How can I get our guests to RSVP to our wedding?

Hi, it can be difficult and at times frustrating for the bride and groom not to receive rsvp promptly and that is a common problem.  Unfortunately there is no particular easy way.

What I suggest is that rsvp are made 5-6 weeks prior to your event that way you have ample time to start calling around for those responses. Or you could do a general text message and attach everyone that has not responded and send it out once as a group msg, but remember make it friendly and not pushy!

Oh and totally forgot to mention the best way for rsvp's is phone, as they can text there answer or call - some people find emails still too difficult and print versions way too much time and effort. QR codes are great if you have further information for them like a destination wedding.

The easiest way (for you and for your guests!) is to set up a wedding website, with an RSVP contact form that automatically populates a spreadsheet with your guests' responses. This makes it really straightforward to keep track of everyone's responses - and you can also use the information to create your seating chart when you're ready :)

In the form, you can ask about dietary requirements, whether they'll need help getting to the venue, and even what song will get them on the dance floor! I can create a wedding website for you that matches any of our existing collections (you can choose the wording and images), or even design a custom one to your specifications.

Happy to help if you have any other questions! x

Hi! Some ideas below:

1. Use a website. A lot of my clients are using QR codes on their invitation or detail card to take guests straight to the website where they can RSVP. 

2. If you're wanting something more traditional, create a physical RSVP return card, with your return address details on the back, postcard style. Note that this may be a little harder to chase up. Guests will have to get a stamp (unless you provide for them!) and post in the mailbox, so if you're worried about people not RSVPing a website, text or email RSVP may be easier for people to do on the spot.

3. Give a clear and early RSVP date. I recommend collecting RSVPS 1.5 - 2 months ahead of the wedding date. This gives you enough time to chase up those final RSVPs (there are always guests who forget!) and enough time to order your on the day stationery.

4. Collect responses via a spreadsheet. Some websites will allow you export this data straight from the website form, which is really handy. Alternatively, if you are collecting RSVPs via text or email, you'll want a really easy system to track who you've received responses from, dietary requirements, etc. Create a big spreadsheet with everyone's names ahead of time, and tick off as you receive responses.

5. Collect contact details with RSVP. I did this for my wedding recently and it was a life saver, as we had to communicate last minute info the week beforehand. Having everyone's email addresses in the RSVP spreadsheet ready to go was super easy!

Hope that helps - some great suggestions by other stationery suppliers as well. Good luck! :)

Ah the joys of wrangling your wedding guests to RSVP on time! 

Here are some of our suggestions:

1 – Give them a RSVP date.
Make it clear on your invite that RSVP date and on the separate RSVP card or website if you are using one.

2 - Make it easy for them to RSVP to your wedding.
If your guests are more tech driven, then use a RSVP website with the details on your invite.
If you are asking them to post back a RSVP, then pop a postage stamp on it, so they can easily post it back to you.

3 – Give yourself time to chase them up!
No matter how easy you make it for your guests to RSVP to your wedding, there is always going to be people to chase up. Allow yourself 1-2 weeks to do this. Add this to your timeline of when you need final numbers.

Hope this helps and Happy Wedding Planning!
Lala xo
Paper and Ink Studio

It's a good question! Because everyone’s lives get so busy, you need to make the rsvp process as easy as possible. A few good tips are

1. Don't send out your invitations + rsvps card too early - If there is an rsvp card sitting in a guests draw for 6 months it will most likely get lost or forgotten. Generally 6-8 weeks is a good time frame. However each wedding is unique, and this may change for destaintion weddings, or events that require more organisation.

2. Make your Rsvp memorable - People will most likely return your rsvp if the process of doing so is fun. Have some creative checkbox answers to tick, or ask them their favourite song for the dancefloor playlist. 

3. Be clear - If you need to confirm numbers by a hard deadline, be very clear in your words. Make the date obvious and stand out. Mention politely you are unable to cater for late responses

4. Use an Online Rsvp form - Most web based or online invitation services include an online rsvp for your guests to fill in. This means your guest can respond in seconds on their mobile or computer. It also makes it easier for you to keep track of who has replied, and any guest requirements. Once your deadline has passed, you only need to email or text those late responders with the rsvp link, and they can get back to you very quickly.

5. Give yourself a time buffer - If you need to have final numbers by a certain time. Bring the date forward by a week or more, so you have time to follow up with those who haven't responded. It also means that if a lot of guests aren't able to make it, you have an opportunity to include others. 

While it is frustrating to have to follow up with guests, at the end of the day they have most likely innocently forgotten. By getting your timing right and keeping your rsvp process online. You can definantly reduce your stress load and have more guests respond on time.

There's a few different ways you can get your guests to rsvp to your wedding! We usually suggest:

1. Phone or Email - Easy, fast and most common. Also great if you have a tight RSVP date. (Works best with a 2-sided invite or invite + info card).

2. Website - If you've opted for a wedding website or a destination wedding, this is a great option to easily collect all their responses. It's best for your tech savvy guests, but we do recommend keeping a phone number close by for your older guests. (Is a great money saver too as everything can fit on a single sided invite).

3. RSVP Card - The most traditional method, but allows you to list all the questions (dietary preferences, no. of guests, transport option etc), without having to follow up further via text. Always pre-stamp the postcard if you can! It will encourage your guests to send it back or even just take a photo and respond with a photo text if you're worried about it getting lost in the mail. (It looks beautiful in a 3 piece layered set if you're a stationery lover!).

Hope this helps :)