Rsvp Cards: Necessary For Reception-Only Wedding Invites?

Wedding planning is a complex affair, with many details to consider, and the RSVP cards are no exception. While some couples opt for traditional paper response cards, others are exploring digital alternatives or a combination of both. The choice often depends on factors such as budget, guest list size, and the level of tech-savviness among the invitees.

In this discussion, we will delve into the pros and cons of using RSVP cards for reception-only wedding invitations, offering a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision for your big day.

The pros and cons of digital RSVPs

The Pros of Digital RSVPs

• They are more affordable than traditional paper invitations, which can take a significant chunk out of your wedding budget.
• They are eco-friendly, reducing unnecessary paper waste.
• They won't get lost or damaged in the mail, and you can track RSVPs online.
• They are convenient for your guests, who can respond with the click of a button, and often quicker.
• They save time, as you don't have to wait for printing and postage.

The Cons of Digital RSVPs

• They are less traditional and may not be suitable for formal weddings.
• Older guests may be offline and unable to respond digitally, so you may need to contact them by phone or mail.
• You won't have a physical keepsake, which some may want to hold on to as a memento.
• They could be missed in an inbox, ending up in junk mail or getting lost among other emails.

How to address wedding RSVP envelopes

When addressing wedding RSVP envelopes, it's important to follow certain etiquette rules to ensure that your guests can respond easily and that you receive the responses without any hassle. Here are some detailed instructions on how to address wedding RSVP envelopes:

Include the Recipient's Name and Address:

On the front of the RSVP envelope, be sure to clearly print the name and address of the person or couple responsible for collecting and organising the responses. This could be you and your partner, your wedding planner, or someone else assisting with the planning.

Use Proper Courtesy Titles:

When addressing the recipient, use the appropriate courtesy titles such as "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Ms.", or "Miss". For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Johnson".

Address the Couple-to-Be Formally:

If you are addressing the response envelopes to the couple getting married, use only their first names, as formally, the couple's names should not appear together in print before marriage.

Provide the Return Address:

Include the return address on the front of the RSVP envelope, typically below the recipient's address. This is the address your guests will use to send back their responses.

Pre-Stamp the Envelopes:

As a courtesy to your guests, be sure to include postage on each envelope. It is considered rude to make your guests pay for the postage themselves.

Consider Double Envelopes:

If you are using inner and outer envelopes for your invitations, place the return address only on the back flap of the outermost envelope. There is no need for a return address on the inner envelope.

Handwrite or Print Addresses:

While it is more formal to handwrite addresses, it is also acceptable to print, use mailing labels, or return address stamps, especially if you are short on time or have many invitations to address.

Set a Clear Deadline:

Give your guests a clear deadline for responding, usually about four weeks before the wedding date. This will help you finalise details with your vendors and ensure an accurate headcount for catering and seating arrangements.

Remember, the key is to make it as convenient as possible for your guests to respond, and to provide you with the information you need to plan your special day effectively.

What to include on a wedding RSVP card

RSVP cards are an optional but useful addition to your wedding invitation suite. They are a great way to prompt guests to respond to your invite in a timely manner and help you organise the seating chart, menu and music playlist. Here is what to include on a wedding RSVP card:

• 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) before their name.
• An attendance line for guests to accept or decline your invite. This could be formatted as checkboxes, circling or fill-in-the-blank lines.
• A deadline for guests to respond by. This should be around four weeks before the wedding date to give you and your vendors enough time to coordinate last-minute details.
• A line for guests to detail any dietary restrictions.
• A special request line. This could be for song requests, drink preferences, or a favourite memory of the couple.

You may also want to include your contact details, a phone number, email address, or wedding website URL.

How to politely decline an RSVP

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's essential to include an RSVP card or online option to give guests a chance to respond. This helps with planning, allowing couples to finalise numbers for catering and seating.

Now, for the tricky part: how do you politely decline an RSVP? Here are some tips and examples to help you navigate this situation gracefully.

Tips for Declining an RSVP

• Respond promptly: Don't delay your response, as the couple needs to plan accordingly.
• Express gratitude: Thank the couple for inviting you and express your regrets.
• Be honest but vague: Provide a brief reason for your decline without going into excessive detail.
• Be firm: Avoid creating an awkward situation by being firm in your decision.
• Follow up: Consider a follow-up call, message, or email to show your sincerity.
• Send a gift: While not mandatory, sending a gift or card is a thoughtful gesture.

Examples of Polite Declines

"While I'd love to be with you on your special day, I'm sadly unable to attend. I will be there in spirit and can't wait to see photos!"

"Regretfully, we are unable to attend. Best wishes on your special day!"

"Thank you so much for the invitation. I really appreciate it, and it means a great deal."

"I would love to attend, but I have prior commitments on that date."

"Thank you for thinking of me. I regret to tell you that I won't be able to attend due to another commitment, but please accept my warmest congratulations."

"Sadly, we are unable to attend your wedding day, but we look forward to celebrating with you when you return from your honeymoon."

"I'm gutted that I won't make the wedding, but I know you'll have a phenomenal day. I'll be cheering you on from afar!"

The cost of RSVP cards

RSVP cards are an optional but useful addition to your wedding invitation suite. They are a convenient and cost-effective way to prompt guests to respond to your invite in a timely manner. They also help you organise the seating chart, menu and music playlist for your wedding.

Printing and Materials

The cost of printing and materials for RSVP cards can vary depending on the paper quality, number of cards ordered, and any additional features such as foil stamping or custom illustrations. Basic RSVP cards can start as low as $0.99 each, while more elaborate designs can cost upwards of $1.00 to $2.00 per card. Some online retailers offer discounts for bulk orders, so it's worth shopping around to find the best price.

Envelopes and Postage

When including RSVP cards, it is customary to provide pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelopes for your guests to send their responses. This means you will need to purchase envelopes and stamps, which can add to the overall cost. The cost of envelopes can vary depending on the quality and design, with plain envelopes starting at a few cents each, and more decorative options costing upwards of $1.00 per envelope. Postage costs will also need to be factored in, especially if you are including multiple enclosures or using heavier paper.

Design and Customisation

If you choose to customise your RSVP cards with personal details, colours, or other design elements, there may be additional costs involved. Some online printers offer customisation services for a fee, or you may choose to work with a graphic designer to create a truly unique design. These costs can vary depending on the complexity of the design and the designer's rates.

Assembly and Mailing

Finally, there are the costs associated with assembling and mailing your invitations and RSVP cards. This can include the time and effort of assembling the invitations, as well as postage costs for sending them to your guests. If you are short on time, you may also consider hiring a wedding planner or stationery specialist to handle the assembly and mailing for you, which will incur additional costs.

Overall, the cost of RSVP cards can range from a few dollars to over $2.00 per card, depending on the options chosen. It's important to consider your budget and priorities when making decisions about your wedding stationery.

Frequently asked questions