Why RSVP Wording Matters
The right RSVP wording ensures clarity, guiding your guests to provide the necessary details, such as whether they’ll attend, meal choices, or any other requests specific to your wedding. A well-worded response card helps make planning smoother and adds a personal touch that reflects your wedding vibe—whether formal, casual, or fun. With thoughtful design and wording, you create an experience that makes your guests feel welcomed and excited about your big day.
What to Include on Your Wedding RSVP Card
Your wedding response card is a key part of your wedding planning process, and ensuring it includes the essential details will help make your event run smoothly. Here’s a breakdown of what to include:
1. RSVP Deadline
Make sure to set a clear deadline (typically 3–4 weeks before the big day). This ensures you have enough time to confirm the final guest list, catering, and seating arrangements.
2. Names of Guests
Include a space for guests to write their names, so you know exactly who’s coming. This also helps you plan seating arrangements and avoid confusion.
3. Meal Preferences (if applicable):
If you are offering multiple meal options, give your guests a chance to select their preferences. This helps streamline catering and ensures you don’t run out of any dish.
4. Response Options
Give your guests easy options to RSVP “Yes” or “No.” You can make it fun with creative wording, like “Count me in!” or “Regretfully, I’ll miss it,” to match the tone of your wedding.
5. Special Requests or Dietary Restrictions
If needed, provide a space for any special requests or dietary restrictions. This ensures that you can accommodate everyone, from gluten-free to vegetarian preferences.
Traditional Wedding RSVP Wording
For formal weddings, keeping things elegant and timeless is often the goal. This type of RSVP wording fits beautifully with black-tie events, classic venues, or traditional wedding styles.
Example:
- The favor of your reply is requested by [date].
- M___
- Accepts with pleasure
- Declines with regret
- Please indicate your meal preference:
- Beef
- Chicken
- Vegetarian
Casual Wedding RSVP Wording
If your wedding has a relaxed, informal atmosphere—whether it’s a beach wedding, backyard celebration, or boho-style event—casual RSVP wording can match that laid-back vibe. Simple, warm, and inviting language will feel fitting for a more intimate, cozy day.
Example:
- Kindly reply by [date].
- We’re excited to celebrate with you!
- Yes, we’ll be there!
- Sorry, can’t make it.
Fun and Creative Wedding RSVP Wording
For couples who love to inject humor or personality into their wedding details, fun and creative RSVP wording will delight your guests. If you’re planning a unique wedding theme or offbeat celebration, feel free to break the traditional rules and make it your own.
Example:
- Kindly RSVP by [date].
- We wouldn’t miss it for the world!
- Yes! Count us in for all the fun!
- Sorry, dancing on another date.
- Meal preference:
- Steak
- Pasta
- Chef’s surprise!
Destination Wedding RSVP Wording:
For a destination wedding, RSVP cards can include details about travel plans, accommodations, and pre-wedding events.
Example:
- Kindly respond by [date].
- Will you be joining us for our destination celebration in [location]?
- Yes, we’ll be there with bells on!
- Regrettably, we can’t make it this time.
- Do you need hotel accommodations?
- Yes, please reserve a room for us.
- No, we have other arrangements.
Funny RSVP Wording:
Inject some humor into your wedding by making the RSVP card playful and lighthearted.
Example:
- Will you be joining us on our special day?
- Absolutely, can’t wait to party!
- Sorry, we’ll be eating pizza and watching Netflix instead.
- Special meal request?
- Yes, please. I’ll have the steak, hold the judgment.
- No need to worry about my food—just save me a piece of cake!
Unique RSVP Card Wording for Special Requests
If you’re hosting a more elaborate wedding with extra details—like transportation, accommodation, or pre- and post-wedding events—your RSVP card can also be the place to ask for these preferences.
Example:
- Will you be joining us for the pre-wedding cocktail hour?
- Yes, looking forward to it!
- Sorry, we’ll join you for the wedding only.
- Do you need transportation to the venue?
- Yes, we’d love a ride!
- No, we’ve got our own wheels.
Wedding RSVP Card Etiquette FAQ
Planning a wedding comes with lots of details, and the RSVP process is no exception. Here are some frequently asked questions to help guide you through the etiquette of wedding RSVP cards. Whether you’re curious about the timing, wording, or how to handle special requests, these tips will ensure that your guests’ responses are easy to manage and in line with your wedding plans.
Do I send RSVP cards with wedding invitations?
Ideally, you should include RSVP cards with your wedding invitations when you send them, typically 8-12 weeks before your wedding date. This gives your guests enough time to respond and allows you to finalize important details such as the guest count, meal preferences, and seating arrangements.
When should guests send back their RSVP?
To help you finalize your wedding details, guests should return their RSVP card by the date indicated, usually 3-4 weeks before the wedding. This gives you enough time to adjust seating arrangements and caterer needs.
When should I request RSVPs for my wedding?
To ensure you have enough time to make final arrangements, it’s important to set an RSVP deadline about 3-4 weeks before your wedding. This gives you ample time to finalize guest counts, meal preferences, and seating.
How do I ask guests to RSVP if I have a large wedding guest list?
Consider including an online RSVP option in addition to the physical cards. Many couples find this convenient, and it helps streamline the process, especially for a large guest list. You can include the RSVP link on your wedding website or in your invitation details.
Make Your RSVP Card Stand Out
Whether you’re opting for a traditional paper RSVP or an online version, the design and wording should align with your wedding’s overall theme and tone. Shutterfly offers a wide variety of customizable templates for wedding RSVPs, allowing you to personalize everything from the fonts and colors to the wording itself. Whether your style is minimalist, rustic, or glam, there’s an RSVP card to suit your vision.
Related Resources on Wedding RSVP Card Wording
A well-worded RSVP card not only helps you manage your guest list but also creates excitement for your upcoming wedding. With Shutterfly, you can easily design the perfect RSVP card that suits your style and ensures a smooth planning process.
Additional Resources:
