You've chosen your dream wedding venue and secured your date, and now it is time to send out your invitations. However, the RSVP waiting period can be tricky and even frustrating to navigate. Many couples want to know as soon as possible whether their guests are coming or not so they can get on with plannng, and maybe even inviting people from their back-up list. And equally it's important to give people enough notice, and space, so that they can make their own arrangements to attend. So here, we break down the question of how long should you give guests to RSVP to your wedding.
How Long Should You Give Guests to RSVP?
The RSVP Timeline
It is recommended that you send out your invites at least eight to 12 weeks in advance of your wedding day to allow guests enough time to prepare and reply. According to RSVP etiquette, guests should respond at least six weeks before your wedding, so you have time to confirm the attendance number with your venue, and maybe even go to your back-up list of invitees. So the earlier you send your invites the longer people have to respond. If you'd prefer to know your numbers earlier than six weeks out, then make the RSVP date very clear on the invite, and send your invites out 16-12 weeks in advance so you can chase people 8-10 weeks out.
Beware! Sometimes an invite that comes with an RSVP deadline very far in the future can get put in a drawer and forgotten about as there is no sense of urgency to respond.
Why This Exact Timeline?
Not only do you need to provide your guests with enough preparation time to arrange time off work, travel plans, childcare, etc, but you as a couple also need every minute of this time to forge ahead with planning! Let's begin with the seating chart - trust us when we say, this is a tricky process, and definitely not one you want to repeat over and over again, because people you assumed were coming have RSVPed late and declined. You will also need to confirm numbers in advance with your venue.
Ensure a Speedy RSVP
There are definitely ways to help speed things up a bit when it comes to having your guests RSVP. A bit part of this is making it easy for them. Include a stamped addressed envelope in your invite adds extra cost. A stamp for one invite will set you back back €1.35 or more in postage fees. Depending on the number of invites you're sending, the weight and the distance, your stamps could ending up bumping up your stationery budget more than you thought. But it makes it very convenient for your guests to RSVP. Of course digital RSVPs are the most convenient and budget-friendly. Include your phone number on your invite and ask for RSVPs by text. Alternatively set up a wedding website where people can also RSVP.
Top Planning Tip: If you are sending out your second round of invitations to your B list and are short on time, consider sending digital invites using a service like Paperless Post. These are very pretty, arrive via email and allow people to RSVP instantly. Some services will even track the responses.
RSVPs for Destination Weddings
Planning to jet off for your 'I dos'? It is recommended that you give your guests as much notice as possible. Invitations should be sent out at least four months before the wedding, with the save the date sent at least nine months prior to your wedding day. Depending on your wedding vendors, it's not unusual for the final payments to be settled at least one month prior to your wedding date. Therefore, ensure you have your RSVPs back at least eight weeks before your wedding. This also goes for people travelling from abroad to attend your wedding.
What Happens if a Guest Doesn't RSVP
Even a close friend or relative can forget to RSVP when they should. Without beating around the bush, the most efficient way to confirm their attendance is by calling them or sending a text to avoid any further delays. If, after several days of trying, you still don't hear back, then it's fair to mark them as not attending.
The Final Numbers
The numbers are everything when it comes to making sure your wedding day goes as planned. From securing transport and accommodation, place name cards, seating chart, catering requests, to your final billing amount, and your final guest count is a crucial planning element. This is why confirming this number in advance is so important for everyone involved. Your wedding venue and planner will need this final number at least one week before the main event.
Tips to Ensure Guests RSVP on Time
- The more notice, the easier it is to invite your back-up list if guests decline
- Include a pre-addressed, pre-stamped return envelope
- Provide your wedding website or phone number as a means for guests to digitally RSVP
- Make the RSVP date crystal clear
- Go out to your back-up list with digital invites via email
- Ask for a song request for a fun personal touch!
Wondering how to phrase your wedding invites? Check out our Failsafe Wedding Invitation Wording Guide here!
