What Does RSVP Mean on a Wedding Invitation?

RSVP comes from the French "répondez s'il vous plaît", which simply means "please reply". On a wedding invitation it's the couple asking you to let them know, by a set date, whether you can come. ## If you're a guest Reply by the date on the card, even if the answer is no. Couples need final numbers for the caterer, the table plan and the venue, and chasing people is one of the most tiring bits of wedding planning. If there's a meal choice or a dietary question, answer that too. Only bring the people named on the invitation. If it says "Mr and Mrs Patel", that doesn't include the children or a plus one. If you're unsure, ask the couple quietly rather than assuming. If your plans change after you've said yes, tell them as soon as you know. ## If you're the couple Set your RSVP date about six to eight weeks before the wedding. That leaves time to chase stragglers and still give your venue final numbers, which most want two to four weeks out. Paper reply cards look lovely but take longest. Online RSVPs are quicker for everyone: guests reply in a minute from their phone, and you can see answers, meal choices and dietary notes in one place. Ever After List couples get a free RSVP page linked to their wedding website and guest list, so replies update the seating chart automatically. ## What to put on the RSVP - The reply-by date - Names of the invited guests - Accept or decline - Meal choice, if you're offering one - Dietary requirements and allergies - A song request, if you want a bit of fun ## Chasing late replies A week after the deadline, send a friendly message. Something like "Just checking you got our invite, we're finalising numbers this week" works much better than anything pointed.

What Does RSVP Mean on a Wedding Invitation?

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