Rsvp Wedding Invitation: Understanding The Formal Language

Wedding RSVP cards are an important part of the wedding stationery suite. They are a practical way for guests to inform the couple if they will be attending the wedding, allowing the couple to keep track of the headcount and plan other details such as the food and seating arrangements. The tone of the RSVP card should match the style of the wedding, whether it is formal, informal, or comedic. The card should include a clear deadline for the response, a way for guests to indicate their attendance, space for guests to write their names, and any dietary requirements or other additional information.

RSVP deadline date: A clear deadline is important to save yourself any stress

When it comes to wedding planning, one of the most important things to remember is to set a clear RSVP deadline date. This will save you a lot of stress and help you finalise the details of your big day. Here are some reasons why a clear RSVP deadline is crucial:

Finalising Guest Count

Having an accurate headcount of your guests is essential for coordinating with your caterers, venue, and other vendors. Typically, they will request a final headcount one to two weeks before the wedding. Therefore, setting your RSVP deadline around three to four weeks before the wedding is ideal. This gives you enough time to chase any late responses and provide the vendors with the final numbers on time.

Allowing Enough Time for Guests to Respond

When setting the RSVP deadline, consider your guests' needs as well. For destination weddings, mid-week weddings, or weddings where children are not allowed, give your guests extra time to check their schedules and make necessary arrangements. Avoid sending out invitations just a week before the RSVP deadline. It's also a good idea to send out a friendly reminder about a week before the deadline to ensure everyone responds on time.

Sending Out Invitations at the Right Time

The timing of sending out your invitations is crucial. It's recommended to mail them around six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to plan their attendance and make travel arrangements if necessary. Sending them too early may cause people to forget, and sending them too late may not give your guests enough time to respond.

Chasing Late Responses

Despite your best efforts, there will likely be some guests who don't respond by the deadline. Allow yourself a week or two after the deadline to chase these late responses. You can send friendly reminders via phone, email, or text. It's also a good idea to have a pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelope with each RSVP card to make it easier for your guests to respond.

In conclusion, setting a clear RSVP deadline is crucial to saving yourself from unnecessary stress during the wedding planning process. It helps you finalise guest counts, coordinate with vendors, and manage late responses effectively. By choosing a deadline that works for both you and your guests, you can ensure a smooth and well-organised wedding day.

Guest names: Guests should be prompted to include their names so the couple can keep track of responses

The guest names section is an important part of the RSVP card, as it helps the couple keep track of responses and ensures they have the correct spelling of each guest's name for the seating chart and place cards. Here are four to six paragraphs with ideas for how to prompt guests to include their names:

On a formal RSVP card, it is customary to write an "M" at the start of the line where guests will write their names. This indicates that guests should include their proper honorific (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss) before their names. For example, your RSVP card might say:

> M ______________

If you are concerned about guests forgetting to include their honorific, you could spell it out for them. For example:

> Mr./Mrs./Ms./Miss ______________

Alternatively, you can use the word "Name(s)" followed by a line to fill out. This option is more informal but still ensures that you receive the information you need:

> Name(s): ______________

If you are inviting families, you may want to specify how many names they should include. For example:

> Names (up to 2 adults and their children): ______________

If you are inviting couples and want to make sure you receive both names, you could say:

> Names (2 per household): ______________

Finally, if you are concerned about guests adding extra names to the RSVP, you can include a line for the number of guests attending. For example:

> Number of guests attending: ____

Response options: Guests should be given a simple way to accept or decline the invitation

When it comes to the formal language for RSVP wedding invitations, there are a few key elements to include. Firstly, it is important to set a clear deadline for responses, usually about one month before the wedding date, to ensure smooth planning and coordination with vendors. This deadline should be prominently featured on the card. The card should also include a blank line for guests to write their names, preferably with an ""M" at the start to indicate the use of proper honorifics.

For the response options, it is indeed essential to provide guests with a simple and clear way to accept or decline the invitation. This can be in the form of checkboxes, circling, or fill-in-the-blank lines. Here are some specific examples of wording for the response options:

• "Respectfully declines" and "Accepts with pleasure"
• "Declines with regret"
• "Will be there to celebrate" or "Will be toasting from afar"
• "▢ joyfully accept(s) ▢ regretfully decline(s) ▢ number attending"
• "▢ accept(s) ▢ decline(s)"
• "▢ Yes, you will see our/my face(s) ▢ Sorry, we’re/I’m busy that day!"
• "▢ Can’t wait! ▢ Sorry, I wish I/we could be there!"
• "▢ Yes, we’re/I’m beachy keen to attend! ▢ Sorry, we/I can’t make the flight!"
• "▢ Yeah, baby! ▢ Dang, we’re/I’m busy!"

In addition to the response options, it is also common to include space for guests to indicate their dietary restrictions or meal preferences, especially if you are serving dinner at the wedding. This can be in the form of checkboxes or a fill-in-the-blank line.

Finally, don't forget to include a return address or clear instructions on where to send the responses, whether by mail or digital means.

Space for guests to enter who can make it: This is especially important if plus-ones and children are allowed

When sending out wedding invitations, it is important to be clear about whether plus-ones and children are allowed. This can be done by addressing the invitation to "Mr. James R. Smith and guest", for example, or by stating "and guest" on the inner envelope.

If you are sending out physical RSVP cards, it is a good idea to include a line for guests to write the names of those attending. This can be done formally, with an "M" at the start of the line, or more informally, with "Name(s)". If you are concerned about guests adding extra plus-ones, you can write the number of seats that have been reserved for them, e.g. "We have reserved ___ seats in your honour".

If you are allowing children, it is a good idea to make this clear on the RSVP card, perhaps with a line such as "please keep in mind this is a 21+ event" if no children are allowed, or "we have reserved ___ seats, including children" if they are.

For digital RSVPs, you could include a drop-down menu with the number of guests and a space for names, or ask guests to write the names of those attending in an email or on your wedding website.

Dietary requirements: Guests may have special requests or allergies that the couple and caterers need to be aware of

When it comes to wedding planning, one of the most important considerations is catering to your guests' dietary needs. Here are some tips and suggestions for addressing dietary requirements on your RSVP cards:

Keep it Simple

A straightforward approach is often the best. A simple line such as "Please inform us of any dietary restrictions" or "Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements" is usually sufficient. This gives guests the opportunity to mention any allergies, intolerances, or special diets they follow.

Provide Specific Options

If you want to be more detailed, you can include specific dietary options for guests to choose from. For example, you could have checkboxes for vegan, vegetarian, lactose-free, gluten-free, nut allergies, and an "other" option with a line for guests to explain their requirements. This ensures that guests with common dietary needs are covered, and it may be easier for your caterers to prepare for.

Online Options

If you have a wedding website, you can direct guests there to provide their dietary requirements. This can simplify the RSVP card and give guests more space to explain their needs. It also ensures that this sensitive information is kept private.

Be Mindful of Wording

While it's important to address dietary requirements, be mindful of the tone and language you use. Avoid words like "fussy," "picky," or "difficult" when discussing dietary needs with your guests. Remember, some people have serious allergies or medical conditions that require specific diets.

Notify Your Caterers

Once you've collected the dietary information from your guests, be sure to notify your wedding venue and caterers well in advance. This will allow them to prepare and ensure that they can accommodate everyone's needs.

Offer Alternative Options

If you're serving a set menu, consider providing alternative options for those with dietary restrictions. For example, if you're serving a meat dish with a dairy-based sauce, offer a vegan option as well. Discuss this with your caterers, as they will be able to advise you on the best options.

Don't Forget the Drinks

Dietary requirements often extend beyond food. Be sure to ask your venue or caterers about providing alternative drinks, such as gluten-free beer and egg-free cocktails. It's also a good idea to provide soft drinks and non-alcoholic options for those who don't consume alcohol.

Remember, the key is to make all your guests feel comfortable and accommodated. By addressing dietary requirements on your RSVP cards, you're taking an important step towards ensuring that everyone has a wonderful and safe time at your wedding.

Frequently asked questions