When should the RSVP deadline be?

Three to four weeks before the wedding. That leaves a week to chase late replies and still gives the caterer and venue the final numbers they usually need two weeks out.

When do you send the invitations?

Six to eight weeks before the wedding, or ten to twelve for a destination wedding. Save-the-dates go out six to twelve months before.

What should an RSVP card ask?

Who's replying, whether they're coming, and how many — plus anything you genuinely need, like dietary needs or a meal choice. Every extra question is one more reason to put it off.

What if guests don't reply?

Assume nothing and message them directly a few days after the deadline. Most people simply forgot; a short, friendly note gets an answer within a day.

Wedding RSVP wording — free templates to copy

RSVP card wording

Formal RSVP card

For a black-tie or traditional wedding, printed to match the invitation.

The favor of a reply is requested by [RSVP date]. M______________________ ___ Accepts with pleasure ___ Declines with regret Number attending ___

Classic RSVP card

The everyday version — warm, clear, and fits any style.

Kindly reply by [RSVP date]. Name(s) ______________________ ___ Joyfully accepts ___ Regretfully declines Dietary requirements ______________________

Casual RSVP card

For a relaxed wedding where the invitation already sounds like you.

Can you make it? Let us know by [RSVP date]. Name(s) ______________________ ___ Wouldn't miss it ___ Will be there in spirit The song that'll get you dancing ______________________

Reserved seats

The polite way to say exactly how many people are invited, without saying who isn't.

We have reserved ___ seats in your honor. Please reply by [RSVP date]. Name(s) ______________________ ___ Accept ___ Decline

Online RSVP wording

RSVP online — line for the invitation

When replies go through your wedding website instead of a card.

Please RSVP by [RSVP date] at [your website]. We can't wait to celebrate with you. [your names]

Your website's RSVP page

The short intro at the top of the RSVP form.

We'd love to know if you can join us. Please reply by [RSVP date] — it helps us plan the food, the seating and everything in between. If anything changes after you've replied, come back here and update it.

Asking about food

One line that gets you allergies and dietary needs without a separate message to every guest.

Any allergies or dietary needs we should pass on to the caterer? Tell us here and we'll take care of it.

Wording for tricky situations

Adults-only wedding

Clear and kind, and best said on the invitation as well as the RSVP.

We love your little ones, but our wedding will be an adults-only celebration. We hope this gives you the chance to let your hair down and enjoy the night with us. Please reply by [RSVP date].

Guest with a plus-one

So the guest knows they can bring someone, and you get the name for the seating plan.

You're very welcome to bring a guest. Your name ______________________ Your guest's name ______________________ Please reply by [RSVP date].

No plus-ones

For the website FAQ — it saves you answering the same question twenty times.

Because of space at the venue, we're only able to invite the guests named on the invitation. Thank you for understanding — we can't wait to see you there.

Small wedding, bigger party later

For people invited to the celebration but not the ceremony.

We're marrying in a small ceremony with our closest family, and we'd love for you to join us for the celebration afterwards. Please let us know by [RSVP date] whether you can come. [your names]

Reminders and follow-ups

Reminder to guests who haven't replied

A message for the week before your deadline. Friendly, short, easy to answer.

Hi! Just a quick reminder that we need RSVPs by [RSVP date] so we can finalize numbers with the venue. You can reply at [your website], or just answer this message. Hope you can make it! [your names]

After the deadline has passed

For the last few. Gives them an easy yes or no, without making them feel bad.

Hi! We're finalizing the seating plan this week and didn't want to miss you. Could you let us know by the end of the week if you can come? A quick yes or no is perfect. [your names]

Thank you for your RSVP

An optional reply to everyone who said yes — and the moment to share practical details.

Thank you for letting us know — we're so happy you'll be there! Everything you need, from directions to the timings on the day, is at [your website]. [your names]

RSVP questions, answered

When should the RSVP deadline be?: Three to four weeks before the wedding. That leaves a week to chase late replies and still gives the caterer and venue the final numbers they usually need two weeks out.
When do you send the invitations?: Six to eight weeks before the wedding, or ten to twelve for a destination wedding. Save-the-dates go out six to twelve months before.
What should an RSVP card ask?: Who's replying, whether they're coming, and how many — plus anything you genuinely need, like dietary needs or a meal choice. Every extra question is one more reason to put it off.
What if guests don't reply?: Assume nothing and message them directly a few days after the deadline. Most people simply forgot; a short, friendly note gets an answer within a day.

Let the RSVPs count themselves

Make a free wedding website where guests reply with their own private code. Replies, dietary needs and numbers add up on their own, and the seating plan builds from who said yes.