ensures your reply reaches the right person and is more likely to be sent promptly.
• Write legibly: Ensure your handwriting is clear and easy to read. The couple will use your RSVP to create a master guest list, so they need to be able to read your name(s) accurately.
• Include full names: On the response card, write the titles and full names of all invited guests, including yourself and any additional attendees, such as a spouse or date. This helps the couple create place cards and a more accurate guest list.
• Indicate entrée options: If the wedding offers meal choices, be sure to indicate your preference on the RSVP card. This information is crucial for the catering team's preparations.
• Mention dietary restrictions: If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, be sure to include this information on your response card. This helps the couple and caterers accommodate your needs.
• Respond even if you can't attend: It is essential to send your RSVP, even if you are unable to attend the wedding. This provides a clear headcount and helps the couple plan accordingly.
• Provide additional details: If the couple has requested specific information, such as song requests or travel plans, be sure to include these details in your response.
• Respect the deadline: The RSVP card will include a deadline by which they need to receive your response. Respect this deadline to avoid causing unnecessary stress to the couple and their vendors.

By following these tips, you will be able to send your RSVP promptly and help the couple plan their special day more efficiently.

Frequently asked questions