The Dos and Don'ts When Creating Your Reply Cards

There are so many details to creating the perfect wedding invitation! One very important piece in your wedding suite is the Reply Card. We cannot stress enough the importance of the reply card! This little card will ensure that you are clear as to who is coming and who is not which is information you'll need to share with your venue and caterer. Here are 10 Dos and Don'ts that you should remember when creating your reply card. 

1. Do ensure it's the right size. Reply cards are typically 3.5" x 5" and the envelope is a standard A1 3.5" x 4 7/8." This is the smallest size that the post office will mail. You can go bigger of course with your design but you can't go smaller.  

2. Do make sure that the wording is clear! Reply cards must have 2 important components: 1. a place for your guest(s) to write his or her name and 2. a place to indicate whether they are attending or not. The traditional form has an M and then a line. Most people understand that is where you write Ms. (or Mrs.) Jane Smith or Mr. John Smith. But you can also have a section that says Guest(s) and a line. Make sure the line is long enough for them to write both names. In order to indicate their attendance - they can either check or circle yes or no but it needs to clear!   

3. Do have a reply by date. If you don't have a date listed, everyone will procrastinate or forget! We suggest 3-4 weeks before the wedding date. People are used to looking for that date. If you are mailing your wedding invitation very close to your wedding date then it's perfectly acceptable to list an email on the reply card. 

4. Don't give your guest too much time to reply. If you give them too much time, it will get forgotten!   

5. Do feel free to list entree choices. You can use illustrations are just wording. No need to get specific about the food choices - that's for your day-of menu. You can simply list meat (steak), fish or vegetarian. 

6. Do make sure your return address is correct! Check, double check and then triple check. When you are approving the proof, it's your responsibility to ensure the return address is right. It's no fun realizing that your reply cards are going to a house across town. 

7. Do put a stamp on the envelope: This is proper etiquette but it also ensures for fast delivery as your guests don't have to hunt for a stamp! Have fun selecting beautiful ones that match your design aesthetic but do make sure it's the right postage. If you have a square reply card- you may need to add more postage- check with the post office to confirm how much it will cost before you send your invitations.