Get Your Wedding Rsvps: Tips And Tricks

Getting people to RSVP to your wedding can be a tricky task. Here are some tips to help you get those responses rolling in. Firstly, give your guests multiple RSVP options, such as online or via a response card, so they can choose whichever method they're most comfortable with. It's also a good idea to include a pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelope with each RSVP card to make it easier for your guests to send their responses back to you. When it comes to the wording on your RSVP card, it's important to be clear and specific. For example, you might want to indicate the exact number of guests invited to avoid any misunderstandings. Finally, give your guests enough time to plan and respond by sending out your invitations at least 3-4 months in advance for a local wedding, or 6-8 months for a destination wedding.

Make it easy: provide a pre-addressed, pre-stamped envelope or offer digital RSVP options

Making it easy for your guests to RSVP is a surefire way to increase the likelihood of receiving responses. One way to do this is to provide a pre-addressed, pre-stamped envelope with each invitation. The envelopes for your RSVP cards should have the name(s) and address of whoever is handling the RSVPs on the front. This could be you and your partner, either of your parents, your wedding planner, or someone in the wedding party. If you're handling the RSVPs yourselves, you may address the cards with both your full names or just one person's name if you and your partner live separately. A cute alternative is "The future [insert last name]s" if you're choosing to share a last name.

It is also customary to include a stamp on each envelope so your guests don't need to pay for postage. Couples should set an RSVP deadline of around four weeks before their wedding date to give themselves and their vendors ample time to coordinate last-minute details impacted by the total guest count, such as the amount of food and drinks needed and the seating chart.

Another way to make it easy for your guests to RSVP is to offer digital RSVP options. Digital RSVPs have gained significant popularity in recent years and have become the go-to option for many events. You can include the RSVP link on your wedding website or embed your registration form on another website. You can also include the link on a separate enclosure or response card within the invitation.

Digital RSVPs are convenient and cost-effective for both you and your guests. They also allow you to track responses in real-time and make changes if necessary. However, it's important to keep in mind that less tech-savvy guests might find it confusing, so it's a good idea to offer both digital and paper RSVP options.

Give guests a deadline, ideally four weeks before the wedding

Setting an RSVP deadline for your wedding guests is crucial to finalising the details of your big day. Here are some reasons why giving guests an RSVP deadline, ideally four weeks before the wedding, is essential:

Finalising Details

It's important to give your guests enough time to respond, but also to allow yourself enough time to follow up with anyone who hasn't responded by the deadline. By setting the deadline four weeks in advance, you'll have time to confirm the final guest count with your caterer, venue, and other vendors. This will help you finalise details such as the number of table settings, entrees, wedding favours, and escort cards.

Reducing Stress

The weeks leading up to your wedding will be busy, and the last thing you want is to spend time chasing down RSVPs. Giving guests a clear deadline will help you avoid having to follow up with too many people at the last minute. It also ensures that your guests know their presence is important to you and makes them more likely to respond promptly.

Allowing for Travel Arrangements

If you're inviting guests from out of town, they will need time to make travel arrangements. A deadline of four weeks gives them ample time to plan their trip without feeling rushed.

Accuracy

A deadline of four weeks before the wedding strikes a balance between giving guests enough time to respond and not leaving too much time between the invitation and the deadline. This reduces the risk of guests forgetting to respond or feeling pressured to decline due to a rushed decision.

Practical Considerations

When setting the RSVP deadline, consider the timing of your wedding invitations. It's recommended to send invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to make plans and arrange travel if necessary, without being so far in advance that they forget or lose the invitation.

In summary, setting an RSVP deadline of four weeks before your wedding is ideal for keeping your planning on track, reducing stress, and ensuring an accurate guest count to finalise the details of your big day.

Include the RSVP date in multiple locations

Including the RSVP date in multiple locations is a great way to ensure your guests don't miss the deadline. Here are some tips to help you effectively communicate the RSVP date to your wedding guests:

Wedding Invitations

The wedding invitation is the primary place to include the RSVP date. It is recommended to have the RSVP deadline set around four weeks before the wedding date. This gives you enough time to finalise the guest list and share the final numbers with your caterer and other vendors. When creating your invitations, clearly state the RSVP deadline and provide instructions on how guests can respond, such as via email, website, text, or phone call.

Save-the-Date Cards

If you are sending out save-the-date cards, you can include a brief mention of the RSVP deadline. This serves as an early reminder for guests to keep the date free and plan their attendance. However, it is important to only include information that is confirmed, as save-the-date cards are typically sent out 6 to 12 months in advance.

Wedding Website

Creating a wedding website is an excellent way to centralise all the information about your wedding. Include the RSVP deadline on your website, along with other details such as the location, type of reception, accommodation suggestions, and itinerary. You can also use the website to collect RSVPs digitally, making it convenient for both you and your guests to track responses.

Enclosure or Response Cards

If you prefer to receive paper RSVPs, you can include a separate enclosure or response card with your wedding invitation. This card should have the RSVP deadline clearly stated, along with any other relevant information such as meal preferences or dietary restrictions. Pre-address and pre-stamp the response envelopes to make it easier for guests to respond.

Follow-up Reminders

Despite your best efforts, some guests may still forget to RSVP by the deadline. To mitigate this, you can send friendly reminders a week or so before the deadline. This can be done via phone, text, email, or by adding a note to your wedding website. Following up with guests will help ensure you receive timely responses and finalise your guest list without delays.

Provide a phone number or email address for less tech-savvy guests

It is important to consider that some of your loved ones might not be tech-savvy and may find it confusing to RSVP through your wedding website. Therefore, it is a good idea to provide a phone number or email address as an alternative option for them to submit their reply. This way, they can choose whichever method they are most comfortable with.

If you decide to include a phone number, you can use Google Voice to generate a single phone number where your guests can leave their RSVPs, contact you with questions, or allow you to contact all of your guests simultaneously. Google Voice is free and offers a range of features such as custom greetings, call blocking, and the ability to accept and send text messages. Alternatively, you can appoint a member of the wedding party to handle phone RSVPs.

If you prefer to provide an email address, you can include it on your wedding invitations or enclosure cards. This way, guests can communicate their attendance by sending an email. Make sure to appoint someone to regularly check the email inbox and respond to any queries.

Another option is to include a physical response card, or "RSVP card," in the envelope with your wedding invitation. This card is pre-addressed and pre-stamped, allowing guests to fill in their names, whether they can attend, and any meal choices, if applicable, and then mail it back to you. This traditional method ensures that guests of all ages and technological abilities can easily respond to your invitation.

Make your RSVP card fun with creative wording

RSVP cards are a critical part of your wedding stationery suite. While they serve the practical purpose of helping you finalise your guest list, they can also be an opportunity to showcase your personality as a couple. Here are some ideas for creative RSVP card wording that will delight your guests and get them excited about your big day:

• "Two words... free booze."
• "I'll be there with bells on."
• "Yes, I am ready to attack the dance floor."
• "Will cheers from afar."
• "No, and I'll forever regret this decision."
• "Will be there in spirit."
• "Let the good times roll! You're going to have to carry on without me."
• "Wouldn't miss it for the world. The world is not enough."
• "Let's get rowdy! Show must go on without me."
• "Aw, yeah! Drinks on me!"
• "I'll be there in spirit."
• "Free booze? Yes, please."
• "In a nutshell... I'm lame."

If you want to add a unique twist to the traditional RSVP card, consider including a special request line. This could be a song request, their drink of choice, a favourite memory of the couple, or even relationship advice. This will make it more fun for you and your partner to receive RSVPs and give your guests a chance to share their thoughts.

Remember, the key elements of an RSVP card include the deadline, guest names, and a reply. You can also include optional elements such as meal preferences and additional requests for information. Get creative with your wording, but be sure to include all the essential information.

Frequently asked questions