I've seen so many different ways to word a response card. Some are crystal clear, some are long and wordy, and others are just down right confusing. I recommend that brides begin by thinking through what information they need to get from their guests. Here are some main categories that I see all the time. - Amount of guests attending or not - Children - Extra guests / plus ones - Menu options* - Ceremony vs. reception * I always advise keeping things as simple as possible and avoid adding lengthy descriptions, especially for menu options. 1) Here is the simplest form of asking guests if they are attending and that's all the information needed: __ Number attending __ Number unable to attend 2) This is the simplest and most respectful way to limit guests' invitees or plus ones, just the blank needs to be filled in: We have reversed __ seat(s) in your honor. __ Number attending __ Number unable to attend 3) If there will be a meal at the wedding it is best to keep the titles for each meal simple. For example "beef," "chicken," "pasta," "fish," or "salad." Also, I like to mention each guests' initials so the couple knows who's is who's. Please initial each guests' entrée selection: __ Beef __ Chicken __ Pasta 4) Some couples want to know how many children under 13 will be attending separate from the adults. There is no need to repeat the "unable to attend" line for the children as simple math will do the trick and keeping the format simple is best for guests. __ Number of adults attending __ Number of children under 13 attending __ Number unable to attend 5) There is a common theme happening with weddings these days. Many friends of the couple may not attend the ceremony and only attend the reception. This could be for a variety of different reasons. However, if this is a concern to the couple simple use this phrasing: __ Number attending the ceremony __ Number attending the reception __ Unable to attend These phrases will help for a majority of wording questions. In the comments feel free to ask questions about your specific situation! |