The reply-by line
Put the date where nobody can miss it, 4 to 3 weeks before the wedding. The free invitation timeline works it out for your day.
- Formal: “The favour of a reply is requested by the first of June.”
- Classic: “Kindly reply by June 1.”
- Casual: “Let us know by June 1 — we can't wait to celebrate with you!”
Accepting and declining
- Formal: “___ accepts with pleasure” / “___ declines with regret”.
- Classic: “Joyfully accepts” / “Regretfully declines”.
- Casual: “Wouldn't miss it!” / “Will celebrate from afar”.
Online replies
- “Please reply online by June 1 using the link we sent you.”
- “Reply at the link in your invitation email — one answer covers your whole household.”
- “Prefer to call? Ring us on ___ and we'll note your answer.”
With RSVP links, each household has its own link: guests answer for everyone invited with them, and the answer lands in your guest list.
Meals and dietary needs
- “Please choose a main course for each guest: fish, beef or vegetarian.”
- “Do you have any allergies or dietary needs we should know about?”
Plus-ones and seats
- “We have reserved 2 seats in your honour.”
- “Please tell us the name of your guest.”
- For a guest without a plus-one, simply address the invitation to them by name and reserve one seat.
Adults-only weddings
- “We love your little ones, but our celebration is for adults.”
- “To let everyone relax, our wedding is an adults-only celebration.”
Address the invitation only to the adults who are invited; the wording then confirms what the envelope already says.
A reminder for late replies
“Hi ___! We're finalising numbers for the caterer — could you let us know by Friday whether you can make it? We'd love to have you there.” Friendly, specific, and with a date.