What couples should include in digital and printed RSVPs (with real examples + links to major international brands)

Planning a destination wedding is magical — but it comes with extra logistics. The RSVP becomes one of the most important tools to organise travel, accommodation, transport, meals, activities, and guest flow smoothly.

This guide breaks down what is mandatory, what is optional, and provides copy-and-paste examples, as well as links to well-known international wedding brands offering visual RSVP inspiration (great for SEO).

Mandatory information to include in an RSVP (digital or printed)

1. Response deadline

Essential to confirm suppliers, catering and logistics.
Example:

“Please respond by June 1, 2026.”

Reference with examples:
https://ellieandliv.com/2022/09/15/wording-for-wedding-rsvp-cards/

2. Guest name(s)

Prevents confusion and unwanted extra guests.
Example:

Name(s): __________________

More examples:
https://ellieandliv.com/2022/09/15/wording-for-wedding-rsvp-cards/

3. Attendance confirmation

Simple and clear.
Examples:

□ Joyfully accept(s)
□ Regretfully decline(s)

Or a casual version:

□ Can’t wait!
□ Sadly, I/we can’t attend.

Reference:
https://ellieandliv.com/2022/09/15/wording-for-wedding-rsvp-cards/

4. Number of guests / plus-ones

Important when managing accommodation and travel arrangements.
More wording examples:
https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-details-card-wording

5. Dietary restrictions

Mandatory for catering, especially when working with regional cuisine.

6. Transport logistics (crucial for destination weddings)

This is where things often get complicated.
Your RSVP should allow guests to indicate:

• Need for airport → hotel transfer
• Need for hotel → ceremony → reception transport
• Return shuttle
• Mobility or accessibility requirements

Example field:

Do you require transport?
□ Airport → Hotel
□ Hotel → Ceremony
□ Hotel → Reception
□ Return shuttle

7. Accommodation details

If the couple has secured hotel blocks, the RSVP should ask whether the guest will be using the arranged accommodation.

Optional — but extremely helpful for destination weddings

1. Arrival details

Perfect for coordinating shuttles and welcome teams.
Example:

Arrival: Flight number ______ Arrival time ______

2. Participation in extra events

Welcome dinner, boat tour, wine tasting, post-wedding brunch…
Ideal for organising headcounts and bookings.

3. Menu selection

Only if required by the caterer.

4. Dress code information

Especially important for outdoor venues, vineyards, beaches, mountains, etc.

5. Message to the couple

Optional but lovely — adds warmth to the RSVP.

Copy-and-paste RSVP templates (ready to use)

Formal Template

Please respond by ____.
Name(s): ____________
□ Joyfully accept(s)
□ Regretfully decline(s)
Number of guests: ___
Dietary requirements: ____________

Casual Template

Please RSVP by ____.
Name(s): ____________
□ We’re in!
□ Sadly can’t make it.
Allergies / dietary notes: ________

Destination Wedding Template

Kindly reply by ____.
Name(s): ____________
Number attending: ___
Dietary restrictions: ________
Arrival details: ________
Do you require transport?
□ Airport → Hotel
□ Hotel → Ceremony
□ Return shuttle
Will you join the extra events?
□ Welcome Dinner
□ Activity / Excursion
□ Brunch

International brands offering RSVP templates and visual inspiration

Excellent for linking in your blog post to boost SEO and provide helpful resources.

The Knot – global leader in wedding planning

Huge library of RSVP wording ideas and templates.
https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-rsvp-wording-ideas

Zola – ideal for digital RSVPs and wedding websites

Fantastic for destination weddings: includes travel, accommodation and schedule management.
https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website

Wix Weddings – customisable wedding website templates

Great for couples who want simple, elegant digital RSVPs.
https://pt.wix.com/website/templates/html/events/weddings

Banter & Charm – curated RSVP wording samples

Perfect for couples seeking timeless, elegant stationery.
https://banterandcharm.com/rsvp-card-wording-samples/

Ellie & Liv – visual examples and detailed RSVP copy

A great resource for classic and modern RSVP designs.
https://ellieandliv.com/2022/09/15/wording-for-wedding-rsvp-cards/

The end

In a destination wedding, an RSVP is far more than a simple “yes” or “no”. It’s a logistical tool that helps the couple — and the planner — organise transport, accommodation, meals, timelines, and activities smoothly.

The clearer and more complete the RSVP, the easier the entire experience becomes for guests traveling from abroad — and the more seamless the wedding day will be.