Wedding RSVP examples can help you decide what to print on the response card accompanying your wedding invitation. Some examples of RSVP cards are simple while others address specific types of weddings, such as adults only.
Wedding RSVP Examples
RSVP cards can often be purchased in bulk with invitations and may be included in the price or discounted. You can also do it yourself at home with a computer on cardstock to save money. Whatever you choose, you will need to figure out the RSVP wording.
Simple RSVP
Most couples use the simplest form of response they can, to make it easier on themselves and guests.
M__________________
_____ Gladly accepts
_____ Number attending
_____ Regretfully declines
A response is requested by May 30.
RSVP With Dinner Choices
Couples who are having a choice of two or more main dishes may need to find out how many people request each dish.
We hope to celebrate our special day with you!
Kindly reply by the 20th of April.
M____________________
____ lemon chicken
____ roast beef
____ vegetarian lasagna
_____ Cannot attend
RSVP Wording for Adults Only Reception
Despite addressing the invitation only to the adults in the household, some guests may assume the entire family is invited. To help cut down on confusion, response cards can be personalized, like so:
A favor of a response is kindly requested by the 30th of March.
Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Doe
_____ Accepts
_____ Declines
The RSVP can be more generally worded, like the following:
Please reply by the 20th of March.
M_____________________
_____ Adults accepting
_____ Adults declining
RSVP Etiquette
When mailing out wedding invitations, most couples include an RSVP card. However, both couples and guests may not know the RSVP etiquette that needs to be followed.
Add RSVPs to Invitations
Typically, RSVP cards are an insert in the wedding invitation. It can be written out on a postcard or be a separate card with envelope. Invitation etiquette is that all RSVPs should be pre-posted for guests, meaning the guest does not need to add postage. If you are watching your budget or have a large amount of guests invited, a postcard is the cheaper option.
Information on RSVPs
Information that goes into an RSVP includes:
- Address for RSVP to be returned
- Postage
- Spot for writing down guests' names
- Place to indicate whether the guests are or are not coming
- Spot for writing in the number of guests under the invitation
- Dinner choice (if necessary)
Return Date
RSVPs are often requested to be returned three weeks before the date, because caterers usually require a fairly estimate of people they will be serving two weeks in advance. This way, a couple has time to call anyone who did not reply. The most accurate count possible is best, so you do not run out of food or get overcharged for food not eaten. For weddings with a formal, seated dinner at the reception, couples might choose to make an assigned seating arrangement. This, too, requires RSVPs to be sent back in a timely manner.
Finalize RSVPs and Count
If you are making the RSVP cards yourself, you will want to print a few samples to check ink quality and alignment and to make any changes to the wording. Those who are going through a printer or ordering invites online may be able to request a sample be printed or emailed for their approval before the order is completed. Double check the RSVP sample for errors in spelling, reply date, and layout design before giving final approval.
Once the requested RSVP date has passed, give guests a few days extra for any responses mailed on the response date to arrive. Then you or the hosts of the wedding should call anyone who has not responded. For persons who were invited "and guest," a couple should find out the name of the guest for seating arrangements, if necessary.
Count Your Guests Properly
A RSVP card can help make your wedding planning easier. Although you may have to give a few people a call to find out if they are attending, it will make planning easier in the long run. Use wedding RSVP examples to find out how to word yours, based upon your wedding reception needs.
