Wedding RSVP 101

Okay, let’s be honest for a moment. Has there ever been a time when you received an invitation to a wedding with an RSVP, and two days before the wedding realize you had forgotten to RSVP?! Yes? I have too (regretfully).

Has there ever been a time when you sent out an invitation for your wedding and wanted to rip your hair out when people were neglecting to RSVP? Yes (painfully). Well, the good news is that no matter what shoes you were in at the time, you’re not alone! Whether you’re the bride planning your fairytale wedding or the eager guest lucky enough to receive an invite — Hitch has some tips to make the RSVPing process a little less painful (and that much more exciting)!

RSVP is an acronym for the French phrase, “Repondez s’il veus plait”. Translation please?? PLEASE RESPOND 🙂 Oh, okay that makes sense! The team here at Hitch Studio values the importance of RSVPing not only to make everyone’s life a little bit easier, BUT because once you RSVP (or receive an RSVP) the fun can start! Wedding planning takes a lot of time and preparation (table counts, linen counts, food counts, ceremony chair counts for an outdoor wedding, favor counts, the list goes on and on. So, whether you’re the bride or a guest, we want to share a few tips with you in order to get the party started a bit earlier! (And yes, Hitch Studio designs wedding stationery like invitations, save the dates, programs, and RSVP cards!)

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I’m the bride (or wedding planner). Where do I begin? 

  • Precision is Key
    • Always make sure to indicate when guests should RSVP by. Take into consideration your catering food deadline (or your final deadline for any vendor). Then add 1-2 weeks onto that final date. Why extend the time? That gives you 1-2 weeks to follow up with anyone you haven’t heard from yet.
      • If your utilizing good old-fashioned snail mail – make sure to set a reply date 2 weeks earlier because the postmarked date does NOT equal the RSVP dat
        e (be proactive).
  • Guests LOVE OptionsWith the hustle and bustle of everyday life and our phones constantly at our fingertips – give your guests multiple options to RSVP!
      • Email, texting, wedding websites, or even an online RSVP tool (check out Eventbrite’s resources here) are all great options to expedite the RSVP process. Consider TheKnot or WeddingWire to make your RSVP-friendly wedding websites.
    • If RSVPing via snail mail, make sure to include a pre-addressed return envelope with postage already applied — or a postcard reply with the stamp already in the upper right corner.
      • Guests are much more likely to RSVP promptly if the work is done for them!
      • Some brides opt to provide multiple ways to reply. Text, call or go online. If they guest chooses to use snail mail, they must provide their own stamp. It’s a way to save money, but also adds an extra step for guests, to be
        prepared to follow up with more people.
  • Help You Help Yourself
    • When you receive an RSVP don’t set it aside; take care of it right away by organizing responses into an excel sheet or another form
    • It is all too common that when guests return RSVP’s via mail they forget to list their name(s) – uh oh!
      • Try lightly marking the back of each RSVP card with a number specific to that guest from your spreadsheet row — it will save you a headache in the long run in case they forget to list their names!
  • Have Fun!
    • The RSVP process does not have to be a drag – make it fun!
      • Use creative wording – or personalize it in a way that represents you and your future hubby! For example, we just designed a wedding invitation set where the RSVP card said “We promise to dance if you play ______________ (song)!” How fun!

For more advice and tips on how to layout your RSVP, take a look at this!

I’m the lucky guest – what about me?!

As the guest, your role in the RSVP process is easier but the MOST important! Make sure to follow these quick, and easy tips!

  • Always remember the meaning of the word RSVP – and please respond!
    • It is best to respond to an invite within 1 to 2 days after receiving it (I know we are setting the bar high – but you got this!)
  • Numbers Matter
    • Try your best to respond with an accurate head count of who will be joining you and stick to that number – the bride & groom’s budget will appreciate this 🙂
  • Put Yourself in Their Shoes (figuratively – you don’t have to wear heels)
    • We understand sometimes plans change, but if they do, make sure to contact the bride or groom ASAP

There you have it! With these RSVP tips we hope that no matter if you’re the bride & groom or the lucky guest – we are sure that you will be on your way to a night to remember!eventbrite-rsvp-image

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