The most-read piece of stationery at any wedding is the RSVP card. Effective RSVP wording is clear, includes a deadline, and matches the formality of the invitation — formal events use "kindly reply", relaxed ones can simply say "let us know by".
Your RSVP card is the most read piece of stationery at any wedding — every single guest handles it. Here's how to make those few lines count.
Traditional Formal RSVP Wording
____________________ accepts with pleasure
____________________ declines with regrets
Number attending: ____
Dietary requirements: ____________________
Kindly reply by 1 May 2025
Modern Formal
Will you join us?
Name(s): ____________________
○ Joyfully accepts ○ Regretfully declines
Dietary requirements: ____________________
RSVP by 1 May 2025
Playful / Personality-Driven
These work particularly well for relaxed, outdoor, or festival-style weddings:
Are you coming to the party?
Name(s): ____________________
○ Wouldn't miss it! ○ Sadly can't make it
Meal choice: ○ Chicken ○ Fish ○ Veg
Any food requirements we should know about? ____________________
Please reply by 1 May — we need to tell the caterers!
Adding a Personal Touch
A small, unexpected addition transforms an RSVP card into a memory. Some ideas:
- "Your best piece of marriage advice:" — stack these in a jar for the couple to read on their anniversary.
- "Song request for the dance floor:" — builds your playlist collaboratively.
- "How do you know the couple?" — lovely for a seating plan and endlessly entertaining to read.
- "We predict the couple's first dance song will be..." — guests love a competition.
Digital RSVP Wording
If you're using a digital RSVP (like the one built into Dear Delilah microsites), you have more space for warmth:
"We'd love to know if you can make it. Please let us know by 1 May — and feel free to leave us a message."
On a digital form, you can ask for dietary information, a message, and even a song request all in one flow — without the card feeling crowded.
What to Put on the Envelope
For pre-addressed reply envelopes, the couple's address goes on the front. On the back flap, a small printed line like "Reply by 1 May 2025" serves as a gentle reminder and looks intentional rather than administrative.