Wedding RSVP Wording
RSVP wording asks guests to reply by a specific date and makes it easy to answer: who is coming, how many, and any meal or dietary choices. Set the deadline 3–4 weeks before the wedding, show the number of seats reserved to avoid surprise plus-ones, and send a friendly reminder a week before the deadline.
RSVP lines for the invitation
Kindly respond by [RSVP deadline]
The favour of a reply is requested by [RSVP deadline]
Please RSVP by [RSVP deadline] at [Invitation link]
RSVP online at [Invitation link] — we've reserved [#] seat(s) in your honour
RSVP card wording
Keep the card to the decisions you need: attendance, number, meal and dietary needs.
M_____________________ ___ Joyfully accepts ___ Regretfully declines Kindly reply by [RSVP deadline]
Name(s): _______________ ☐ Can't wait to celebrate! ☐ Will celebrate from afar We have reserved ___ seats in your honour
Please indicate your meal choice: ☐ Beef ☐ Fish ☐ Vegetarian Dietary requirements: _______________
Song request: "I promise to dance if you play ________"
Online RSVP page wording
Will you join us? Please RSVP by [RSVP deadline]. Enter your name exactly as it appears on your invitation to find your party.
We've reserved a seat for each guest named on your invitation. Let us know who's coming and any dietary needs below.
Thank you for your RSVP! We can't wait to celebrate with you on [Date]. You can update your response until [RSVP deadline].
We'll miss you! Thank you for letting us know — you'll be with us in spirit.
RSVP reminder texts
Send a friendly nudge a week before the deadline and a direct one the day after it.
Hi [Name]! Just a friendly reminder that RSVPs for our wedding are due [RSVP deadline]. You can reply here in a minute: [Invitation link] 💛
Hey [Name], we're finalising numbers with our caterer — could you let us know by [date] whether you can make it? [Invitation link]
Hi [Name], we haven't received your RSVP yet and want to make sure you have a seat! Could you let us know today? Thanks so much.
Limited guests and no plus-ones
We have reserved ___ seats in your honour.
Due to limited space, we are only able to accommodate the guests named on your invitation.
While we love your little ones, our wedding will be an adults-only celebration.
Meal choice, dietary and extra RSVP questions
Only ask what you will act on. Every extra question lowers the response rate a little — so make each one count.
Please choose one entrée for each guest: ☐ Herb-roasted chicken ☐ Seared salmon ☐ Wild mushroom risotto (V)
Do any guests in your party have allergies or dietary requirements? Please list them so our caterer can plan safely.
Will you be joining us for the welcome drinks on Friday evening? ☐ Yes ☐ No
Will you use the shuttle from [Hotel]? ☐ Yes, to the ceremony ☐ Yes, back after the reception ☐ No, thanks
Do you need a high chair or accessible seating? ☐ Yes ☐ No
Leave us a note or a piece of marriage advice (optional): _______________
Responses to late or tricky RSVPs
Copy-ready replies for the situations that make couples anxious.
Guest RSVPs with an uninvited plus-one: "We're so glad you can come! Unfortunately our venue only has room for the guests named on your invitation, so we can't add a plus-one. We hope you understand — we can't wait to celebrate with you."
Guest replies after the deadline: "Thank you for letting us know! Our numbers went to the caterer last week, but let me check whether we can still make it work — I'll confirm by tomorrow."
Guest says yes, then cancels: "Thanks for letting us know — we'll miss you! Hope we can celebrate together soon."
Guest never replies (final message): "Hi [Name], we're sending final numbers today. We'll assume you can't make it unless we hear from you by 6 PM — no hard feelings at all!"
Etiquette tips
- Set the RSVP deadline 3–4 weeks before the wedding — caterers usually need final numbers 2 weeks out.
- Number RSVP cards lightly on the back (matching your guest list) in case someone forgets to write their name.
- Online RSVPs get faster replies and track meal choices automatically.
- Expect 10–20% of guests not to reply by the deadline; budget a day for reminder messages.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should the RSVP deadline be?
3–4 weeks before the wedding. That leaves time to chase late replies and give your caterer and venue final numbers.
What should an RSVP card say?
A name line, accept/decline options, the number of seats reserved, meal choices if needed, and the reply-by date.
How do I remind guests to RSVP politely?
Message individually a week before the deadline with a reason ("we're finalising numbers") and the link to reply.
How do I stop guests adding plus-ones?
Address the invitation to the exact guests invited and print "We have reserved __ seats in your honour" on the RSVP.