What Does the "M" Mean on an RSVP Card?

 

A Gentle Guide to Formal Etiquette

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Oh, my dear friend, if you've ever received a beautiful wedding invitation and paused at the RSVP card, wondering what that simple letter "M" is asking for, you are certainly not alone. It's one of those lovely, old-fashioned etiquette details that can feel a bit mysterious if you haven't encountered it before.

Let me gently demystify it for you.

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The Simple Answer

The "M" on an RSVP card is a traditional etiquette prompt. It stands for the first letter of your preferred title, such as:

• Mr.

• Mrs.

• Ms.

• Miss

• Mx. (a gender-neutral option)

It is simply a cue to let you know where to write your name(s) and how you would like to be addressed. The blank line following the "M" is where you write your full name and title.

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How to Fill It Out

Filling out the RSVP is wonderfully straightforward. You simply complete the line by writing your title and name(s) in the space provided.

Here are a few examples to make it clear:

• Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

• Ms. Jane Doe and Guest

• Mx. Alex Taylor

• Dr. and Mr. Sarah and David Jones

If you are responding for yourself and a guest, you write both names. If you are responding alone, you write just your own.

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Why Do RSVP Cards Use an "M"?