Recently, wedding invitations have included an RSVP card so that the couple can know how many people are attending their wedding ahead of time. While this is beneficial to the couple, what about the guests? And what about other wedding invitation trends? Let’s take a look at some pros and cons of adding RSVP cards to your wedding invitations.
They’re Traditional
Wedding invitations with RSVP cards are the most traditional way to request guests’ attendance on your big day. This method is foolproof and provides you with a physical record of who has and hasn’t responded to your invitation.
Plus, it’s more formal than other methods and can be kept as a physical memento from your wedding day. However, this method can be more expensive than others and is less eco-friendly. Paper invitations and RSVP cards require trees to be cut down for paper, ink to be used on said paper and envelopes, as well as gas or electricity for printing.
Furthermore, they require postage so that they’re delivered via mail or courier service. Even if these items were all made of recycled materials, it would still be an environmentally irresponsible choice due to the amount of energy expended in production.
Wedding invites that include RSVP might not provide enough space for people with dietary restrictions or those with special needs; there might not be enough lines available; it may feel like too much work (especially when using separate thank you notes), and those without a permanent address may find it difficult or frustrating because they’ll have to give their home address (which could change) before knowing whether they’ll actually receive an invite.
They’re Aesthetically Pleasing
The first thing you’ll notice about invitations with RSVP cards included is that they’re much more aesthetically pleasing than your average invite. They often come with matching envelopes, which can make a big difference in the overall look of your wedding stationery.
Another advantage of having RSVP cards included with your invitations is that it eliminates the need for guests to fill out and return a separate card. This can save you time and money, as well as prevent lost or misplaced cards.
However, there are also a few drawbacks to consider. For one, invitations with RSVP cards tend to be more expensive than those without. If budget is an issue, this may not be the best option for you.
Another disadvantage to keep in mind is that you will have less room on your invitation for details about what’s happening at your event if you include an RSVP card – especially if you plan on including meal options and ceremony times/dates. You might want to consider listing these things on another piece of paper or online instead.
All in all, though, whether or not to use an invitation with an attached RSVP card ultimately comes down to personal preference. It really depends on what feels right for your style and needs – but either way, we hope we’ve helped shed some light on the subject.
They’re Easier for Some Guests to Use
If you’re inviting guests who don’t live near you or who might have trouble getting a physical RSVP card, then an online form can be a great way to make things easier for them. The same goes for guests with busy schedules or who might forget to mail back an RSVP card on time.
On the other hand, some guests might prefer the traditional method of mailing back an RSVP card. They might feel like it’s more personal, or they might not be comfortable submitting their response online.
The bottom line is that there’s no right or wrong way to do things – it’s all about what works best for you and your guests. For example, if you’ve got lots of guests who are known for being reliable when it comes to responding to invitations, then you might want to consider an old-fashioned paper invitation with an RSVP card enclosed.
Similarly, if many of your friends are younger adults or international travelers (who may not have easy access to email), then an email invite could work well for you.
You’ll Get Quicker Responses
wedding invitations with an RSVP card mean that you can get a better idea of how many people will actually be attending your wedding. This can be helpful when it comes to making final arrangements with your venue and caterer.
On the other hand, some guests may feel like they are being asked to commit to attending your wedding too far in advance. This could lead to more guests declining your invitation than if you had not included an RSVP card.
Ultimately, it is up to you whether or not you want to include an RSVP card with your wedding invitations. If you are looking for a way to get a better idea of how many people will be attending, then go ahead and include one. Just make sure that you mention this on the invitation itself so that your guests know what to expect before opening it.
You also might want to send out save-the-dates at least six months before the event so that everyone has plenty of time to plan their schedules accordingly. It’s best to think about what type of event you’re hosting and invite appropriately.
For example, if it’s a larger formal affair, consider sending engraved invitations; for something more casual or less formal, opt for plain white cards with simple black print. Some couples even decide to forego wedding invites altogether by having an engagement party instead – which often includes plenty of paperless options as well.