RSVPza

RSVP Wording: 30 Examples for Every Event

By RSVPza ·

The RSVP line is the smallest part of an invitation and the one that does the most work. It tells guests that you need an answer, by when, and how to give it. Get it right and replies arrive on time; leave it vague and you spend the week before your event sending "just checking!" messages.

Below are 30 examples you can copy and adapt, grouped by occasion, followed by a few tips on deadlines, plus-ones and the guests who never reply.

What every RSVP line needs

Whatever the tone, a good RSVP line answers three questions:

  • That you need a reply. "RSVP" means répondez s'il vous plaît, "please respond", so "Please RSVP" is technically redundant, but it's so common that nobody minds.
  • By when. A specific date ("by May 12") works better than "soon" or "as soon as possible".
  • How. A link, a phone number or an email address. With online invitations, the reply button usually covers this.

Formal events and weddings

  1. Kindly reply by the first of June.
  2. The favour of a reply is requested by June 1.
  3. Please respond by June 1 so we can finalize our numbers.
  4. We have reserved two seats in your honor. Kindly reply by June 1.
  5. Please let us know if you can celebrate with us by June 1. Regrets only to Priya and James.
  6. Kindly reply by June 1. We regret that we are unable to accommodate additional guests.

Number 6 is the polite way to say "no plus-ones". If you're using personal RSVP links, you can also set how many extra guests each person may bring, so the form itself makes it clear.

Birthday parties

  1. Let us know if you can make it by March 3!
  2. RSVP by March 3 so we save you a slice of cake.
  3. Please reply by March 3. It's a surprise, so mum's the word!
  4. Tell us you're coming by March 3. Dinner reservations are at 7.
  5. Can you make it? Reply by March 3 and let us know if you're bringing anyone.
  6. We're turning 40 and want you there. RSVP by March 3.

For a surprise party, put the secrecy note right next to the RSVP line, where guests are guaranteed to read it.

Kids' parties

  1. Please RSVP by April 8 so we have enough party bags.
  2. Let us know by April 8 if Ava can come, and whether a grown-up is staying.
  3. Reply by April 8, and tell us about any allergies.
  4. Dino explorers, report for duty! Parents, please RSVP by April 8.

Number 14 solves the most common kids' party question in advance. Invite the parent as the guest and let them say how many children and adults are coming.

Baby showers and bridal showers

  1. Please RSVP to Maria by September 9.
  2. Kindly reply by September 9 so we can plan the brunch.
  3. Join us in showering Sam with love. Please RSVP by September 9.
  4. Let us know if you'll be there by September 9. Registry details are on the invitation page.

Casual parties and get-togethers

  1. Let us know if you're in!
  2. Reply by Friday so we know how much to grill.
  3. Can you come? A quick yes, no or maybe by Friday helps a lot.
  4. Game night is on. Tell us by Thursday if you're playing.
  5. Potluck! RSVP by Friday and tell us what you're bringing.

"Maybe" is a useful option for casual events. It's more honest than a silent non-reply, and a maybe today often becomes a yes later.

Work and community events

  1. Please confirm your attendance by October 2.
  2. Register by October 2. Space is limited.
  3. Kindly RSVP by October 2 for catering purposes.
  4. Please reply by October 2 and note any dietary requirements.
  5. Seats are limited; please RSVP by October 2 to reserve yours.

How to choose an RSVP deadline

A deadline should give you time to act on the answers. Work backwards from the date your caterer, venue or restaurant needs final numbers, then add a few days for the people who reply late.

As a rule of thumb:

  • Weddings: three to four weeks before the day, earlier if you need seating plans or meal choices.
  • Birthdays and parties: about a week before.
  • Kids' parties: five to seven days before, so you can buy party bags and confirm activity bookings.
  • Work events: whenever the venue or caterer needs numbers, usually one to two weeks before.

Write the full date ("by Saturday, May 12") rather than "two weeks before the party". Guests shouldn't have to do arithmetic.

Plus-ones, kids and "regrets only"

Be explicit about who is invited. Address the invitation to the people you mean ("Dear Maya and Tom"), and if you can't accommodate extra guests, say so politely, as in example 6.

"Regrets only" asks guests to respond only if they can't come. It saves effort for very casual events, but you'll never be sure who's actually coming, so avoid it when you're paying per head.

With online RSVPs you can avoid the awkwardness altogether: set how many additional guests each invitation allows, and guests simply choose a number up to that limit.

Following up with guests who haven't replied

Some guests will miss the deadline. That's normal, and a friendly nudge is fine:

Hi Jess! We're finalizing numbers for Saturday. Will you be able to make it?

Keep it short and warm. Online RSVP tracking makes this easier because you can see exactly who hasn't answered instead of piecing it together from texts and emails.

Putting your wording to work

Once you've chosen your wording, put it on an invitation that collects the replies for you. With RSVPza's free online invitations, each guest gets a personal link to reply Yes, No or Maybe, add plus-ones if you allow them and leave a note. You see every answer and a running headcount in one dashboard, and guests can change their reply until your deadline.

Looking for a design to start from? Browse birthday invitations, wedding invitations or party invitations, or see how to send invitations on WhatsApp if that's where your guests are.