George Boyle
Planning a wedding can be stressful, and one of the most important things to consider is how to get your guests to RSVP. There are many options to choose from, including paper RSVP cards, digital RSVP cards, or a combination of both. While paper RSVP cards are traditional, digital options are becoming more popular and can save time and money. On the other hand, older guests may prefer a physical card, and they can add a personal touch to your wedding invitations. This article will explore the pros and cons of each option and provide tips for ensuring your guests respond.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Finalising headcounts for accurate responses to ensure sufficient seating, food, and arrangements. |
| RSVP Methods | Physical cards, digital links (e.g. QR codes), or a hybrid. |
| RSVP Details | Placed on a separate card for formal events or included on the main invitation for casual or digital invites. |
| RSVP Wording | Clear and simple, with a deadline and meal choices if needed. |
| RSVP Deadline | At least four weeks prior to the wedding to get an accurate headcount in time for preparations. |
| RSVP Response Time | Guests should respond within a week of receiving the invitation. |
| RSVP Updates | Online RSVPs allow guests to change their responses before the deadline. |
| RSVP Cards | Can be coordinated with the wedding colour scheme or theme. |
| Online RSVPs | Convenient, instant, and cost-saving, but may confuse less tech-savvy guests. |
| Paper RSVPs | Traditional, classic, and easier for older guests, but require additional postage costs. |
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What You'll Learn
RSVP cards are a wedding tradition
Paper RSVP cards are considered more traditional and classic. They are often included as separate inserts or enclosures with the wedding invitations. This allows guests to conveniently fill out their responses and mail them back. Paper RSVP cards can be customised to match the wedding colour scheme or theme, adding a memorable touch to the wedding communication.
On the other hand, online RSVPs offer a modern and convenient alternative. They eliminate the need for paper and postage costs, saving time and money. Online responses can be easily submitted from a phone or device, reducing the number of guests the couple needs to track down for replies. Additionally, online RSVPs allow guests to change their responses if their plans change, as long as it is before the deadline.
Regardless of the method chosen, certain considerations should be made. For paper RSVP cards, ensure that the cards are coordinated with the invitations and ordered in advance. Include pre-paid envelopes with the recipient's address printed on them to make it easier for guests to respond. For online RSVPs, provide clear instructions on how to respond, such as including a hyperlink or QR code with the invitations.
Ultimately, the decision to include RSVP cards or opt for online responses depends on the couple's preferences, budget, and guest demographics. It is important to consider the potential advantages and disadvantages of each option to make an informed choice.
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Online RSVPs are an option
There are a few ways to include online RSVPs on invitations. If you're sending digital wedding invitations, you can simply hyperlink to the online RSVP. If you're sending paper invitations, you can include a wedding QR code that guests can scan from their phones to submit a reply. If you're hesitant to use a QR code, make sure to include the full URL of your wedding website. You can also include a separate enclosure or response card with your paper invitation that directs guests to the online RSVP.
It's important to keep in mind that some guests may be less tech-savvy or not have access to the internet, so offering a hybrid of physical and digital RSVPs can be a good option. You can include mailable RSVP cards along with details for your wedding website so guests can choose the method they're most comfortable with.
When creating your online RSVP, make sure to include a clear deadline for responses and consider adding meal choices if you're serving a sit-down dinner. You can also include other helpful information such as dress code, parking, directions, and your contact information.
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Guests may not respond
It is inevitable that some guests will not respond to your wedding invitations, even if you include RSVP cards. Here are some tips to handle non-responsive guests:
Set a Clear RSVP Deadline
It is essential to set a clear RSVP deadline for your guests to respond by. This will help you organise your wedding plans, including finalising headcounts for seating, food, and other arrangements. Typically, it is recommended to give your invitees at least four weeks to respond, with a grace period of about seven days after the deadline. This buffer will allow you to follow up with guests who haven't replied yet.
Provide Multiple RSVP Options
To increase the chances of guests responding, consider offering multiple RSVP options, such as physical cards, digital links (QR codes or URLs), or a hybrid of both. This caters to guests who prefer traditional methods and those who find digital methods more convenient.
Polite Follow-up with Non-responders
If some guests still haven't responded after the grace period, it's time to politely follow up. Contact them via phone or email, explaining that you need to finalise numbers for your venue or caterers. Be gracious and understanding, as people may have forgotten, or their responses may have gotten lost in the mail.
Plan for a Few Stragglers
No matter how organised you are, there may still be a few guests who don't respond, even after your follow-ups. It is a good idea to plan for a small number of additional guests to accommodate these stragglers. This may involve some extra budgeting and coordination with your vendors.
Consider Your Guest Demographics
When deciding on your RSVP approach, consider the demographics of your guest list. For older guests or those less familiar with technology, paper RSVP cards and traditional methods may be more suitable. On the other hand, younger guests may prefer the convenience of digital RSVPs.
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Guests may need reminding
Guests may also need reminding of the date of the wedding. It's a good idea to include the time and date of the ceremony on the RSVP card, and to make sure that this information is presented clearly and unambiguously.
If you're offering guests a choice of entrées, it's a good idea to include this on the RSVP card, too. This will help your guests to stay organised, and make it easier for caterers to plan accurately. It's also a good idea to include a line for guests to note any dietary restrictions, to help accommodate allergies and preferences.
Finally, guests may need reminding of other important details, such as dress code, parking, and directions. It can also be helpful to include your phone number and email address on the RSVP card, in case guests have any questions or need to get in touch.
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You need to know numbers for the caterers
When it comes to your wedding day, you can be as traditional or offbeat as you like. However, there are a few rules to follow when it comes to invitations and RSVP cards. You need to know numbers for the caterers, so here are some tips to ensure you get an accurate headcount:
Firstly, it is crucial to give your invitees a clear deadline for their response. This will help you get an accurate idea of numbers and allow you to chase up anyone who hasn't replied in time. It is recommended that you give your invitees a grace period of about seven days after the initial deadline. You can politely contact them after this time, explaining that you need to let the caterers know the final numbers. It is also a good idea to give your invitees plenty of time to respond—a deadline of four weeks before the wedding is sensible.
Secondly, you need to decide whether to go for paper RSVP cards or online responses. Paper RSVP cards are traditional and are a good option if you have older guests who are less tech-savvy. However, online responses are convenient, save time and money, and are better for the environment. If you go for paper RSVP cards, you can include them with your invitations or use simple postcards, which are less expensive. If you opt for online responses, you can include a separate card with your invitations, letting guests know how to RSVP online, or add a small note on the invitation itself, asking guests to reply by a certain date to your wedding website.
Thirdly, whether you go for paper or online responses, there are some standard details you should include. You should give guests the option to accept or decline, with checkboxes being a classic choice. It is also helpful to include meal choices if you are serving a sit-down dinner, as this will help the caterers plan accurately. You can include checkboxes or lines for each guest's name and their preferred meal option, as well as a line for any dietary restrictions. Other helpful information to include is whether guests plan to use provided transportation, and you may also wish to include a message section for guests to add a personal note.
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Frequently asked questions
RSVP cards are not absolutely necessary, but they are the traditional way to collect your guests' replies. Without them, your guests won't be able to let you know if they can come, and you will be left guessing over guest numbers, dietary requirements, and meal choices.
In recent years, many RSVPs have gone digital, with couples asking guests to respond via an online platform or a section of their wedding website. You could include your email address, phone number, or a link to your wedding website on the invitation.
RSVP cards can be an expense, especially if you have a large guest list. You will need to buy a stamp for each RSVP envelope or postcard, and some guests may not bother to post a reply.
