Wedding RSVP List 101
Keeping a handle on guest lists and RSVP’s is one of the most popular topics I chat with my brides about. We are constantly talking about delinquent RSVP cards, potential wedding crashers, and family members not understanding that you can’t invite every person you’ve ever met. I mean, venues do have to stick to fire codes after all!
So let’s dive into 5 Tips to Controlling your Wedding Guest List!
#1: Send Communication on time.
Save the Dates are typically sent 6 Months in advance and /Invitations 3 Months ahead of time. It’s also super important to give your guests an RSVP deadline with plenty of cushion time. A deadline of 3-4 weeks before the wedding is a good rule of thumb- it gives you time to follow up with any RSVP stragglers and also get your final guest count to your venue and caterer.
#2: Track your RSVPs!
Man oh man this is important. Mark your RSVP’s as they come in – either in a spreadsheet or online. That way you won’t have to waste any time thumbing through and counting your RSVP cards when your caterer asks for your numbers. You can just pull up your spreadsheet and send it on over. We have an awesome template that helps you track everything from RSVP’s to thank you cards. Download it here!
#3: Follow Up!
After the RSVP deadline, start reaching out to people! Seriously, don’t be afraid to ask if they’re coming – you are not rude- they are rude for not RSVPing on time!
If they are close friends, shoot them a text; if they are distant family, or acquaintances, send them an email or ask your parents/grandparents to reach out to them to ask. A good template would be something like this:
“Hi, XX! I hope you are having a great week Just wanted to check in to see if you/you guys are planning to come to the wedding? I’m SO excited to celebrate with everyone :)”
If menu choice required: “Hi, XX! I hope you are having a great week! Just wanted to check in to see if you/you guys are planning to come to the wedding? I’m SO excited to celebrate with everyone 🙂 Also, would you prefer chicken or fish for dinner”
If given a plus one: “Hi, XX! I hope you are having a great week! Just wanted to check in to see if you are planning to come to the wedding? And are you bringing a special someone? I’m SO excited to celebrate with everyone :)”
#4: Hire a Security Guard.
If you are worried about wedding crashers or people showing up uninvited, avoid the stress and hire someone to man the door. This may sound extreme, but if people show up that you weren’t expecting, you could run out of food, hit the maximum occupancy of the venue, or run out of places to sit! None of which are fun!
#5: Remind your family that there is a cost per head when it comes to wedding guests.
Not only for food, but for some venues, for party favors, for sparklers, for supplies, the list goes on and on! So when family starts bombarding you with distant people you don’t really want to invite, remind them of these costs!
You’ve Got This!
Now go on and control that guest list with gusto! You can do it! And if you have questions, don’t be afraid to reach out!
Happy Wedding Planning!
Xoxo,
Sammy
Interested in having the Jackson & June Events team plan, design, or coordinate your big day? Find out more info here!
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