Planning a wedding is rather the feat of logistics, coordination and preparation. Having all that in min, it’s clear that an accurate guest count is of high importance here. So, how can you secure this vital information in anticipation of your successful (and the best ever) wedding? The most effective way is (e-)mailing matching response cards along with the wedding invitations. RSVP cards can be as complex as simple as your big event requires.
Wedding RSVP Wording
Although RSVP cards might be an essential part of your wedding invitation package and whole planning process, choosing the right wording might give you a headache. The first thing you should keep in mind is that your RSVP cards should match the tone of your invitation and the wedding in general. So, if your invitation is formal, try to stick to the more traditional wording. On the other hand, if your wedding invitation is casual, RSVP card should by all means reflect that.
Examples of more traditional wording:
- Joyfully accepts – Regretfully cannot join You
- Delighted to accept – Unfortunately unable to attend
- Accepts with pleasure – Declines with regret
Examples of more casual wording
- Happily accepts – Sadly declines
- Yay – Nay
- Won’t miss it/ We’ll be missing you
- Can’t wait/Can’t make it
- Deal me in / Don’t expect me
What are the basic questions your RSVP cards should answer?
Who? This might sound obvious, but make should you’re clear about who’s invited. If “plus ones” are allowed, let your invitees know that. Also, will there be place for kids or are you throwing “adults only” party? To avoid potential confusion, which is usually quite awkward, it’s the best idea to communicate as clearly as possible.
What? Your invitees should accept or decline the invitation. If there are more people included on the invitation, make sure you give them enough room to write down how many persons can make it.
When? Your invitation shows when your big day takes place, your RSVP card should tell your guests when you need their response. Traditional wording: Please respond by…/The favor of Your reply is requested by…/Please RSVP by… Casual wording: Please, let us know by…/RSVP by…/Reply by…
How? Tell your invitees how you would like them to respond. Do they have to send the RSVP cards back with their response included or should they give you a call? If you see some of them on a daily basis (co-workers, for example), could they just mention it in person? If you follow the online RSVP trend in the wedding industry such as this service offered by RSVPify, will it be acceptable for your guests to reply through it?
Special dietary requirements? You care about all your guests, so you don’t want anything bad to happen to them on your big day. For that reason, it’s a good idea to use the RSVP cards to collect details about food-related information, dietary restrictions and allergies in order to be able to cater appropriately.
Other useful details? Some couples like the idea of a fun collaboration on wedding entertainment options, so they ask their guests, for example, a song to be played at the wedding reception. Also, if you’re planning a destination wedding, are you offering your guests other services such as transport and accommodation? Your RSVP card can help you determine how many people intend to make use of your offers.
How to get your invitees to RSVP your wedding invitations?
Yes, you must have heard the horror stories about getting your guests respond your wedding invitations. Nevertheless, it doesn’t have to be as painful as it seems to you right now.
Be as Specific as Possible – So, once again, make sure you let your guests know exactly what RSVP deadline is and how they should respond. Bonus tip, if you would like them to respond by mail, set the RSVP deadline at least two weeks before you need those responses to arrive.
Be Flexible – Some of your invitees prefer mail (probably your grandma), while others do everything online (yes, they will buy you a present that way, too), right? For that reason, give them options! Make it easier for your wedding invitees by giving them permission to respond in the manner they like better. After all, you need their answers, it’s not the right time to be too picky about it.
Be Organized – Once the RSVP cards start to roll in, you have to make sure they are gathered in one place. This is the best (or even the only) way to know for sure who has and who hasn’t responded yet, as well as what the responses are. There are services and apps to capture and organize RSVP cards, but you can make your own guest list and/or RSVP spreadsheet. As soon as you receive an RSVP, do your best to add it to the spreadsheet immediately in order not to lose of forget anything.
Remind Them (Gently) – Even though you are probably thinking about your big event day and night, your invitees are not, which is completely normal, isn’t it? In addition, most of your guests are fun, interesting and busy people and that means some of them might need a gentle reminder that the responding deadline is coming up. Send an email to reach out to them. If it doesn’t work and you don’t get all the RSVP cards on time, it’s time to start picking up your phone and dialing.
Stay Calm. You want all your guests to come to your wedding, but build in some buffer for the unexpected no(s). Depending on the number of the guests invited, at least 1% drop out at the last minute, while others all at the last minute to ask whether you still have places to host them. Prepare yourself, both logistically and mentally, for that to happen and it is going to be less stressful for everyone. Whatever you do, just don’t panic. Collecting RSVP cards is a daunting task (as well as planning the whole wedding, though) and it requires a methodical and patient approach.