Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Timing Your Rsvps Perfectly

Sending out wedding invitations and setting an RSVP date is a crucial aspect of wedding planning. While couples are often eager to receive responses, it's important to allow guests ample time to respond. The ideal timeline for sending out wedding invitations is six to eight weeks before the wedding, giving guests enough time to plan and make travel arrangements. Save-the-date cards can be sent earlier, usually four to six months in advance, to allow guests to mark their calendars. The RSVP deadline should be set at least two to four weeks before the wedding, allowing time to confirm numbers with vendors. This deadline provides a balance between giving guests enough time to respond and ensuring you have a timely headcount for your big day.

Send 'save the date' cards 4-6 months in advance

Sending out save-the-date cards is a great way to let guests know about your wedding date in advance so they can plan appropriately. Sending them out 4-6 months before the wedding is ideal, especially if your wedding is a destination wedding or on a holiday weekend. This gives your guests enough time to make travel arrangements, save money, and request time off work. It's also a great way to get your guests excited about your wedding and gives you a chance to get creative with your cards.

When sending out save-the-date cards, it's important to be clear about who is invited. Include the names of all intended guests on the envelope to avoid any confusion. If you know you want a guest to bring a plus one, add this to the card so they can plan accordingly. Sending out save-the-date cards also means you're obligated to send a wedding invitation, so only send them to guests you definitely want to invite.

While it's not necessary to include all the details in your save-the-date cards, make sure to include the wedding date, names, and location (city and state). You can also include your wedding website if it's already set up. Avoid sending out your save-the-date cards too late, as this will defeat the purpose of giving your guests a heads-up.

Save-the-date cards are a great way to get an early start on your wedding planning and ensure your guests have enough time to plan their attendance. They are a thoughtful gesture that shows your guests you're excited to celebrate your special day with them.

Send invites 6-8 weeks before the wedding

Sending out your wedding invitations in good time is a crucial part of wedding planning. Etiquette dictates that invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests ample time to plan and respond, and you enough time to confirm numbers with your caterers and venue.

If you send your invitations out around eight weeks before the wedding, you can expect to receive RSVPs around four weeks before. This is the ideal time to receive responses, as it gives you a window to chase up any stragglers and confirm final numbers with your venue and caterers. It's also enough time for your guests to check their calendars, make travel plans, and get their RSVP in on time.

If you're planning a destination wedding, it's a good idea to give your guests a little more time. Sending out invites 12 weeks before the wedding will give your guests time to shop around for the best travel deals.

It's also worth noting that you should send out 'save the date' cards to your guests around four to six months before the wedding. This gives your guests plenty of time to make a note of the date in their calendars and make any necessary arrangements.

When it comes to the practicalities of sending out your invites, it's important to include an RSVP deadline so that your guests know when they need to respond by. It's also a good idea to include a pre-addressed envelope with a stamp, or direct your guests to a specific email, phone number, or URL to RSVP.

Request RSVPs at least 2-4 weeks before the wedding

When it comes to wedding planning, there are many factors to consider to ensure your big day goes off without a hitch. Sending out invitations and requesting RSVPs is a crucial step in the process, and timing is everything. While you may be eager to get your guest list finalised as soon as possible, it's important to give your guests enough time to respond.

Recommended Timeline for Wedding Invitations and RSVPs:

• Send out Save the Date cards: For a standard wedding, it is recommended to send out "Save the Date" cards to your guests around 4 to 6 months before the wedding. This gives them ample time to make necessary arrangements, especially if they need to travel or accommodate specific schedules.
• Mail your wedding invitations: The ideal timeline for sending out wedding invitations is 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding date. This allows your guests to clear their schedules and make travel plans if needed. It's essential to include all the relevant details, such as the date, time, location, dress code, and any other important information.
• Request RSVPs: It is recommended to set an RSVP deadline that is at least 2 to 4 weeks before your wedding date. This timeframe strikes a balance between giving your guests enough time to respond and allowing you to finalise the details with your vendors. Most caterers and venues will require a final headcount one to two weeks before the wedding, so setting your RSVP deadline 2 to 4 weeks in advance gives you some leeway to gather late responses and make any necessary adjustments.

Tips for Requesting RSVPs:

• Be clear and specific: Ensure your RSVP cards or online forms have a clear deadline and provide guests with multiple options to respond, such as email, phone, or online submission.
• Follow up with guests: It is inevitable that some guests will miss the RSVP deadline or forget to respond altogether. Be prepared to send gentle reminders to those who haven't responded yet. A simple text, email, or phone call will do the trick.
• Plan ahead: While you may not get a 100% response rate by your deadline, don't panic! It's normal for some guests to respond at the last minute or even forget to RSVP altogether. Give yourself a buffer of a week or two after the deadline to chase any stragglers and finalise your numbers with your vendors.
• Be mindful of destination weddings: If you're planning a destination wedding or have a large number of international guests, it's advisable to give them more time to respond and make travel arrangements. Consider sending their invitations and requesting RSVPs a month earlier than your local guests.

Remember, while it's important to adhere to wedding etiquette and timelines, every wedding is unique, and you can always adjust these guidelines to suit your specific needs. The key is to communicate clearly with your guests and give them enough time to respond while also allowing yourself the necessary time to finalise the details for your big day.

Send reminders to those who haven't responded

Sending reminders to those who haven't responded to your wedding invitations is an important step in the wedding planning process. Here are some tips to help you with this task:

Timing of Reminders

It is recommended to send out reminders about one week before your RSVP deadline. This gives your guests a gentle nudge to respond without making it seem like you are rushing them. If you still haven't received responses after the deadline, you can be more assertive and send another round of reminders.

Methods of Communication

There are several ways to send reminders to your guests. You can send a friendly email or text message, or even give them a call. Emails and text messages can be a convenient way to reach out, especially if you have a large number of guests. However, a phone call can be more personal and may be a better option for close friends and family members. It is also a good idea to BCC each person when sending emails to avoid any embarrassment.

Wording of Reminders

When crafting your reminder message, it is important to be polite and friendly. Let your guests know that you are excited to see them at the wedding and gently remind them of the RSVP deadline. You can also mention that the venue and caterer need a final headcount, so you would appreciate their response soon. Here is a sample message:

"Hi everyone! We are so excited to celebrate our special day with you. Just a friendly reminder that the RSVP deadline is approaching. If you haven't already, please send in your RSVP by [deadline date]. We need to provide a final headcount to the venue and caterer soon. Thank you, and we can't wait to celebrate with you!"

Additional Information

When sending reminders, you can also include other important details about the wedding, such as hotel accommodation, health and safety guidelines, the wedding schedule, and any weather updates. This ensures that your guests have all the information they need to plan their attendance.

Remember, it is normal to have guests who haven't responded, and a gentle reminder can help get them back on track. Keep track of your responses and follow up as needed. Good luck with your wedding planning!

Include a pre-addressed, stamped envelope for RSVPs

When sending out wedding invitations, it is important to make it as easy as possible for your guests to respond. Including a pre-addressed, stamped envelope for RSVPs is a thoughtful way to ensure your guests can reply without any hassle. Here are some reasons why this is a good idea:

Convenience for Your Guests

Firstly, providing pre-addressed, stamped envelopes saves your guests time and effort. They won't have to look up your address or worry about buying stamps. This is especially helpful for older relatives or those who are less tech-savvy and may prefer to respond by mail rather than online. It also ensures that your guests don't have to bear the cost of postage, which is considered rude and inconvenient.

Prompt Responses

By making the RSVP process straightforward, you are more likely to receive prompt responses. This is beneficial as it gives you an accurate headcount for your caterer and venue, who typically need this information one to two weeks before the wedding. Sending out invitations eight weeks before the wedding and setting an RSVP deadline of around four weeks beforehand is recommended. This gives you a buffer to chase up any late responses.

A Well-Organised Wedding

Receiving timely RSVPs means you can finalise the details of your wedding with greater ease. Knowing the number of guests allows you to plan the seating chart, food requirements, and other logistics more effectively. It also helps you stay organised when it comes to chasing up any outstanding RSVPs, as you can focus on those who haven't yet responded.

A Polite and Tactful Approach

Including pre-addressed, stamped envelopes is a polite gesture that respects your guests' time and effort. It also helps to prevent any misunderstandings regarding the number of guests invited, as you can clearly indicate this on the response card. This is particularly important if you are having an adults-only wedding or have specific dietary requirements to consider.

In conclusion, including pre-addressed, stamped envelopes for RSVPs is a thoughtful and practical touch that will make the process of responding to your wedding invitations smoother for both you and your guests. It is a simple way to ensure you receive timely responses and have a well-organised wedding celebration.

Frequently asked questions