Wedding RSVP Wording Ideas
Reply cards are sent with invitations to give guests an easy and convenient way to respond.
It doesn’t matter if you’re planning a black-tie celebration or something more casual, if you need your guests to RSVP, it helps to follow a few simple rules. For coordinating pieces and a cohesive look, explore our Wedding Stationery, or discover standout options like Acrylic wedding invitations.
Make the RSVP deadline two to four weeks before the wedding date.
Spaces are always provided for the guests’ names and for their responses.
What to include on a wedding RSVP card
At a minimum, RSVP cards include:
A reply by date (RSVP deadline)
A guest name line (so guests can write their names)
Accept or decline options (so you can confirm attendance)
Optional lines you might include, depending on your event:
A line for the number attending
A line to clarify that children are not invited
Meal choices
Dietary requirements
Extra questions like transportation needs, or other event-related confirmations
Wedding RSVP deadline wording examples
Date
Please reply before the eleventh of September
The favor of a reply is requested by May 15th
Your reply is requested by the eighth of May
RSVP by the Twentieth of June
Please respond by July 1st
Kindly reply by June 20th
Guest line wording examples
This is the line where your guests will write their names.
Traditionally, this is done by writing:
M_________
This way your guests can write “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”.
Alternatively, you can write:
Name(s) _________
Guest Names _________
Accept or decline wording examples
The most important element of your wedding RSVP wording is to get your final headcount. Ask your guests whether or not they can come to your wedding.
Accept or decline options
_____ accepts with pleasure
_____ declines with regret
_____ graciously accepts
_____ regretfully declines
_____ will attend
_____ unable to attend
_____ accepts
_____ regrets
_____ gladly accepts
_____ sadly declines
_____ gladly accepts
_____ politely declines
Headcount lines (optional)
To get the exact headcount, you may wish to add a line for them to specify:
____ number attending
____ guest(s) will attend
Adults-only wording (optional)
A clear way to let your guests know that children are not invited is through the RSVP card:
We have reserved ____ seat(s) in your honor
____ number adult(s) attending
Meal choice wording examples
Please indicate each guest’s entrée choice
Please initial each guest’s dinner selection
Please indicate your entrée options
Please initial your choice of entrée
Please initial your meal choice in print
Please indicate your meal choice ___ Chicken ___ Steak ___ Vegetarian ___ Gluten & Lactose free
Other RSVP wording ideas you might include
Please indicate any dietary requirements
You’ll get me to dance if you play
We have reserved transportation to the venue.
Will you require shuttle transportation?
____ YES ____ NO
Please provide the address of where you will be staying so that transportation can be organized
Are you attending the barbecue the day after the wedding?
____ YES ____ NO
Please indicate your id in order to access to the boat.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wedding RSVP Wording
What should be included on a wedding RSVP card?
At a minimum, RSVP cards include a reply-by date, a guest name line, and accept or decline options. Optional lines can include headcount, adults-only wording, meal choices, dietary requirements, and other event questions.
When should the RSVP deadline be for a wedding?
Make the RSVP deadline two to four weeks before the wedding date.
What is a traditional guest name line for RSVP cards?
Traditionally, the guest line is written as M_________ so guests can write “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”. Alternatives include “Name(s) _________” or “Guest Names _________”.
What are some wedding RSVP accept or decline wording examples?
Examples include “accepts with pleasure / declines with regret”, “graciously accepts / regretfully declines”, and “will attend / unable to attend”.
How can I ask for the number attending on an RSVP card?
You can add a headcount line such as “____ number attending” or “____ guest(s) will attend”.
How do I ask for meal preferences on a wedding RSVP card?
Examples include “Please indicate each guest’s entrée choice”, “Please initial each guest’s dinner selection”, or listing options such as “___ Chicken ___ Steak ___ Vegetarian ___ Gluten & Lactose free”.
What wording can I use for dietary requirements on an RSVP card?
You can include a line such as “Please indicate any dietary requirements”.
