RSVP Card Wording for Every Wedding Style and Situation

Start your RSVP card with a clear request to reply. The most common wording is simple: "Kindly reply by [date]". You can also write "Please respond by [date]" or "RSVP by [date]". Always put the deadline in bold or on its own line so guests notice it.

For the guest name, leave a blank line: "Name(s): ____________________". If you need to know meal choices, add: "Please tick your menu choice" with options like "Chicken", "Fish", "Vegetarian", or "Other: ______".

If you are asking for a response online, write: "Please reply at [your wedding website address] by [date]". If you use a QR code, add: "Scan the QR code to reply" and place the code on the card. For phone replies, write: "Please text your reply to [your number] by [date]" or "Call [your number] to let us know". For email, use: "Please email your reply to [your email address] by [date]".

Remember, in the UK you usually give notice at least 28 days before a civil ceremony, but your RSVP deadline should be well before that, often 4 to 6 weeks before the wedding. Check your venue and caterer for their final numbers date, and set your RSVP date a week or two earlier.

For a formal wedding, use traditional language. Write "Mr and Mrs [Surname] request the pleasure of your company" on the invitation, and on the reply card use:

"Kindly respond by [date]

Name(s): ____________________

Accepts with pleasure / Declines with regret"

Add a line for number of guests if needed: "Number of guests: ____".

For a black-tie or very formal event, you can add "Black tie" or "Dress code: Formal" at the bottom. Keep the wording elegant and avoid abbreviations. Use "Kindly" instead of "Please" if you prefer a more classic tone.

For a relaxed wedding, keep the wording friendly and short. Write:

"Let us know if you can make it! Reply by [date]

Name(s): ____________________

Can't wait to see you! / Sorry, we can't make it"

Or even simpler: "Please RSVP by [date]". You can use a cheerful phrase like "We hope you can join us!" or "Save the date, then tell us if you're coming".

For a modern twist, you might write "Reply online at [website]" or "Scan the code to RSVP". Many couples now use a wedding website for RSVPs, so you can say "Please visit our wedding website to reply" and include the link. If you prefer text, write "Text your name and number of guests to [mobile number] by [date]".

For a casual wedding, you can also ask guests to reply with a simple "Yes" or "No" via text or email. Example: "Text YES or NO to [number] by [date]". This works well for very informal gatherings.

Your RSVP card wording does not need to change for a same-sex wedding. Use the same templates as any other wedding. Just make sure your invitation and card reflect your names and the ceremony you are having. For example, if you are both called Alex and Sam, write "Alex and Sam" on the card.

For a religious ceremony, you might include a line about the ceremony or reception. For example: "Please join us for our marriage ceremony and celebration" or "We would be honoured if you could attend our wedding ceremony and reception". If the ceremony is in a place of worship, you might add "Ceremony at [church, mosque, temple, gurdwara]" and "Reception at [venue]".

For a civil ceremony, remember that civil ceremonies cannot include religious content. Your RSVP card can still be neutral. You might write "We are getting married in a civil ceremony and would love you to join us". If you are having a humanist ceremony, note that in England and Wales humanist ceremonies are not legally binding on their own, so many couples add a short civil ceremony. Your RSVP card does not need to mention this, but you can if you wish.

If your wedding is adults-only, you need to be clear but polite. On the invitation, write "Adults-only reception" or "We kindly ask that this is an adults-only celebration". On the RSVP card, you can add: "We have reserved [number] seats in your honour" and leave a line for the guest's name. This makes it clear that no extra guests are invited.

For a no plus one policy, address the invitation to the specific guest and write on the RSVP card: "We have reserved one seat for you". Or simply write "Name(s): ______________" and do not include a line for a guest. If you are worried about confusion, add "We look forward to celebrating with you" and avoid mentioning plus ones.

If you are allowing a plus one, write "We have reserved [number] seats for you" and let guests fill in the names. For example: "Name(s): ____________________ and ____________________".

For a destination wedding, your RSVP card should include a clear deadline and maybe a note about travel. Write:

"Please reply by [date] so we can finalise arrangements.

We can't wait to see you in [location]!

Name(s): ____________________

Accepts with pleasure / Declines with regret"

If you are asking for acceptance only, write "Please reply only if you are able to attend" and include a line for the guest's name. For regrets only, write "Please reply only if you are unable to attend" and include a line for the guest's name. These are useful for very large weddings where you only need to hear from those who cannot come.

For a destination wedding, you might also ask about travel plans: "Will you need help with accommodation? Yes / No" or "Please indicate if you will be attending the welcome dinner". Keep the card simple, though, to avoid overwhelming guests.

If you are planning a baby shower, the RSVP card wording is similar but more casual. Write:

"Please let us know if you can join us by [date]

Name(s): ____________________

Can't wait to celebrate! / Sorry, I can't make it"

You can add a line for dietary needs or gift preferences, but keep it light. For a baby shower, you might also ask about attendance at the shower or the gift opening. Example: "Will you be joining us for the whole shower? Yes / No".

For any other event, such as an engagement party or a hen do, use the same templates and adjust the wording. For a hen do, you might write "Please reply by [date]" and add "We have a surprise planned!" or "Let us know if you need help with travel". Always include a clear deadline and a way to reply, whether that is online, by text, or by phone.