Last updated on July 19th, 2021 at 02:22 pm
A wedding is one of the biggest celebrations in a person’s life, and it goes without saying that inviting all your friends and family is a big part of the planning process.
With so many details to take care of, creating a wedding RSVP may be overlooked, which can have an impact on how many people respond, and when.
Finding the right wedding RSVP wording can help ensure that the guest list is organized and timely, and following the proper etiquette can make the process of planning the wedding much easier.
But what are some of the most important aspects of wedding response card wording? Read on to find out.
Why RSVP Wording Matters
The purpose of an RSVP card is to provide the hosts with a specific headcount of attendees that they can use when planning all aspects of the wedding. The number of people attending will determine seating charts, catering plans, and countless other planning details that revolve around the guest list. That headcount is pretty important!
The way that you word the RSVP card and the way that it is structured is equally important. RSVP card wording will play a vital role in how seriously people take their need to respond, as well as how well they’ll be able to understand the instructions or the questions that they must answer.
Putting together a wedding not only takes a lot of time, it also costs money. The plans that you go with will depend largely on the number of people that are going to come. So, instead of having to rely on “maybe’s” or hope that people remember, sending a proper and specific RSVP card will ensure that your guests take the request and the deadline to respond seriously.
What to Include in a Wedding RSVP Card
Although you can have fun with the design and the specific wording of the RSVP card, it needs to contain a few basic components that will provide both the guest and you with all the necessary information.
First, you’ll need to leave a blank line for guests to fill out their name, as well as the name of the person that they will be bringing as their plus one, is applicable. This information will help you determine how many people are coming and plan seating arrangements.
An essential component of the wedding RSVP wording is the “will attend” line, which should clearly formulate the question of whether the person can make it, or not.
Next, you should include a line about any dietary restrictions so that you can plan for meals in advance. Alternatively, you can offer menu options for the guest to underline or check off.
Finally, every RSVP card must emphasize the RSVP reply due date and make it prominently visible so that people inform you on time.
Traditional and Formal Response Card Wording
When preparing wedding invitations with RSVP requests, there are two primary wording styles that you can go with: a formal wording, or a more creative wording.
Formal Wording
Although there’s still plenty of room for creativity, formal and classic RSVP cards for a wedding have a more rigid structure and a certain tone that should be maintained.
Words like “graciously accept” or “regretfully decline” can be used to add a touch of elegance and give the response card wording more weight.
Creative and Fun Wedding RSVP Card Wording
With fun RSVP card wording, you can provide the essential information your guests need to know while also allowing your personality to shine through, which the people reading will appreciate. Creative and fun wedding response cards will set a lighter mood, but there are still some key elements to include to get your point across.
Instead of using formal answers, you can use casual language like “we’ll be there!” or “sorry, can’t make it”. If you’re looking to set the tone for the party early on, you can opt for humourous options like “coming for the booze” or “enthusiastically decline”. You can even provide multiple options for simple yes or no questions. Get creative!
When to Send Wedding Response Cards
Ideally, you should have your wedding RSVP card’s wording ready and your cards designed and printed around two months before the wedding. That should be enough time for the cards to reach the guests and for them to provide you with a definitive answer.
If you’re sending invitations all over the country or if you want to collect responses as soon as possible to get in front of planning issues, you can send them out even earlier. Usually, though, two months is a good rule of thumb for both people to respond and for you to make the necessary adjustments based on the number of people that are coming.
Wedding RSVP Card Checklist
Now that you’ve figured out what to say in your wedding RSVP wording, all that’s left is to set up your cards in invitations to get them mailed out. To help you get through the process as smoothly as possible, here’s a quick checklist:
- Choose a theme for your RSVP card based on the color palette that you chose for the wedding. This provides continuity and makes invitations more impactful.
- Compile the list of all the people that you would like to attend and calculate whether or not you can accommodate everyone. The people you can accommodate will make up your invitee list.
- Consider your menu and offer multiple choices for your guests, or opt for including an answer spot for dietary restrictions you’ll need to be aware of.
- Craft your message according to the tips and options we discussed in the previous sections, and make sure to include a reply-by date.
- Consult with a printing agency about what type of style and composition to use on your invitations to best reflect your special event.
- Print and mail your invitations and cards, then sit back and wait for your responses!
How Printivity Can Help
If you’re looking for professional guidance when designing your wedding invitations, Printivity can help. We offer a wide range of customizable templates for flyer printing, booklet printing, and overnight prints. We’ll help you find the perfect option in your situation. If you want to learn more, please call 1-877-649-5463 or contact us today to get started!
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