How to Choose an RSVP Date
If you’re wedding planning and have found yourself wondering how far before your wedding your RSVP date should be, you’re in the right place!
According to wedding RSVP etiquette, the respond by date on your wedding response cards should be 2-4 weeks before the wedding date.
This deadline is driven mostly by your venue and caterer – they’ll need a confirmed number of guests about a week before your wedding date. Be sure to check with them, since some venues require more than a week.
And, give yourself at least a week between your RSVP date and the date your venue and caterer need a guest count. Why? Because inevitably, you’ll have a few guests who won’t RSVP and you’ll need to track them down.
Here are a few other things to consider when choosing a reply date…
B-List Strategy
It sounds harsh but we all know when it comes to creating a guest list, it’s only natural to have an A List, a B List and maybe even a C List.
If you’re planning on turning declines into an opportunity for someone else to join the fun, send your wedding invitations at least 6 weeks in advance. When you receive a decline (within 1-2 weeks of sending the initial batch of invites), send an invitation to someone on your B or C Lists, making sure those guests receive the invite at least one week before the RSVP date.
Be sure to order enough invitations to account for the extras being sent, and remember to keep a close watch on your guest count. Determine your maximum guest count up front, based on your venue or budget limitations, and don’t exceed it.
Destination Weddings
Destination wedding invitations should be sent 2-3 months before your wedding date, and we recommend setting your response date for at least six weeks before the wedding date.
This gives guests time to firm up their travel plans and it gives you six weeks to button up details such as guest welcome gifts and reception plans.
Holiday Weddings
Having your wedding on a holiday or holiday weekend doesn’t necessarily affect your respond-by date but it does mean you will want to send your wedding invitations at least 12 weeks in advance. Guests will need ample time to plan and giving them time means you will end up with a more accurate guest count.
We hope this helped you nail down this very important date! If you have any additional questions about wedding stationery etiquette, our experts are here to help.