What does RSVP mean on a wedding invitation?

It stands for “répondez s’il vous plaît”, French for “please reply”. It asks guests to confirm whether they will attend.

When should the wedding RSVP deadline be?

About a month before. Caterers usually want final numbers two or three weeks ahead, and you need a week to chase late replies.

What do you do about guests who don’t RSVP?

Remind everyone a few days before the deadline, then message whoever is missing the day after.

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Wedding RSVP: collecting replies online

Felice Caricati · November 8, 2026 · 1 minute read

In short

RSVP stands for “répondez s’il vous plaît”, French for “please reply”. Online it works better than phone calls, because each guest replies when it suits them and you get every answer in one list. Ask only for what you need and set the deadline about a month before the wedding.

What to ask guests

Every extra question costs you a few replies. Ask only for what you will actually use to plan.

First and last name
Whether they are coming
How many people, children included
An email or phone number, to reach them if something is unclear
A free message, where they can also mention allergies or dietary needs

When to set the deadline

Start from your caterer or restaurant, who usually want final numbers two or three weeks before the day. Set the guests’ deadline about a week before that, so you have time to chase anyone who hasn’t replied.

Write the deadline clearly on the website and on the invitations, with the day of the week: “Please reply by Saturday 15 May”.

Getting the link to guests

Print a QR code on the invitations and send the link on WhatsApp to anyone who gets their invitation by hand, or doesn’t get one at all. Older guests often reply in person: note their answer in the guest list yourselves, so the count stays right.

Guests who don’t reply

A few days before the deadline, remind everyone. The day after, send a short message to whoever is still missing. Keeping the guest list next to the replies makes it easy to see who that is.

Privacy of the replies

Replies contain names, contact details and sometimes health information such as allergies. Choose a service that shows them only to you and deletes them after the wedding.

Frequently asked questions

What does RSVP mean on a wedding invitation?: It stands for “répondez s’il vous plaît”, French for “please reply”. It asks guests to confirm whether they will attend.
When should the wedding RSVP deadline be?: About a month before. Caterers usually want final numbers two or three weeks ahead, and you need a week to chase late replies.
What do you do about guests who don’t RSVP?: Remind everyone a few days before the deadline, then message whoever is missing the day after.