Wedding RSVP Cards: What to Include and How to Encourage Timely Replies
The wedding RSVP card may be one of the smallest parts of your invitation suite, but it plays a huge role in your planning process. It helps you finalize your guest count, confirm meal selections, and keep everything on schedule, from your seating chart to your caterer’s deadline.
Yet this tiny card is often the most misunderstood, overlooked, or delayed by guests.
In this post, we’re breaking down exactly what to include on your RSVP card and sharing helpful etiquette tips to encourage guests to respond on time.
What Is an RSVP Card?
An RSVP card is a card included with your invitation suite that asks guests to confirm whether or not they will attend your wedding. It’s short for répondez s’il vous plaît, French for “please respond.”
It can be returned by mail (traditionally) or replaced with an online RSVP system using a QR code or website link.
What to Include on an RSVP Card
At minimum, your RSVP card should have:
A line for guests to write their names
A checkbox or wording for attending or declining
The RSVP deadline
Optional (but helpful) additions:
Entrée or meal selection (if offering plated meals)
Dietary restriction space
Song request section
Number of guests attending (especially for families)
When Should RSVP Cards Be Due?
We recommend setting the RSVP deadline 3–4 weeks before your wedding date.
This gives you enough time to:
Track responses
Follow up with guests who haven’t responded
Finalize your seating chart
Send headcounts to your caterer and venue
💡 Pro Tip: Double-check with your vendors about their deadlines first—some caterers require numbers earlier than you’d think!
Wording Ideas for RSVP Cards
Your wording can be formal, casual, or creative—just make sure it’s clear and easy to understand.
Formal Example:
The favor of your reply is requested by September 1
M__________________________
___ Accepts with pleasure
___ Declines with regret
Casual Example:
Kindly reply by September 1
Name(s): __________________
[ ] We’ll be there to celebrate!
[ ] Sorry to miss it!
Online RSVP Example:
Kindly RSVP by September 1 at:
[YourWeddingWebsite.com]
Use a short link or QR code to make it easy!
How to Encourage Guests to RSVP On Time
Even the most well-written RSVP cards sometimes get ignored or delayed. Here are a few ways to increase your chances of getting those replies in before the deadline:
Include a pre-addressed and stamped envelope – Make it as easy as possible.
Highlight the RSVP date clearly – Use bold text or spacing to make it stand out.
Use online RSVP options – Guests are more likely to reply quickly if they don’t have to mail something back.
Follow up kindly – A personal phone call or text a few days after your deadline is totally appropriate.
Add a fun incentive – A space for song requests or clever wording can make guests more excited to send it back.
Final Thoughts
Your RSVP card may be a small detail, but it’s one of the most important for your planning timeline. A thoughtful design and clear format can help make the process smooth for both you and your guests.
At Raspberry Creative, we help couples create beautifully designed RSVP cards that not only match their suite—but also make life easier during the final planning phase.
