The time has come to send out wedding invitations and the accompanying RSVP cards so you can find out who can and can’t make it to your big day. If you’re looking for the perfect wedding RSVP wording to make sure guests know exactly how and when to respond to your invitation, you’re in the right place!
Whether you’re aiming for formality or a laid-back vibe, this guide to wedding RSVP wording has all the tips and examples you need to write a clear and informative RSVP card. We’ll help you craft the perfect RSVP message suited to you, your guests and the unique wedding style you’re planning.
What is a wedding RSVP?
A wedding RSVP is how guests let the hosts know whether they’ll be attending or not. Short for “Répondez, s’il vous plaît” (meaning “Please respond” in French), it’s a key step in the wedding planning process, helping to finalize the guest list, seating chart and catering numbers. And it’s not just about a simple “yes” or “no”—guests can also provide important information like meal choices or confirm attendance for other events, like a rehearsal dinner or post-wedding brunch.
Traditionally, RSVP cards are mailed along with the wedding invitation as part of the wedding invitation suite. Guests fill them out and send them back to confirm or decline their attendance. These cards usually match the wedding invitation design and reflect the wedding theme in style, color and formality.
Many modern wedding RSVP cards include QR codes that conveniently direct the recipient to the wedding website where they can submit their response.
Source: A wedding RSVP card with a QR code via VistaPrint
The format of the RSVP card can influence the wording. Printed cards are typically worded more formally, while digital options, through a wedding website, a digital form or an email, allow for a more relaxed tone. Similarly, different wedding stationery styles and paper types will suit different wording. For example, minimalist RSVP cards with bold fonts should use more modern wording. Always consider whether the look and wording of your RSVPs go hand in hand.
Essential wedding RSVP wording
When it comes to RSVP cards, there’s no one-size-fits-all and couples can personalize the wedding RSVP wording to fit their style. But, to make sure the RSVP card does its job, there are a few key things to include. These essentials help gather all the important information from guests to keep wedding planning on track.
Response request
Start with a friendly nudge, asking guests to promptly respond to the wedding invitation you’ve sent. Something like “Please respond…” or “Kindly reply…” sets the tone without sounding too formal. It’s a simple reminder that their RSVP reply is important. More formal options include “The favor of a reply is requested.”
Deadline for response
Quickly follow this up with a clear deadline for response—something simple like “RSVP by [date]” will do. This gives guests a clear timeline and is crucial for finalizing the seating plan and catering numbers.
Source: RSVP card with clear deadline via VistaPrint
Guest names
You’ll want to know who is and isn’t attending your wedding, so leave space on the RSVP card for guests to write their names. This helps to clarify names for the seating chart, especially when multiple people from the same household are invited.
Number of guests attending
If your invitation allows for a plus one, or if a family is invited, leave a spot for guests to indicate how many people will attend. It helps you avoid guesswork when it comes to headcounts and catering.
Attendance options
Give guests a clear choice with options like “Accepts” or “Regrets.” This allows them to confirm their attendance or let you know they can’t make it. Keep it simple but clear.
Contact information
Let guests know how to get their response back to you. Whether by mail, email or through a wedding website, make sure the instructions are crystal clear. You can also include contact information in case they have questions or need to update their RSVP at a later date.
Optional wedding RSVP card wording
When designing your RSVP card, don’t overload guests with too much information—it’s best to add necessary extras only. You can always include more details on the invitation or enclosure card.
Meal options
This is a popular addition to RSVP cards, so guests can let you know their choice of entrée or main and inform you of any dietary requirements. You can leave space for guests to write their selection or ask them to circle or initial their choice. This helps with catering and ensures everyone gets a meal they’ll enjoy.
Source: Wedding invitation suite with RSVP card where guests circle their entrée of choice via VistaPrint
Dress code
If you want to guide guests on what to wear on the RSVP card, a simple dress code note like “Black tie,” “Semi-formal,” or “Cocktail attire” works perfectly. You can include a link or QR code to your wedding website or gallery for more detailed information or visual examples.
Special requests
Consider leaving space for guests to mention song requests or other special notes. It’s a nice way to include them in the celebration from the start.
Source: RSVP card with a special request via VistaPrint
Wedding website link or QR code
If the wedding website has more details or an option to RSVP online, you can include the URL or a QR code. This is a convenient way for guests to access all the information they need in one place.
Source: Wedding RSVP card with a QR code via VistaPrint
Social media hashtag
If you’ve planned a wedding with a social media presence to collect and share images and moments, including your ideal custom hashtag on the RSVP card can be a great way to encourage guests to use it.
Wedding RSVP wording tips
Now that you’ve got the basics of what to include on an RSVP card, it’s time to focus on the specific wedding RSVP wording. Clear and thoughtful phrasing can make all the difference in avoiding confusion. Here are some tips to help you write an effective RSVP that’s easy to understand and sets the tone for your big day.
Be clear and concise
Use straightforward language to avoid any ambiguity. Phrases like “Please respond by…” or “Kindly RSVP by…” set clear expectations. Make the response options straightforward and limit them to just two “yes” or “no” style answers so guests can easily indicate their decision without any uncertainty.
Set a clear RSVP deadline
Be sure to include a clear RSVP deadline, ideally 4-6 weeks before the wedding. Something as simple as “RSVP by [date]” or “Response deadline: [date]” will do the trick. You can even add a gentle reminder like “Please let us know before [date] to help us finalize our plans,” emphasizing the importance of receiving guest responses promptly.
Be consistent with your tone and style
Ensure the tone of your RSVP card aligns with the overall style of your wedding. For formal weddings with vintage-style stationery, stick with traditional wording, such as “Kindly reply by [date].” For more laid-back celebrations with minimalist stationery, use casual phrasing like, “We’re excited to celebrate with you! Let us know if you’re coming by [date].”
Source: Art-deco wedding stationery via VistaPrint
Consistency is key. Make sure the design ties in with the rest of your wedding stationery. Use the same color palette, fonts and any recurring elements, like a wedding logo or monogram, to create a cohesive look across your invitations, save the dates and RSVP cards.
Design for readability
Go for an easy-to-read font that fits your wedding style—nothing too swirly or hard to decipher—and give your guests plenty of space to write their names, responses and meal choices.
Use bold text or headers to break up sections like the attendance response and meal choice, making everything easy to follow and fill in without confusion.
To save on space, use checkboxes and suggest guests initial or circle (rather than write) their responses.
Source: Easy-to-read wedding RSVP card that’s clear and beautiful via VistaPrint
Anticipate common questions
If there’s any info that might confuse guests, include a link to an FAQ section on your wedding website, where you can clarify details like whether plus ones are invited or if the event is child-friendly. Don’t forget to provide contact info, such as an email address or phone number, in case guests have any questions.
Acknowledge and thank guests
A little gratitude goes a long way. Add a brief note thanking your guests for their prompt response, along with wording that builds excitement, like “We hope you can join us!”
Examples of wedding RSVP wording
By now, you’ve got all the must-have and nice-to-have elements for wording the perfect wedding RSVP card, plus some helpful tips. If you’re still looking for inspiration, here are a few examples of wedding RSVP wording to suit different styles of weddings.
Formal RSVP wording
1. “Please reply by [date] to confirm your attendance
Yes: “Accepts with pleasure”
No: “Declines with regret”
2. “We kindly request your response by [date]”
Yes: “Delighted to attend”
No: “Regretfully unable to attend”
Casual RSVP wording
Source: Casual wedding RSVP wording via VistaPrint
1. “Let us know if you’ll be there to party with us! RSVP by [date]”
Yes: “Can’t wait”
No: “Can’t make it”
2. “RSVP by [date]”
Yes: “Yes! We can make it”
No: “No, sorry we can’t”
3. “Let us know if you’re in! Please respond by [date]”
Yes: “Yes, please!”
No: “No, sorry!”
Traditional RSVP wording
Source: Traditional wedding RSVP wording via VistaPrint
1. “RSVP by [date]”
Yes: “Accepts”
No: “Regrets”
2. “Kindly reply by [date]”
Yes: “Happily/gladly accepts”
No: “Regretfully declines”
Modern RSVP wording
Source: Modern wedding RSVP wording via VistaPrint
1. “Can you make it?”
Yes: “Yes! Wouldn’t miss it for the world”
No: “No, but I have a really good excuse”
2. “Please respond by [date]”
Yes: “Yes, I’ll be there!”
No: “No, but I have a good excuse”
Destination wedding RSVP wording
Source: Destination wedding invitation suite via VistaPrint
1. “Kindly reply by [date]”
Yes: “Bags are packed!”
No: “Can’t make it”
2. “RSVP by [date]”
Yes: “Yes! We’re ready for the adventure”
No: “No, we’ll be toasting from afar”
3. “The favor of a reply is requested by [date]”
Yes: “See you at the beach”
No: “Celebrating from afar”
Source: Destination wedding RSVP via VistaPrint
Fun wedding RSVP wording
1. “Ready to eat, drink and dance? Let us know by [date] if you’ll be there!”
Yes: “Let’s do this!”
No: “Sorry, the dance floor’s calling me elsewhere”
2. “Are you in or out? Let us know by [date] so we can save you a seat (and a slice of cake)!”
Yes: “I’m in! Can’t wait for cake!”
No: “Can’t make it, but save me some cake!”
Online RSVP wording
If you want guests to fill out a digital form, reply via your wedding website or RSVP using a QR code, you can use one of the following wedding RSVP wording examples:
- “We’ve made it easy! Please RSVP by [date] online at [website link]”
- “Hop online to let us know if you’re joining the fun! RSVP by [date] at [website link]”
- “Please RSVP by visiting our wedding website at [URL] before [date].”
- “Please scan the QR code to reply via our wedding website”
- “If preferred, please respond via our website www.website.com”
Source: Wedding RSVP with QR code via VistaPrint
Ready to send your wedding RSVP cards?
Creating the ideal wedding RSVP card is all about including the must-haves—clear response options, deadlines and contact details—while customizing the wedding RSVP wording to suit the wedding style down to a T. Whether the celebration is formal, casual or fun, keeping things clear and straightforward will make it easy for guests to respond and let you know whether they’ll be joining or not.
