It’s no secret that one of the biggest frustrations when to comes to planning your wedding is nailing down your guest count. You have to rely on your guests to RSVP in a timely manner and let’s be honest, they aren’t always the most reliable. While we can’t guarantee a 100% success rate, we can give you a few tips and tricks to help make sure your guests RSVP.
- Timing is everything.
The timing is very important when it comes to sending out wedding invitations. Save the Dates, which can be sent out about 6 months before your date, are a helpful tool to make sure your wedding is on your guests’ calendar. Whether you decide on Save the Dates or not, your actual wedding invitation should be sent out about 8 weeks before the big day. This gives guests plenty of time to make arrangements and check their schedule to determine if they will be able to make it. Too short of notice makes it harder on everyone, but sending invites out too early poses the risk of your guests putting off their RSVP until later and then completely forgetting altogether. About 8 weeks is the sweet spot.
- Go digital.
It’s 2021, does anyone even keep stamps laying around anymore? Make your RSVPs digital. This doesn’t mean you have to send out digital invitations (though, that is an eco-friendly option). It just means you can add a link or QR code to your wedding website on the invitation so guests can RSVP online. Guests are more likely to RSVP in a timely manner if it is easy and convenient for them. In fact, most of them will probably pull it up as soon as they open the invitation. Most wedding website services like Zola and The Knot have this option readily available.
- Be flexible.
While digital RSVPs are convenient for you and most of your guests, that shouldn’t be the only way to allow RSVPs. After all, Great Aunt Martha still has a flip phone and a collection of stamps she’s dying to use. Providing alternate ways to RSVP will ensure that all your guests, technologically challenged or not, will be able to respond.
- Have clear expectations.
Make sure the RSVP date is clear and prominent. You want your guests to know how important it is that they RSVP in a timely manner. If you decide on digital RSVPs, you can send out automated reminders as your RSVP date approaches. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your guests that haven’t responded.
No matter what stage you are in, RSVPs will inevitably be a huge part of the planning process. Hopefully these tips and tricks will help make your life a little easier. If you’re stressed about other aspects of the planning process, don’t sweat it, we got you covered.
