Rsvp Etiquette: Wedding Response Timing

Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, and one of the most important steps is finalising the guest list. Knowing how many people are attending is crucial for the couple to be able to plan the seating, food, drinks, and more. This is why it's important to set an RSVP deadline for guests to confirm their attendance. But when is the best time for this?

Wedding invitations should be sent out at least eight weeks before the wedding, and ideally, the RSVP deadline should be around three to four weeks before the big day. This gives guests enough time to plan and respond, and it also means that the couple isn't left waiting too long for confirmations. It's a good idea to include a pre-addressed, pre-stamped return envelope with the invitation to make it easy for guests to respond, and it can also be helpful to provide a digital RSVP option via a wedding website.

If the deadline has passed and some guests still haven't responded, it's perfectly acceptable to follow up with a phone call, text, or email. It's important to get an accurate headcount as soon as possible to finalise the details of the wedding, so don't be afraid to politely remind guests to RSVP.

RSVPs should be due at least four weeks before the wedding

When it comes to your wedding, it's important to give your guests enough time to RSVP. It's a tricky balance, as you want to give them enough time to make their plans and not feel rushed, but you also want to ensure you have enough time to plan and confirm numbers with your venue and vendors.

So, how much time is enough? Well, the general consensus is that your wedding RSVPs should be due at least four weeks before the wedding. This gives you, the happy couple, enough time to finalise your guest list, create a seating chart, and confirm numbers with your caterer, venue, and other vendors. It's also enough time for you to follow up with any guests who may not have responded yet.

To ensure you get your RSVPs back in time, it's recommended that you send out your invitations eight to twelve weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests a window of about one month to respond, which is considered the "sweet spot". If you send your invitations too early, your guests might put off responding and forget, but if you send them too late, they might not have enough time to plan and RSVP before your deadline.

It's also a good idea to make it as easy as possible for your guests to respond. You can do this by including a pre-addressed, pre-stamped return envelope with your invitations or, alternatively, providing a wedding website or phone number where they can digitally RSVP.

Remember, the earlier you get your RSVPs back, the smoother your wedding planning will be!

Send invites at least eight weeks before the wedding

Sending out wedding invitations in a timely manner is crucial to ensuring your guests have enough time to prepare and respond. It is recommended that invites be dispatched at least eight to twelve weeks before the wedding to allow guests to make the necessary arrangements. This also gives you a better chance of receiving responses promptly and finalising your plans.

Etiquette suggests that guests should respond to your invitation at least six weeks before the wedding, allowing you time to confirm numbers with your venue and other vendors, and to invite guests from your backup list if necessary. Sending your invitations eight to twelve weeks in advance gives your guests a reasonable amount of time to respond without being too early, reducing the risk of them putting it off and forgetting.

To ensure a speedy RSVP, it is recommended to include a pre-addressed, pre-stamped return envelope with your invitation. This makes it more convenient for your guests to respond, although it does add to the cost of postage. Alternatively, you can include your phone number on the invite and ask for RSVPs by text, or set up a wedding website where guests can respond online. Digital RSVPs are often the most convenient and budget-friendly option for both you and your guests.

If you are short on time, consider sending digital invitations via email, which are quicker and easier to respond to. You can also use online tools to track responses and send automatic reminders to your guests.

Make it easy for guests to RSVP

Making it easy for your wedding guests to RSVP is a great way to streamline the planning process and reduce the stress of chasing down responses. Here are some tips to make the RSVP process as smooth as possible:

Provide Clear Instructions and Deadlines

Ensure your guests know exactly when and how to respond. Include a clear RSVP deadline on your invitations or wedding website, and consider adding a gentle reminder a week or so before the deadline. The ideal deadline for RSVPs is around three to four weeks before the wedding, giving you enough time to finalise the guest list and make any necessary arrangements.

Offer Multiple Response Options

Not everyone uses snail mail these days, so it's a good idea to provide alternative ways for guests to respond. In addition to traditional RSVP cards, you can include a digital option, such as an RSVP feature on your wedding website or a custom QR code on the invitation that directs guests to a digital RSVP platform. You can also provide the option of responding via text or phone call, especially for those who prefer a more personal touch.

Make it Convenient

If you're sending physical RSVP cards, include pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelopes to make it as easy as possible for your guests to respond by mail. You could also include a link to your wedding website or a QR code on the RSVP card to provide an additional digital response option.

Keep it Engaging

Add a fun twist to the RSVP process by incorporating a call to action or a participation factor. For example, you could ask guests to "RSVP with a song that will keep you on the dance floor" or "RSVP with your favourite memory of the bride and groom." This makes the process more enjoyable for your guests and might even result in some heart-warming responses!

Send Save-the-Dates

For destination weddings or weddings during holiday periods, it's essential to give guests ample notice to make travel arrangements. Sending out Save-the-Dates as early as possible will help your guests plan their attendance, especially if they need to book time off work or make childcare arrangements.

Follow Up Promptly

Despite your best efforts, there may be some guests who miss the RSVP deadline. It's perfectly acceptable to follow up with a friendly reminder via text, email, or phone call. Let them know you're finalising the details and need their response to include them in the celebrations.

By implementing these strategies, you'll make it easy for your guests to RSVP and ensure you receive timely responses to finalise your wedding plans.

Include a pre-addressed, pre-stamped return envelope

When it comes to wedding planning, there are many factors to consider, and one of the most important is managing the guest list and sending out invitations. Finalising the guest list is crucial for the couple to move forward with other arrangements, such as seating charts, catering, and venue planning. Therefore, it is essential to set an RSVP deadline and ensure that guests respond promptly. Here are some reasons why including a pre-addressed, pre-stamped return envelope with your wedding invitations is advantageous:

Convenience for Guests:

By providing a pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelope, you make it extremely convenient for your guests to respond. They won't have to worry about finding a stamp or addressing the envelope, making it more likely that they will respond promptly. This also eliminates any potential barriers or excuses for not sending their RSVP on time.

Cost Consideration:

Although including pre-stamped envelopes may increase your stationery budget, it is a worthwhile investment to ensure timely responses from your guests. The cost of stamps can add up, especially if you have a large guest list, but it is a small price to pay for the convenience it offers and the peace of mind it provides in getting those RSVPs back.

Timely Responses:

The whole RSVP process can be streamlined and expedited by providing pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelopes. Guests won't have to spend time looking for stamps or addressing envelopes, increasing the likelihood of a quicker response. This is especially beneficial if you're working with a tight timeline and need to finalise your guest list as soon as possible.

Reducing Follow-up Efforts:

Including pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelopes can significantly reduce the need for follow-up reminders. By making the RSVP process as easy as possible for your guests, you minimise the chances of late responses or non-responses, saving you time and effort in chasing down missing RSVPs.

Accurate Headcount:

Timely RSVPs are crucial for obtaining an accurate headcount for your wedding. This, in turn, helps with catering, seating arrangements, and venue coordination. By providing pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelopes, you increase the likelihood of receiving responses by your deadline, enabling you to finalise numbers with your vendors and plan accordingly.

Environmental Impact:

While digital RSVPs are becoming increasingly popular and eco-friendly, offering a pre-stamped envelope as an alternative is a thoughtful gesture. Some guests, especially older loved ones, may prefer the traditional method of responding by mail. By providing this option, you ensure that all your guests can choose the most convenient and comfortable way to respond.

Provide a wedding website or phone number for RSVPs

Providing a wedding website or phone number for RSVPs is a great way to streamline the process and make it more convenient for your guests. Here are some tips to consider:

Wedding Website

A wedding website can be a one-stop shop for all the information your guests need, from RSVPs to accommodation suggestions and dress code. It can also be a great way to share additional details about your big day, your love story, and even include cute photos.

There are many online tools and platforms available to help you create a wedding website, such as The Knot and RSVPify. These platforms offer customizable templates, making it easy to get started and personalize your website to match your wedding style. They also provide features like guest list management, email communications, and the ability to collect custom data, such as meal preferences and dietary restrictions.

When creating your wedding website, be sure to include all the relevant details, such as the full URL, the deadline for RSVPs, and any instructions for navigating the website. You can include this information at the bottom of your invitations or on a separate enclosure or response card.

Phone Number

If you prefer a more traditional approach or want to accommodate less tech-savvy guests, providing a phone number for RSVPs is a great option. You can include your phone number or set up a specific number for wedding-related calls and texts.

Keep in mind that managing phone RSVPs can be more time-consuming and may require additional organization to keep track of responses and guest information. It's a good idea to appoint a member of the wedding party or a trusted friend to handle phone RSVPs and record the details accurately.

Combining Both Approaches

You don't have to choose between a wedding website and a phone number – you can offer both options to your guests! This gives them the flexibility to choose the method they are most comfortable with. Just be sure to clearly communicate both options on your invitations or enclosure cards.

By providing a wedding website and a phone number for RSVPs, you can make the process more accessible and ensure you receive timely responses from your guests.

Frequently asked questions