What "RSVP" actually means
RSVP stands for “Répondez s'il vous plaît” — French for “please reply.” When you put RSVP on an invitation, you're asking guests to confirm whether or not they'll be attending. The acronym has been borrowed into English so widely that most people don't realize it's French at all.
Today, “RSVP” covers everything from a paper card with a stamped envelope to a single tap on a digital invite. The wording you use sets the tone — formal weddings call for “kindly reply by,” while a backyard birthday is fine with “let us know if you can make it.”
Formal RSVP card wording examples
Classic wedding-style wording, suitable for printed RSVP cards or formal invitations.
Kindly reply by the third of June. The favor of a reply is requested by [date]. M ___________________________ ☐ Joyfully accepts ☐ Regretfully declines Number attending: ___
Kindly respond by [date]. M ___________________________ ☐ Will attend ☐ Will not attend Number in your party: ___ Meal selection: ☐ Beef ☐ Fish ☐ Vegetarian
The honor of your reply is requested on or before [date]. M ___________________________ Accepts with pleasure ___ Declines with regret ___
Casual / fun RSVP wording examples
Casual or modern phrasing for showers, birthdays, casual weddings, and parties.
Yes or no? Let us know by [date]. Name: ___________________________ ☐ I'll be there! ☐ Sorry, can't make it How many? ___
Tell us you're coming! RSVP by [date] at [link or scan the QR code].
Reply by [date] so we can plan accordingly. Who: ___________________________ Attending: ☐ Yes ☐ No Plus-ones: ___ Food needs: ___________________________
Save us a seat? RSVP by [date]. Scan the QR code or reply at [link].
"Please RSVP by [date]" wording variants
Three ways to request a reply by a specific date. All three communicate the same thing — pick the one that matches your event's tone.
Please RSVP by [date].
Kindly reply by [date].
Please respond on or before [date].
What to include on an RSVP card
- Guest name (the “M” line on traditional cards starts the title — Mr., Mrs., Ms., Mx.)
- Whether they're attending — yes or no checkbox, or accept / decline
- Number of guests in their party (so you know about plus-ones)
- Meal selection if applicable (beef / fish / vegetarian / etc.)
- Dietary restrictions or notes
- RSVP deadline — typically 2-4 weeks before the event for catered meals, 1-2 weeks for casual
- How to reply — mailing address, phone number, email, or a QR code linked to your RSVP page