Wedding RSVP Etiquette

Along with the other aspects of wedding like the cater, invitations, decorations, etc. little RSVP notes or the wedding response cards also need to be prepared by following proper wedding RSVP etiquette. RSVP notes or response cards whose initials are abbreviated from a French phrase Repondez S'il Vous Plait, meaning 'please respond', are basically send by the hosts along with the invitations, asking the guests to let them know about their intentions or plans on or before the specified date, which is usually two to four weeks before the wedding.

In earlier times, people never used RSVP cards along with the wedding invitations and the guests would respond using their own stationery, offering congratulations and whether or not they would be able to attend the wedding. However, with ever-multiplying of communication tools and devices nowadays it has become customary to include a response card for formal invitations, and to ask the guests to RSVP either through telephone, email or cards for casual invitations. But, what should a wedding RSVP card say? Or, what is the RSVP etiquette for wedding? If these questions are lingering in your mind, then scroll down to know their answers.

Wedding Invitation RSVP Etiquette

Wedding invitations usually include a self-addressed, stamped response card that guests mail back to the host to confirm whether they will be attending the wedding or not. It is important to make the details regarding the wedding as clear as possible to avoid any unhealthy situations afterward.

Guests Names: Spell out clearly who is invited, hence it is better to write the name of the guest directly on the response card as this will discourage your guest from inviting people who are not enlisted in your guest list. Therefore, with no extra space or name on the RSVP card, no one can justify bringing along kids or a new beau.

Time Deadline: The RSPV deadline should be around two or three weeks before the wedding day so that you get enough time to settle count with the wedding caterers, decorators, bartenders and other vendors. However, in situations where you need to wait on a few RSVPs after the finalized date, it is better to call your guests to know their plans.

Necessary Details: Ensure that you provide all necessary details like the date, time, location and information on nearby lodging for out-of-town guests. If you are planning to have a reception somewhere other than the wedding location, make sure you include this information in your RSVP card as well.

RSVP Etiquette Wording

The wedding RSPV wording mainly depends upon your taste and how formal the wedding is going to be. For instance, giving guests the option to 'accept with pleasure' or 'decline with regret' if looks too stodgy and formal, you can write something like 'is/are looking forward to dancing the night away' or 'will have to miss the party' for the wedding reception. However, whichever method you choose, here are a few samples for wedding RSPV wording that may ease your task.

Sample #1
The favor of a reply is requested by August 25th

M __________________
# of guests _______
______ Yes, I / we will be attending the ceremony & reception.
______ No, but will be thinking of you.

Sample #2
The favor of a reply is requested
Please respond by
June 20th

M_________________________
Will_______________________
# of guests ______

Sample #3
The favor of a reply
is requested on or before
March 6th

Name _____________________
Number attending ___________
Sorry, unable to attend _______

Well, this was about the RSVP etiquette that needs to be considered by the hosts before sending the invitations. Likewise, for the invited guests there are also etiquette rules, which include responding before the RSVP deadline or if there's any change in the plan at the last minute, always let the bride and groom know as early as possible.