When To Send Out Wedding Rsvps

Finalising the guest list and sending out wedding invitations are two big steps in the wedding planning process, but the work doesn't end there. The next step is waiting for your guests to RSVP, which can be a tricky and frustrating process. It's important to give your guests enough time to make their arrangements and respond, but you also need to ensure you have everyone's response well before the wedding to finalise your plans. So, how far in advance should you make your RSVP for a wedding?

How far in advance should you request RSVPs?

When it comes to requesting RSVPs for your wedding, timing is crucial. Asking for RSVPs too early may result in guests putting off responding and then forgetting, while requesting them too late can cause chaos in your wedding planning. So, how far in advance should you request RSVPs?

For an average, non-destination wedding, it is recommended to send out invitations at least six to eight weeks before the wedding, giving your guests four to five weeks to respond. This allows your guests enough time to make travel arrangements if necessary and gives you an idea of your guest count. Setting an RSVP deadline of three to four weeks before the wedding strikes a balance between giving your guests enough time to respond and ensuring you have the numbers you need for vendors and seating arrangements.

However, some sources suggest sending invitations and requesting RSVPs a little earlier. Sending invitations 10-12 weeks before the wedding and setting an RSVP deadline of six weeks before can give you more time for planning and allow you to invite guests from your backup list if needed. It is essential to clearly communicate the RSVP deadline on your invitations and wedding website to ensure guests are aware.

For destination weddings, more advance notice is required. Invitations should be sent out at least ten to twelve weeks before the wedding, and RSVPs should be requested within a month of the wedding. This longer lead time is crucial for making accommodation arrangements and coordinating with out-of-town vendors.

Regardless of the type of wedding, it is important to give your guests enough time to respond and be mindful of your own planning needs. It is also a good idea to follow up with guests who haven't responded by the deadline, as this can help speed up the process and ensure you have your final guest count in a timely manner.

What is the recommended timeline for sending out invites?

Sending out wedding invites in a timely manner is crucial to finalising the guest list and ensuring everyone can make the necessary arrangements. Here is a recommended timeline to follow:

6-8 Weeks Before the Wedding

It is recommended to send out invitations at least six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to prepare and make any necessary travel arrangements. Sending invitations within this timeframe also ensures that guests take action and don't assume it's too early to respond.

4-5 Weeks Before the Wedding

Give your guests four to five weeks to RSVP. This is a reasonable amount of time for people to decide if they can attend and finalise any travel plans.

2-3 Weeks Before the Wedding

Set the RSVP deadline for the wedding around two to three weeks before the big day. This gives you enough time to chase any late responses and finalise the guest list. It is also important for sharing the final guest count with your caterer, venue, and other vendors.

1 Week Before the Wedding

At this point, it is crucial to follow up with any guests who have not yet responded. It is recommended to give them a gentle reminder and express your enthusiasm for their attendance. This will help you get a more accurate headcount for the final preparations.

For Destination Weddings

If you are planning a destination wedding, it is advisable to send out invitations earlier, around ten to twelve weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests, especially those travelling from abroad, ample time to make the necessary arrangements. It is recommended to set the RSVP deadline for about one month before the wedding.

In summary, sending out invitations and setting an RSVP deadline requires careful consideration. The recommended timeline ensures that you, as a couple, have enough time to plan and finalise details, while also giving your guests the necessary time to prepare and respond.

What is the RSVP deadline for an average wedding?

The RSVP deadline for an average wedding is typically around three to four weeks before the wedding. This gives the couple enough time to finalise the guest list, create a seating plan, and share the final guest count with their vendors. It is recommended that invitations are sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding, giving guests four to five weeks to respond.

For destination weddings, it is advised to send invitations ten to twelve weeks in advance and request RSVPs a month before the wedding. This longer lead time allows for additional travel arrangements to be made.

It is important to set an RSVP deadline and stick to it. While it can be frustrating waiting for guests to respond, it is necessary to allow for planning to progress, such as confirming numbers with the venue and caterers.

Some sources suggest that the sweet spot for an RSVP deadline is around three to four weeks before the wedding. This balances the need to provide guests with enough time to respond while also ensuring there is sufficient time to organise final details.

It is recommended that a clear RSVP date is included on the invitation, and digital RSVPs can help speed up the process.

What is the RSVP deadline for a destination wedding?

Planning a destination wedding comes with its own unique set of challenges, and setting an RSVP deadline is one of them. While you want to give your guests enough time to plan their travels, you also need to ensure you have an accurate headcount for your vendors. So, what is the ideal deadline for RSVPs for a destination wedding?

Recommended Timeline for Destination Wedding RSVPs

The general recommendation for destination weddings is to send out invitations at least 10 to 12 weeks before the wedding, with an RSVP deadline of around four to six weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests sufficient time to make travel arrangements and allows you to finalise details with your vendors.

However, it's important to note that some sources suggest sending invitations even earlier, around four months in advance, especially if you want to give guests a heads-up before the busy holiday season.

Factors Affecting RSVP Deadlines

There are a few factors to consider when setting your RSVP deadline:

• Vendor requirements: Your caterer, venue, and other vendors will require a final headcount by a certain date. Be sure to coordinate with them and give yourself enough time to gather RSVPs and provide an accurate count.
• Travel arrangements: If you've secured a group rate for your guests through a travel agent, they will need a final headcount to book. Communicate with your travel agent to determine their deadline.
• Guest convenience: Keep in mind that some guests may not be able to commit too far in advance, especially if they need to request time off work. A deadline that is too early may result in changes later on.

Tips for a Smooth RSVP Process

To ensure a smooth and timely RSVP process:

• Communicate clearly: Make the RSVP date crystal clear on your invitations and wedding website.
• Provide multiple response options: Offer digital RSVP options through your website or text, in addition to physical RSVP cards.
• Send reminders: Send friendly reminders about a week before the RSVP deadline to prevent guests from forgetting.

What to Do After the Deadline

Even with the best planning, there may be guests who miss the RSVP deadline. It is recommended to wait about a week after the deadline before sending follow-ups. A friendly phone call or text is a polite way to nudge those who haven't responded yet.

In conclusion, the RSVP deadline for a destination wedding should be set with consideration for both your guests' travel needs and your own planning requirements. By setting a clear deadline and staying organised, you'll be well on your way to a well-planned celebration.

What to do if a guest doesn't RSVP

When it comes to sending out wedding invitations, it is recommended that you do so at least eight to twelve weeks in advance of the wedding day. This gives guests enough time to prepare and reply. According to RSVP etiquette, guests should respond at least six weeks before the wedding, so that you have time to confirm the attendance number with your venue and even invite people from your backup list.

Now, what happens if a guest doesn't RSVP? Here are some steps you can take:

• Send a Reminder: A week before the RSVP deadline, send a gentle reminder via email or text. Let them know you're excited about the wedding and politely remind them of the RSVP date. This will give them a nudge to respond without making it seem like you're chasing them down.
• Make a Phone Call: If the RSVP deadline has passed and you still haven't heard from certain guests, pick up the phone and give them a call. It's a more direct approach that shows you're serious about getting their response. They might have forgotten or felt embarrassed about not being able to attend, so a phone call can help clear things up.
• Send a Final Text: If you still haven't received a response after trying to reach them by phone, send a final text message. Let them know that since you haven't heard from them, you're assuming they can't make it. Give them a deadline, such as the end of the day, to respond and let you know if they are planning to attend.
• Assume Non-Attendance: If you've tried all the above methods and there's still no response, it's safe to assume that they aren't coming. You can't put your plans on hold indefinitely, so after a week or so of no response, mark them as a "no."
• Have a Few Extra Chairs: While you can assume non-attendance for planning purposes, there's always a chance that some non-responders might turn up unannounced. To avoid any awkwardness, it's a good idea to have a few extra chairs just in case. However, if your caterer can't provide meals for them, that's not your fault!

Frequently asked questions