Rsvp Etiquette For Wedding Guests: Responding With Grace

RSVPs are an important part of wedding planning. They allow couples to finalise their guest list and ensure a smooth planning process. When writing an RSVP acceptance, it is important to respond promptly and correctly, following any instructions provided by the couple. This may include filling out an RSVP card, responding via a wedding website or specified email address, or contacting the couple directly. It is also essential to include all relevant details, such as your full name, the number of guests attending, and any dietary restrictions. Here is an example of what to write:

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith accept with pleasure your kind invitation for Saturday, 21st September.

Alternatively, for a more informal response:

Thank you for your invitation, we will both be happily attending! Looking forward to it. Love, Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

How to fill out a wedding RSVP card

Receiving a wedding invitation in the mail is an exciting moment. But, before you start picking out your outfit, there's the small but crucial task of filling out the RSVP card. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Check Who's Invited

Before you start filling out the card, it's important to confirm who has been invited to the wedding. Check the inner and outer envelopes of the invitation to see the names of the people invited. If you're invited with a plus one, there will usually be an indication, such as "and guest" on the envelope. If you're unsure, it's better to clarify with the couple than to assume.

Step 2: Write the Names of Attending Guests

The RSVP card will likely have a line starting with "M" or "Name" for you to fill in the names of those attending. This is where you write the titles and full names of all invited guests, including yourself and any plus one. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith". If there's no "M", simply write out the appropriate honorific and your full name, e.g., "Ms. Jane Doe".

Step 3: Indicate the Number of Guests

The card will usually have a section where you indicate whether you accept or decline the invitation. If only one person was invited, you can simply check the appropriate box or write an "X". If two people were invited, but only one can attend, write a "1" next to "accept" and "1" next to "decline", and be sure to specify who will be attending.

Step 4: Choose Your Entrée (If Applicable)

If the couple is offering a choice of entrées, be sure to indicate your preference. Mark your choice with your initials, especially if more than one person from your party is attending. This helps the couple inform the caterer of how many of each meal to prepare.

Step 5: Add Any Additional Information

Some RSVP cards may have space for you to write a note to the couple. This is a great opportunity to express your excitement about the wedding or any regrets if you can't attend. You can also use this space to mention any dietary restrictions so the couple can accommodate your needs.

Step 6: Send the Card Back Promptly

Lastly, and most importantly, send the card back as soon as possible. Wedding planning is a complex task, and the couple will need to know the final headcount for their vendors. Even if you can't attend, it's polite to send the card back with your regrets. Try to respond before the deadline, and don't leave the couple hanging!

How to RSVP to a wedding via email

RSVPing to a wedding invitation via email is a convenient and straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Check the Invitation for Instructions

Before drafting your email, carefully read the wedding invitation for any specified RSVP instructions. The couple may have a preferred method of response, such as a dedicated website or a physical RSVP card. Respect their request and only opt for email if that is their chosen method.

Step 2: Address the Email to the Host

Begin by creating a new email draft and carefully typing in the email address of the host or the dedicated wedding email address provided. Double-check for typos to ensure your response reaches the right person.

Step 3: Respond Promptly

It is essential to respond to the invitation as soon as possible. Wedding planning involves numerous details, and your timely response helps the couple plan and prepare for the expected number of guests. It is considerate to respond promptly and helps avoid any last-minute chaos for the couple.

Step 4: Keep Your Response Concise

In your email, focus on conveying whether you will be able to attend. You don't need to go into extensive detail or explain your reasons unless you want to. A concise and direct response is appreciated and makes it easier for the couple to manage their guest list.

Step 5: Craft Your Email with Care

When responding, ensure your email is clear, polite, and expresses gratitude. Use proper spelling and grammar, and include your contact information to make it easy for the host to reach you if needed. Even if you are declining the invitation, remember to maintain a positive tone and express your thanks for being invited.

Step 6: Include All Relevant Details

Make sure to provide all the details requested by the host. This may include dietary restrictions, meal choices, your mailing address, and any other special requests they have made.

"Dear [Couple's Names],

Thank you for inviting us to join your wedding celebration. We are delighted to accept your invitation and look forward to sharing this special day with you.

Regarding entree choices, we would prefer the vegetarian option.

We are excited to celebrate with you soon!

Warm regards,

[Your Name(s)]"

By following these steps, you can RSVP to a wedding via email in a thoughtful and considerate manner, contributing to a smooth planning process for the happy couple.

How to RSVP to a wedding online

RSVPing to a wedding online is usually done via a wedding website or a specified email address. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Check the Invitation

Firstly, check your wedding invitation for any instructions or details provided by the couple. The invitation will let you know if they prefer an online RSVP and will include the relevant website URL or email address.

Step 2: Visit the Website or Draft an Email

If the couple has requested an RSVP via their wedding website, simply type the URL into your browser and follow the prompts. If they've requested an email RSVP, create a new draft email and carefully type in the specified email address. Double-check for typos!

Step 3: Respond Promptly

It's important to respond to wedding invitations as soon as possible. This helps the couple finalise their guest list, create a seating plan, and confirm their budget. Responding promptly is considerate and will ensure you don't forget!

Step 4: Include All Relevant Details

When filling out an online RSVP, be sure to include all the requested information. This typically includes your full name(s), attendance confirmation, the total number of guests attending, and any dietary requirements.

Step 5: Add a Personal Touch

Some couples may include "just for fun" questions on their RSVP forms, such as song requests or marriage advice. Answering these questions is a great way to get involved and share your excitement for the celebration.

Step 6: Proofread and Send

Before sending your RSVP, take a moment to proofread your response. Ensure that your message is clear, polite, and expresses gratitude. Check that you've followed the specified formatting and included all necessary details. Then, click "send" or "confirm" on a wedding website, or double-check the email address and send your email RSVP.

Sample Email RSVP Wording

Here's an example of how to word your email RSVP:

> "Dear [Couple's Names],

>

> Thank you for inviting us to join your wedding celebration. [Partner's Name] and I are happy to accept your invitation to the wedding day and the rehearsal.

>

> In regard to entrée choices, we would both prefer [chosen option].

>

> Looking forward to the big day!

>

> Warmly,

> [Your Name(s)]"

How to RSVP to a wedding by text

Texting is a more informal way of responding to an RSVP, but it is still possible to do so politely and with all the necessary information. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to RSVP to a wedding by text.

Step 1: Check the Invitation

Firstly, check the invitation for any specific RSVP instructions. The couple may have a preferred method of receiving RSVPs, such as by post, email, or through a wedding website. If they have specified a method, it is best to follow their instructions.

Step 2: Respond Promptly

If the couple has not specified a method, or they have included a phone number, then it is appropriate to respond by text. It is important to respond as soon as possible, to give the couple ample time to plan and prepare for their expected number of guests.

Step 3: Include All Necessary Information

Your text should include the following:

• A polite greeting and expression of gratitude for the invitation
• Your name(s) and the number of guests attending (including any plus-ones)
• Your response—a definitive "yes" or "no"
• Any other details requested by the couple, such as dietary restrictions, meal choices, or song requests

Step 4: Tone and Language

The tone and language of your text will depend on the formality of the wedding and your relationship with the couple. For a formal response, you may want to include phrases such as "accept with pleasure" and "regretfully decline." For an informal response, a simple "thank you for the invitation, we will be happily attending" will suffice.

Step 5: Example Texts

"Hello [Couple's Names], thank you for inviting us to your wedding. Mr. and Mrs. John Smith will be attending and are looking forward to celebrating with you."

"Hi [Couple's Names], this is [Your Name/Your Names]. Unfortunately, we will not be able to attend your wedding, but we send our congratulations and best wishes for your special day."

Step 6: Gifts and Regrets

If you are unable to attend, it is considered good etiquette to still send a gift from the couple's registry. It is also polite to include a reason for your absence, especially if you are close with the couple.

Step 7: Cancelling

If you have already responded "yes" but are then unable to attend, it is important to inform the couple as soon as possible. Only cancel if the circumstances are serious, and always apologize for your absence.

What to include on a wedding RSVP card

Wedding RSVP cards are an important part of the wedding invitation suite, giving guests a taste of the wedding theme and allowing the couple to finalise their guest list and ensure a smooth planning process. Here is what to include on a wedding RSVP card:

The RSVP deadline

The date by which you need your guests' responses should be prominently displayed on the RSVP cards. This gives guests a sense of urgency to respond as soon as possible. Formal wording options include "The favour of a reply is requested by" and "Your reply is requested by", while "RSVP by" and "Please respond by" are more casual options. The deadline should be around three to four weeks before the wedding date.

Space for guests' names

Traditionally, this is a long blank line that begins with a printed "M", where recipients will write their names and the names of any additional guests, such as a spouse, date, or children. Another option is to print the word "Name:" before the blank line.

Accept or decline options

The primary purpose of an RSVP card is to learn who is coming to the wedding, so there should be an attendance line for guests to accept or decline the invitation. This could be formatted as checkboxes, circling or fill-in-the-blank lines.

Any dietary requirements

If you are serving a sit-down dinner at the reception, it is helpful to include a small section on the RSVP card where guests can indicate their choice of entrée, especially if there will be options for vegetarians or those with food allergies.

Additional information

You may also want to include other details on the RSVP card, such as a special request line (e.g. for song requests or drink preferences), the dress code, your contact details, or your wedding website URL.

A creative flair

RSVP cards are a great way to inject your personality and style and embrace your wedding theme. You can add fun questions, such as what song will get guests on the dance floor or advice for the newlyweds.

Frequently asked questions