Invitations often come with RSVP cards that include a peculiar prompt: a capital letter “M” followed by a blank line. For many people, this can be a source of confusion when responding to formal events such as weddings, galas, or other significant gatherings. This article aims to clarify the purpose of the “M” on RSVP cards, offer guidance on how to complete these cards correctly, and introduce contemporary alternatives that some hosts use to simplify the response process.

The letter “M” on RSVP cards is a traditional convention rooted in formal etiquette. It serves as the beginning of the title and name of the guest(s) responding. The “M” is meant as the first letter in titles such as Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Ms., allowing guests to complete it by writing their name after the letter. For example, a guest named John Smith would write “Mr. John Smith” starting with the printed “M” and adding the remainder. This practice helps the hosts clearly identify who is responding, especially when invitations are sent to multiple people.

Etiquette for Filling Out an RSVP Card