Crafting The Perfect Rsvp Wedding Invitation

Wedding RSVPs are an important part of the wedding planning process, allowing couples to finalise their guest list, create a seating plan and confirm their budget. When creating your wedding RSVP card, it's important to include a clear deadline, a way for guests to indicate whether they will be attending, space for guests to include their names and any dietary requirements, and any other details you may want to add, such as your contact information or a dress code. You can also add a fun twist with questions like song requests or marriage advice. When it comes to the design, you can opt for a separate RSVP card with a matching envelope or include the RSVP details on the invitation itself.

RSVP deadline: Set a clear deadline for guests to respond by

Setting a clear deadline for your guests' RSVPs is crucial to finalising your wedding plans. Here are some tips and examples to help you set a deadline and ensure a smooth response process:

Set a Realistic Deadline

Give your guests enough time to respond, typically around four weeks before the wedding. This allows you a margin for any late replies and gives you time to finalise details with your vendors. If you have sent out save the dates, aim to send invitations at least eight weeks before the wedding. For a destination wedding, it is advisable to set the RSVP deadline two months before the wedding to allow guests extra time to confirm travel plans.

Be Consistent Across Communication

Ensure that the deadline is clearly stated on the invitation and that it is consistent with any other communication you have with your guests. For example, if you have a wedding website, make sure the deadline is also stated there.

Be Mindful of Wording

When setting the deadline, you can be creative and funny, but always ensure the date is clear. Here are some examples:

• RSVP by May 1st or forever hold your peace
• RSVP by May 1st or we will use at least 4 forms of communication to hassle you
• Please RSVP no later than 05/01/2020
• Kindly reply by May First

Consider Online RSVPs

If you are accepting RSVPs online via a wedding website or email, make sure to include the relevant details on the invitation, such as the website URL or email address. You could also include an additional method of contact, such as a phone number, in case guests have any issues with the online process.

Prompt Guests to Respond

While it is important to set a deadline, it is also helpful to encourage guests to respond promptly. A simple phrase such as "Kindly respond" can be added before the deadline date to encourage timely responses.

Remember, the RSVP deadline is an essential part of your wedding planning, allowing you to finalise guest numbers, create a seating plan, and manage your budget.

Guest names: Include a line for guests to write their names

When it comes to wedding RSVPs, there are a few key elements that you should include. One of the most important components is the guest's name. Here are some tips and suggestions for including a line for guests to write their names on your wedding RSVP invitations:

The Importance of Guest Names

Including a line for guest names on your RSVP cards is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps you identify who the response is from, especially if you have a large guest list. This information is also essential for creating place cards or a seating chart, ensuring that each guest's name is spelled correctly.

Formatting Guest Names

Traditionally, guests would enter their names after an "M" on the RSVP card, indicating titles such as "Mr.", "Mrs.", or "Miss". However, modern trends show that some hosts are choosing to omit these titles altogether, opting for a more casual approach. Ultimately, the decision rests with the couple, and you can choose to maintain the formal element or adapt it to your preference.

Wording Suggestions for Guest Names

When it comes to wording the guest name section, you can simply write "Name(s)" followed by a line for guests to write their names. For a more traditional approach, you can include the "M" as a prompt for titles. Alternatively, you could use wording such as "Name(s) of our fabulous guests:" to add a playful touch.

Examples of Completed Guest Name Sections

• Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
• Jane Doe
• The Johnson Family
• John and Mary Wilson

Additional Tips

To make the RSVP process smoother, you may consider creating a spreadsheet to keep track of your guest list. Assign a number to each invitation and discreetly pencil it onto the back of the RSVP card. This way, even if a guest forgets to write their name or their handwriting is difficult to read, you can still identify who sent the response.

Response options: Provide a simple way for guests to respond, such as tick boxes

Response options are an essential part of your wedding RSVP card. They allow guests to easily confirm their attendance and provide you with additional information. Here are some tips and examples for creating simple and effective response options using tick boxes:

Types of Response Options

• Attendance Confirmation: The primary purpose of an RSVP card is to confirm who will be attending the wedding. Include clear response options for guests to indicate their attendance, such as "Accepts" or "Will attend" and "Declines" or "Unable to attend." This can be in the form of tick boxes or fill-in-the-blank lines.
• Number of Guests: If you are allowing plus-ones or children, it is important to know the exact number of guests who will be attending. Include a section for guests to specify the number of people attending, such as "_ out of _ attending" or a tick box for the number of guests.
• Dietary Requirements: Collecting dietary requirements is crucial for catering purposes and ensuring your guests' needs are met. Include tick boxes or a fill-in-the-blank line for guests to specify any dietary restrictions, allergies, or food preferences (e.g., vegan, vegetarian).
• Meal Options: If you are offering a choice of entrées or meals, provide tick boxes for guests to select their preferences. Ensure that each guest's selection is clear by asking them to initial their choice or write their names next to the option.
• Special Requests: You can include a section for guests to make special requests, such as song requests, drink preferences, or marriage advice. This adds a personal touch to your wedding and makes your guests feel involved.

Examples of Response Options with Tick Boxes

Formal Wedding:

• [ ] Joyfully accepts
• [ ] Regretfully declines
• [ _] Number of guests attending
• Dietary requirements: [ ] Vegan [ ] Vegetarian [ ] Other: __________
• Entrée preference: [ ] Option 1 [ ] Option 2

Informal Wedding:

• [ ] Can't wait!
• [ ] Sorry, I/we can't make it
• [ _] Number of guests attending
• Any dietary requirements? [ ] Yes [ ] No If yes, please specify: __________
• For fun: What song will get you on the dance floor? __________

Remember to adapt the response options to match the style and tone of your wedding, whether it's formal, informal, or somewhere in between.

Number of guests: Allow guests to specify how many people will attend

When it comes to wedding RSVPs, the number of guests attending is a crucial piece of information for the happy couple. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft the perfect RSVP card, allowing guests to specify how many people will be attending:

Specify the Number of Guests

It is important to clearly communicate the number of guests invited and allowed to attend. This can be done by addressing the invitation to specific individuals or by indicating the number of seats reserved for the invitees. For example, you can write "We have reserved ___ seats in your honour" on the RSVP card. This ensures that guests understand how many people are invited and prevents any misunderstandings or unexpected additions.

Request a Headcount

On the RSVP card, include a line or section where guests can specify the number of people attending from their party. This can be a simple fill-in-the-blank format, such as "___ of us will be attending." This allows guests to indicate the exact number of attendees, making it easier for the couple to plan accordingly.

Pre-Printed Response Card

If you opt for a pre-printed response card, you can include a section for guests to write in the number of attendees. For example, you might have a section that says, "We will be ___ people attending." This format provides a clear and straightforward way for guests to communicate the number of attendees.

Blank Response Card

If you prefer a more free-form style, you can include a blank card for guests to write a personal message. You might provide a prompt or guide at the top of the card, such as "Please let us know the number of guests who will be joining you." This approach allows guests to provide a more detailed response while still obtaining the necessary headcount information.

Digital RSVPs

If you are using digital RSVPs, such as a wedding website or email, be sure to include a specific field or question for the number of guests attending. This can be a drop-down menu, a fillable field, or a simple question with a text box for the response.

Follow-Up for Clarification

If you receive an RSVP card without a specified number of guests, don't hesitate to reach out for clarification. It is better to confirm the details than to make assumptions. You can politely contact the guests and ask for the number of people attending to ensure an accurate headcount.

By implementing these suggestions, you can effectively gather the necessary information about the number of guests attending your wedding. This will help you finalise your guest list, create a seating chart, and plan various aspects of your big day with greater precision.

Dietary requirements: Ask about any dietary needs or preferences

Dietary requirements are an essential detail to include on your wedding RSVP card. Asking for them in a straightforward way acts as a reminder for your guests to inform you if they are vegetarian, vegan, or have any allergies that you need to make your caterers aware of.

• "Please inform us of any dietary restrictions."
• "Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements."
• "Special dietary requests (only if applicable)"
• "Dietary restrictions:"
• "Please select your preferred main course. Let [name] or [name] know if you have any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, gluten-free meals, etc. are available upon advanced request)."
• "Please select your preferred main course. Email [email address] with specific dietary restrictions; vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals are available upon advanced request."
• "Special dietary requests (only if applicable) Allergies or special requests (please specify):"
• "For special dietary concerns, contact [name]@email."
• "Please let us know of any dietary restrictions."
• "Please advise any dietary requirements."
• "Dietary restrictions?"

It is also important to decide how accommodating you would like to be. While it is essential to provide food that meets your guests' dietary requirements, it is not expected that you will be able to provide the same experience as everyone else. Most people with dietary restrictions are understanding and are used to eating out being a challenge. However, it is always nice to go the extra mile if you can.

Frequently asked questions