Mailing wedding RSVP cards is a crucial step in the wedding planning process. An RSVP lets you know how many people to anticipate at your wedding, which informs seating charts, meal preparations, and vendor payments. Guests confirm or decline their attendance by returning the RSVP you sent them. Collecting those RSVPS allows you to properly plan your event.
RSVP Etiquette
What Does RSVP Stand For?
RSVP is an acronym for the French saying “répondez s’il vous plaît.” That translates to “respond, if you please.”
When to Send Wedding RSVPS
Paper wedding invitations need to be mailed somewhat far in advance. Send RSVP cards 6 to 8 weeks before your wedding. Set an RSVP deadline at least 4 weeks before your wedding date. Most venues and vendors will ask for your final guest count about 30 days before the final date, so this gives you time to get your headcount settled. For destination weddings, plan to send invites at least 10 to 12 weeks in advance, with an RSVP deadline 6 to 8 weeks before your wedding date. This provides guests with time to plan their travel arrangements.
How to Send RSVP Cards
Mail RSVP cards alongside your official invitations. Alongside those postcard invitations, make sure to provide guests with a pre-addressed envelope and postage. Adding these small details encourages people to respond promptly. You can order custom envelopes and address labels to match your other wedding invitation suite and make the set look cohesive.
What Size Are RSVP Cards?
Traditionally, RSVP cards are 3.5” x 5”. This provides enough space for your important event information. It can fit inside an A1 envelope, which is 3.625 x 5.125 inches. This makes it easy to mail.
What to Put on an RSVP Card
RSVP cards for wedding stationery can be simple, since most of the information will also be available on your invitations. Start with a headline. It can be as simple as “RSVP,” but it could also say “Kindly Respond” or “Please Reply.” The request for a response accompanies the RSVP due date. Leave space with a blank line to handwrite guests’ names on the card and make the prints feel personal. Add areas where people can accept or decline the invitation. If you’re offering guests a plus one, then provide a space for people to share if they’re bringing someone.
With that basic information established, you can leave it at that or request more information. Another common addition to RSVP cards is meal preference. If you’re serving a set menu, with options like chicken, fish, and vegetarian, then this allows people to select their meal. You can also add a space for people to write their dietary restrictions. If you’re preparing a buffet or only have one dish option, then you don’t have to include this. You can also get creative with your requests. Ask people what song they want to hear on the dance floor, where they will be staying, or even what marriage advice they have to offer.
RSVP Card Wording Examples
The phrasing on your RSVPS should reflect your wedding theme. A formal wedding will require more traditional phrasing, while a relaxed wedding can be more playful. Here are some examples of what to write on RSVP cards:
Formal wedding RSVP cards use elevated language that is often presented in a script font. Examples:
Your response is requested before (insert RSVP Deadline).
Name :
Accepts with pleasure
Declines with regret
Entrée Preference:
An alternative formal option:
The favor of a reply is requested by (insert RSVP Deadline).
Name :
Graciously accepts
Respectfully declines
Want fun ideas for wedding RSVP cards? Here’s what you can say for a more casual, playful tone.
We’re saying, “I Do.” Will we see you there?
Name :
Yes, we’ll be there!
Sorry, can’t make it.
Entrée Preference
Another option:
We’re celebrating in style! Are you?
Name :
Ready to Party
Party Without Me
Meal Choice:
If you’re using a wedding website or online RSVP form to collect responses, you can incorporate that in the place of the empty boxes. Write “Please RSVP with Our Website” or “Kindly Respond with The Website Below,” and then add the URL. Alternatively, you could swap the link with a QR code that sends people to your website.
Wondering How to Fill Out RSVP Cards?
The layout of your RSVP card should make it clear which option is replying yes and which option is replying no. Whoever is sending the cards will fill out the guests’ names on the card. It’s up to the guest to obviously mark their attendance on the card and mail it back.
What Paper Should I Use for RSVP Cards?
People need to be able to write their responses directly on the cards. Avoid glossy papers, and people cannot write on the gloss surface. Instead, we suggest printing RSVP cards on 14 pt. Uncoated paper or 16 pt. Premium Matte paper, both of which have a writable surface. For an eco friendly paper, go with 18 pt. Premium Kraft paper.
Free RSVP Templates
GotPrint has plenty of pre-made, easily customizable RSVP card templates available. Whether your party is black tie or semi-formal, we have a wide variety of RSVP templates. Plus, we have matching templates for other wedding prints, like invites and thank you cards. This guarantees that you’ll have a matching wedding stationery set.
Cute and romantic, this pink RSVP card is covered in soft pink flowers. Sophisticated script matches the blush pink background. The lines for guests’ names and acceptance are also pink.
Illustrated cotton plants make a lovely border on this RSVP template. The design is single-sided, so no one will miss any information. Customize the text to match your theme and encourage a fast response.
Geometric lines add decoration to this floral design. Add the RSVP deadline in large font to the front. Then use the back of this double-sided RSVP to let people accept or decline.
This sleek RSVP is ideal for any black-tie wedding. Eye-catching gold text and design accents stand out against the textured black background. The back has a white space for guests to clearly mark their answer.
A beach wedding needs prints that fit the laidback aesthetic. White flowers stand out against a deep green background. The back is white with green text and flowers.
Green florals surround a rectangle with your custom RSVP message. On the flip side, the flowers are on the left side, leaving room for text and handwritten responses on the right.
Let your prints be your “something blue.” Geometric designs pair with blue flowers surrounding your text on both sides of this RSVP postcard.