RESPONSE CARDS | all you need to know
The little but mighty response card! This is the only piece of your invitation suite that allows you to interact with your guests – allowing you and guests to exchange information!
Response cards, done right, can make your life way less stressful! Below is everything you need to know to allow your response cards to work successfully!
WHAT IS IT?
The response card has many important functions! Generally put, it is the piece of the invitation suite that allows guests write their names and RSVP yes or no. It is also used to let your guests know when they should reply. In addition, the response card allows your guests to communicate with you how many people are coming, their food selection and/or their dietary restrictions.
WHEN DO YOU SEND THEM?
Send them with your invitations! Typically, you should send them with a stamped and self addressed envelope. Self addressing the envelopes and sending them stamped, means your guests have no excuse not to send it back – which is what you want!
If you are requesting guests respond online, we still recommend sending an RSVP card to help the information stand out. It also makes you wedding invitations look cleaner.
WHAT SHOULD THE RSVP DATE BE?
The typical reply date is 4-6 weeks before your wedding. We say check when your final headcount is needed from all your vendors, then make your RSVP date one week before that date. This allows you time to follow up any late replies. Don’t forget your stationer will need time to make and/or print your seating chart and create those beautiful place cards – so a little extra time is appreciated!
for more timeline questions - check out my custom stationery timeline here!
WHAT GOES ON IT?
There are only three required things:
The response date
Spell it out! Some guests don’t know what RSVP means. So, write it out. “Please respond (or reply) by August 5th, 2020.”
A place for guests to write their name(s)
Traditionally this is a “M” followed by a line. The “M” stands for the first letter in Mr., Mrs., Ms. and Miss. The guests would complete their title then write their names. “M”r. and Mrs. Michael Scott. Today, many couples just have a blank line. Guests can also be confused by this. So, put a little something underneath the line to indicate you want their names.
A place for guests to leave their response
This can be a check box or you can have guests circle their response.
Other things to consider including
Number of Seats Reserved
This allows you to be clear about who is invited, so you don’t have a ton of unwanted guests. Typically it says something like “We have reserved __ seats for your party” and you fill in the blank.
Number in Party
To help you get a more accurate head count, ask guests to tell you how many are in their party. This can be worded like “ _____ attending.”
Who is Invited
Also a great place to indicate age of guests allowed. You can use simple wording such as ‘Adults only Reception’ or ‘Children over 16 years of age only’ this can be added at the bottom of the card or just under the guest names lines.
Meal Choices
If you are serving a plated dinner with meal choices, you will need to know who wants what. Tip: Have guests place their initials next to their choice. That way your caterer serves the correct food to your guests.
Dietary Restrictions
Allow guests to write-in any dietary restrictions, so you can give the caterers a head’s up and your guests feel loved that you are thinking about them!
What is the proper ORDER OF WORDING?
Make sure it makes sense! It should have the blank line for the guest(s) to put their name, followed by their response.
TIPS AND TRICKS
Think about your colors: Try not to print your reply cards on dark paper, most guests won’t have a white pen to write on it!
Tracking your RSVP: Even if you have the most perfect response cards, some people forget to include their name or you can’t read it. So, before mailing out your response cards, number the back of them. Make sure the numbers correspond with your guest list, or print your guests’ names on directly on the cards.
COST SAVING TIPS
Have your guests respond online: Online RSVPs be coming pretty common, this saves on postage and envelopes.
Postcard Response Cards: Postcards postage cost less and postcards do not require an envelope. Downside is they can potentially be damaged on their way back to you, but don’t worry they will arrive to your guests unharmed.
Hello!
I’m Bailey. I love the little details in life, candy coffee, and all things wedding - and that’s exactly what you’ll find here! A little bit of personal, a whole lot of detail, and absolutely everything wedding!
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GO THROW A KILLER PARTY!
We hope you are now feeling educated and ready to start deciding on the pieces you want to include in your wedding suite!
If you have more questions, let me know - I am here to help!