Wedding invitations with RSVP: how online replies work
How online RSVP works with wedding invitations, what to ask on the reply form, how to handle meals, plus-ones and several events, and how to chase late replies.
An invitation with online RSVP links to a reply form where each guest says whether they are coming, and, if you ask, their meal, dietary needs, plus-one name and which events they will attend; every answer lands in one list. Choose what you need to know below to get the questions for your form.
The questions your reply form should ask
Choose what you need to know, and get the list of questions for your reply form, in order.
How does an online RSVP work?
The invitation, digital or printed, gives guests a link or a web address. They open your wedding website, find their name or enter it, answer a few questions and send. You see every reply in one place, with totals, and can download the list for your caterer.
What should the reply form ask?
Only what you will use. Every extra question lowers the number of people who finish the form.
| Ask | When |
|---|---|
| Coming or not | Always |
| Name of each person coming | Always |
| Meal choice | Only if guests choose a meal |
| Dietary needs and allergies | Almost always; caterers need it |
| Plus-one name | Only if plus-ones are allowed |
| Which events | Only for a multi-event wedding |
| A message for the couple | Optional, and guests enjoy it |
How do you handle a household?
Send one invitation per household and let one person reply for everyone named on it, with a meal and dietary note for each person. It is quicker for guests and gives you exact numbers.
What about late replies?
Set a reply-by date three to four weeks before the wedding, then send a friendly reminder a few days after it to anyone who has not answered. See the RSVP deadline guide and plus-one etiquette.
Where do replies go?
On our wedding websites, every reply goes to your account, with meal counts for the caterer and a list of dietary needs. Whichever service you use, make sure you can download the replies. Start a wedding website to see how it works.
Questions
What is an invitation with RSVP?
An invitation that tells guests how to reply, usually with a link to an online form, and by when.
What should an online RSVP ask?
Whether the guest is coming, the name of each person, dietary needs, and only if you need them: meal choice, plus-one name and which events.
Do guests need an account to reply?
They should not. Choose a service where guests can reply without signing up.
Can I still send paper invitations with online RSVP?
Yes. Print the website address and the reply-by date on the card.