Wedding RSVP Wording: Examples for Invitations, Cards and Reminders

With an online wedding RSVP, the reply card becomes a button under your invitation, so the wording can be one short line. This guide gives that line in every style, plus the questions, reminders and follow-ups around it. For deadlines and the bigger picture, see our wedding RSVP guide.

RSVP lines for the invitation

Formal

• “The favour of a reply is requested by the first of May.”
• “Kindly respond by the first of May.”
• “Répondez s’il vous plaît by the first of May.”

Modern

• “Kindly reply by 1 May 2027.”
• “RSVP by 1 May · it takes a minute.”
• “Please reply online by 1 May.”

Relaxed

• “Let us know you’re coming by 1 May.”
• “Tap RSVP by 1 May so we can save you a seat.”
• “Can you make it? Tell us by 1 May!”

Note that “RSVP” already means “please reply”, so “please RSVP” is redundant in formal wording, though perfectly common in everyday use.

Online RSVP wording

When guests reply on your invitation, a short introduction above the form sets the tone.

See this wording on a finished design: Rosabelle shows the RSVP section beneath a painted peony invitation.

Wording for RSVP questions

Ask only what you will use. Each question should have a plain, friendly label.

• Attendance: “Joyfully accepts” / “Regretfully declines”.
• Relaxed attendance: “Wouldn’t miss it!” / “Sadly can’t make it”.
• Guest names: “Who is coming? Please add each guest’s full name.”
• Dietary: “Any dietary requirements or allergies we should tell the caterer about?”
• Song: “Which song will get you on the dance floor?”
• Message: “Leave us a note (optional).”

Plus-ones need their own care. See plus-one wording and etiquette.

RSVP card wording

If you also print reply cards, for example for older relatives, use the classic format.

The “M” is completed by the guest as Mr, Mrs, Ms or Mx. Many couples now print a QR code to the online RSVP instead.

RSVP reminder wording

Send a gentle reminder a week or two before your deadline to anyone who has not replied.

More message templates are in our digital invitation wording guide.

After the deadline

On Aurelia, the RSVP form closes after your deadline and asks guests to contact you directly, so late changes always come to you.

Wedding RSVP wording questions

What do you write on a wedding invitation for RSVP?

One line with a reply-by date and the way to reply, for example “Kindly reply by 1 May 2027” with an RSVP button or link. Formal invitations use “The favour of a reply is requested by the first of May.”

Is it correct to say “please RSVP”?

Strictly, RSVP already means “please reply”, so formal invitations avoid “please RSVP”. In modern and relaxed wording it is widely used and perfectly understood.

How do you politely ask guests to RSVP?

Give a clear deadline, make replying easy, and send a friendly reminder a week or two before the deadline to anyone who has not answered.

What does “regretfully declines” mean on an RSVP?

It is the traditional way for a guest to say they cannot attend. Relaxed invitations often use “Sadly can’t make it” instead.

Want replies to arrive in one place? See how Aurelia’s online RSVP works.