The Etiquette of the RSVP

Let's start with the meaning:  In English RSVP means "Please Respond".  The anagram is a French abbreviation for Repondez Vous Sil Vous Plait or "respond you please".

A little history:  As the seniors say, "in the olden days" people did not send response cards with their invitations.  Wedding invitations were answered in your own handwriting on your own stationery.  As people began to get busier they no longer had the time to write a written reply.  Since hosts and hostesses could not risk not receiving responses, they began to send reply cards with their invitations.  As more and more invitations were sent with reply cards, reply cards became more acceptable.  Today, they are sent with almost every wedding invitation.

There are many elements available when choosing how to present your response cards.  Traditionally, there is a response card and envelope.  If you want your guests to mail back the response cards, the envelopes must be pre-addressed and include the proper amount of postage.

If you are trying to cut down on costs another option would be post card style response card.  You can eliminate the response envelope and the postage is less.  While reply postcards are slightly less formal than response cards with envelopes, it’s still totally appropriate for a formal event.  Keep your post cards custom and coordinating by matching with the look and feel of your invitations. This really makes a big difference in the visual aspect of the cards as well as keeping them formal. 

Another modern development in wedding response cards is the option of allowing your guests to reply to an online wedding website. While not a traditional element, website response cards are very useful for your guests to respond, and provide additional information.

This option is more budget friendly because it gets rid of the response envelope and the return postage. There are a lot of wedding websites that are user friendly and free.  On the RSVP card you would direct your guests to visit your wedding website where they can reply online. This is an accurate way of getting a head count for your event which can be very helpful and cost effective if you are paying per person.  

Another reason why wedding websites are great is because you can provide more information to your guests that can sometimes be too much to add to your invitations such as information on other group events, accommodations, directions, local attractions, and miscellaneous information that might be useful to guests.

This can also help with the touchy subject of registry information which is considered to be very improper.  If you feel like you have to let people know where you are registered then you can list the information on your website. This is a much better way to get the word out.   

Now, Let's Get Inspired!

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Are You Ready To Have Your Wedding At Home?

A lot of the couples I am currently working with are interested in a smaller and more intimate ceremony and reception at home.  They feel like a smaller wedding would have more of a personal touch and it will allow them to save on costs.

When creating your budget, depending on how elaborate, these are some of the rentals that will be needed:  tables, chairs, linens, silverware, glassware, plates, and more.  The list can be as long or as short as you like based on your guest count.  Also keep in mind that you may have to consider a tent rental if you are having any part of your event outside.  Make sure you discuss these details thoroughly with your planner.

A formal wedding will require more decor than a casual one, so keep in mind the look you want for your wedding. Manicured lawns, flowers in the garden, and candles may be all you need for a gorgeous backdrop. For a more formal look, you can tent the backyard and string it with lights, or marry indoors surrounded by flowers & candles.

Your caterer, your band, and your lighting all need a source of electricity. Think about getting a generator or two as your home currents may not be powerful enough to handle this amount of voltage.

Bathrooms, bathrooms, don’t forget the bathrooms.  There are many upscale options that do not look like the portable restrooms that you see on the side of the road, so don't feel you're doing your guests a disservice with rentals.

 

If there is a library or church parking lot in the area this may be the way to go for parking.  You can rent a mini bus to transport your guests back and forth.  Create pick up times or your planner can communicate with the driver by walkie talkie. 

If there are areas in your home that you do not want your guests venturing off to you may want to rope them off, lock doors, or make decorated signs that say “Private” or “Do Not Enter”.  If your guests will be using the bathrooms in your home make sure you have those doors clearly marked. 

Now that I’ve given you something to think about before having your wedding at home,

Let’s Get Inspired!

Backyard Elegant Wedding

Garden Themed Wedding

 Intimate Inspiration

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