Lyla Dejesus
Planning a wedding can be stressful, and the last thing you want be doing in the run-up to your big day is chasing down guests who haven't replied. So, what do you need to include on your wedding RSVP? Well, firstly, it's important to set an RSVP deadline, which is usually around 2-5 weeks before the wedding. Then, there are the essentials: a way for guests to indicate whether they can make it or not, with space for the number of guests attending. You can also include fun wording, like will attend with bells on. If you're having a plated dinner, be sure to include space for guests to select their meal options and indicate any dietary restrictions. You might also want to add a song request line to get your guests involved! Finally, include a pre-addressed, stamped envelope for guests to send their responses, or provide an email address, phone number, or link to your wedding website.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Response deadline | 2-5 weeks before the wedding |
| Response options | "Will attend with bells on", "Will attend, but is afraid of bells", "Wouldn't miss it!", "Happily Accepts", "Regretfully Declines" |
| Number of guests | Specify the number of seats reserved to prevent unexpected RSVPs |
| Names | To confirm who is coming and get the names of any "plus ones" |
| Meal options | Icons or words with space for initials next to the choice |
| Dietary restrictions | A blank line for guests to fill in |
| Additional events | Separate lines for guests to respond yes/no to each event |
| Song requests | "Song request:" with a blank line for guests to write their choice |
| Contact information | Email address, telephone number, or a link to your wedding website |
| Envelopes | Pre-addressed, pre-stamped, and include the name(s) and address of who is handling the RSVPs |
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What You'll Learn
Include a response deadline
It is essential to include a response deadline on your wedding RSVP cards. This allows you to confirm the final number of guests with your vendors and plan accordingly. Typically, couples set an RSVP deadline of around two to four weeks before the wedding date. This gives you and your vendors enough time to finalise any last-minute details that depend on the total guest count.
The deadline also helps you manage your guest list effectively. With a clear deadline, you can easily follow up with guests who have not yet responded. This reduces the chances of last-minute surprises, such as unexpected additional guests or changes to the headcount.
When setting the deadline, consider the time needed for any necessary follow-up after receiving the responses. For example, if you need to confirm meal choices, allergies, or dietary restrictions, allow for extra time to contact guests who may not have provided this information.
Including a response deadline on your RSVP cards is a simple yet crucial step in planning your wedding. It helps ensure that you have an accurate headcount, enabling you to make the necessary arrangements for catering, seating, and other details that depend on the number of guests attending.
To make it easier for your guests to respond, consider providing a pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelope with each RSVP card. This small detail can increase the likelihood of timely responses and reduce the effort required by your guests to send back their replies.
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Provide a pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelope
Providing a pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelope with each RSVP card is essential for making it easy for your guests to respond to your wedding invitation. This traditional method of responding by post is still popular, and there are a few things to consider when including these envelopes with your invitations. Firstly, the envelopes should have the name(s) and address of the person or people handling the RSVPs on the front. This could be you and your partner, either set of parents, a wedding planner, or someone else in the wedding party. If you and your partner are managing the RSVPs, you can address the envelopes with both your full names or just one person's name if you live separately. A cute alternative is "The future [insert last name]s" if you plan to share a last name.
Including a pre-stamped envelope is customary, so your guests don't have to pay for postage. This small detail can make a big difference in ensuring your guests can respond without hassle. It is also important to set an RSVP deadline, usually four to five weeks before the wedding date, to allow for finalising any details impacted by the total guest count, such as food and drinks quantities and seating arrangements.
When preparing your pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelopes, you can be creative and choose unique designs that reflect your wedding theme or destination. For example, if you're having a beach wedding, you might opt for tropical floral envelope designs, while mountain nuptials could inspire pine tree illustrations. These envelopes are an extension of your wedding stationery, so feel free to make them fun and personalised.
Additionally, consider including a line on the RSVP card for guests to indicate any dietary restrictions or allergies. This can be as simple as "Please list any allergies or dietary restrictions," or you might prefer to provide a blank line for guests to fill in themselves. This information is incredibly valuable for your caterers when preparing meals, and it shows your guests that you care about their needs.
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List dietary restrictions and meal choices
It is becoming increasingly common to include a meal choice and dietary restrictions section on your wedding RSVP cards. This can be done in a variety of ways, depending on the format of your RSVP cards and the meal service for your wedding.
If you are having a plated meal, it is important to know how many of each entrée your party will need, so you should create a system to know which guest wants each dish. You can ask guests to initial their meal choice, or circle a picture of the dish they would like. You can also include a separate line for each guest, where they can write their name, whether they will attend, and their meal choice.
If you are having a buffet or family-style meal, you may still want to be aware of any food allergies or dietary restrictions in advance. You can include a line on your RSVP cards that says "Please note any dietary restrictions or allergies" or "Please indicate any special meal requests." This will allow guests to write in any specific requirements they may have.
If you are having multiple meal options, some of which can be prepared with certain dietary restrictions in mind, you can include this information on your RSVP cards. For example, if you are having chicken, beef, and fish, you can indicate that gluten-free options are available for the chicken and beef.
It is important to keep your RSVP cards simple and clear, to avoid overcrowding on the card. You may also want to consider including a comment box in the last step of the RSVP process, where guests can leave additional information about their dietary restrictions.
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Add a song request line
Adding a song request line on your wedding RSVP is a fun way to get your guests involved and ensure that everyone has a great time. It's a unique way to make your guests feel included and can add a special touch to your wedding. Here are some tips and ideas to consider when adding a song request line:
Wording and Instructions
Use creative and fun wording to encourage your guests to make a song request. For example, you could say, "We would love to incorporate everyone's tastes and styles into our wedding through music. Please write a song and its artist on your RSVP card if you would like us to play something specific." You can also add a touch of humour with a disclaimer, such as "Please note, the Chicken Dance will not be making an appearance, no matter how many requests we receive!"
Number of Songs
To avoid overwhelming your guests and to manage space on the RSVP card, it's a good idea to ask for a limited number of songs, such as one to three songs per guest. This will also make it easier for you to collate and organise the song requests.
Response Date and Database
It's a good idea to set an RSVP deadline that is around two to four weeks before your wedding date. This will give you time to organise the song requests and create a database with your guests' names and their requested songs. Remember that you might still receive some late responses, so adding a buffer of a couple of weeks is a good idea.
Song Selection and DJ Collaboration
Once you've received all the song requests, go through them and select a variety of songs, keeping in mind the different ages and demographics of your guests. Remember, you don't have to play every song requested, but you can use the suggestions as a guide for your DJ, who will also be able to read the crowd and make selections accordingly.
Alternative Methods
If you prefer to keep your RSVP cards concise, you can use alternative methods to gather song requests. For example, you could include a separate card with your invitations, specifically for song requests. Alternatively, you could provide an email address or a Google Sheet where guests can send their song suggestions.
Adding a song request line on your wedding RSVP is a wonderful way to engage your guests and create a personalised and memorable experience for everyone, including yourselves!
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Create a wedding website for RSVPs
Creating a wedding website for RSVPs is a great way to keep everything organised and in one place. There are several online platforms that can help, such as Joy and RSVPify, which offer customizable templates, allowing you to create a website that reflects your unique style and personality. You can include beautiful photos, clear artwork, and all the wedding details your guests need to know.
- Make sure to include a way for your guests to indicate whether they can attend or not.
- If you have additional events, such as a morning-after brunch or a welcome dinner, include separate lines for guests to respond to each event individually.
- If you're having a plated dinner with meal options, include a space for your guests to select their entrée choice.
- If you're not offering meal options but want to accommodate guests with allergies or dietary restrictions, add a line for guests to indicate any restrictions.
- Include an RSVP deadline, typically around 2-4 weeks before the wedding.
- If you're concerned about your guest list, you can include a line that says, "____ seats are reserved in your honour".
- Provide guests with travel information, such as hotel and flight details, transportation options, and even restaurant recommendations.
- Create an FAQ section to answer common questions, such as dress code and arrival details.
- Finally, don't forget to include a pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelope with each RSVP card, making it easy for your guests to send their responses.
By following these tips and using the right online tools, you can create a comprehensive and stylish wedding website that makes it easy for your guests to RSVP and find all the information they need.
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Frequently asked questions
RSVP stands for "Répondez s'il vous plaît", which is French for "Please respond". It is a way for your guests to let you know if they are attending your wedding or not.
It is customary to set an RSVP deadline of around 2-5 weeks before the wedding date. This allows the couple to finalise details such as the amount of food and drinks needed and the seating plan.
Aside from the RSVP date, you should include a way for guests to indicate their attendance, such as "Happily Accepts" or "Regretfully Declines". You may also want to include a line for the number of guests attending and any dietary restrictions or meal choices.
You can include a pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelope with each RSVP card, or direct guests to a wedding website where they can submit their responses online.
