I think it’s amazing how much information is packed into so few lines:
{personal photo}
RSVP Deadline
We set the date one month before our wedding. This should give us enough time to hunt down those famous stragglers without being too stressed about it.
Names & Attendance
Although “M_________” is traditional, I chose to be explicit and called it “Name(s).” I felt that “M___” would be very confusing for those unfamiliar with the tradition, such as our Japanese guests. “Names” translates universally without mistake. For the “yay or nay” part we stayed traditional.
Menu Choice
Since not everyone enjoys the same food, we’ll have three different entrées. Everyone should be able to pick something that they like. We also asked about special dietary consideration (which really is just a nicer way of saying “food allergies”), because we are aware that some people on our guest list DO have them. (We asked ahead of time—our venue’s kitchen will accommodate special requests.)
Personal Message
I liked the idea that by adding a personal message, the RSVP would be more than a piece of paper with check marks to be thrown out after the wedding. My source of inspiration was Mrs. Lioness’s RSVP (see here and here). I tweaked her wording a bit to read “Please use the reverse of this card to provide well-wishes, family recipes, whimsical doodles, or marriage advice.”
What are you including on your RSVP?
Catch up on our wedding invitation details:
Good luck with the “please initial your choice of entree”…we had this on our invitations, and it was pretty funny how many different ways people filled it out! Especially funny was when two people in a couple actually had the same initials…
We used the line about the doodles too, and while a lot of people complimented us on it, a lot of people told us that since our RSVP required “homework” it took them a lot longer to send them back. Bizarre…
I like That you include the option for dietary considerations. How very thoughtful!
Love the last line on your cards, I bet your guests had fun with this!
@bridester: So far we’ve had no problems.. the overwhelming majority wants beef.
@priyathescientist: 
And in general… I have yet to see most of our RSVPs! Stupid LDR :p My FMIL is taking care of them and sends me regular updates…
If the grownups I sent invitations to cannot do something as simple as fill out a response card (pre- addressed and stamped) then I choose not to hunt down the people who did not respond by the set upon date. NO encoding, NO making phone calls, no emailing, NO!!!
There is a select group that will not need to reply because it is a given that they will attend. I am not a Bridezilla, but this is a simple social courtesy that most people should be able to handle!!!!
I’ve received quite a few back, and many of them have personal notes telling us how thrilled they are that we are getting married!!!!
Love your RSVP card, so simple and pretty, but packed with all the info needed!
Miss Bracelet, Frankfurt, Germany/Rapid City, SD Age and Occupation: 26, Post-Graduate Student Fiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Electrical Engineering Student/ Ex-Navy Cal Tech Engagement Date: May 11, 2011 Wedding Date: September 2012 Venue: Schloss Heiligenberg/ Spearfish Canyon Lodge About Me: I'm a half-American from Germany who fell in love with a wonderful guy from Montana. We met in Japan and have been in a LDR for most of our relationship. I love organizing so much that it could be my middle name (Post-Its, anyone?). I have a serious addiction to paper products and milk chocolate. My fiancé totally gets my tomboy-princess-combo personality and will bring me chocolate when I need a pick-me-up. After a legal ceremony in Germany, we're planning a down-to-earth (semi-destination) wedding with our friends and family in the US.
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