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Updated May 03, 202317 Wording Examples for Your Wedding RSVP Cards
Bookmark these easy templates for your enclosure cards and return envelopes.
Your wedding day can be as traditional or as offbeat as you want, but when it comes to your wedding invitations and RSVP cards, there are a few rules to keep in mind. Wedding stationery wording, specifically invitation and wedding RSVP wording, can be tricky to navigate, which is why it's helpful to follow the standard etiquette practices that are already in place (you can put you own spin on them, but you definitely don't need to re-invent the wheel here!). If you're in the process of creating your stationery suite, the response cards—also known as RSVP cards—are a major component. Most importantly, the RSVP cards will help you figure out exactly who is attending your wedding after you've sent your invitations. They'll help you get an accurate guest count so that you can move onto the final tasks of your wedding planning checklist, including menu selections, seating chart creation and writing place cards.
We've outlined several different ways you can format the RSVP card wording for your wedding stationery, along with some background info about the importance of response cards and what exactly they should include. Keep reading for our easy-to-follow templates, and then check out The Knot Invitations to shop our very own RSVP card designs.
In this article:
- What are Wedding RSVP Cards?
- What Do You Write on a Wedding RSVP Card?
- When Should You Set Your RSVP Deadline?
- Formal Wedding RSVP Wording Examples
- Funny Wedding RSVP Wording Examples
- Unique Wedding RSVP Wording Examples
- Destination Wedding RSVP Wording Examples
- Online Wedding RSVP Wording Examples
- RSVP Return Envelope Wording Examples
What are Wedding RSVP Cards?
The RSVP card is a type of enclosure card (also called an insert card or details card) that is traditionally included with a wedding invitation suite. In addition to the actual invitation, which announces the date, time and location of the ceremony, insert cards are used to provide additional information to your wedding guests. (Keep in mind that all the details of your wedding won't fit onto one piece of paper, nor should you try to squeeze everything onto your invitation card.) RSVP cards, reception cards, wedding website cards, and wedding weekend itineraries are all examples of enclosure cards.
RSVP cards, which are named after a French phrase that translates to "please respond," prompt your invited guests to let you know whether or not they'll actually be attending your wedding. Traditional RSVP cards are sent and received by mail, but online RSVPs have become more popular in recent years, especially since you can track responses in real time directly through your wedding website.
What Do You Write on a Wedding RSVP Card?
Depending on your personal taste, the wedding RSVP wording can be straight-laced and formal, or you can keep things light with creative or funny phrasing. No matter which route you choose, there are a few essential things your RSVP cards should include.
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1. The RSVP Date
Setting the "reply by" date is important for a few reasons (more on this in a minute), so it's crucial to make the deadline very clear for everyone on your guest list. There are a few ways you can phrase the desired RSVP date, including:
- RSVP by the Twentieth of June
- The favor of a reply is requested by June 20th
- Please respond by June 20th
- Kindly reply by June 20th
- Your reply is requested by June 20th
2. A Space for Guests' Names
Traditionally, this is done by writing "M." followed by a line for guests to fill in their preferred title (Miss, Ms., Mrs., Mr. or Mx.) and name(s). Alternatively, you can write "Name" or "Name(s)" followed by a line. If you've invited plus-ones, this is where guests will include those names as well.
3. A Checkbox for "Accept" or "Decline"
This is arguably the most important part of an RSVP card, since it will provide your final guest count. The phrasing you use for "accept" and "decline" is one way to get creative—keep reading for a few clever RSVP card wording examples.
4. The Entrée Preference
If you're serving a buffet meal or opting for food stations, you can skip this section altogether. If you're serving a plated meal with more than one entrée option, you'll need a space for guests to indicate their meal choice, such as meat, seafood or vegetarian. It's also an opportunity for guests to share food allergies or dietary restrictions you should be aware of.
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5. A Special Request Line (Optional)
One way to boost the excitement among your wedding guests ahead of the big day is by including a special request section with your wedding RSVP card wording. This is a chance for your guests to share something fun, like a song request they'd love to hear on the dance floor at your wedding reception, a cute date night idea or their best marital advice.
When Should You Set Your RSVP Deadline?
For stateside events, your invitations should be sent out to six to eight weeks before your wedding. This should be enough time for your guests to clear their calendars and make necessary travel arrangements. If you're having a destination wedding abroad, send your invitations about eight to 10 weeks before the event to give your guests extra time to plan accordingly.
On your RSVP cards, we recommend setting the "reply by" deadline anywhere from two to four weeks before your wedding date. This leaves you with plenty of time to contact anyone who hasn't RSVP'd in the final days before the wedding, plus time to give your caterers the official number of guests attending. Once you know the final headcount, you can also arrange your seating chart and handle the finishing touches for place settings or other details.
Formal Wedding RSVP Wording Examples
Follow this sample RSVP wording for black tie weddings or if you prefer a timeless, traditional approach with your stationery.
Example one:
Graciously accepts
Respectfully declines
Example two:
Accepts with pleasure
Declines with regret
Example three:
Will attend
Unable to attend
Funny Wedding RSVP Wording Examples
Having an informal wedding or want your stationery to convey a relaxed, party-ready vibe? Use these RSVP card ideas to get a laugh out of your guests as they open the mail.
Example one:
Yes, let's live it up
No, and I'll forever regret this decision
Example two:
Will be there, and will not be square
Will not be there, and therefore am square
Example three:
Hell yes!
Damn, can't make it
Unique Wedding RSVP Wording Examples
Just like every other part of your special day, your stationery is an extension of your personalities, so don't be shy about branching out with unique RSVP card wording options like these.
Example one:
Ready to eat, drink and see you get married!
Will toast to you from afar
Example two:
Deal me in
Sitting out
Example three:
Yes, the party don't start 'til I walk in! Here's a song I'd love to request:
No, party on without me
Destination Wedding RSVP Wording Examples
Get your guests into a jet-setting mood by using the enclosure cards to reflect your destination venue. Try these sample RSVP wordings with subtle travel references.
Example one:
Bags are packed!
Will be thinking of you at home
Example two:
Away we go!
Sorry, I'll have to say no
Example three:
Ready for take-off!
Sending best wishes
Online Wedding RSVP Wording Examples
If you're asking your guests to RSVP online, you don't need to include an RSVP card, but a URL may look out of place typed at the bottom of your wedding invitations. Here's how to word online RSVPs on a separate enclosure card instead.
Example one:
Kindly respond by September 10th
Using the following website:
RSVP Online to Our Wedding Here
Example two:
RSVP online by September 10th
RSVP Online to Our Wedding Here
Example three:
Please visit our website to respond by September 10th
RSVP Online to Our Wedding Here
RSVP Return Envelope Wording Examples
You'll need to include a pre-addressed envelope with each RSVP card so your guests can easily send them back to you. The envelopes for your RSVP cards should include your name(s) and address on the front (or the name and address of whoever is handling the RSVPs, such as your parents or someone in your wedding party). It's also customary to include a stamp on each envelope so your guests don't need to pay for postage.
If you're handling the RSVPs, you may address the cards as:
You may choose to list your full names, or just one person's name if you and your partner live separately. A cute alternative is "The future Mr. and Mrs. Powers" if you're choosing to share a last name.
If someone else is receiving the cards, you may address them as:
- Mr. and Mr. Smith
- Mr. and Mrs. George Edwards
- Sarah and Sylvia Thomas
- The Boyds
