What an RSVP card needs
An RSVP card is small, but it collects the numbers your caterer and venue will ask for. Our RSVP card wording guide lists the parts, and the maker above includes each one as its own line:
- A reply-by line, such as "The favour of a reply is requested by the first of August".
- A name line. The traditional version starts with an M and a long blank. The M is the start of a title (Mr., Mrs., Ms. or Miss) and the guest writes the rest. If your guests would find that confusing, change it to "Name(s)".
- Accept and decline lines with a short blank to tick or initial.
- Number attending, which helps when an invitation covers a family or a plus-one.
- Meal choices, only if you are serving a plated dinner. Type the options separated by commas, for example Beef, Salmon, Vegetarian, and the card draws a blank next to each.
- An extra question if you want one, such as a song request or dietary needs.
Leave any optional line empty and it disappears from the card. Every line can be edited in the Text tab or by clicking it on the card.
Setting the reply-by date
Most couples set the RSVP deadline 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding, or 5 to 6 weeks for a large guest list or a plated multi-course dinner. That leaves time to chase late replies before the caterer needs a final headcount, usually 1 to 2 weeks before the day. Enter your wedding date in the Text tab and choose Fill in the card: the maker writes a reply-by date four weeks before the wedding in invitation style. The timeline calculator shows the deadline next to every other mailing date.
Paper card, online RSVP or both
Many couples now collect replies on a wedding website. You can still send a printed card and add a QR code that opens the online form: switch on the QR code in the Photo and QR tab and paste the link. Our QR code etiquette guide recommends a clear label such as "Scan to RSVP by August 15", a printed backup web address, and a quick scan test on a printed copy. A code of about one inch square is a safe size.
Size, envelope and postage
The usual RSVP card is 4.25 x 5.5 in (A2), which is the maker's starting size and fits an A2 envelope. Etiquette and reply rates both favour a pre-addressed, pre-stamped return envelope, so budget one First-Class stamp ($0.82 at the current rate) for every invitation you mail. A postcard-style RSVP is the cheaper option: pick the 4 x 6 in size, and a single card on postcard stock mails at the $0.65 card price because it fits the USPS card limits of 3.5 to 4.25 in high and 5 to 6 in long. The postage calculator adds up both stamps for your whole guest list.
Printing several cards on one sheet
Choose Print sheet PDF and the maker lays out as many cards as fit on a US Letter page, with cut marks at each corner. At the A2 size that is two cards per sheet. Use 3x print quality for sharp text, print one test sheet on plain paper to check alignment, then switch to card stock.
Frequently asked questions
What does the M on an RSVP card mean?
It is the start of the guest's title. The guest completes it as Mr., Mrs., Ms. or Miss and writes their name, for example Mr. and Mrs. Bennett. If that feels too formal, replace the M with Name(s) in the name line.
When should the RSVP deadline be?
About 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding, or 5 to 6 weeks for a large or complex event. That leaves time to follow up with late replies before your caterer needs the final headcount, usually 1 to 2 weeks before the day.
Do I need to put a stamp on the RSVP envelope?
Yes. Pre-stamp the return envelope so guests can reply without buying a stamp. Budget one First-Class stamp, $0.82 at the current USPS rate, per invitation. A 4 x 6 in RSVP postcard can mail at the lower card price of $0.65. Prices are from the USPS Notice 123 price list.
Can I add meal choices to the RSVP card?
Yes. Type the options in the Meal choices line, separated by commas, and the card shows each one with a blank to mark. Leave the line empty if you are not serving a plated dinner.
Can guests reply with a QR code instead of mailing the card?
Yes. Add a QR code that opens your online RSVP form in the Photo and QR tab. Print the web address too, and scan a printed test with more than one phone before you order.