Getting wedding guests to RSVP on time, and tracking them down when they don't, can be an incredibly frustrating process. Even when couples follow response card etiquette in wording, they often find that a third of their invitees haven't replied to their invitation. This isn't just an inconvenience, it can be costly if you have to change catering numbers at the last minute, or if you have to order extra favors just in case they all decide to come.
Follow these simple tricks to increase your response rate.
Getting Wedding Guests to RSVP on Time
Send your wedding invitations on time
Etiquette says that invitations should be sent eight weeks before the wedding. That gives four to five weeks to respond, so you can make your RSVP date three to four weeks before the wedding. The timing is crucial – if you give guests more time than that, it's likely the invitation will get put aside in the "things to deal with later" pile. If it doesn't seem urgent that they RSVP, they won't.
What does RSVP mean?
Some guests don't know what RSVP means. So instead of writing, "RSVP by [date]" instead say, "The favour of a reply is requested by [date]" or "Please respond by [date]."
Provide alternate ways to RSVP
Some etiquette queens say that weddings are too important to use online RSVPs, but I think it's the 21st Century. If it allows more people the ability to respond, so be it. You can use a wedding website, an email address, or even a telephone number for an informal wedding.
Make your reply cards interesting
Using a funny rsvp card or a beautifully decorated one can help it stand out in your wedding invitation. If your guests are eager to show you how funny they are in response, it might motivate them to send it in.
Mention your RSVP cards!
There's no shame in casually asking guests if they got the invitation. You can even say, "I hope you're coming! We can't wait to get your rsvp card back!" Sometimes close friends weirdly think that they don't have to reply because "of course" you'll know they'll be there.
This is usually a challenge probably if its mated with the rumor mill that is social media the true reason of the RSVP may be understood
ReplyDelete