RSVP Meaning and Wedding Invitation Wording Guide

RSVP comes from the French phrase "répondez s'il vous plaît", which means "please reply". On a wedding invitation it is a polite request for guests to tell you whether they can attend. It is not optional. Your guest list, catering numbers, seating plan and final payments to suppliers all depend on knowing who is coming.

In the UK, RSVP is widely understood. Some couples write "RSVP" alone, others add "by [date]". If you want to be very clear, you can write "Please reply by [date]". The important thing is to give a clear deadline and a simple way to respond.

In the UK, most people say the letters individually: "are ess vee pee". You might also hear "R.S.V.P." said as a word, but that is less common. Either way, guests will know what you mean.

When you write it, you can use full stops or not: RSVP or R.S.V.P. are both correct. On a wedding invitation, either is fine. If you are worried some guests may not know what it stands for, you can add the plain English version underneath: "Please reply".

If you prefer not to use the French abbreviation, there are plenty of clear alternatives. You can write "Please reply", "Kindly respond", or "Let us know". For a more formal tone, try "The favour of a reply is requested". For a relaxed wedding, "Please tell us if you can come" works well.

You might also see "RSVP" replaced with "Accept with pleasure" or "Decline with regret" on traditional reply cards. Those phrases are still used in the UK, especially for formal weddings. But plain English is always acceptable and often clearer.

Start with a clear request. On the invitation itself, you might put "RSVP by [date]" at the bottom. On a separate reply card, you can write "Please reply by [date]". Always include the date and a way to respond: a postal address, an email, a phone number for texts, or a website.

Here is a simple wording for a reply card:

• "Please reply by [date]."
• "Kindly respond by [date]."
• "We would love to know if you can join us. Please reply by [date]."

If you are asking for a postal reply, include a stamped, addressed envelope. If you are asking for an online reply, print the website address clearly. For text replies, give a phone number and ask guests to text "yes" or "no".

If you are serving a set menu, you can ask guests to choose their meal on the reply card. Keep it simple. Write "Please tick your meal choice" and list the options. For example:

• Chicken
• Fish
• Vegetarian
• Vegan

Add a line for dietary requirements: "Please let us know about any allergies or dietary needs." If you are having a buffet or family-style meal, you may not need individual choices. In that case, just ask guests to note any allergies.

For a formal wedding, you might write: "Please indicate your menu preference: [options]." For a relaxed wedding, "What would you like to eat? Tick one: [options]" works well.

When you have limited spaces, be clear but polite. Address the envelope to the named guest only. On the reply card, write "We have reserved [number] seats in your honour." This tells the guest exactly how many people they can bring.

For example: "We have reserved 2 seats in your honour. Please reply by [date]." If you are allowing a plus one, you can write "We have reserved 1 seat for you and 1 for your guest." If you are not allowing children, you can add "Adults only, please" or "We are unable to accommodate children under [age]".

Many couples now ask for replies online. You can put the website address on the invitation or reply card. For example: "Please reply at [website] by [date]." If you use a QR code, print it on the card with the instruction: "Scan to reply." Make sure the code works and leads to a simple form.

For text replies, write: "Please text [phone number] with your name and whether you can attend by [date]." For example: "Text 'yes' or 'no' to [number]." Always include your names so guests know who they are replying to.

Whichever method you choose, give clear instructions. Some guests may prefer a postal reply, so you can offer both. For example: "Please reply online at [website] or by post using the enclosed card."