— Guide
RSVP wording for weddings, with examples
The RSVP line has one job, getting a clear yes or no from every guest by a date you choose. Keep it in the same tone as the rest of the invitation, give the date, and make the way to answer obvious.
Formal
Your reply is kindly requested on or before the first of May.
Kindly send your reply no later than Friday, 1 May.
We would be grateful to receive your answer before 1 May.
A reply by 1 May will help the families plan the day.
Warm
Tell us you're coming by 1 May and we'll keep a chair warm for you.
Your answer by 1 May means everything is ready when you walk in.
Yes or no, we'd like your answer before 1 May.
Whatever your answer, we'd like to know by 1 May.
Online reply
Reply right here in the invitation, there's a short form at the bottom.
Scroll down to the reply form. It takes under a minute and no sign-up.
Answer from your phone using the form below. You can change it later if plans shift.
Our reply form is open until 1 May. Tap, fill in, done.
Guest count and plus-ones
This invitation is for the two of you. Please tell us if you're both able to come.
We've saved one seat in your name and would love you to fill it.
Please count everyone in your party when you reply, children included.
Meals and allergies
If you have an allergy or follow a special diet, add it to your reply and we'll pass it to the kitchen.
Let us know about any food you can't eat, the caterer will plan around it.
Funny
Reply by 1 May or we'll assume you're doing the first dance with us.
Answer by 1 May. Our caterer counts chairs and has no patience for maybes.
Please reply by 1 May. Our seating plan is held together by hope.
Reminder message
Hi Ece, quick nudge from Defne and Ozan. We're finalising numbers this week, could you reply on the invitation? Here's the link again.
Hello! Our reply date is Friday and we haven't heard from you yet. One tap on the invitation and you're done.
No pressure, just a small reminder. The venue needs our final count soon, so a yes or no on the invitation would help.
We'd hate to miss you. If you can still reply on the invitation by Sunday, that would be wonderful.
Declining kindly
If you can't make it, please still tell us. We'd rather know than wonder.
Not able to come? Say so in the form, and leave us a note if you like.
Closing line
A short line at the foot of the invitation
Your reply helps us plan a day that has room for you
A short line at the foot of the invitation
Every reply brings the day a little closer
What a good RSVP line includes
- A reply date, written out in full
- How to answer, a form, a message or a phone number
- Who the invitation covers, if that might be unclear
- Anything you need back, such as allergies
Paper reply card or online form
A printed reply card needs a stamp, a return address and a guest who remembers to post it. An online form asks the same questions and the answer reaches you the moment it's sent. If you're sending a printed invitation with an online reply, write the web address in full and keep the reply date on the invitation itself, not only on the website.
Choosing the reply date
Work back from the day your venue and caterer need final numbers and set the RSVP date a few days earlier. That buffer is for the guests you'll have to chase. Our guide to RSVP deadline wording covers the timing in more detail.
How replies work on a Digitally Invite invitation
The reply form sits inside the invitation. Guests say whether they're coming, how many people are in their party, add a plus-one's name if they have one, and note allergies or a message. Each reply is emailed to you and saved in your panel, where you can download the list for Excel. The form has no automatic cut-off, so when your date passes you switch the RSVP section off yourself.
RSVP wording for birthdays and other parties
Birthday RSVP wording can be lighter than a wedding's, but it still needs a date. "Let us know by 2 May so we can order enough cake" says why the date matters. For a first birthday or a kids' party, ask parents to add any allergy in the reply, and say whether siblings are welcome.
Reminding guests who haven't replied
A few days before the date, message only the guests who are missing, with the invitation link again so answering takes a single tap. We don't send reminders for you, which keeps the nudge personal. Use the reminder messages above as a starting point and add a name.
Frequently asked questions
What should I write for RSVP on a wedding invitation?
A reply date and how to answer, for example "Kindly reply by 1 May using the form below." Add anything you need to know, such as allergies.
Is "please RSVP" correct?
It's widely used, even though RSVP already means please reply. "Kindly reply" or "Please let us know" avoids the repetition.
How do I word an online RSVP on a printed invitation?
Give the date and the full web address on the same line, so nobody has to hunt for it on a separate card.
How do I politely remind guests to RSVP?
Send a short personal message shortly before your reply date, mention the date and include the link again.