How to Choose the Perfect RSVP Deadline for Your Wedding Invitations: Tips and Tricks

Have you been wondering why there’s an RSVP deadline on wedding invitations and how anyone comes up with the date? This deadline determines when you need to receive responses from your guests, allowing you to finalize your guest list and provide accurate numbers to your vendors, so you're not scrambling to make changes or overpaying for more guests than you'll have. Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect RSVP by date for your wedding invitations.

Consider your vendor deadlines.

Your caterer, florist, and other vendors will likely need a final headcount anywhere from a few days to a few weeks before your wedding day. Keep this in mind when choosing your RSVP by date and give yourself enough buffer time to collect responses and make any necessary adjustments so you’re only charged for the right amount of guests.

Factor in travel time.

If you have out-of-town guests who will need to make travel arrangements, give them ample time to do so by setting your RSVP by date earlier than you might for local guests. This will also give you a better idea of how many hotel rooms to reserve.

Be realistic.

Give yourself enough time to follow up with any guests who haven't responded by your RSVP deadline. If you're sending paper invitations, factor in the time it will take for them to be delivered and returned by mail.

Use your wedding website.

A wedding website, like those offered by Riley & Grey, is a great tool for managing your guest list and RSVPs. Be sure to include your RSVP by date prominently on your website and use the platform to send reminders to any guests who haven't responded.

Give yourself some wiggle room.

Unexpected events can happen that may delay your responses, so give yourself a few extra days beyond your RSVP by date to follow up with any stragglers and finalize your guest list.

By following these tips and working with a flexible and effortless wedding website company like Riley & Grey, you'll breeze through the selection of the perfect RSVP deadline for your wedding invitations. Remember to stay organized and communicate clearly with your guests to ensure a smooth and stress-free planning process.