Q & A – No Reply Card?

QUESTION:

If you receive a formal Wedding Invitation and there is no mention of R.s.v.p or any response card, are you supposed to send a response?

-Leigh

ANSWER:

Hi, Leigh~

You had me stumped on this question, and that doesn’t happen very often!

I researched the topic, and came up with the most magnificent answer to your question here:

http://www.bremercommunications.com/new_page_5.htm

Responding to an Invitation:

Every invitation you receive requires a response. The exception to this rule is the invitation that asks you to pay money to attend, such as a benefit or auction. Every other invitation should receive a response from you within seven days.

Many formal invitations, including most wedding invitations, now include a reply card for your response. Send it back promptly, again within one week’s time. For the record, it wasn’t that long ago that enclosing a reply card was considered in poor taste. However, as most people have become remiss in their manners, it has now become necessary and quite acceptable to include this built-in “nudge.”

If no reply card is enclosed, RSVP instructions will be included in the lower left-hand corner. If there is a phone number, you may call to accept or regret. If only an address has been offered, you must write your response. Passing the host or hostess on the street or in the hallway and telling them, “I can be there,” doesn’t count. You must still respond according to the instructions on the invitation.

To respond in writing to a formal invitation, there are guidelines to follow. It should be handwritten using black ink and centered on white or ecru paper. It should also be written in the third person, just like the invitation:

Mr. and Mrs. Walter Johnson
accept with pleasure
Mrs. Allen’s
kind invitation for
Sunday, the second of June

or

Mr. And Mrs. Walter Johnson
sincerely regret that
due to their absence from the country
they are unable to accept
Mrs. Allen’s
kind invitation for
Sunday, the second of June

Notice that with the regret, an explanation is given for their absence.

To respond to an informal invitation that was issued in writing, email or via phone, you may respond in the same manner in which it was issued. However, if you must regret, the best choice is always to write a personal note or call, explaining why you’re unable to attend.

So, the final answer to your question is, YES! You should respond regardless of whether a reply card was included.

I hope you find this information helpful. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. And thank you to Jill Bremer, AICI, CIP of Bremer Communications for help in answering this question.

Happy planning!

~Eve-Maridy