Rhiannon Hendricks
Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when you're waiting for RSVPs to come in. It's important to give your guests enough time to respond, but you also need to finalise your guest list and start on the seating plan. The general consensus is that wedding RSVPs should be due at least four weeks before the wedding, and no later than two weeks before. However, if you're having a destination wedding, it's a good idea to set your RSVP deadline for two months before the wedding, and send out invitations four months in advance. This gives guests enough time to make travel plans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ideal RSVP deadline | 3-4 weeks before the wedding |
| Latest RSVP deadline | 2 weeks before the wedding |
| Earliest RSVP deadline | 1 month before the wedding, for destination weddings |
| Sending out invitations | 6-8 weeks before the wedding |
| Sending out destination wedding invitations | 3-6 months before the wedding |
| Save the date | Sent before invitations to give guests time to plan |
| Following up with guests | 1 week after the RSVP deadline |
| Ways to respond | Mail, email, text, phone call, wedding website |
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What You'll Learn
RSVPs should be due at least four weeks before the wedding
Planning a wedding can be a stressful task, and one of the most important milestones is the RSVP deadline. It is crucial to set an RSVP deadline that gives your guests enough time to respond and allows you to finalise the wedding details.
The general consensus is that wedding RSVPs should be due at least four weeks before the wedding. This gives you, the happy couple, ample time to finalise the guest list, create a seating chart, and make necessary arrangements with vendors. Waiting for RSVPs until closer to the wedding date may result in last-minute stress and a rush to finalise details.
By setting an RSVP deadline of four weeks or more before the wedding, you can ensure that you have a clear idea of the number of guests attending. This information is essential for various aspects of wedding planning, such as booking transportation, planning meals, reserving tables and chairs, and finalising the number of wedding favours and other guest items.
Additionally, an earlier RSVP deadline helps you address any outstanding responses. If there are guests who have not responded by the deadline, you can send friendly reminders or reach out to them directly. This way, you can obtain a more accurate headcount and make any necessary adjustments to your plans.
While setting the RSVP deadline, consider the type of wedding you are hosting. For example, if you are having a destination wedding, it is advisable to set an earlier deadline, around two months before the wedding. This accounts for the additional time your guests may need to make travel plans and accommodations. Similarly, if you are hosting an all-inclusive destination wedding, you may want RSVPs earlier to facilitate room reservations at the hotel or resort.
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Send reminders to guests who haven't responded
Wedding planning involves a long list of to-dos for the couple, and one of the most important tasks for guests is to remember to RSVP. It can be frustrating when guests don't respond, but it's a common issue that most couples deal with. It's important to keep in mind that their lack of response is likely not a reflection of you, your relationship, or your big day. Instead, guests might not realize how essential their response is to your planning process or they may be dealing with private issues that take precedence.
That being said, here are some tips for sending reminders to guests who haven't responded:
- Before sending reminders, make sure you know who has already submitted their RSVP. Keep track of responses digitally in a spreadsheet or use an online guest list tool like The Knot's Guest List Manager or Zola's digital guest list.
- If you're close to the guest, consider reminding them to RSVP in person. This is a good option for close family members and friends whom you see regularly.
- If you're collecting online RSVPs, your guests can simply go on their phones and submit their response in seconds.
- If you included a paper RSVP card, bring an extra response card with you the next time you see them and write down their response.
- A phone call is the best form of communication for politely and firmly reminding someone to RSVP. It's more personal, as the guest can hear the friendly tone of your voice. Start with a friendly greeting and a quick catch-up, then mention the RSVP and ask if they can make it to the wedding.
- If you want to avoid a potentially awkward phone conversation, send a cheerful email or text to each guest, letting them know that the deadline has passed but that you would still love to have them at your wedding. You can also call and leave a voicemail if you don't reach them.
- If you have a social media event page for the wedding, you can create a quick post or story as a low-pressure reminder. However, avoid any group messages or posts that might reach people who didn't get your original invite.
- If you sent traditional invitations with RSVP cards, some guests may have forgotten to respond. Make it easy for them by including a pre-addressed, pre-stamped return envelope.
- If you're waiting on RSVPs from guests for a destination wedding, consider sending a reminder about two months before the wedding. This will give guests ample time to make travel plans and give you a sense of when people will be arriving so you can plan pre- and post-wedding events.
- When reminding guests, kindly make it clear that you'll need their response to include them in the final arrangements, such as seating charts, meals, and wedding favors.
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Make it easy for guests to respond
Wedding RSVPs should be due at least four weeks before the wedding, and no later than two weeks before the wedding day. To make it easy for guests to respond, there are several methods you can employ. Firstly, it is important to give guests a few different ways to respond. Along with a paper RSVP card included in the invitation, you can also collect RSVPs through your wedding website. This is a convenient, cost-effective, and fast option for both you and your guests. It also helps you keep track of other details like meal choices and song requests.
However, it is worth noting that some older guests may not feel comfortable using a wedding website to RSVP, so it is a good idea to offer both digital and paper options. You can also include a pre-addressed, pre-stamped return envelope with the invitation, so guests have no excuse not to post their response. If you are accepting online RSVPs, be sure to include an RSVP card or a phone number to call or text as an alternative.
If your wedding is a destination wedding, it is a good idea to send out invitations further in advance, around 10 to 12 weeks before the wedding, to give guests more time to make travel plans. In this case, your RSVP deadline should be around two months before the wedding.
If the RSVP deadline has passed and you have not heard from some guests, it is appropriate to send a quick reminder. You can do this by phone, email, or text. It is also a good idea to send a friendly reminder to all guests about one week ahead of the RSVP deadline.
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Send invites 8-12 weeks before the wedding
Sending out your wedding invites is an important step in the wedding planning process. It's a good idea to send your wedding invitations out 8-12 weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to check their calendars, sort out travel arrangements, childcare, and accommodation, and gives you enough time to receive RSVPs and finalise your guest list.
If you are hosting a destination wedding, it's a good idea to send out your invites 3-6 months before the wedding date. This gives your guests enough time to make travel plans and gives you a buffer to make sure every guest is accounted for. It's also a good idea to set an RSVP deadline for 1 month before the wedding.
If you are planning a wedding on a short timeline, or if you know your loved ones will be there, you can set a shorter RSVP deadline. You could also set an earlier RSVP deadline if you need the final numbers more than a month out. This will give you more flexibility and ample time to gather your final headcount and deliver it to your vendors.
It's important to remember that not everyone uses snail mail anymore, so it's a good idea to give your guests a few different ways to respond, such as including a paper RSVP card in the invitation suite or using an online RSVP system through your wedding website. You can also include an option for guests to submit a song request or guess what your secret entertainment will be to encourage them to respond.
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Finalise details with vendors two weeks before the wedding
Finalising the details with your vendors two weeks before the wedding is a crucial step in the wedding planning process. Here are some tips to help you navigate this important stage:
Connect with Your Vendors
Reach out to your wedding caterer, planner, venue coordinator, and any other vendors who require your final guest count. This information is essential for them to finalise their preparations.
Finalise Guest Count and Details
Provide your vendors with the finalised number of table settings, entrees, wedding favours, escort cards, and any other items specific to your wedding. This will ensure that your vendors can make the necessary arrangements for your big day.
Seating Chart and Place Cards
Now that you have your final guest count, it's time to create the seating chart. Decide who will sit where, taking into consideration any specific requests or groupings you may have discussed with your partner. Once the seating chart is finalised, you can prepare place cards or escort cards for each guest, making it easier for them to find their designated seats.
Communicate Any Special Requests
If you have any special requests or last-minute changes, be sure to communicate them to your vendors clearly and promptly. This includes any dietary restrictions, timeline adjustments, or specific setup requirements.
Confirm Delivery and Setup Times
Finalise the delivery and setup times with your vendors to ensure a smooth process on the day of the wedding. Confirm the arrival times for any rentals, such as tables, chairs, or decorations, and coordinate with the venue to ensure someone is available to receive them.
Provide a Point of Contact
Designate a point of contact for your vendors on the wedding day. This could be your wedding planner, a trusted friend, or a member of the bridal party. Provide them with a detailed timeline and any relevant information so they can handle any last-minute questions or concerns from your vendors.
By following these steps, you can effectively finalise the details with your vendors and ensure that everything is in place for your special day. It's important to maintain open communication and provide clear instructions to help create a seamless and memorable wedding celebration.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding RSVPs should be due at least four weeks before the wedding, and absolutely no later than two weeks before the wedding day.
Make the process simple. Include a pre-addressed, pre-stamped return envelope within your invitation suite so that your guests have no reason not to send it back. You can also include an option to RSVP digitally via your wedding website.
If you haven't heard from someone by the RSVP deadline, it is appropriate to send a quick reminder. You can also give them a call or prompt them to respond online.
Mail your wedding invitations 8-12 weeks before your wedding. If you're having a destination wedding, send the invites 3-6 months before the wedding.
RSVP stands for "repondez s'il vous plait", which is French for "respond, please".
