example, someone named John Smith could complete it so the line reads “Mr. John Smith.”
The tradition comes from an era when formal titles were routinely used on wedding correspondence. Rather than printing several possible titles on the response card, stationers could simply provide the shared first letter “M.” Modern invitations sometimes replace the entire convention with a straightforward “Name(s)” line because it is easier to understand and accommodates guests who use other titles.
So there was no secret wedding code hiding on my invitation after all. The “M” simply prompts you to write your title and name, while the separate yes-or-no section tells the couple whether you will attend. Once you know what that tiny letter means, the strangely confusing RSVP card suddenly makes perfect sense.
