Rsvping Made Easy: Linking Your Wedding Website

Wedding planning can be a stressful affair, but thankfully there are many online tools to help you manage your guest list and send out invitations. In this day and age, it is becoming more common to ask guests to RSVP to your wedding online, and there are many services that can help you do this.

How to create a wedding website

Creating a wedding website is a great way to communicate essential details about your big day to your guests. Here are some steps to help you create a comprehensive and aesthetically pleasing wedding website:

Choose a Website Builder:

Select a user-friendly website builder that offers customizable templates, RSVP functionality, and other features like photo galleries and password protection. Some popular options include The Knot, Minted, and Joy.

Select a Design and Customise:

Choose a website design that complements your wedding's style and colour scheme. Customise the layout, colour palette, and font to match your wedding stationery and personal taste. You can also add your engagement photos to give it a personal touch.

Create a Custom URL:

Opt for a custom URL that is easy to remember and includes your names, e.g., "couplename.com" or "MarkandAnna.minted.us." This will make it simpler for guests to access your site and give it a more personalised feel.

Add Wedding Details:

Your website should be a one-stop shop for all the information your guests need. Include event itineraries, travel and accommodation suggestions, dress codes, and directions. You can also add sections for your love story, wedding party bios, and FAQs to make it more engaging.

Set Up an RSVP Page:

A significant benefit of wedding websites is the ability to digitally manage RSVPs. Create an RSVP page where guests can respond, indicate dietary restrictions, and provide other necessary information. This will make it easier for you to track responses and plan accordingly.

Share Your Registry:

Including registry information on your website is a convenient way to inform guests about your gift preferences without including it on the invitation. Most website builders allow you to link to traditional gift registries or create cash registries for things like honeymoon funds.

Share Your Website:

Include your wedding website URL or a QR code on your save-the-date cards, invitations, or via email. This will direct guests to your site, where they can find all the information they need. It's also a good idea to share the website with your immediate family and wedding party in case guests have questions.

Remember, you don't need to have all the details finalised before launching your website. You can add and update information as you go, ensuring your guests always have access to the latest details.

How to add an RSVP link to a wedding website

There are many benefits to asking your wedding guests to RSVP through your wedding website. You won't have to worry about anything getting lost in the mail, and you won't have to manually keep track of responses. It's also a great option for eco-friendly weddings, although it's worth noting that going paperless isn't the only way to make your celebration more environmentally friendly.

If you're creating a wedding website, you can include an RSVP link on your website. Here's how to add an RSVP link:

Choose an RSVP website or platform

There are many websites and platforms that offer RSVP functions, such as The Knot, RSVPify, and Joy. Some platforms may offer additional features such as custom data collection, guest list management, and email communications. You can compare the features and pricing of different platforms to find the one that best suits your needs.

Set up your wedding website

After choosing a platform, create your wedding website by selecting a template and customising it to match your wedding style and theme. You can add important details such as your schedule, registry, accommodations, and wedding party information.

Add the RSVP link

Your chosen platform will provide you with a link or URL for your wedding website. This link can be included on your printed wedding invitations or on a separate enclosure or response card. You can also include a QR code that guests can scan to access your wedding website and RSVP.

Manage and track RSVPs

With an online RSVP system, you can easily manage and track responses. You'll receive notifications when guests respond, and your guest list will be automatically updated. You can also use custom tags to organise your guest list and send targeted communications. Additionally, you can set deadlines and reminders for RSVPs to ensure you receive responses in a timely manner.

Consider offering multiple RSVP options

While digital RSVPs are convenient and cost-effective, it's important to consider that some older loved ones may not be comfortable using a website to RSVP. In this case, you can offer both digital and paper RSVP options. You can also include a phone number as an alternative, allowing guests to call or text their responses.

By following these steps, you'll be able to effectively add an RSVP link to your wedding website and streamline the process of collecting and managing your guest responses.

How to word an RSVP request

The wording of your wedding RSVP cards should ideally match the style of your wedding invitations. Whether your wedding is traditional, formal, or informal, you can adapt your RSVP wording accordingly. Here are some tips and examples to help you word your RSVP request:

Tone and Style

The RSVP card is an extension of your personality and style. Embrace your wedding theme, aesthetic, and narrative in the design and wording. This is your chance to inject creativity and fun into your wedding stationery.

Clear Deadline

Give your guests a clear deadline for responding. It is recommended to set the RSVP date one month or four weeks before the wedding date. This will give you enough time to finalise details with your vendors and make the planning process smoother. If you are having a destination wedding, allow some extra time for guests to confirm their travel arrangements.

Matching Stationery

For a cohesive and elegant presentation, ensure that your RSVP cards match the style and design of your wedding invitations. Pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelopes are convenient for your guests and add a thoughtful touch.

Essential Information

The RSVP card should include the following:

• A clear deadline for responses
• A way for guests to indicate their attendance or decline
• Space for guests to write their names and the number of attendees, including any plus-ones
• Any dietary requirements or meal preferences

Additional Information

You may also include:

• Contact details such as phone number and email address
• A reminder of your wedding website URL
• Dress code information
• Space for guests to write special accommodations or notes

Creative Wording Ideas

Break away from traditional wording like "Accepts with Pleasure/Regretfully Declines" and add a personal touch. Here are some creative and fun wording ideas:

• "Will be there with bells on / Will be there free of bells"
• "Ready to eat, drink, and see you get married! / No, party on without me"
• "Yes, let's live it up / No, and I'll forever regret this decision"
• "Will be there, and will not be square / Will not be there, and therefore am square"
• "Heck Yeah! We'll be there! / Bummer, we can't make it!"
• "Ready for take-off! / Sending best wishes"

Online RSVP Wording

If you are using a wedding website for RSVPs, clearly instruct your guests on how to respond. Here are some examples:

• "Kindly respond by [date] using the following website: [wedding website URL]"
• "Please visit our website to respond by [date]: [wedding website URL]"
• "RSVP online at [wedding website URL] by [date]"

How to track RSVPs

Tracking RSVPs is an essential part of wedding planning. Here are some tips to help you stay organised and make the process as smooth as possible:

Opt for Online RSVPs

Online RSVPs are a convenient and efficient way to keep track of your wedding guest list. Instead of sorting through piles of response cards, you can simply use an online system to see who is attending and who isn't. Online RSVPs can also help prevent uninvited guests from being added to the list, which happens more often than you might think. Many couples choose to create a wedding website with an RSVP function, such as The Knot, Joy, or Minted, which allows guests to respond digitally.

Create a Spreadsheet

A spreadsheet is a great tool to help you stay organised, especially if you're not using an online RSVP system. Include all your invitees' contact information, the date you sent their invitation, and their RSVP status. This will make it easier to follow up with guests who haven't responded by the deadline. You can use a platform like Google Sheets, which offers a free wedding planning template, or RSVPify, which provides easy-to-use spreadsheet software.

Have a Follow-up Plan

It's likely that some guests won't RSVP on time, so it's important to have a follow-up strategy in place. Decide how you will contact these guests—will you send a text, give them a call, or send an email? Be sure to account for follow-up time when setting your RSVP deadline.

Pick the Right RSVP Deadline

Choose an RSVP date that gives you ample time to follow up with non-responders and provide final guest counts to your vendors. It's recommended to give yourself at least a week between the RSVP deadline and when you need to provide guest counts.

Additional Tips

• If you're offering both digital and paper RSVP options, include a pre-addressed and stamped envelope with your invitations for guests to return their response cards.
• You can use the responses from guests who accept to help create your seating chart.
• If you're expecting a large number of guests, consider using a platform like RSVPify, which allows guests to submit RSVPs for multiple events and provides custom data collection.
• If you're comfortable with technology, you can also ask guests to respond to a wedding email, which saves on extra cards and postage.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to a stress-free RSVP tracking experience for your big day!

How to set an RSVP deadline

Setting an RSVP deadline is an important part of wedding planning. Here are some tips on how to set an effective RSVP deadline:

Choose a deadline that gives you enough time:

The RSVP deadline should ideally be set for two to four weeks before your wedding day. This gives you and your partner enough time to finalise the seating chart and share the final guest count with your vendors, including the caterer, transportation company, and wedding planner. It's also a good idea to give guests ample time to decide and respond, especially if they need to make travel arrangements.

Consider your vendors' needs:

Before setting the RSVP deadline, communicate with your vendors, especially your caterer and venue, to understand when they will need the final headcount. This will ensure that they can plan and provide their services effectively.

Account for late responses:

Unfortunately, some guests may respond after the deadline or not at all. To accommodate this, consider setting your deadline a week or two before the date your vendors need the final headcount. This buffer will give you time to follow up with late responders and ensure an accurate guest count for your vendors.

Send invitations with plenty of time:

The timing of sending out invitations is crucial. It's recommended to mail invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding, giving guests about a month to respond. This timeframe strikes a balance between not being too early, so guests don't forget, and not being too close to the wedding, so they don't delay their response.

Be clear and engaging:

When setting the RSVP deadline, ensure the date is clearly visible and legible on the invitation card. You can also include an engaging call to action on the response card, such as "RSVP with a song that will keep you on the dance floor" or "RSVP with your favourite memory of the bride and groom." This encourages a timely response and adds a personal touch.

Provide multiple response options:

To make it convenient for your guests, offer multiple ways to respond, such as mail-in cards, digital submissions through your wedding website, email, or phone calls. This increases the likelihood of timely responses and caters to guests' varying preferences and comfort levels with technology.

By following these steps, you can effectively set an RSVP deadline that works for you and your guests, ensuring a smoother wedding planning process and a well-organised celebration.

Frequently asked questions