When should RSVP's be returned by?

When do you need to have numbers in to your caterer/venue? I think about a month before your wedding gives you enough time to get in touch with those who don't RSVP by the deadline, and enough time to get your counts in.

I know some of the other ladies on here are able to give you a more specific breakdown of the amount of time you need, though.

I am hoping to have the meal paid for two months prior to the date. I have everything else bought and paid for except the dinner. So, for me, to have them back by the end of July would be ideal, but I understand that might be too soon. Would you say around August 10th? So I have that extra 12 days to round up the stragglers?

My wedding is on 9/8/12, our caterer wants the count 10 days before, so we put 8/17 as our RSVP date to allow us enough time to track down people who don't send theirs back.

I would recommend making your RSVP date about 10-14 days before your final count is due to your vendors to be safe.

That seems too early. Does your caterer require payment that early? You could always send in some and then pay the rest with the final count.

My lady said she needs an approx count six weeks out but I thought that was super early so I did my rsvp date 4 weeks out. Im expecting a full house, so im not worried.

No, the food being paid for is just for my own personal relief of stress. One thing on my RSVP's that I am including is a head count of children. I have a standing order of things for the kids to play with, small trinkets, glow sticks, rings, toys, etc. And I want to know how many to order. If half my guests don't bring their kids, I kinda need to know to save myself from spending an extra $200. But I need at least a month at the very least to get the items shipped and received on time....... I will put down by Aug. 18th. That is one month and four days.

Yeah, two months is a kinda early. If someone RSVP's yes, but then something happens, you will have paid for meals for no reason. I agree with Trista, two weeks before counts are due should work.

Hey date twin! I'm sending my invites out around the end of July/beginning of August and I asked that they be returned by Aubust 30th so I have time to contact anyone who I have not heard from..