All you need to know about your Wedding RSVP

Spotted on every wedding invitation ever seen, the word RSVP and all the etiquette surrounding it can be mind-boggling! Use our simple guide to help you with all you need to know about your Wedding RSVP.

What does RSVP mean?

The term “RSVP” comes from the French expression répondez s’il vous plaît, which literally means “please respond”.

If RSVP is written on an invitation, it means the host has requested that the guest respond to say if they plan to attend the event.

Wedding RSVP Wording

The wording on both your invitation and RSVP will establish the tone for your wedding. It’s important to remember there’s really no right or wrong way to phrase your wedding RSVP wording. There are, however, some common elements that you should include – and some popular ways to phrase the various sections of your wedding RSVP to make it easy for your guests to read and quickly fill in.

There are really only 3 critical elements to any wedding RSVP: RSVP deadline, guest name(s), and a reply. The rest is up to you!

Questions to include in your Wedding RSVP

This is really your only chance to get a full set of answers from every single potential guest at your wedding! There are some fun and also essential questions to include in your RSVP. The number of questions your ask will really depend on your choice of RSVP card as at times the design could look overcrowded. However, when using an online RSVP option you can add as many questions as you like for your guests and it will still look beautiful. Here are a few suggestions below:

Must have RSVP questions

• First and last name of all attending guests, including the plus ones. You will need this for table plans, and table names.
• Do they have any dietary requirements?
• Physical or email address – this will make sending future information or thank you cards much easier!

Other RSVP questions to consider

• Hotel Accommodations – You can ask your guests whether they need help finding a hotel, or if you are supplying guests with the accommodation you will need to find out how much space they need.
• Travel Needs – this will really depend on the nature of your wedding. Maybe they will need transport from one venue to the next, to or from their hotel, or an airport shuttle.

Fun Questions to Include

We’ve all seen the boring RSVP card that everyone expects, but why not use your RSVP cards as an opportunity to ask your guests questions that they’ll enjoy answering, and you’ll love reading. The answers will make a lovely keepsake too!

• What song will get you up on the dance floor?
• What’s the best piece of marriage advice you have heard?
• What’s your favorite post-party midnight snack?
• How should we celebrate our first wedding anniversary?
• What’s your favorite date night suggestion?
• We love cooking up a storm in the kitchen – can you suggest your best recipe for two?
• What should we call our future kids?

Online vs Paper RSVPs

In this digital age, many people are shifting to an online RSVP option which has proven to be much easier for guests & results in a much higher response rate! The designs are chic & fully customizable, easy to manage and you even get your personalized website link. Either choose or upload your own design, fill in your details, ask the questions you need & send it out to guests – it’s super easy. You can send it to guests via email or print it on your paper invitation.

Check out why we think Online RSVPs are a better alternative to the traditional card option.

Wedding Invitation & RSVP Timeline

When should we send out our Wedding Invitations?

Your wedding invitation & RSVP timeline will greatly depend on the size and location of your event. Typically, invitations go out 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding—this will give guests plenty of time to clear their schedules and make travel plans if they don’t live in the same area.

• For a smaller, simple wedding with the majority of guests close by – this time can be shortened, however, we still suggest at least 4 weeks before.
• For larger weddings that require coordination with many vendors, we suggest at least 8 weeks before.
• Destination weddings – planning overseas travel for many guests can be complex, especially if visas and travel medication are required. Therefore, depending on the location, we recommend at least 12-18 weeks prior to the big day.

When should we make the deadline for Wedding RSVPs?

Your caterer and venue will most likely need finalized numbers one week before the big day. We would suggest using an online RSVP tool that allows you to ask your guests several questions, track and collate all of the responses, and download spreadsheets for easy sending to vendors. Their designs are also super chic!

Make your RSVP date two to three weeks before your wedding date to allow enough time for you to get a final headcount to and to finalize your seating plan.

Wedding RSVP Reminders

Not receiving your RSVPs on time can really be a huge headache, especially when your vendors are asking you for final numbers. If its several days past the deadline, and your really need to get those last guest names in, we suggest the following;

• Send a reminder through your online RSVP platform – this might be just the nudge needed to get guests to click yes!
• Pick up the phone – this personal touch is always the way to go. Obviously, be super polite, they most likely will not even realize they have missed the deadline. Explain to them the logistics and reasons for needing the final numbers and you will most likely get your response there and then!
• Enroll your parents – parents are great at connecting and dealing with older relatives, plus they love to help out.

Wedding RSVP Price

RSVP cards are often added to your wedding invitation envelopes. They cost on average anywhere between $50 to $200 per 100 printed cards.

An online RSVP tool will only cost you $29 and you can add your personalized web address onto your invitations or embed it into your wedding website.

What questions do you have about Wedding RSVPs? Do you have any tips? What questions are you thinking of including on your RSVP? Are you interested in using an Online RSVP – check our full guide here.

Comment below!