Mastering Wedding RSVPs
Tips for managing your guest responses
So take a deep breath, embrace the journey, and let us guide you towards a worry-free celebration of love! Here are a few handy tips for managing you RSVPs and guest responses.
Utilise a wedding RSVP website
You probably know by now that there are a number of incredible resources out there for tracking your RSVPs. So don't ignore these - using them can truly help you navigate the wedding RSVP process. Consider using a wedding RSVP website that offers features like guest list management, online RSVPs, and to-do lists. These tools can help you keep track of responses and stay within your guest count and budget.
Use spreadsheets or online RSVP spreadsheets
When we think of wedding planning, we often don't think of spreadsheets but rather about colour palettes, dress inspiration, mood boards and table settings. However, wedding planning involves a whole lot of information and thus requires organisation.
Spreadsheets are an efficient way to record your guest responses. So create columns for guest names, attendance status, and any special requests, and record any additional information so that it's all neatly stored in one place. Online RSVP spreadsheets can also be helpful in keeping track of responses and sharing them with your partner. However you choose to do it, make your life a little easier by remaining organised from the very beginning.
Include helpful information
Getting responses quickly is very helpful when it comes to wedding planning. One thing you can do to ensure this, is to make sure guests are given as much information as possible from the get go.
Provide additional details that can assist your guests in sending back their responses, such as a Google Maps locations or transportation information. Plus, make sure that your RSVP information and instructions are clear for everyone. Specific RSVP cards can certainly help this.
Set a deadline
Without sounding too much like a teacher, deadlines are deadlines! When you set yours, you should be sure to keep to it. Of course there will be exceptions and some guests will need some flexibility, however as a rule, your deadline should be clear and set in stone.
Ask your guests to respond within a specific timeframe, typically within three to four weeks. Setting a deadline ensures that people respond in a timely manner and gives you enough time to follow up with those who haven't RSVPed. Plus, there are a lot of things hanging on this information; such as table seating charts, requesting dietary requirements for meals and paying your venue. So for the sake of your stress levels, try to stick to your own deadlines.
Follow up with non-responders
It's totally normal that some guests will forget to RSVP to your wedding. No biggie - it's just time to chase them up. Have a plan in place for following up with those who haven't responded, whether it's through text, email, or phone. As your RSVP date approaches, send out a friendly reminder and kindly request that your guests get back to you. In doing so, you'll make your lives much easier as you move on to plan the details of your big day.
Communicate with vendors
As you'll come to learn, wedding planning involves a whole lot of communication. From emails to calls, it's likely that you'll find yourselves speaking a whole lot with your vendors as well as your guests themselves. And in general, communication is a great idea!
Keep your caterer, venue and any other important vendors informed about the final guest count, ensuring that everything is kept up to date. You might even like to skip the endless emails and simply schedule calls with your vendors so that you can properly brief and update your vendors when as you go.
Ultimately, providing an accurate guest count in a timely manner ensures that everything works out just perfectly on your big day. so keep on top of your guest numbers, and keep vendors in the loop too. They will appreciate not having to follow you up, or even worse, last minute surprises!
RSVPs: some common questions
What is an appropriate timeline for wedding RSVPs?
The appropriate timeline for wedding RSVPs should be at least four weeks before the wedding date, although some couples might prefer to have their responses much sooner. Your venue will have something to say about when your final headcount should be in, and you should stay in communication with your vendors about any last minute changes.
How should I handle late or incomplete RSVP responses?
To handle late or incomplete RSVP responses for your wedding, the best thing you can do is actually set an early deadline. Then, as the date gets closer, send reminders using a helpful communication method. Be prepared to track down missing information politely and patiently!
What is better, online RSVPs or mail RSVPs?
When it comes to choosing between online RSVPs and mail RSVPs for a wedding, there are pros and cons to consider. Online RSVPs offer convenience, as they eliminate the risk of responses getting lost in the mail and allow for quicker response times. They also make it easier to track and manage responses digitally. On the other hand, mail RSVPs have a more traditional feel and may be preferred by guests who are less technologically inclined. Ultimately, the decision between the two options depends on personal preference and the specific dynamics of the guest lis
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