An RSVP Service Please Read!!

griffirn

Hello all,

I’m one of those techy/I don’t want to have ANY stress before the wedding guys. I have been on other post on Wedding Bee about an RSVP service but know one seems to answer my questions in detail. Most posts seem to knock online only services, which I can understand. I do not want to do online only. There are services that offer online and phone, and some just phone.

Here are my two front-runners that seem legit

1. www.rsvpservices.com/" target="_blank">www.rsvpservices.com

Pros: Love the website, they do online tracking and telephone, price as well it is $99 for 1000 invites, they call your guest a week before who have not rsvp, they also have a page you can customize for your guest, you can have directions powered by Google maps, links to where you are registered, also a section for surrounding hotels.

Cons: My only reservation for this service is the telephone for guests have to rsvp using touchtone and/or leaving a voice message. Grated they check it and you can too that concerns me because we have a choice for dinner and dessert, so I would hate for people to call too quickly in and forget what they want then have to listen to the menu all over again…you get my point then it may become a hassle. This method through phone is the only way because of the small company size.

1. www.accuratersvp.com/" target="_blank">www.accuratersvp.com

Pros: This service is phone only BUT you talk to a live person who can answer question in detail instead of a message, the service is .75 per invitation so about $30 more that the latter. They also call back people who did not rsvp yet. I love this because a guest can ask all detailed questions about our menu, addresses, hotels, and where we are registered, plus it is a larger company so they have people that can take an rsvp call 24/7 365.

Cons: No internet option and a little bit higher than the latter.

Looking at this post, it is obvious where I’m leaning to go with and that is number 2. I just want to know if anybody has used these services and your experience, or any other service out there that is better. At this point, my dream service is on that does online, and has a live person you can talk to. Let me know what you think?

entropicbeauty

If you are not going to shell out the money for paper RSVPs, why on earth would you pay for internet RSVP service?!

If you're going to go the internet route, why not start your own web site for free at something like wordpress.org and then install an app that counts RSVPs (there is software already built in that you can press a button and install into a wordpress site).

I'm offering my guests the option of RSVPing with a paper postcard or going to my web site to RSVP - whichever is most convenient for them. I know people who will not take the time to go to a post office or mailbox, and on the flip side I also have people who don't have a computer/don't know how to use the internet.

aragx6

Your wedding isn't a corporate event -- if people call they should be able to speak to you! I don't like this one bit honestly.

DHandHH

This almost seems like a vendor post to me....

RebeccaB88

Yeah... this just seems like a silly waste of money to me. 

Grits8812

It seems silly to me to pay for something like that when its probably cheaper to just send out cards and have them mailed back.  

It just sounds awfully confusing, and if your guests can't figure out how to check a box, write their name, and drop something in a mailbox on the way to work...well, i just dunno about them.

griffirn

Thank you all for your post. For the record I'm not a vendor (DH&HH). LOL. Second it is not that I can't handle my RSVPs (Ilovemilkduds) but why handle something when it can be handled for you? And you can focus on other things closer to the day. Now for those you think it's foolish to pay I see you logic but lets do some quick math. For the services it is $99 for option 1 and $132 for option 2 for my projected 175 invitations. Doing it through mail is going to cost me $77 for postage alone for the return envelope. We haven't even gone in to paper and printing for the rsvp, let alone the risk of paying more postage after having the weight of the invitation, rsvp, return envelope, direction, etc. I'm in no way a cheapie but who doesn't want to save money while making what you saved money on less stressful?...(Grits8812)?...Its not about if people can write their name or check a box, that is irrelevant to what I'm trying to compare...

Now for those who think the call in is not personal I don't know if you have 175 invites with close to 300 counted so think about those phone calls you will have to take everyday lol. (aragx6)

So now that you see the numbers how do you all feel about it. Rip it or me I won't feel offended. I'm a guy who believes in work smarter not harder. And for $132 or $99 not having to worry about anything on the rsvp end that is a pretty good deal. I don't expect you all to have looked at it from the standpoint I have because you have done it or plan to do it your way, but now that you have more facts, what do you think?  

griffirn

Both services will call all the people back who have not rsvp'd a week before the event for free, all that is included in the service. Which works out because I need a hard count 3 days before for my venue.

Postcards my be an idea but if you go all out with the invite it would be nice if everything goes together even down to papaer quality. So yes thank you for the option, and the reply trust me I have been researching and all this may be null and void if the company we go with for the invitaions do a package deal I can't refuse. 

I'm not going to lie yall ripped me LMAO, but like your question you just asked you didn't know deatils so I'm glad to give them so you can see it all for what it is and not speculation 

griffirn

True...but let me clarify "all out" I mean by the quality of the actual invitation not all out fron an etiquette stand point. Now how each services works I will get the service prior to printing than on the invitation print rsvp then the phone number below it or phone # and website.

If I decided to do the service then I thought invitation on the front, then on the back I can have the detailed menu for the reception, address, then the rsvp info at the bottom. In a perfect world if that looks great and fits I have consolidated down to one piece of paper for postage.

Not having anything is cool and different but too risky for my taste. Lets be real most people would look for an rsvp then call you when they don't get one which will be crazy, lol. Plus to have people pay for their own postage is not gonna fly in my family lol

griffirn

RSVP cards are the "new"??!!?? So what did people do back in like 1985 lol not being sarcastic I'm really curious I thought rsvp were the end all be all for wedding responses? LOL

griffirn

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_rsvp-service-please-read?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:53d6aa61-5fcd-416d-834b-f336ab567f55Post:f028bf65-88b3-468d-86fd-c77132adf9f8">Re: An RSVP Service Please Read!!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: An RSVP Service Please Read!! : Prior to that, including an RSVP card alluded to the fact that you thought your guests were too dumb to realize they needed to respond to your invitation.
Posted by ILoveMilkDuds[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>LOL no maybe I have the lingo wrong, I'm a guy, when I mean rsvp card. I mean how many guest and what dinner and dessert for those guest. Why would I allude that? Anyway that's besides the topic of the post. I just haven't made a decision yet, right now to better our pockets and keeping as much stress away I'm leaning towards the service. These days I don't think people really care that we missed being etiquette because we decided to do an rsvp service...at least we can say we are going green lol</div><div>
</div>

MyNameIsNot

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_rsvp-service-please-read?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:53d6aa61-5fcd-416d-834b-f336ab567f55Post:a9539378-cf12-45bb-8dc6-5a29f89d1e71">Re: An RSVP Service Please Read!!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: An RSVP Service Please Read!! : LOL no maybe I have the lingo wrong, I'm a guy, when I mean rsvp card. I mean how many guest and what dinner and dessert for those guest. Why would I allude that? Anyway that's besides the topic of the post. I just haven't made a decision yet, right now to better our pockets and keeping as much stress away I'm leaning towards the service. These days I don't think people really care that we missed being etiquette because we decided to do an rsvp service...at least we can say we are going green lol
Posted by griffirn[/QUOTE]

<div>Even though some people may not care if you ignore etiquette (less people than you would think when it comes to weddings), the fact of the matter is that the service is incredibly impersonal.  People will care about that.  </div><div>
</div><div>I mean, if you can't be bothered to receive your own RSVP, what kind of tone does that set for your wedding?  People get excited about weddings because they want to connect with family and friends.  If you start off treating them like numbers or customers, it just sends the wrong message.  </div>

MyNameIsNot

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_rsvp-service-please-read?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:53d6aa61-5fcd-416d-834b-f336ab567f55Post:c9933c3c-e04b-4ce8-800d-d87b58774311">Re: An RSVP Service Please Read!!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: An RSVP Service Please Read!! : I see your point but I'm still on the fence about it.<strong> I feel if I invite you, and pay for your meal, but you get offended because I had you call to rsvp and talk to someone for two minutes maybe I shouldn't have invited you anyway.</strong> LOL I don't see how it is that more impersonal having the service. Now if the norm was calling everybody personally yes I could see that but we will see. I still have a while but I love to compare, compare, compare way ahead of time before I have to make a choice. Thank you for you opinion. At this point I really want to know if someone has used the service(s). That is my only reservation that is making me stay on the fence I have been to many forums I can't find a review at all. I don't know if its a bad way to go or people just don't know because so many people are afraid to go against the grain and try it so there are no "reviews". At this point I have pretty much got opinions from both sides, now I need reviews. I know the pros and cons to an rsvp card already because its the norm. lol I'll keep searching.
Posted by griffirn[/QUOTE]

<div>And that's the whole problem.  You are behaving as if you are doing people a favor by inviting them to your wedding.  That's going to come through.</div><div>
</div>

griffirn

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_rsvp-service-please-read?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:53d6aa61-5fcd-416d-834b-f336ab567f55Post:b340efd8-736f-420a-a4d9-08271196bbd9">Re: An RSVP Service Please Read!!</a>:
[QUOTE]It's really beside the point how many people are invited to your wedding -- if you don't want to have to personally speak to them, why are they even invited? This is definitely what some of them are going to think. This isn't about time or money saved, it's about making your guests feel welcome. The idea that as long as you feed them they have no right to complain is pretty ridiculous -- you're providing the reception to thank them for attending your wedding; for being with you on an important day of your life. Again, if you don't care about them, why invite them?
Posted by aragx6[/QUOTE]

Ehhhh...I think we just agree to disagree. Because I don't see a difference between and rsvp card and them calling a service because I'm still not technically "talking" to them personally. Now if they called me to ask particular question I won't be mad lol. But a person can call and ask question if i did an rsvp card or the service. As far as the complaining I will never now but really who wants that? It can be the same with rsvp cards. what if people complain and say "they should have done something online".

And how isn't wedding planning about time or money saved lol? Like I said we agree to disagree and that's fine. This is what post are for. I won't not choose a service from moral standpoint because you can find cons for both ways. I just want the most efficient way. And the actual card isn't that bad to keep up with we already have databases in place address labels , all that. Like I said if we get a good deal on printing and the quality is great then sure I will go with rsvp cards, but time will tell when we shop around with printing companies. But looking at it "number" wise not "morals" or "ediquitte" the service is in the lead. All I need is strong reviews.

rlavach

What is your FI's opinion on this RSVP tactic?

griffirn

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_rsvp-service-please-read?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:53d6aa61-5fcd-416d-834b-f336ab567f55Post:b8997f11-96a4-4fbb-8d6d-6ca5a74fae4a">Re: An RSVP Service Please Read!!</a>:
[QUOTE]What is your FI's opinion on this RSVP tactic?
Posted by rlavach[/QUOTE]

She likes the idea as well, but we our both in the same boat of finding a good review on it. Our biggest concern with option two is that a guest may run into that one person on the phone who is having a bad day. But like I said I'm not looking at this from a "moral" or "etiquette" standpoint.  Like who is going to NOT come to your wedding because of the way you did an rsvp? LOL That is what I was trying to clarify with the other user.

Question: Do you feel if you had to rsvp online or by phone to a wedding you will feel so unimportant that you wouldn't go? Or go and not give a gift because you were mad that it felt "impersonal"? lol I feel anybody that answers YES to that question needs some soul searching lol. That is why I'm looking at everything from a "numbers" and "review" standpoint.

griffirn

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_rsvp-service-please-read?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:53d6aa61-5fcd-416d-834b-f336ab567f55Post:a0d62633-85f2-4353-95c8-7641cb37ba8c">Re: An RSVP Service Please Read!!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: An RSVP Service Please Read!! : Even though some people may not care if you ignore etiquette (less people than you would think when it comes to weddings), the fact of the matter is that the service is incredibly impersonal.  People will care about that.   I mean, if you can't be bothered to receive your own RSVP, what kind of tone does that set for your wedding?  People get excited about weddings because they want to connect with family and friends.  If you start off treating them like numbers or customers, it just sends the wrong message.  
Posted by MyNameIsNot[/QUOTE]

I see your point but I'm still on the fence about it. I feel if I invite you, and pay for your meal, but you get offended because I had you call to rsvp and talk to someone for two minutes maybe I shouldn't have invited you anyway. LOL I don't see how it is that more impersonal having the service. Now if the norm was calling everybody personally yes I could see that but we will see. I still have a while but I love to compare, compare, compare way ahead of time before I have to make a choice. Thank you for you opinion. <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-cool.gif" border="0" alt="Cool" title="Cool" />

At this point I really want to know if someone has used the service(s). That is my only reservation that is making me stay on the fence I have been to many forums I can't find a review at all. I don't know if its a bad way to go or people just don't know because so many people are afraid to go against the grain and try it so there are no "reviews". At this point I have pretty much got opinions from both sides, now I need reviews. I know the pros and cons to an rsvp card already because its the norm. lol I'll keep searching.

griffirn

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_rsvp-service-please-read?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:53d6aa61-5fcd-416d-834b-f336ab567f55Post:c59e9d73-59af-46cf-bca8-63360e38c965">Re: An RSVP Service Please Read!!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: An RSVP Service Please Read!! : And that's the whole problem.  You are behaving as if you are doing people a favor by inviting them to your wedding.  That's going to come through.
Posted by MyNameIsNot[/QUOTE]

So how is me using a rsvp serive showing people that I think I'm doing them a favore by inviting them? I don't feel that way but like I stated in another post. Who would NOT come to your wedding just because you did an rsvp service?

And the question I ask you is if you knew of a person that did that or had a selfish opinion about that, would YOU really want them there? Or consider them family or a friend? If you do you then maam are a veeerrrrryy nice person lol

aragx6

It's really beside the point how many people are invited to your wedding -- if you don't want to have to personally speak to them, why are they even invited? This is definitely what some of them are going to think.

This isn't about time or money saved, it's about making your guests feel welcome. The idea that as long as you feed them they have no right to complain is pretty ridiculous -- you're providing the reception to thank them for attending your wedding; for being with you on an important day of your life. Again, if you don't care about them, why invite them?

jessicabessica

IMO, it was fun to get the RSVP cards back with little notes that people wrote on them.  We had around 150 invitations, and we just put the responses into a spreadsheet as they arrived.  When I sort through my mail, I'd much rather do that than deal with bills, etc.--it's really not such a big deal. 

We probably had 6-10 invitations we had to follow up on for RSVPs.  That wasn't a big deal either--started with an email, then followed up with a call if necessary (DH and I each followed up with our own sides).

griffirn

Another board about this topic I started, and thanks to Juliette S. I think even if this is a great idea "tradition" is getting me nowhere, esp. being a male asking questions in a female world of wedding planning. Check it out.

http://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/has-anybody-tried-www-rsvpservices-com-or-www-accuratersvp-com-please-read/79c8b55eacb27346.html?page=1

lsvensson

If I were one of your guests and I had to call into an automated hotline to RSVP, I'd be super put off by it.  Like you said, I wouldn't make a snap decision not to come to your wedding, but candidly, I would judge you and your FI and consider you guys inhospitable hosts- and I think I'd be in good company.  I dunno, in my mind you invite people to your wedding because they're important in your life and you like interacting with them. Believe me, they're probably not in it for the free food-- they want to see you get married and they want to be close to you.  And when they want to express to how excited they are to be there and share that day with you, they get a impersonal "Please leave a message at the beep"?

To arag's point-- I totally appreciate the stress of having to deal with RSVP card tracking and all the drama of having to call people to track down RSVPs, but if you're not willing to even to communicate with your own guests (or have them call you), why are you inviting them to your wedding? Not trying to be a B here...seriously asking because it might make you/your FI's life easier if you cut down on your guest list, perhaps.

griffirn

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_rsvp-service-please-read?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:53d6aa61-5fcd-416d-834b-f336ab567f55Post:63846308-efab-4b9f-9927-b2be518f1bcd">Re: An RSVP Service Please Read!!</a>:
[QUOTE]If I were one of your guests and I had to call into an automated hotline to RSVP, I'd be super put off by it.  Like you said, I wouldn't make a snap decision not to come to your wedding, but candidly, I would judge you and your FI and consider you guys inhospitable hosts- and I think I'd be in good company.  I dunno, in my mind you invite people to your wedding because they're important in your life and you like interacting with them. Believe me, they're probably not in it for the free food-- they want to see you get married and they want to be close to you.  And when they want to express to how excited they are to be there and share that day with you, they get a impersonal "Please leave a message at the beep"? To arag's point-- I totally appreciate the stress of having to deal with RSVP card tracking and all the drama of having to call people to track down RSVPs, but if you're not willing to even to communicate with your own guests (or have them call you), why are you inviting them to your wedding? Not trying to be a B here...seriously asking because it might make you/your FI's life easier if you cut down on your guest list, perhaps.
Posted by lsvensson[/QUOTE]

LOL. Like I stated in the post be for this. I'm a man in a women's world poking at tradition..."online" so what did I expect lmao. It's all good this is what boards are for. I never said I did not want to talk with my guest, but the point to this post is getting off topic and becoming too subjective lol, I will take the loss from the "moral" standpoint. I just have to understand that in a sensitive time where lets face it females do most of the planning and dream of this event going against the grain of tradition is cardinal sin #1 lol

jessicabessica

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_rsvp-service-please-read?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:53d6aa61-5fcd-416d-834b-f336ab567f55Post:f0b2cde9-1104-49df-b1f1-94c311b64fa0">Re: An RSVP Service Please Read!!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: An RSVP Service Please Read!! : LOL. Like I stated in the post be for this. I'm a man in a women's world poking at tradition..."online" so what did I expect lmao. It's all good this is what boards are for. I never said I did not want to talk with my guest, but the point to this post is getting off topic and becoming too subjective lol, I will take the loss from the "moral" standpoint. I just have to understand that in a sensitive time where lets face it females do most of the planning and dream of this event going against the grain of tradition is cardinal sin #1 lol
Posted by griffirn[/QUOTE]

I don't really see why this is about gender and tradition.  To me, handling RSVPs properly is part of being a good host (etiquette), not tradition. 

I don't have a problem with online RSVPs for a less formal event.  In my mind, that means that you set up an email account and have guests email their RSVP and you provide a phone number for guests that don't want to email, or you use/create a website for RSVPs plus the phone number. 

The descriptions of the websites you posted just seem to require spending more money while depersonalizing the event.  I would not want to get a telemarketer-style call reminding me to RSVP for a friend's wedding.