RSVPs

marleyjustine

Response card with envelope, post card, pre-stamped, no stamp, phone-in, text, e-mail, wedding website... Over the years I have seen numerous ways to RSVP to weddings, and now, as we start focusing on our own wedding invitations (and with that, RSVPs), I am curious - 1) how did (or how will) your guests RSVP to your wedding; 2) what response method do you prefer; and 3) which method is your least favorite??

Marley
www.marleyjustine.com
-The Proposal
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esstee33

I'm not 100% sure what FI and I are doing just yet, but so far it looks like there won't be invitations involved at all. 

For my first wedding, though, we just had little insert cards that people sent back. Most people did, and those who didn't got a follow-up phone call. We also had our phone numbers on there if people for some reason couldn't send the card back, but I really prefer not to get phone calls often, so I was glad most people sent them back in. 

Maggie0829

We went with a response card.  I prefer them over email or website RSVP.  I just feel like anything done electronically makes an event seem very casual.  Now if you are going for the casual vibe then that will work, but if you want something more formal I think paper is always the way to go.

And no matter which method you choose there will always be people who forget or don't feel the need to RSVP.

marleyjustine

Maggie0829 said:

We went with a response card.  I prefer them over email or website RSVP.  I just feel like anything done electronically makes an event seem very casual.  Now if you are going for the casual vibe then that will work, but if you want something more formal I think paper is always the way to go.

And no matter which method you choose there will always be people who forget or don't feel the need to RSVP.

I hear this over and over again, and it never ceases to amaze me.

Marley
www.marleyjustine.com

cafarrie

we did "seal & send" invitations (this style:  http://www.annsbridalbargains.com/Send-Your-Wedding-Invitations/Seal-and-Send-Wedding-Invitations/index.cat) so our RSVP's were postcards.  I loved that they were simple and people didn't have to bother with lots of envelopes.  We only had about 6 people (out of 250) that didn't respond!

Jen4948

Well, traditionally you're not supposed to include a card as people are supposed to write back to you a formally worded response, but in all honesty, so many people don't bother to RSVP at all that I won't side-eye some kind of card to send back.  Postcards are nice, but they can get exposed to the weather and wear and tear, so I'm hesitant to recommend them.

I would recommend that you pre-number any responses you get, in case someone forgets to fill in their names.  Also, I'd be prepared for the possibility that someone will only fill in their names and won't indicate if they're attending or not, and that someone will include uninvited guests on their RSVP.

[Deleted User]

We did small printed response in envelope. Due to how many Jr. & Sr situations we had I printed all the return addresses on the RSVP envelopes so that I could easily see which household it was from. Also covered for someone who totally forgot to put their name on the RSVP card. I have to admit, I loved going to the mailbox each day and finding them there. Postcards would provide the same effect. I did have the option to RSVP online because it was available through my free website. I think one guest actually did that. On that note, a friend of mine was a BM in a wedding where all they did was online RSVP, the bride ended up having to call at least 80% of the guest list because they didn't go online to accept/decline.  

From a guest perspective, if you want me to mail you something, please put a stamp on it, you'll get it back faster then if I have to go to the post office to get a stamp.

climbingsingle

I did a response card with a pre-stamped envelope. I've only personally seen wedding invites that had those. 

I think the only RSVP I would hate would be to have to make a phone call. 

Maggie0829

ClimbingBrideNY said:

I did a response card with a pre-stamped envelope. I've only personally seen wedding invites that had those. 

I think the only RSVP I would hate would be to have to make a phone call. 

Ugh, I hate those!  Any time I have to call to RSVP I am thinking "please don't pick up, please don't pick up" the entire time it is ringing.  And then if they do pick up you have to make small talk, you can't just be like "I am RSVPing yes to your event.  Thanks, bye!"

mrssursely

Of the three weddings I've been to in the last few years, not a single one had rsvp cards or a website. Two of them were thrown together in a matter of weeks so neither even had invitations printed. The most recent had a phone number to call to rsvp. We're getting married next year and are planning to include prestamped rsvp cards with our invitations.

annakay511

We are going the traditional route with RSVP cards and SASE.

redoryx

ClimbingBrideNY said:

I did a response card with a pre-stamped envelope. I've only personally seen wedding invites that had those. 

I think the only RSVP I would hate would be to have to make a phone call. 

Ugh, yes. I attended a family bridal shower awhile back being hosted by a couple different people and it wasn't entirely clear from the invite who I was actually calling to RSVP. I had to double check with my mom, like "That's so-and-so's number, yes?"