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B
Just Said Yes May 2013

Is it tacky to raffle a reward for a prompt RSVP?

Brian, on April 10, 2013 at 2:01 AM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 33

I have been reading stories online of people not getting RSVPs back and having people show up who never responded to the invitation. You would think that a self addressed stamped envelope would be enough to encourage people to respond, but it seemed others are having trouble with this. To prevent people from not including their name on the RSVP I have numbered them all. I was wondering if anyone thought it was too tacky or unseemly to use this numbering to create a raffle. Randomly picked from those who respond by the requested date will receive a $25-$50 Visa gift card. It seems to me any couple would be willing to spend $25-$50 to have an accurate guest count. I just didn't know if this would come off as horribly unrefined.

33 Comments

Latest activity by FutureMrsNoel, on May 20, 2013 at 3:07 PM
  • L
    Super July 2014
    Linnea ·
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    I like that idea. Guests like free stuff. I mean, doesn't everybody? So I can't imagine anyone being offended about a raffle.

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  • J
    Super August 2013
    Jesyka ·
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    I want to say no because I'm curious to see how it works. I would, however, try to find a way to phrase it that replying "yes" does not increase the odds of winning. I'd hate to have a bunch of people lie on the RSVP solely thinking it will help their odds in winning the draw.

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  • Buffee
    VIP June 2013
    Buffee ·
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    I think that's awesome!

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  • R
    Master June 2015
    RayRay ·
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    I'm weirded out by this. Apparently it's just me though haha! My first thought, your wedding isn't a game show or a county fair. I mean, I'd send in my RSVP but I would think it's odd.

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  • Piper's Mom
    Expert June 2013
    Piper's Mom ·
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    I agree with RayRay I don't like it, but I also don't like playing games to give the centerpieces away or giving centerpieces away for that matter at all.

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  • Kimberly
    Devoted November 2014
    Kimberly ·
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    I agree with RayRay & Piper's Mom but obviously we are the minority in this situation so... Go for it?

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  • MrsO
    Master May 2012
    MrsO ·
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    I don't find it "tacky" (seriously hate the overuse of that word) but I do find it odd. If you have a very laid back casual wedding, I suppose it could fit. However it certainly gives off an awkward vibe for any sort of formal and elegant event.

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  • D1
    Master October 2013
    D1 ·
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    I think it is a cute idea, although not sure about the gift card. Maybe something more personal. Like you and you FH cook dinner for the winner, or wash their car, or babysit? Make a donation to the charity of the winners choice? Make it playful and fun.

    If you decide to do it, please let us know how it goes.

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  • Just Reenski
    Master December 2012
    Just Reenski ·
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    Welcome to WW, Brian! I'm with some of the other ladies that find it odd. Not to mention, a timely RSVP may not necessarily be an accurate one. I'm one that isn't able to RSVP right away many times because I don't know what my husbands schedule will be even a month out most times.

    And MrsO (and some others) are right, it does seem better for a casual event more than a formal, elegant event. I think it all just may be a bit much just to get RSVPs back on time, and you can still have stragglers even with an incentive. :/

    I hope you'll stick around and update your avatar (the rings) to ANY unique picture from Google we can more easily recognize in the future. This post tells you how: https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/welcome-to-the-weddingwire-forums-please-read-if-you-are-new/b433c40c1a62b96a.html

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  • Brittany
    Super August 2013
    Brittany ·
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    Eh.... not sure how I feel about this, but if it fits with the formality of your wedding, then go for it. I just don't know how much of a difference it would make. Some people are just terrible at responding to ANYTHING.

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  • WasSoon2BMrsSmith
    Master September 2010
    WasSoon2BMrsSmith ·
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    Ha I like it. Please respond before ____,2013. Those who respond on time will be entered in a draw for a $50 gift card. Who doesn't want that?

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  • Uhura526
    Expert April 2013
    Uhura526 ·
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    Yes it is tacky

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  • R
    Master June 2015
    RayRay ·
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    Ooooh it sounds worse after MrsSmith wrote it out.

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  • HoundMama
    VIP May 2013
    HoundMama ·
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    I would say that depends on the vibe of your wedding, your personality and how well this idea fits with how well people know you. I would think it's hilarious - some people may not understand it.

    I do understand how you feel though. We had joked about giving a "door prize" to the 100th RSVP card, lol.

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  • Private User
    VIP July 2013
    Private User ·
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    I agree with Ray, Ray...it's random and also bad form to assume your guests need incentive to follow basic etiquette (even if they do).

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  • Kelly King
    Kelly King ·
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    I think it sounds like fun! Some brides have included game cards, drink tickets and other special items in their invitations. This adds a game to the RSVP for your guests, and should get them even more excited about your special day.

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  • Abby
    Super August 2015
    Abby ·
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    I think it's a fun unique idea if you are having a casual wedding. if your doing something really formal, i don't think it would work. but if your style is more casual, then go for it! I wouldn't think it was tacky if i got an rvsp card like that!

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  • HisMrs
    Master September 2012
    HisMrs ·
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    Haha, I thought it sounded BETTER after Mrs Smith wrote it out. It would give me a chuckle if i were a guest and saw that.

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  • Michelle P
    Super September 2013
    Michelle P ·
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    Should I feel bad that I kind of find this idea intriguing and sort of awesome? I think the older generation like parents/grandparents may not find the humor of it. But who doesn't like being part of a raffle? I think its ingenious.

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  • Brandi
    Expert November 2013
    Brandi ·
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    It really depends on your guests and your personality. I couldn't pull it off but my sister could.

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