By the ScanRSVP team · Last updated
Quick answer
An RSVP should ask for the guest's name, whether they're attending (yes/no), the number in their party, and — if you're serving a meal — a meal choice and any dietary restrictions. Always include the RSVP deadline and how to reply (a link, QR code, phone, or return address). Keep it short: the fewer fields, the more people finish.
The essential RSVP fields
- Guest name. On traditional cards the “M” line starts the title (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Mx.).
- Attending — yes or no. A simple accept/decline is the one field you can't skip.
- Number in the party. So you capture plus-ones and family counts accurately.
- Meal selection (if catered) — e.g. beef, fish, vegetarian.
- Dietary restrictions or allergies, with a short notes field.
- RSVP deadline — typically 3–4 weeks before the event.
- How to reply — a link, QR code, phone number, or mailing address.
Optional fields (only if you need them)
Depending on your event, you might add a song request for the DJ, a question about whether guests need transportation or accommodation, an email or phone number for confirmations, or a free-text note. Add these sparingly.
Why shorter RSVPs get more responses
Every extra field is a chance for a guest to stall. The best-performing RSVPs ask only what you truly need to plan the event — usually attendance, party size, and meal choice — and put it on one screen or one card. If you collect more, make those fields optional so no one gets stuck.
Digital RSVP forms have an edge here: you can show a meal question only to guests who say they're attending, and collect dietary notes per person, without making the form feel long.