As you start designing your wedding invitations and finalizing the details that need to be included, one big decision remains: when should you request RSVPs from your guests?
Choosing the RSVP deadline for your wedding invites can be tricky. You want to give guests enough time to respond, but you also need their answers ASAP for your headcount and planning. Follow these savvy tips to pick the perfect RSVP deadline that checks both boxes.
How Early Should You Request RSVPs on Your Wedding Invitations?
The answer varies, but the general rule of thumb is to request RSVPs about 6-8 weeks before the big day. This timing allows you enough room to follow up with guests and finalize details with your vendors.
However, if you're planning a destination wedding or marrying during a peak season, consider extending this timeframe to allow guests more time to arrange travel and accommodations.
Requesting Wedding RSVPs: 6 Tips
Set a clear deadline: Specify a clear and conspicuous RSVP deadline on your invitation. This reduces confusion and increases the likelihood of timely responses.
Include easy response options: Offer multiple ways to RSVP, such as a mailed card, an email address, or a wedding website. The easier it is to respond, the faster you'll get answers.
Send reminder invites: Don't hesitate to send a gentle reminder as the deadline approaches. (Psst: a guest management tool like Daisy Chat is helpful here — you can use it to automatically text guests who haven’t RSVP-ed yet.)
Consider your vendors: Coordinate with your caterers and venue to understand their final headcount deadlines. This will guide your RSVP deadline.
Add room for flexibility: Anticipate that some guests may miss the deadline. Have a plan for handling late responses without stress.
Have a follow-up plan: Be prepared to follow up with guests who haven't responded by the deadline. A personal phone call or message often does the trick.
Wedding RSVPs Don’t Have to Be Stressful
Requesting RSVPs for your wedding shouldn't induce a headache. With the right timing and a few strategic tips, you can manage your guest list effectively and focus on the more exciting aspects of wedding planning.
Daisy Chat is designed to streamline guest management, making it easier to communicate with your guests efficiently — including sending automated responses to common questions like “What’s the dress code?” or “What are the vegetarian meal options?” With Daisy Chat, your focus remains on the joy of your special day (rather than responding to those pesky texts!)
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