What does "RSVP" mean on a wedding invitation card?

Short answer

RSVP stands for the French phrase "répondez s'il vous plaît", which means "please reply". On a wedding invitation, it asks you to tell the couple whether you can attend, so they can plan numbers for the venue, catering and seating.

RSVP comes from the French "répondez s'il vous plaît", meaning "please reply". It is a request for you to confirm whether you will attend the wedding. The couple needs this to give final numbers to the venue and caterer, and to arrange seating. Without your reply, they cannot plan properly.

When you receive an invitation with an RSVP, look for the reply card or the couple's wedding website details. You will usually find a date by which you must respond. Please reply by that date, even if you cannot attend. A quick "no" is far more helpful than silence. If you are unsure, you can always ask the couple or their parents, but try to respond as soon as you know.

If there is no reply card, the invitation may ask you to text, email or use a wedding website. Follow the instructions given. If you need to tell the couple about dietary requirements or access needs, include that in your reply. The RSVP is not just a yes or no, it is your chance to help them make the day run smoothly.