Our brides at Wind Dancer Retreat often tell me that one of the most frustrating parts of planning a wedding is getting RSVPs from guests, so it’s helpful to create a unique wedding RSVP card. Remember all those times that you didn’t RSVP for things? You’re probably guilty of failing to reply for birthdays, weddings, dinners, and probably a lot more events. Well, it’s all going to come back to haunt you when you’re trying to plan your own wedding.
So go ahead and call everyone right now and say …
“I just want to apologize for never RSVPing to your (fill in the blank). I truly didn’t realize the position it put you in when you thought that because I didn’t RSVP, I would not be attending said event, and then ended up showing up anyway. That being said, I am sorry…but could you please RSVP to my wedding?”.
It’s one of those things that stresses a lot of brides out while planning. While you hope that everyone is going to RSVP, we’ve seen our fair share of weddings here at Wind Dancer Retreat where the bride allowed for extra meals and reception seating because she was worried that guests would show up that didn’t RSVP.
In general, you should set your RSVP date at least 2 to 3 weeks before your wedding. This should give you enough time to get a final head count to the caterer and to finalize any last-minute changes to your seating chart. This will also allow you enough time to call any guests who haven’t RSVP’d and get a final answer from them.
Unique Wedding RSVP Card Ideas:
I often recommend this trick to our Wind Dancer Retreat brides: Make sure that your invitations are too amazing to not RSVP. Here are a some of the funniest wedding invitation RSVPs:
Can You Handle It?!
- Yes, I am ready to attack the dance floor
- No, and I will forever regret this decision
Yes! I will be attending because:
- Two words: Free. Booze.
- I’m in your wedding party, idiot. Wait, is this optional?
- This is my only chance to play golf at Medinah & I plan on sneaking off during the toasts to play a quick round.
- I would never dream of missing it! After all, know the Kerr/Sabino Family (circle one), this should be a night full of must-see fun/drama/ridiculous dancing (circle one)!
No. I won’t be attending because:
- I’m lame. On a scale of one to ten, my lameness would be in the 9.5 to 9.8 range.
- I’ll be watching the Cubs win the World Series. ( these options are meant to be circumstances that could actually happen.)
- I will be visiting, um, Yemen. Yeah, Yemen. But it’s a secret trip. So if you ask anyone, they will have no clue what you’re talking about.
- I don’t know who you people are or how you got my address. Leave me alone! (Oh, and congrats on your upcoming nuptials.)
If you have any dietary restrictions, please list them below. Everyone else will be eating whatever we put in front of them!
We look forward to celebrating with you.
- Will be there with bells on
- Will be there free of bells
- Will be there…undecided on bells
- Will not be there…heard there will be people wearing bells
- Will not be there…regardless of the bell controversy
Regardless of how you word your RSVP invites, you are always going to have a few guests that didn’t RSVP. Try to get in touch with them a week or two before the wedding. Again, this gives you time to touch base with your caterer, venue, and other vendors to give them a final head count. If it is still stressing you out, err on the side of caution and allow for a few extra guests who may show up unexpectedly.
At Wind Dancer Retreat, we’re here to help our brides avoid as much stress as possible. Following these RSVP tips will help you avoid last minute catering stress and insure a unique wedding you’ll never forget. You can download our Wedding Planning Guide to get more tips to make your wedding day a success.
