No RSVP, No seat?

If someone doesn't RSVP, I'm not setting aside space for them. If you can't be bothered to RSVP, and don't respond when I later follow up with you, I'm going to assume you are no. If you then do decide to show up, you'll be embarrassed because there is no where for you to go.

The 20% rule is a guideline that varies widely depending on location and finances for your guests. But that 20% does not mean that 20% of people will not RSVP and then show up. It is just a number of people you can expect to decline on their RSVP.

Hope that helps!

I thought the 20% of your guest list number was on average how many people RSVP no? There are frequently so no-shows as well. I do not plan on leaving any extra seats, but I think you might get better advice from some of the married ladies!

Not married yet but sure you will get a lot of similar responses. No RSVP means no seat at all... a whole table? You are being very generous. I am also going to do website only rsvp but you will have to follow up with a handful to ask if they are coming if/when they don't make your deadline, at that time if you don't hear back after a day or two consider them a no and even tell me or have your parents inform them since we have not heard we assume you are a no. Keep in mind you will be paying for all these guest that don't show as your venue needs a headcount for food a week or two before not to mention another centerpiece...

Trust me I am not leaving an extra table. I just wanted to make sure I'm not being a horrible person by turning people away.

I followed up with everyone who didn't RSVP after the due date, and got everyone's response. I would say if for some reason you just can't respond, mark it as a no. If they show up, they get turned away. That's their fault for not RSVPing properly. It doesn't make you horrible at all.

I didn't plan to make accommodations for them. Some RSVPs didn't show. 5 people let us know they could no longer make it 3 days before the wedding. One rsvp called and said he had the flu the day of. One RSVP showed up for the ceremony, but then left after cocktail hour. We had plenty of extra meals in case anyone did show that didn't rsvp.

Are you planning to follow up with people who don't RSVP? If you try to follow up and still don't hear, then definitely no seat for them!

You need to follow up with anyone who doesn't RSVP. People don't get their invites quite often. You contact them all, after the RSVP date, and say "Jane, we haven't received your RSVP yet. Will you be attending? If I don't hear from you by XXXDATE, we will have to count you as a no, and you will be missed. Hope you can make it!"

We had a couple of people who didn't respond either way and then just showed up. There were a few seats at a table in the back that we left open. Numbers wise, it didn't make a huge difference because we also had a couple of no-shows. If you have the space, set aside a couple of seats. If you don't, have the venue turn them away. Honestly, I was so busy that day that I put my energy towards other things.

We had about 5 people/couples/families who didn't respond by the RSVP date who we followed up with. If someone doesn't RSVP, you need to follow up with them. No one who RSVP'd no just showed up.

Also, change your avatar!

I just read that on average 20% will decline and 5-10% of those who accepted will be a no show.

I will follow-up with anyone who does not RSVP 2 days after the deadline with by phone or email. If I don't get a response they will not have a seat saved for them.