How many times should you follow up with missing RSVPs?

Personally, I'm *hoping* I won't have this issue (at least not much) as our total guest list is about half of just what you haven't heard back from. But if we do, I plan to give three total chances, in fairly quick succession and then on the third try I will do it by phone and if they don't answer leave them a message and let them know that since I haven't heard from them and I have to have an answer for my venue and caterer by today (whether it actually is that day or not) I unfortunately have to assume they won't be able to make it and mark them as a 'no'. I will say that we would have loved to see them and that we look forward to catching up some other time. Not RSVPing, whether it's a yes or no, is just plain rude.

From my experience, it seems the ones you have to track down are the ones who say no anyway, or say yes, because they don't want to refuse you over the phone, or in person, and don't really mean it and are no-shows. I had 4 no-shows and 2 of them were a couple I had to track down.

P.S. For hubby/inlaw's side, I think they were the type who think wedding RSVPs are on an "acceptances only" basis, which was maddening

Yes I am sad. I’m the host family and we had to leave people off list who would’ve loved to come. It’s like they are waiting for a better offer. I am texting and Facebook messaging. If I don’t get response there won’t be seating or food for them.