Wedding RSVP Wording Guide – Online & Traditional

Traditional & Online Wedding RSVP Wording Ideas

When it comes to RSVPs and invitations, one of the biggest questions is almost always around selecting the proper wedding RSVP wording. RSVP comes from the French phrase "répondez s'il vous plaît," which means "please reply." So an RSVP card is simply a polite way to ask each guest to let the couple know whether they can attend.

Couples want to make sure they request the information needed to properly plan the big day, as well as establish the tone for the wedding. Another important consideration is whether to use a paper RSVP or an online version. The paper RSVP card is traditional, while an online RSVP process can save time, money, and paper. Whichever option works best is up to the couple, and there's really no right or wrong way to phrase a wedding RSVP.

There are, however, some common elements couples should include, and some popular ways to phrase the various sections so guests can read and fill them in quickly. Check out some examples of wedding RSVP templates.

Critical Elements to Your Wedding RSVP

There are 3 critical elements to any wedding RSVP: RSVP deadline, guest name(s) and a reply. There's also two optional elements that may be needed for some weddings: meal preferences and any additional requests for information.

1. RSVP By Date.

It's important to set an expectation for guests to send their RSVPs by a specific date so you don't find yourself following up with half of your guest list trying to finalize your numbers. Even with a deadline, there will likely be a few guests who need some followup and reminders. For some advice on following up with guests, check out our advice on how to remind your guests to RSVP. If you're curious as to what to expect in terms of your RSVP timeline, you can see our analysis of how long it takes for wedding guests to RSVP on average.

2. The Names of Your Guests.

It's important to know who the RSVP is from, wouldn't you agree? You'll also want to ensure you have the spelling correct for your place cards or seating chart. Traditionally, your guests will enter their names after the "M" on your RSVP, with the "M" as the first letter of Mr., Mrs., or Miss. Some hosts are doing away with titles altogether while others prefer to keep this formal element.

3. Accept or Decline?

The most important element of your wedding RSVP wording to get your final headcount. Ask your guests whether or not they can come to your wedding! This may be the one event, or you may have guests respond to your wedding's Secondary Events such as a rehearsal dinner or brunch. Hosts may also need to get a count of children versus adults attending for vendors.

Optional Elements to Your Wedding RSVP

4. Entrée Preference.

This section will depend on what you're serving at the reception. If you're opting for a buffet, chances are you can leave this section off altogether. If you have multiple entrée options, list the options, and ask your guests to tally the entrée preferences for their party and place a number next to each entrée option. The caterer may also want to be aware of any special dietary restrictions or allergies so this can be requested through the RSVP process as well.

Here are a few concrete ways to word a meal-choice section:

1. Simple two-option line: "Please select your entrée: ___ Beef ___ Chicken"
2. Per-guest meal selection: "Please write the number of guests in your party choosing each option: ___ Herb-Roasted Chicken ___ Grilled Salmon ___ Vegetarian Pasta"
3. Dietary and allergy prompt: "Please list any dietary restrictions or food allergies: ____________________"
4. Kids' meal count: "Number of children's meals needed: ___"

Meal counts and dietary needs can get complicated on paper, especially for a plated dinner. They're much easier to collect meal choices and dietary needs online, where each guest picks an entrée and notes allergies as they reply, and the totals tally themselves for the caterer.

5. Additional Requests.

Another optional element that may be included in the RSVP process is additional questions for your guests or the option for guests to add a note for the couple. This can be something fun such as song requests for the DJ, or information that would be helpful to your planning such as asking when guests will arrive. Here are a couple of questions we frequently see asked:

1. What song will get you out on the dance floor?
2. When will you be arriving / Where will you be staying?
3. Do you have any advice for the newlyweds?

6. Plus-Ones and Guest Count.

Guest-count wording is worth getting right, because vague phrasing can invite guests the couple didn't budget for. The clearest approach names the exact number of seats reserved. A simple, gracious line works well: "We have reserved ___ seats in your honor." Couples can then ask guests to confirm how many members of their party will attend, so the final headcount matches the invitation.

Wedding RSVP Wording Examples

Wording for the 'RSVP By Date' Section

There's a variety of options and combinations for wording your call to action on your RSVP. We've compiled a list of these variations to inspire you:

• RSVP By May 1
• Please RSVP No Later than May 1
• Please Reply By May 1
• Kindly Reply by May First
• Reply by May 1
• Please Respond By May First
• Kindly Let Us Know By May 1
• The Favor of Your Reply is Requested by May First

You can, of course, opt to get creative or funny with this section as well:

• RSVP by May 1st or forever hold your peace
• RSVP by May 1st or we will use at least 4 forms of communication to hassle you

Asking Guests To RSVP Online Wording Examples

Whether you decide to simply collect RSVPs online, or opt to create a full wedding website with a wedding website builder, you'll want to use your invitation to clearly direct guests to your page. With online RSVPs increasing in popularity, it is likely that many of your guests will be familiar with the process. For others, this may be a brand new experience so it is important to use clear wedding RSVP wording to point guests in the right direction. If you are concerned with guests running into trouble, some hosts opt to include an additional method of contact (such as phone number) just in case! Others are actually using technology to assist guests in making the online RSVP process even easier by adding QR codes to their paper wedding invitations. Here are just a few wording examples to get you started:

• To respond, visit YourEvent.com
• Kindly respond using our website: YourEvent.com
• RSVP online by May 1 YourEvent.com
• For more information & to RSVP online please visit YourEvent.com
• Please RSVP on our wedding website: YourEvent.com
• Please help us do our part to save the environment and RSVP online at YourEvent.com
• Send us your RSVP by going online to YourEvent.com

Accept/Decline Wording Examples

There's also an almost infinite number of ways you can go about wording the text of your accept and decline lines. Here are a few of our favorites, ranging from the traditional to the clever and comical.

Simple

• Accepts / Regrets
• Will Attend / Unable To Attend

Traditional & Formal

• Accepts with Pleasure / Declines with Regrets
• Delighted to Attend / Regretfully Cannot Join You
• Joyfully Accepts / Regretfully Declines

Contemporary

• Can't Wait! / Can't Come
• We Will See You There! / Sorry To Miss Out
• Let the Good Times Roll! / You're Going to Have to Carry On Without Me
• Wouldn't Miss it For the World / Will Celebrate From Afar
• Yes! Can't Wait to Celebrate! / Sad to say...Have to Miss Your Day
• Don't Despair, We Will Be There / Sad To Say, We'll Miss Your Day

Funny & Clever

• Wouldn't Miss It For the World / The World is Not Enough
• Let's Get Rowdy! / Show Must Go On Without Me
• Aw, Yeah! Drinks on Me! / I'll Be There In Spirit
• Free booze? Yes, please. / In a nutshell...I'm lame.
• Only if you'll be playing "Forever" by Chris Brown / Not even "Call Me Maybe" will entice me

For a quick side-by-side view, here's how tone maps to a sample accept and decline line:

Common Wedding RSVP Wording Mistakes to Avoid

Even a beautiful RSVP card can create headaches if the wording leaves out a key detail. Here are the mistakes couples run into most often, and how to avoid them.

1. No reply-by date. Without a clear deadline, replies trickle in late and the final count slips. Always include a specific date, and give yourself a buffer before the caterer's cutoff.
2. No meal or dietary prompt for a plated dinner. If the reception serves a seated meal, the card should collect entrée choices and allergies. Skipping this leaves the caterer guessing.
3. Ambiguous guest-count wording. Vague phrasing invites uninvited plus-ones. Name the exact number of seats reserved so guests know who is included.
4. No return method. A paper card needs a stamped, addressed envelope, and an online invitation needs a clear link. Guests reply far more often when the next step is obvious.
5. Overly clever wording. Funny lines are fun, but confusing ones frustrate older guests. If a line is hard to parse, add a plain accept-or-decline option alongside it.
6. No follow-up plan. Some guests will forget no matter how clear the card is. Decide in advance how and when to send friendly reminders.

Wedding RSVP FAQ (Etiquette and Common Questions)

What is the proper wording for a wedding RSVP card?

A clear RSVP card names each guest, asks them to accept or decline, and gives a reply-by date. Many couples use the traditional "M___" line for names, followed by "Accepts" and "Regrets" options. Add a meal-choice section only if the reception serves a plated dinner.

How do you word an online RSVP for a wedding?

Point guests to the wedding website with a simple line such as "Kindly respond using our website: YourEvent.com." The online form can then collect names, accept or decline, meal choices, and any notes in one place. It's easy to collect RSVPs online and track responses as they come in.

How do you politely word a wedding RSVP decline?

Keep it warm and brief. Lines like "Regretfully Declines," "Will Celebrate From Afar," or "Sorry To Miss Out" let guests bow out graciously. The tone should match the rest of the invitation, whether formal or casual.

Do you have to provide wedding RSVP cards?

No. A physical card is traditional, but couples can collect replies online or by phone instead. Many pairs skip printed cards entirely and use a wedding website to save time, money, and paper. See how RSVPify for weddings handles replies online.

What does the "M___" line mean?

The "M" is the first letter of a title such as Mr., Mrs., or Miss. Guests write their name after it, so the couple gets the correct spelling for place cards and seating. Some hosts drop titles altogether and simply ask for full names.

What's the difference between RSVP and "regrets only"?

A standard RSVP asks every guest to reply whether they will attend or not. "Regrets only" asks guests to respond just if they cannot come, and assumes silence means yes. RSVP gives a far more accurate headcount, so it's the safer choice for most weddings.

Are RSVP cards necessary, and is it rude not to RSVP?

RSVP cards aren't strictly required, but some reply method is essential for an accurate count. Not replying at all is considered impolite, since it leaves the couple guessing and paying for seats that may go empty. Guests should always respond by the deadline, whether by card, website, or phone.

How early should the RSVP deadline be?

Most couples set the deadline three to four weeks before the wedding. That leaves time to follow up with guests who haven't replied and to give the caterer and venue final numbers.

Ready to Collect RSVPs the Easy Way?

Whether you keep the paper card or move the whole process online, clear wording sets the tone and keeps your headcount accurate. When you're ready to collect replies, meal choices, and dietary needs in one place, Create Your Event and build a wedding RSVP that works for you and your guests.