Every bride dreams that guest will quickly fill in their RSVP card and send it back before the requested date. Unfortunately, the reality is, some guest will not adhere to your deadline, causing you a headache of scrambling to contact the non responders. Here are a few tips to help you manage the RSVP process with your friends and family.

 1. Number the back of each response card to coincide with the guest name on your numbered guest list. This will assist you as you begin to receive a flood of RSVP cards, and realize someone forgot to add their name. You won’t believe the amount of time you can waste trying to figure that out.

 2. If you have the ability to collect RSVPs online, be sure to provide that information on the response card. Just be sure that you also have a way for guest who may not be computer savvy to also submit their response to you.

 3. Always include a pre-addressed and stamped envelope for the response card to be returned to you. Though it may seem like an unnecessary expense, it is courteous and will encourage you’re guest to make their decision and mail it back to you promptly.

 4. To figure out what RSVP date to give your guests, add two weeks on to your deadline given to you by your venue/caterer. The extra time will serve as a buffer to give you time to reach out to any stragglers that have not responded.

These are just a few tips to help you weed through the madness. It’s a tedious but necessary task you must complete to provide accurate numbers to your caterers and venue.

For more helpful wedding information, join me at one of my local Wedding Etiquette Workshops.