How far in advance should the RSVP deadline be?

Four to six weeks before the wedding works for most couples. It gives you time to chase and still send final numbers to the venue two to three weeks before.

Is it OK to ask guests to RSVP online?

Yes, and most guests prefer it. Print the link or a QR code on the invitation, and include a short code so anyone can find their invitation quickly.

Guides

Wedding RSVP wording: examples you can copy

5 min read · Updated 30 October 2026

Good RSVP wording does two things: it tells guests exactly how and when to reply, and it gets you every answer you need in one go. Here are examples to copy and adapt.

The reply-by line

Set the date about four to six weeks before the wedding. Your venue or caterer will usually want final numbers two to three weeks before, and you’ll want time to chase.

Formal: “Kindly reply by Saturday 1 May.”
Classic: “The favour of a reply is requested by 1 May.”
Relaxed: “Let us know if you can make it by 1 May.”
With a website: “Please reply online by 1 May at the link below, or with the code on this card.”

Asking about meals and dietary needs

“Please choose a starter and main for each guest when you reply.”
“Let us know about any allergies or dietary needs, and we’ll pass them to the kitchen.”

Plus-ones and children

Naming who’s invited is the clearest way: address the invitation to exactly the people invited, and the RSVP should only list them.
If you’re not inviting children: “We love your little ones, but our day is adults only.”
If plus-ones are welcome: “You’re welcome to bring a guest; add their name when you reply.”

Day guests and evening guests

If some guests are invited only to the evening, say so on their invitation (“Join us from 7pm for the evening reception”) and ask them to reply for that part only. On a website, each household should only see the events they’re invited to.

Reminder wording

Send the first reminder a week before your deadline and a last one a few days after it. Online RSVPs can send these automatically to anyone who hasn’t answered.

Gentle: “Just a reminder that we’d love to know if you can make it. Replies close on 1 May.”
Last call: “We’re confirming numbers this week. Could you let us know by Friday?”