"Want to Reply Promptly? Master the Correct Way to Write a Wedding RSVP!"

2018.01.30 published

The Newlyweds Have Sent Out Invitations! ✉️

When you receive an invitation to a wedding from the newlyweds, it is polite to send your reply card as soon as possible.

The number of attendees on your reply card will help them start preparing things like gifts and seating arrangements,

so aim to respond within one week of receiving the invitation!

If for some reason your schedule is uncertain until the last minute, it’s best to inform them by phone or email about your situation.

Reviewing the Proper Way to Write a Reply Card ✏️

Many of you might have written reply cards several times already, but

there are probably still many who double-check the proper way to write them online.

This time, let's introduce the correct way to write a wedding invitation reply card without any artistic embellishments.

You can use a ballpoint pen, but using a fountain pen or brush pen gives a more elegant impression.

Make sure to write in only black ink!

First, let's look at how to write on the front, where the address and recipient's name are located.

How to Write on the Front ✍️

On the front of the reply card, you'll find the newlyweds’ address and names.

You will see "行" after the recipient's name, but you should cross this out with two lines and add "様" instead.

This shows respect and conveys a polite attitude.

It’s best to use a ruler to make nice straight lines.

That’s it for the front of the reply card! Now, let’s move on to the back.

How to Write on the Back (Part 1) 🎉

Let's start with how to fill out the attendance section.

To show humility, you’ll negate your own actions with polite expressions.

If you are attending, circle only the “出席” part and cross out “御（ご）” and “御欠席（ご欠席）” with double lines.

Then, above in a slanted manner write “慶んで（喜んで）” and below in a slanted manner write “させていただきます”!

If you are unable to attend, circle the “欠席” part only, similarly cross out “御（ご）” with double lines,

and add “残念ながら” and “させていただきます” to follow proper etiquette.

How to Write on the Back (Part 2) 📝

The section for writing your address and name is typically labeled as “ご住所” or “御芳名（お名前）”.

Here again, cross out the polite terms “御（ご）” and “お” with nice double lines.

By the way, if it says “御芳名”, the term “御芳” is one word. Don’t forget to properly cross out up to “御芳”!

How to Write on the Back (Part 3) 💌

Finally, write a message! Some classic examples include:

- Congratulations on your wedding!

- Thank you for inviting me.

- I’m delighted to attend.

- I look forward to seeing you in your wedding dress,

- I can’t wait for the big day.

- Please let me know if there’s anything I can help with.

- I know you must be busy preparing, but please take care of your health.

It’s recommended to combine about 2 to 3 sentences for your message.

➡ Check this article for etiquette if you are unable to attend!

Conveying Your Well Wishes Through the Reply Card 💕

How was that? We introduced the correct way to write a wedding reply card.

While it's common to cross out “御（ご）” with double lines,

if you want to give a more elegant and noble impression, you could use the character “寿” written over it—a technique called寿消し.

Just be careful, as if you make a mistake, it may end up looking messy instead.

Let’s ensure we deliver the reply card with your heartfelt congratulations to the newlyweds as soon as possible! ♡

➡ Check out more articles on reply cards and reply card art!

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