Response Card Etiquette
You definitely MUST give your guests a way to let you know if they’ll be attending your event(s) or not - but you’ve got choices on how to do that!
All RSVP options need to give your guests the ability to:
Write their name
Check ‘attending’ or ‘not attending’
(If applicable) Select their meal option
Not cost your guest any money (or headache!) to give you notice
If it’s difficult or inconvenient for your guest chances are they won’t send it in and then you’ll have a lot of extra plates and wasted money!
Traditional Printed RSVP: This option is usually a 4.25”x5.5” flat card with an envelope that already includes its’ postage and mailing address and has a place on the card to mark whether or not they’re attending, their names and (if applicable) what meal choice they select. Downside: This option is more costly since it’s an additional printed piece to your suite and requires postage and guests sometimes forget to mail them back to you (or forget to write their name! Yikes!!).
Postcard Printed RSVP: This option is usually a 4”x6” flat USPS regulation card that already includes its’ postage and mailing address and has a place on the card to mark whether or not they’re attending, their names and (if applicable) what meal choice they select. The postcard is a slightly cheaper alternative by saving the cost of an envelope. Downside: You have to consider the visibility of all the information on your postcard and the wear-and-tear postcards usually endure during the mailing process.
Website Link RSVP: This is a modern and easy option to give your guests. In the past, I’ve designed invitations that include a website link and ask their guests to respond on the site whether or not they’re attending. This is, by far, the cheapest option for response cards but there is one major downside! Downside: If your parents are helping plan your wedding and they’re sticklers for tradition, this makes your invitation very casual and less traditional. You also have to factor in your older guests who may not be keen on computers and internet as well as typos having to type in the (sometimes lengthy) URL. I have heard of brides receiving next to 0 responses for their wedding from guests because their link was not easy to type in. Tip: Guests won’t (and shouldn’t have to) do work to RSVP!