It is very important to include a response card or alternative method of replying, when sending out your wedding invitations. You have spent a lot of time planning your perfect day, and you need to know who will be attending.
The traditional method for collecting RSVPs from guests, is to include a reply card with a stamped return envelope addressed to you. One thing I suggest with regard to the wording on your reply card, is not using the words “number attending”.
Some people actually interpret this statement as an open invitation to bring someone with them, that was not invited by you. If you invite a single person and don’t state that they can bring a date, yet they reply by filling in “2 attending”, you now have to call the person and tell them they cannot bring a guest, or you pay for the additional person. If you invite a couple and don’t want their children to attend, you may get a response that says 4 instead of 2. Don’t create this situation for yourself. Have the M_________ line for the name and have your guests check off “accepts with pleasure” or “declines with regret”, or similar wording.
Don’t forget to include a date when the guest must RSVP. I have to tell you that this is a frustrating area, because you are going to have people who will not RSVP. You will need to call them if you don’t hear from them by the time you need to give counts to your caterer. You can’t assume people are coming or not coming just because you didn’t hear from them.
Another RSVP option that is suitable for a non-formal wedding, is to use a wedding reply postcard instead of a reply card. It will save you money by not having to order envelopes, plus you will save on the amount of postage you need to use. It is easy for the guests to fill out and drop in the mail. Have your return address printed on the front of the postcard. The picture above is an illustration of a reply postcard.
Many brides today use an online wedding website which has the ability to capture guest RSVP responses. However, it is important to keep in mind that some guests may not like this option, and some may not have a computer. If you want to use a website for replies, you should include a reply postcard as an alternate reply option and include the RSVP web address on your postcard.
Brides would love to know the reply vehicle you are mailing with your invitations. Please share your comments below.
