RSVP Deadline

If someone does not RSVP it is your job to call them as a follow up.

^ yes

I would call everyone on the deadline that didn't reply and politely ask if they received the invitation and I would tell them I had to tell the caterer the final headcount by tomorrow. If you can't get a hold of them, then leave a message saying you were sorry they couldn't make it.

Do have a strict deadline, but instead of saying "no exceptions" explain that you need a final headcount by said date to reserve them a seat.

You should probably change your deadline. Make it a week earlier.

I would change the deadline to a week earlier. They get lost in the mail, people don't mail them to the deadline date and some people forget or loose the card. You will need a few days to make sure your get them back in the mail and to follow up with people.

I would def make the deadline at least 2 weeks before the due date to your venue, thats just too close!! and then yes, Call those and see if they received the invitation. I actually send out a notice every week to those that have not sent thiers in to remind them please send it in, this is helping alot with the last min folks.

Date twin! My deadline is also July 23 but I don't have to have my final count in until a couple of weeks later. I would considering changing your deadline if it's not too late so you have time to call those who have not RSVP'd. It's annoying and tedious but it's the correct etiquette.

Is the deadline already printed on your rsvp cards? If not, I would change it to at least a week earlier.

Our deadline was April 28th and we need to have final numbers in with our seating chart on May 15th. I did this purposely to have enough time for those who sent in their cards on the very last day and to follow up with any guests who didn't reply at all. Now all I have to do is make my seating chart but I still have 10 days to do it.

If you can't change your deadline on the cards anymore, I would say try to reach out to your guests one week before the deadline and explain to them that you need a final headcount.

I would advise against having the final head count due the date after your RSVP cut off. If people are mailing them, there are many ways that mail can get held up and as we all know, people love to wait until the last minute to send in RSVP's. It is also good to call/e-mail/follow up somehow with ones that you have not gotten back. Someone sent me an invite once that was lost in the mail and I had no idea she was getting married, so thank god she called!

Yikes! My deadline is already printed on the RSVP's. I will ask and see if maybe they will extend my deadline a week. Hopefully that will not be an issue.

I have a quick way for guests to RSVP on my website using RSVPify as well.

You could also ask your venue if you can add people after the headcount. Usually you can add, but not subtract. A month is really early for a final headcount anyway.

If you can add after, you can give them the Yesses you have at your printed deadline, call everyone you didn't get an RSVP from, and then add the additional to your headcount.

Since you didn't leave much room to follow up with people, I would start calling the week of your deadline and let people know who haven't RSVP'd yet that the venue will not accept a change in head count after "this" date.

I'm kind of on your side at this point - if you can't RSVP by the requested deadline, I don't want to pay for you to be there anyways.

Edited: grammar. sigh

Thanks for the advice everyone! Still boggles my mind that people do not know RSVP etiquette.

You and/or your bridal party should start calling 72 hours prior to the deadline.

What if you move your RSVP deadline up a week to give yourself time to follow up with those late RSVP-ers?

I would suggest like a month before RSVP are due to send a friendly text/or call reminding them about the RSVP deadline. Let the know that your final count is due the day after the RSVP deadline. This way they know you cannot accept late RSVPs.

This should prevent ppl mailing out the RSVPs the day they're due. Also, like the other ladies said follow up with everyone via phone 2-weeks before the deadline.

RSVP are already printed than a week before you need the rsvp start calling to see if they where sent or if they are coming. The last 4 weeks before the wedding can be stressing without adding this to the list. It is ok to call and ask