Including a response card with your vow renewal invitations is a practical way to gather RSVPs and keep an accurate count of attendees. Whether your event is formal or casual, a well-worded response card will simplify the RSVP process for your guests and ensure you have a clear headcount for your celebration. Below, we’ll walk you through how to word a vow renewal response card, covering both formal and casual options, as well as practical tips for collecting RSVPs.

Why Include a Response Card?

A response card (also known as an RSVP card) provides a structured way for guests to reply to your invitation. By including it in your vow renewal invitation, you make it easier for guests to confirm their attendance and for you to track your guest count. Here are some reasons why including a response card is important:

• Easy Guest Management: A response card makes it easy to keep track of who is attending and who isn’t. This helps with seating arrangements, catering, and overall planning.
• Polite Reminder: For guests who may forget to RSVP, a formal response card serves as a polite nudge.
• Guest Preferences: You can also use response cards to gather additional information, such as meal preferences or special requests.

Pro Tip: If you’re hosting a more casual vow renewal, consider allowing guests to RSVP via email or phone. For a formal event, response cards are typically expected.

Formal Vow Renewal Response Card Wording

For a formal vow renewal, your response card should match the tone and style of your invitation. Use traditional wording and a clean, elegant layout that complements the rest of your stationery.

Here’s an example of how to word a formal vow renewal response card

The favor of your reply is requested by March 1, 2024

M ___________________________________

___ Accepts with pleasure

___ Regrets with sadness

Formatting Tips for Formal Response Cards

• Pre-addressed and Stamped Envelope: It’s customary to include a pre-addressed, stamped envelope with your response card for guests to mail back their RSVPs.
• Include a Response Deadline: Be sure to include a date by which guests should reply, typically about three to four weeks before the event.
• Meal Selection: If you’re offering a choice of meals, include space for guests to indicate their preferences.

Pro Tip: The “M” at the beginning of the name line is a formal tradition that stands for “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” or “Ms.” Guests will fill in the rest of their name after the “M.”

Casual Vow Renewal Response Card Wording

For a more casual vow renewal, you can take a relaxed approach to your response cards. Use a friendly tone and consider allowing guests to RSVP via phone or email. Casual response cards may also be less structured, focusing on the essentials.

Here’s an example of casual wording for a vow renewal response card

We hope you’ll join us for our vow renewal!

Please RSVP by March 1, 2024

Name(s) ___________________________________

___ We’ll be there!

___ Sorry, we can’t make it.

Please RSVP by email at [email@example.com] or by phone at [Phone Number]

Formatting Tips for Casual Response Cards

• No Envelope Necessary: If you’re asking guests to RSVP by email or phone, there’s no need to include a separate envelope.
• Simplified Layout: Keep the design minimal and fun to reflect the casual nature of the event.
• Direct Contact: Include clear instructions for how guests can RSVP, whether through email, phone, or even a website.

Pro Tip: If you prefer a fully digital approach, consider creating a simple RSVP form on a website or using an event management tool that allows guests to RSVP online.

Additional Information You Can Include on a Response Card

Depending on the nature of your vow renewal, you may need to gather additional information from guests. Here are a few ideas for what else to include on your response card:

• Meal Selections: If your vow renewal includes a sit-down meal, you can ask guests to indicate their meal preference. Example:
  Please select your entrée:
  ___ Chicken
  ___ Beef
  ___ Vegetarian
• Plus-One Confirmation: If your invitation allows guests to bring a plus-one, include a space for them to indicate whether they’ll be bringing a guest.
• Special Requests: You can also include a line for guests to provide any dietary restrictions or special requests, ensuring everyone is accommodated.

Pro Tip: Use your response card as a way to gather useful information, but avoid overcrowding the card. Stick to the essentials to keep the design clean and easy to follow.

Designing Your Vow Renewal Response Card

Your response card should match the design and style of your invitation to create a cohesive look. Here are some design tips:

• Paper Stock: Use the same paper stock as your invitation for consistency.
• Font and Colors: Choose fonts and colors that match your invitation suite. For formal events, opt for classic, elegant fonts; for casual events, you can use more playful designs.
• Size: Typically, response cards are smaller than the invitation—usually around 3.5 x 5 inches in size.

Pro Tip: If you’re including response cards as part of a formal invitation suite, keep the overall theme and color palette in mind for a polished presentation.

Final Thoughts on Vow Renewal Response Cards

Whether formal or casual, response cards help streamline your guest list and ensure your vow renewal goes off without a hitch. By providing a clear and easy way for guests to RSVP, you’ll save yourself time and stress in managing your event. Choose the wording, design, and format that best suits your vow renewal, and don’t forget to follow up with guests who haven’t responded by your requested date.