RSVP Card Wording FAQ

Have questions about wording your response cards or what to include? We’ve tackled most of the questions you may be stuck on. Find your answer below to make for a smooth sailing and fun way to send out your RSVP cards!

1. What needs to be included on a response card?

The first thing to be included is your response date, so your guests know when to RSVP by. Then included a space for your guests to write their names and a place for them to check whether they accept or decline your invitation. Lastly, have a self-addressed and stamped return envelope to make it easy for your guests to return the response cards.

2. How should I word my response card?

There is no right or wrong way to word your response card, it all depends on your taste and style.

Get creative and use phrases like:

• Can’t wait to celebrate/ We’ll be toasting from afar!
• Ready to dance/Sorry to miss the fun
• Will be there/Will be there in spirit

You can even make your response cards fun and interactive by allowing your guests to communicate with you by adding:

• Message/advice to bride and groom______________
• Date night ideas:_______________
• We promise to dance if you play:_______________
• Make up a Mad Lib for them to fill out

3. What should my reply date be on the response card?

The RSVP date should be set for at least a month out prior to the wedding day. That way you have enough time to contact your guests who have not yet replied.

4. What is the meaning of "M" on the first line of a response card?

It is an abbreviation for Mr./Mrs./Ms. The M is used as the first letter of their title so that when your guest signs their name or names on the line they will read as Mr. Jack Jones & Mrs. Jill Jones. If you choose not to use the M you can always have Names written in place of the M.

5. How do I inform my friends and family about including a guest?

To keep your wedding at a set number of attendees a line to include would be " ______ of ______ guest(s) will attend," and then pre-fill in the second blank with the number of people you are inviting. This is a great way as well if you invite a large group or family, and only 3 of the 6 plans on attending. Another way is to include the line "(#) of seats have been reserved in your honor" and use the next two lines to include the guests’ names and another line for their +1. This way your guests will be informed of how many people can come along.

6. How do I word my response card so I know the number of guests attending?

By adding the line, "number attending _____", guests can write down the number of individuals attending from their party. You can also use this line to indicate how many people you are allowing to come by writing in the number before mailing out the response cards. It can be used as another way to inform your friends and family if they can bring a guest with them as well. Using the lines suggested in the previous question above can also help you determine the number of guests attending.

7. Should I include food entrées?

Adding food entrees to your response card is optional and completely up to you. It’s a great way to accommodate your guests' preferences or dietary requests. Adding entrées will assist your caterer with an exact headcount.

8. How should the response cards be labeled and addressed?

To help receive RSVP cards in a timely manner, print your name and address on the front of the response card envelope and include the stamp.

9. What should I do if a guest did not send back a response card?

If a guest has not replied, call them first to see if they received your invitation and then ask to see if they plan on attending the wedding. If calling is an issue, it’s better to assume that they are coming. You’d rather have an empty seat than a guest with no place to sit or eat.

10. What should I do if a guest does not write their name on the response card?

Sometimes guests may forget to include their name on the response card. To solve this problem, number your guest list, and then discreetly number the backs of each response card before mailing out your invitations. This trick will be super helpful when your guests begin to send back their response. It will help you to track the responses that come in if a guest forgets to include their names or has illegible writing.