The wording on your RSVP card or digital RSVP form sets the tone for your wedding — formal, relaxed, or somewhere in between. Getting it right also makes it more likely that guests actually respond. Confusing RSVP wording is one of the most common reasons guests delay their reply. Below are 15 templates you can copy directly, organised by style and use case.
Formal RSVP Wording
Use these for black-tie, traditional, or religious ceremonies where a formal tone is expected throughout your stationery.
"Kindly reply by the first of June
__ Accepts with pleasure
__ Declines with regrets"
"The favour of your reply is requested by [date]
Name: _______________
__ Will attend __ Will not attend"
"Please respond by [date]
___ of ___ guests will attend
Dietary requirements: _______________"
Casual RSVP Wording
For relaxed, outdoor, or informal celebrations where the tone of the invitation is warm and conversational.
"Will you join us? Let us know by [date]
__ Yes, I'll be there! __ Sorry, I can't make it"
"Please let us know by [date]
Name(s): _______________
__ Wouldn't miss it! __ Can't make it, sadly"
"We'd love to know if you can make it — reply by [date]
__ Count me in __ I'll be there in spirit"
RSVP Wording With Meal Choices
When your caterer needs meal selections in advance, include the options directly on the RSVP card or form.
"Please reply by [date]
Name: _______________
__ Attending __ Not attending
Meal preference: __ Chicken __ Fish __ Vegetarian
Dietary requirements: _______________"
"Kindly reply by [date]
___ guests attending
Starter: __ Soup __ Salad
Main: __ Beef __ Salmon __ Vegetarian
Dessert: __ Chocolate fondant __ Seasonal fruit
Allergies or dietary needs: _______________"
RSVP Wording for Digital Invitations
For wedding websites, email invitations, or QR code RSVPs, the wording can be slightly more direct since there is no physical card to fill in.
"Please RSVP by [date] using the link below. It takes less than a minute — just confirm your attendance and any dietary needs."
"Scan the QR code to let us know if you'll be joining us. Please reply by [date] so we can finalise our plans."
"We're collecting RSVPs online this year. Follow the link by [date] to confirm your attendance, your meal choice, and whether you'll be bringing a plus-one."
RSVP Wording for Destination Weddings
Destination weddings need earlier deadlines and often require guests to coordinate accommodation at the same time.
"As we're getting married abroad, we need to finalise numbers early. Please reply by [date] — at least 4 months before the wedding — so we can confirm arrangements with our venue. Accommodation details are included with this invitation."
"We'd be so happy to have you join us in [location]. Please let us know by [date] whether you'll be attending. We've included accommodation options to make your trip as easy as possible."
RSVP Wording for Adults-Only Weddings
This is one of the most sensitive RSVP wording scenarios. Be direct but kind — ambiguity causes more hurt feelings than clarity.
"We have reserved ___ seat(s) in your honour. As our venue has limited capacity, we are holding an adults-only celebration. We hope you understand and look forward to celebrating with you."
"We love your little ones, but our venue and budget only allow for an intimate adult celebration. We can't wait to see you — please reply by [date]."
Tips for Better RSVP Response Rates
Whatever wording you choose, a few practical rules will improve how quickly and completely your guests respond:
- Always include a specific date, not "as soon as possible"
- Make replying easy — a QR code that opens a mobile-friendly page gets faster responses than a card that requires finding a stamp
- Ask only for what you need — every additional question reduces completion rates slightly
- Send a reminder 1 week before the deadline to guests who have not yet replied