Questions to Include in Wedding RSVP: Everything You Need to Know

Planning your wedding is a thrilling experience filled with excitement and anticipation, but it also comes with its share of logistics. One of the most important components of wedding planning is managing the guest list—and this begins with sending out your wedding invitations and RSVPs. While it may seem simple, the RSVP is a powerful tool for gathering the information you need to plan your big day successfully. This guide will help you navigate the questions to include in your wedding RSVP, along with a few fun and creative ideas to make the process enjoyable for your guests.

What is an RSVP?

What does RSVP stand for? An RSVP, short for “Répondez s’il vous plaît,” which translates from French as “Please respond,” is a request for a response from invited guests, letting the hosts know whether they will be attending the event. The RSVP is a critical part of wedding planning as it gives you a clear understanding of who will be attending your wedding, allowing you to finalize catering, seating arrangements, and other essential details.

What Questions Should You Ask on a Wedding RSVP?

The questions you include in your wedding RSVP should serve one primary function: to gather the information you need to properly plan your ceremony and reception. Here are the most essential questions you should always ask:

• Will you be attending the wedding? This is the fundamental question. You need to know exactly who plans to attend your wedding and who is unable to make it. Be sure to word this question clearly.
• Meal preferences or dietary restrictions? This is especially important if you’re offering a plated dinner or buffet with several options. Some guests may have specific dietary needs or preferences (e.g., vegan, gluten-free, allergies), and you’ll want to accommodate them.
• Number of guests attending? For weddings with plus-ones or children, it’s crucial to know the total number of people in each party. Make sure to provide a clear space for your guests to indicate how many will be attending.

What to Include in a Wedding RSVP?

When putting together your wedding RSVP card, be sure to include the following elements:

• Response Deadline: Give your guests a firm deadline for returning the RSVP. This will help ensure you receive responses in time to make final arrangements with caterers and venues.
• RSVP Card Design: The design of your RSVP should reflect the tone of your wedding. Whether it’s elegant and formal or relaxed and whimsical, the RSVP should match the theme and give guests a sneak peek of what’s to come.
• M-Line for Name: Many RSVP cards use the classic “M____” line where guests can fill in their name(s). This is a traditional element of wedding invitations and still works well today.
• Meal Choices: If your wedding includes meal options, list them out so guests can easily indicate their selection.

What Are Some Fun Questions to Ask Your Wedding Guests?

If you want to add a bit of personality to your wedding RSVPs, why not throw in a few fun or unexpected questions? These lighthearted questions can make the process more enjoyable for your guests and even give you a little insight into their personalities:

• What song will get you on the dance floor? This question adds a personal touch to your wedding planning, and it can help the DJ curate a playlist that will keep the party going all night.
• Any advice for the newlyweds? Collecting bits of wisdom from your guests can be a fun way to get them involved in your journey as a couple. These responses can make for a great keepsake.
• If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be? A playful question like this can lighten the mood and give you a laugh when reading the responses.

What is the Rule of Thumb for Wedding RSVP?

A general rule of thumb is to send out your invitations about 8 to 12 weeks before the wedding date and set the RSVP deadline for 4 weeks before the event. This allows enough time for guests to make travel arrangements, if necessary, and gives you ample time to finalize the details with your venue and vendors.

What is Proper Etiquette for Wedding RSVP?

Proper RSVP etiquette is about clarity and timeliness. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

• Respond promptly: Guests should ideally return their RSVP as soon as possible, but no later than the deadline you’ve set.
• Polite wording: The tone of your RSVP should be polite and welcoming. Make sure you thank guests for their response, regardless of whether they can attend.

What Does the M Mean on RSVP?

The “M” on a wedding RSVP card is a traditional element that stands for “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” “Ms.,” or “Miss.” It’s a way for guests to fill in their name in the proper formal style. While this is an old tradition, it’s still commonly used today and adds a touch of formality to the RSVP process.

What is the Average Yes RSVP for a Wedding?

On average, you can expect around 75-85% of your invited guests to say yes to attending your wedding. This number can vary based on several factors, including the time of year and the location of the wedding (e.g., destination weddings tend to have lower acceptance rates, however popular cities like Orlando Florida tend to have higher acceptance rates.

What Are the Best RSVP Responses?

Here are some common ways to word RSVP responses:

• • Accepting:
    • “Yes, we can’t wait to celebrate with you!”
    • “Gladly attending!”
  • Declining:
    • “Regretfully, we are unable to attend.”
    • “Wishing you all the best from afar.”

Playful responses can also be a fun twist:

• • Accepting:
    • “Ready to dance the night away!”
  • Declining:
    • “We’ll be there in spirit (and on the dance floor in our minds).”

What Do You Say in a Wedding Response RSVP?

When responding to a wedding RSVP, it’s important to be clear and concise. If you’re accepting, you can simply write something along the lines of, “We are delighted to attend and look forward to celebrating with you.” If you cannot attend, a polite and heartfelt message such as, “We regret that we are unable to attend, but we send our best wishes for a beautiful day,” will suffice.

What is the Cut Off for Wedding RSVP?

The RSVP deadline should typically be set for 4 weeks before your wedding day. This gives you enough time to follow up with any guests who haven’t responded and to provide accurate numbers to your vendors.

What is the Expected RSVP Rate for a Wedding?

Typically, you can expect around 60-80% of your invited guests to attend the wedding. Factors like location, the time of year, and whether your wedding is local or a destination event can influence the exact RSVP rate.

How Long Should I Give Guests to RSVP for My Wedding?

The ideal time to give guests to RSVP is about 3-4 weeks from when they receive the invitation. This gives them enough time to check their schedules and make any necessary arrangements without feeling rushed.

How Many People Should I Expect to RSVP No to My Wedding?

While every wedding is different, you can generally expect about 20-30% of your invited guests to RSVP with a “No.” If you’re having a destination wedding, this number could be higher due to travel costs and scheduling conflicts.

Fun Questions to Include in Wedding RSVP

In addition to the essential details, consider adding a little fun to your wedding RSVP cards. Here are a few ideas:

• Would you rather dance all night or enjoy a quiet corner?
• What’s your favorite wedding memory?
• If you could describe our wedding in one word, what would it be?

These playful questions not only engage your guests but also make for great conversation starters on the day of the wedding.

Destination Wedding RSVP Questions

Planning a destination wedding? You’ll need a few additional details from your guests. Be sure to ask:

• Will you need assistance with travel arrangements?
• Are you planning to stay at the wedding venue hotel?

This helps you get a sense of how many guests are attending and whether they’ll need help with accommodations.

Wedding RSVP Template

Here’s a simple template you can follow when creating your wedding RSVP cards:

Dear (Guest’s Name),

We are delighted to invite you to celebrate our wedding on [Wedding Date] at [Wedding Location]. Please let us know if you will be able to join us by [RSVP Deadline].

• • Will you be attending?
    • Yes
    • No
  • Number of guests attending:
    • (Insert number)
  • Meal preference:
    • Chicken
    • Fish
    • Vegetarian
  • Any dietary restrictions?
    • (Write here)

Orlando Wedding Photographer – Mike Briggs Photography