Understanding wedding RSVP etiquette is essential to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable celebration for the couple and their guests. When you receive a wedding invitation, the RSVP card included is not just a formality—it’s an important tool for the hosts to finalise their plans. Responding promptly is the first and most important rule of etiquette. Typically, the invitation will include a deadline for your response, often several weeks before the event. Honouring this deadline is vital, allowing the couple to confirm catering, seating, and other logistics numbers.
Accuracy is also key when filling out the RSVP card. Ensure you indicate exactly who will be attending and any other required details, such as meal choices or dietary restrictions. If the invitation is addressed to you and a guest, but you plan to attend alone, make this clear in your response. Respecting the invitation guidelines is equally important—don’t assume you can bring extra guests if they weren’t included.
Finally, be respectful in your communication. If you’re unable to attend, a polite note expressing your regrets and well wishes can go a long way. Understanding and following these RSVP etiquette guidelines helps maintain the couple’s careful planning and ensures a memorable event for everyone involved.
Summary
Understanding wedding RSVP etiquette is crucial for smooth planning. Respond promptly to invitations, respect deadlines, and accurately fill out details, including meal preferences and guest numbers. Only assume you can bring extra guests if invited. Avoid including registry details on RSVP cards; share this through your wedding website instead. Invitations should be sent 6-8 weeks before the wedding, with RSVPs due 2-3 weeks prior. Clear communication and polite follow-ups ensure an accurate guest count and a stress-free celebration. Properly designed RSVP cards can reflect your wedding’s theme and style while making the process efficient.
What Does RSVP Mean?
RSVP stands for the French phrase “Répondez s’il vous plaît,” which means “Please respond.” When you receive a wedding invitation, the RSVP indicates whether you’ll attend. Responding is essential to giving the couple an accurate headcount, which helps with planning the event, from seating arrangements to catering.
Key Elements Of A Wedding RSVP Card
Your wedding RSVP card should include the following details:
- Guest Names: There is a blank line where guests can write their names and the names of any additional guests who will attend. This helps the couple finalise the guest list and create seating arrangements.
- Response Deadline: A line indicating the response deadline, typically set three to four weeks before the wedding.
- Attendance Confirmation: A simple phrase such as “Yes, I will attend” or “No, I cannot attend.”
- Meal Preferences: If a meal is provided, include options so guests can select their preferences.
What Is Not Included On An RSVP Card?
Registry Information
Refrain from including registry details on your wedding invitation or RSVP card. Instead, share this information on the wedding website or through word of mouth.
Timing For Sending Wedding Invitations
Traditionally, wedding invitations are sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This allows guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements. Sending invitations at least three months in advance is best for destination weddings.
Setting The RSVP Deadline
Set your RSVP deadline two to three weeks before the wedding. This gives you enough time to finalise your guest count, provide it to the caterer, and complete the seating chart.
Including Wedding Website Information
Your save-the-date card should include a link to your wedding website. If you’re not sending save-the-dates, you can add the website link to your formal invitation on a separate insert card.
Registry Information On Invitations
Including registry information on your invitations or save-the-dates is considered impolite as it can come across as asking for gifts. Instead, include a link to your registry on your wedding website and spread the word through close family and friends.
Communicating An Adults-Only Wedding
If you’re hosting an adults-only wedding, make it clear by addressing the invitation only to the guests. If someone RSVPs with children, you can politely inform them that the event is for adults only. Consider offering childcare options or suggest local babysitting services if many guests have young children.
Indicating The Dress Code
Include the dress code or a separate card at the bottom right corner of the invitation. Common dress codes include “black tie,” “cocktail attire,” or “casual.” The style of your invitation can also give guests clues about the event’s formality.
Plus-One Invitations
You are not obligated to offer a plus-one to every guest, especially if they are not in a committed relationship. Most guests will understand if their invitation does not include “and guest.” If you need more space, you can explain this to anyone who inquires about bringing a plus-one.
Return Address Placement On Invitations
The return address should be printed on the back flap of the envelope. This address should match the address of the couple or the host that will receive the RSVP cards. The RSVP envelope should also include the return address with the pre-applied postage.
Inviting Guests To The Ceremony Only
Inviting someone to the wedding ceremony is generally considered impolite, but not the reception. If you need more space or budget, consider hosting a smaller wedding or a separate reception at a later date.
Tips for Managing Wedding RSVPs
- Maintain a Guest List: Track all guests and their responses. Assigning guests a number corresponding to their name on your list is helpful. This can help identify any missing information on returned RSVP cards.
- Follow-up: If you have not received an RSVP by the deadline, following up with a phone call or email is perfectly acceptable. This helps ensure you have an accurate headcount for your vendors.
Coordinating RSVP Cards With Your Wedding Theme
Ensure your RSVP cards match the overall theme and colour scheme of your wedding. This helps maintain a cohesive look and feel, making the wedding experience more memorable for your guests.
Content to Include on the RSVP Card
- Acceptance or Decline: Provide clear options for guests to accept or decline the invitation.
- Meal Choices: If offering a meal selection, include the options on the RSVP card.
- Note to Hosts: Consider including space for guests to leave a note, such as dietary restrictions or special requests.
Addressing RSVP Cards
You can address your RSVP cards as formally or informally as you prefer. The traditional approach starts with an “M” line, allowing guests to fill in their title and name. Ensure there’s a space for families to indicate the number of people attending.
Pre-Stamping RSVP Envelopes
Pre-stamping the envelopes makes it easy for guests to return their RSVP cards. This small gesture shows consideration and encourages prompt responses.
What To Do When Guests Don’t RSVP?
If guests have not responded by the deadline, give them a week before following up. It’s polite to reach out and explain that you need a final headcount for your planning. Avoid sounding frustrated; sometimes, reminders are all that’s needed.
Additional Wedding RSVP Tips
- RSVP Contact Address: Send RSVPs to the person responsible for managing your guest list and seating chart.
- Pre-Stamping: Match the stamp on your RSVP envelopes to your Save-the-Date or other wedding stationery for a consistent look.
- Registry Information: Do not include registry information on the RSVP card; instead, share it through the wedding website or other informal channels.
- Note-to-Host Section: Include a space for guests to leave a note, whether a simple greeting or information about dietary needs.
Conclusion
Understanding the proper etiquette for wedding RSVPs ensures a smoother planning process and helps you stay organised. By following these guidelines, you can create functional RSVP cards functional RSVP cards that reflect your wedding style. Clear communication with your guests will create a more enjoyable and stress-free celebration.
FAQs About Wedding RSVP
What Is The Etiquette For RSVP Wedding Invitations?
Guests should respond to the invitation as quickly as possible, but at least by the RSVP deadline listed on the invite. The RSVP deadline should be two to three weeks before the wedding – enough time for the couple to get a final headcount and make arrangements as needed.
How Long Should You Give Someone To RSVP For A Wedding?
three to four weeks
How long should guests have to RSVP for weddings? Ideally, the RSVP date should fall three to four weeks before the wedding, and the wedding invitation should be mailed six to eight weeks before the wedding.
How Much Time Should You Give For RSVP?
So, when should you send out your invitations, and how much time should you allow guests to RSVP? Send your invitations out between 6 and 10 weeks before your wedding date. We recommend closer to 10 weeks if you have more than a handful of out-of-town guests. Set the deadline to RSVP 3 weeks before the big day.
What Do You Do When No One RSVPs On Your Invitation?
So, what should you do when people don’t respond to your invitation? According to Emily Post, the answer is a simple one. If a guest has not RSVP’d by the deadline, it’s the host’s duty to pick up the phone, call the guest and ask whether or not they will be attending.
What Percentage Of RSVPs Show Up?
“A general overall percentage between 75-85 per cent of wedding guests usually attend.” The breakdown: 85 per cent of local guests, 55 per cent of out-of-town guests, and 35 per cent of destination wedding guests will show up, Buckley said. But then it gets murky.
