Response Card Placement In Wedding Invites

Wedding invitation response cards are a critical part of wedding stationery. They are included with a wedding invitation to give an accurate guest count for the reception. Response cards are usually included as part of an invitation set, printed in the same style and paper stock as the invitation but in a smaller size. Response cards typically include three elements: space to include how many guests are coming, space for those guests' names, and space for a short personal note to the couple. The response card is also where guests can indicate their dietary restrictions or preferences if the couple is offering an entrée choice at the reception.

The M on the RSVP card

The "M" on an RSVP card is for the title or prefix of the guest's name, such as Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Ms. This line is then followed by the names and titles of the guests attending. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith" or "Ms. Jane Smith" would be appropriate responses.

The "M" line on RSVP cards has been a feature of formal invitations for a long time, possibly over a century. It was used to reflect the importance of a person's title, their relationship, and their identity. While it is no longer standard, it is still used in formal invitations.

When filling out the "M" line, guests should first check the envelope to see who is invited. The names of the invited guests should be written on the "M" line, as they appear on the envelope. If first names are not included on the envelope but the guest would prefer to use them, they can write their complete name. It is also practical to include first names if there will be multiple people with the same last name attending the wedding.

For unmarried couples, the "M" line would be filled out as "Ms. Oprah Winfrey and Mr. Stedman Graham," for example. For married couples with the same last name, it would be "Mr. and Mrs. Justin Bieber." If a couple has different last names, the "M" line would be filled out as "Mr. Tom Hanks and Mrs. Rita Wilson."

If a guest has been given a plus one, they should include their guest's full name on the "M" line. However, if the guest does not know who their plus one will be, they can simply write "and guest." It is important to note that guests should not use the "M" line as an opportunity to invite someone else who was not included in the original invitation.

While the "M" line is no longer considered essential on RSVP cards, it is still used in formal and traditional invitations.

How to address the response card

Response or reply cards are included with a wedding invitation to allow the hosts to keep track of their guest list and get an accurate headcount for the reception. Here are some tips on how to address the response card:

Names

The response card should include the names of those attending the wedding. It is important to list first and last names as clearly as possible so the couple can easily read who has responded. Traditionally, for a husband and wife, the husband's title and full name are listed first: "Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Andersen". For a same-sex couple, the formatting is the same: "Mr. and Mr. Jameson Fillmore". For an unmarried couple, the woman would use "Ms." or "Miss" as her title: "Miss Marissa Porte and Mr. Henry Satre". If there is room, you can also write the first names of any children you are bringing.

Number of Guests

The response card will likely have a space where you write in the number of guests attending. Be sure to fill this out clearly. If only one person from a couple is attending, they should place a "1" next to "accepts" and a "1" next to "declines".

Food Choices

If the response card includes food choices, place your initials next to your food choice. This will help the couple to gather how many of each entrée the caterer will need to prepare.

Additional Notes

You can also write a note on the back of the response card. This could include well wishes, song requests, or advice for the couple.

Return Address

Finally, don't forget to send your response card back in the pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelope provided.

When to send the response card

Response cards are included with wedding invitations to give the hosts an accurate guest count for the reception. It is important to respond promptly to a wedding invitation. It is recommended that you take no longer than one full weekend to make your plans and respond. If you miss the RSVP date, call the hosts as soon as possible so they have an accurate headcount. It is also courteous to let them know if you can no longer attend after you have accepted the invitation.

Response cards are usually pre-addressed and stamped, making it as easy as possible for guests to respond by mail. However, it is also common for couples to request that guests respond by email or telephone. In these cases, the necessary contact information is included on the response card.

It is a good idea to include a "reply by" date, usually about two to three weeks before the wedding. This gives the hosts time to follow up with guests who have not yet responded and to give accurate numbers to wedding vendors, such as caterers.

What to include on the response card

Response or reply cards are included with a wedding invitation to allow the hosts to keep track of their guest list and get an accurate headcount for the reception. Here's what to include on the response card:

Names of Guests

On a formal response card, the line for guests to write their names should begin with "M" to indicate that guests should include their proper honorific (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss) before their name. This guarantees that the hosts know who is attending and how to spell everyone's name correctly for the seating chart. If the invitation is addressed to "and guest", the guest should write their full name.

Number of Guests

If the guest is bringing a plus-one, the number of guests attending should be indicated. The response card can be worded as "__ of __ attending", with the second space pre-filled with the number of people invited, to prevent guests from adding extra, uninvited people.

Accept or Decline

The primary purpose of a response 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 with checkboxes, circling, or fill-in-the-blank lines.

RSVP Deadline

The response card should include an RSVP deadline, usually around two to four weeks before the wedding date. This gives the hosts time to follow up with guests who haven't replied and provide accurate numbers to caterers and other vendors.

Food Preferences and Allergies

If dinner is being served at the reception, guests can be asked to indicate their food preferences and any dietary requirements or allergies. This can be done by mentioning the meal type (buffet or plated dinner) and using checkboxes to indicate entree options. A fill-in-the-blank line can also be included for guests to detail any dietary restrictions.

Special Requests

Response cards can also include a special request line, such as song requests, drink preferences, or a favourite memory of the couple.

How to indicate dietary restrictions

Response cards are an essential part of wedding invitations, allowing you to gather the necessary information from your guests, including their dietary restrictions. Here are some instructive and focused guidelines on how to indicate dietary restrictions on your response card:

Be Direct and Clear:

On your response card, include a direct and clear request for your guests to inform you about their dietary restrictions. A simple and effective phrase such as "Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements" is both polite and concise. This shows your guests that you are considerate of their needs and are willing to accommodate them.

Provide Common Options:

To make it easier for your guests, you can provide a checklist of common dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and food allergens. This helps guests quickly identify their restrictions and ensures that you receive consistent information.

Allow for Additional Information:

Include a space for guests to provide additional details about their dietary needs. This could be a blank line or a request such as, "Please specify your dietary restrictions here." This allows guests to explain their specific requirements, allergies, or preferences.

Set a Deadline:

Encourage your guests to respond by a certain date to ensure you have enough time to plan and accommodate their needs. A phrase like, "Please let us know by [date]" creates a sense of urgency and helps you plan effectively.

Specify Contact Information:

Provide your guests with a dedicated email address or phone number to reach out to you regarding their dietary restrictions. This ensures that they have a direct line of communication and can provide detailed information if needed.

Follow Up with Guests:

It is a good practice to follow up with guests who have indicated dietary restrictions. This allows you to confirm the details and work with your caterer or venue to provide suitable alternatives. Communicate with your guests to understand their specific needs, whether they are allergies, intolerances, or personal preferences.

Be Accommodating and Understanding:

Remember that each guest's dietary needs are unique, and it is essential to be accommodating and understanding. By taking the time to address dietary restrictions, you create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all your guests, ensuring that everyone has a memorable and enjoyable experience at your wedding.

Frequently asked questions