Congratulations, lovebirds! The big day is fast approaching, and you have much to organize. Invitations sent, venue booked, catering arranged—but what about those guests who haven’t replied yet? Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. Planning a wedding is stressful enough without chasing down RSVPs. But not responding is rude and inconsiderate, leaving you in the lurch about the final numbers.
Fear not, we have some tried-and-true tips for politely prompting your guests to let you know if they can attend your magical celebration. A quick call, text or email is all it takes. And for those still dragging their heels, we’ll show you how to give them a gentle nudge without causing offence. Get ready to cross ‘chase down RSVPs’ off your wedding to-do list! Keep reading to discover how you can gracefully ask your guests to RSVP and ensure you have the perfect headcount to make you and your sweetheart’s big day unforgettable.
Set a Clear RSVP Deadline on Your Wedding Invitations
Set a clear RSVP deadline on your wedding invitations, then start politely nudging guests who have yet to respond. A cheerful reminder call or text is perfect. Say something like:
“Hi [Guest], I wanted to make sure you received your invite to our wedding on [Date]. We’re really hoping you can celebrate with us! Can you let us know if you’ll be able to make it?”
If calls aren’t your thing or you have a lot of guests to contact, an email follow-up is ideal. Keep the tone light and casual, for example:
Subject: We can’t wait to see you at our wedding!
Hi everyone! We’re so excited about our wedding in just a few weeks. We are sending a quick reminder to RSVP if you haven’t already. Please let us know if you can join us for our special day – we’d hate for you to miss out on all the fun!
RSVPing promptly really helps us ensure we have enough space and food for all our guests. And the sooner we know you’re coming, the sooner we can reserve your spot on the dance floor! 😉
For those still not responding, you may need to be a bit more direct while still being polite:
Subject: Last chance to RSVP for our wedding!
We’re down to the final weeks before our wedding and wanted to reach out one last time. If you still need to respond, please let us know ASAP if you can attend. We need to provide the final numbers to our venue and caterer very soon.
We sincerely hope you can join us to celebrate, but we completely understand if you have a prior commitment. Just shoot us a quick email or text to RSVP either way. Thanks so much for your understanding – we appreciate your support!
This helps get more of your guests to RSVP promptly. Let us know if you have any other questions! We wish you an amazing wedding and marriage.
Send a Friendly Reminder Email
It’s time for a friendly reminder! Your wedding day is fast approaching, and you need final numbers for the caterer and venue. Send an email to guests who still need to RSVP’d to politely prompt them for a response.
Keep the Tone Light and Casual
Say something like: “We hope this email finds you well! We wanted to send a quick reminder about our wedding on [date] at [venue]. Please let us know if you can join us for the celebration by [deadline date]. We’d love to save you a seat!” A cheerful, personal tone will make guests more inclined to respond promptly.
Mention Logistical Details
Gently remind guests of key details like the wedding date, time, and location. For destination weddings, include accommodation options and travel specifics. The more information you provide, the easier for guests to check their availability and RSVP.
Express Your Excitement to See Them
Let guests know you’re excited to have them join you for your big day! For example, say, “We’re looking forward to seeing you at the wedding and sharing this special time with friends and family.” A heartfelt sentiment will make guests feel valued and encourage their attendance.
Request a Response by a Specific Date
Politely ask guests to RSVP by a particular date, e.g. “Please let us know if you can make it by Friday the 15th.” A concrete response deadline gives guests adequate time to reply while allowing you to get final numbers to vendors.
Thank Them in Advance
Close by thanking guests in advance for their response and whether they can attend. For example, say, “Thank you in advance for letting us know if you’ll be able to join the celebration. We appreciate your quick response!” Expressing gratitude for their time and understanding will end your reminder on a positive note.
Make a Quick Call to Late Responders
You’ve sent out your wedding invitations, and the RSVP deadline is fast approaching, but you still need to hear from some guests. Don’t panic! There’s still time to politely remind your tardy responders that you need their attendance confirmation.
Give your forgetful guests a friendly phone call to personally ask if they received the invitation and if they’ll be able to attend your big day. A personal call is the perfect way to convey your enthusiasm for their presence at your wedding. When they answer, greet them warmly and say something like:
“Hi [Guest’s name]! I’m calling to ensure you receive our wedding invitation next month. We’re really hoping you can come to celebrate with us!”
If they apologize for the delay, reassure them that it’s no problem and you just wanted to check in to get an official response. This allows them to let you know if they regretfully cannot attend or joyfully accept the invitation. Either way, thank them for letting you know so you can finalize the guest list.
For guests who don’t answer the phone, leave an upbeat voicemail re-introducing yourself, mentioning the wedding date, and asking them to call you back with an RSVP as soon as possible. Your friendly persistence will convey how much you value their attendance and ensure you have an accurate final guest count to give the venue and caterer.
With a combination of calls and voicemails to your late responders, you’ll get the answers you need while also strengthening your personal connections. No matter what, stay positive and focus on surrounding yourself with loved ones who want to be there to share in your joy. The extra effort will help make your wedding day perfect!
Don’t Take the Silence Personally
Only take it personally if some guests have RSVP’d. Wedding planning is stressful enough without worrying why Cousin Jenny hasn’t replied or why your old college roommate hasn’t returned their response card. There are many reasons why guests may be delayed in responding, and it’s usually about something other than you.
Life happens! Your guests have jobs, families, responsibilities and schedules of their own to juggle. While important, responding to a wedding invitation may have slipped down their priority list. Gently remind them with a quick message or call. Let them know you hope they can come to celebrate with you, and you’re following up to get a final guest count for the caterer. Keep things light and casual.
Procrastination is real! Some people can only respond to something at the last moment. Don’t assume their lack of response is a “no”. Politely check in and give them another opportunity to RSVP. Say you wanted to double-check if they received the invitation and if they’ll be able to join. Give them a firm final RSVP date so they know this is their last chance.
Mailing issues happen. Unfortunately, invitations can get lost or delayed in the mail. Don’t immediately think the worst if close friends or family have yet to respond. Reach out to them directly to confirm they received their invitation. Let them know you wanted to check since you had yet to receive their response card. This gives them the opportunity to reply right then and there and avoid any hurt feelings or confusion.
Stay positive! While waiting for more responses, focus on the guests who have already RSVP’d that they’ll be there to celebrate with you. And remember, for every guest who can’t attend, it gives you an opportunity to invite someone else special in your life. Keep an open heart and mind. Not everything is in your control, so do your best to not take the silence personally.
Be Understanding if They Can’t Make It
Of course, not everyone will be able to attend your wedding, no matter how much notice they have. Don’t take it personally if some guests can’t make it work with their schedules or budgets. Life happens! Focus on surrounding yourself with people who can be there to celebrate your special day.
When you receive a “regret” RSVP, tell them you understand and wish them the best. Something like:
We’re sad you won’t be able to join us, but we completely understand. Thank you for letting us know, and please accept our best wishes!
For guests who don’t respond at all, could you give them the benefit of the doubt? Follow up with a friendly reminder like:
We are checking in since we haven’t received your RSVP yet. We hope everything is okay! Please let us know if you’ll be able to attend our wedding on [date]. If not, we fully understand. Either way, you’re in our thoughts!
Focus on the Positives
Rather than stressing over who can’t come, focus on being grateful for everyone who will be there to support you. Surround yourself with loved ones, friends or family who will be by your side on the big day. Their presence and joy will make the occasion special, regardless of how many people are able to attend.
Stay upbeat and keep the lines of communication open with your guests. Let them know you care about them and their circumstances. While wedding planning can be stressful, maintain an understanding, empathy and positive attitude. Your patience and kindness will be appreciated by all. Keep your head high – the celebration will be beautiful no matter what!
Conclusion
You’ve got the venue booked, catering planned, and invitations sent – now comes the waiting game. While waiting for RSVPs can be an anxious time, stay positive and focus on the excitement of your big day! Give your guests a few weeks after sending invitations before sending a friendly reminder. A quick call, text, or email letting them know you’re looking forward to celebrating with them and want to get a final headcount will do the trick. Your true friends and family will appreciate the reminder and enthusiastically RSVP. For those who don’t, stay graceful – not everyone can make it, and your wedding will still be magical with those who can. Keep planning; the day will be here before you know it! With patience and positivity, you’ll get the final guest list figured out and be ready to walk down the aisle. Best of luck and congratulations!
FAQ
Set a clear RSVP deadline on your wedding invitations to let guests know when you need their response. You can follow up with a cheerful reminder call, text, or email. Keep the tone light and casual, expressing excitement for their presence on your special day. Be polite and friendly while asking them to let you know if they can attend.
Example: “Hi [Guest], I wanted to make sure you received your invite to our wedding on [Date]. We’re really hoping you can celebrate with us! Can you let us know if you’ll be able to make it?”
In the friendly reminder email, mention key details like the wedding date, time, and location. Express your excitement to see them at the wedding and share in the special celebration. Request a response by a specific date to get the final numbers for the caterer and venue. End the email by thanking them in advance for their response.
Example: “We’re so excited about our wedding in just a few weeks. We are sending a quick reminder to RSVP if you haven’t already. Please let us know if you can join us for our special day – we’d hate for you to miss out on all the fun!”
For late responders, make a quick, friendly phone call to personally ask if they received the invitation and if they’ll be able to attend. Be warm and enthusiastic about having them at your wedding. If they don’t answer, leave a voicemail re-introducing yourself, mentioning the wedding date, and asking them to call back with an RSVP as soon as possible. Stay positive and polite in your approach.
Example: “Hi [Guest’s name]! I’m calling to ensure you received our wedding invitation. We’re really hoping you can come to celebrate with us!”
Only take it personally if some guests have responded to the invitation. Life happens, and there could be various reasons for the delay. Politely reach out to them with a reminder call, text, or email, giving them another opportunity to RSVP. Mention a firm final RSVP date to let them know it’s their last chance to respond.
Example: “We hope everything is okay! Please let us know if you’ll be able to attend our wedding on [date]. If not, we fully understand. Either way, you’re in our thoughts!”
Be understanding and gracious if some guests can’t make it to your wedding. Express your appreciation for their response and wish them the best. Focus on the positive and be grateful for those who will be there to support and celebrate with you.
Example: “We’re sad you won’t be able to join us, but we completely understand. Thank you for letting us know, and please accept our best wishes!”
