Thank you everyone, that helped so much!! Now on to the next thing... actually ordering and sending out my invitations
original message: Hi I need help. I'm so excited to have my wedding on a rooftop terrace that overlooks the Laurel Mountains, and then a grand reception in a ballroom not far away. But I have a question regarding rsvps. I was wondering if there is a nice way to say "If you do not respond by the appropriate time given on the RSVP card, or if you don't respond at all, then you are no longer invited"? I know that sonuds harsh, but a lot of our guests are college students that are known to do things last minute, and honestly I can't afford that. As well, my friend recently had her wedding and out of 350 invitations only 178 responded...BUT EVERYONE SHE INVITED SHOWED UP ANYWAYS!!! And then she was so stressed out, and it made them go way over their budget. I need to know exactly whom is coming, because this is the most expensive thing I have ever paid for (it costs more than my car and college tuition combined, thanks to help from my future hubby and my stepfather). But like I said I can't afford to add on extra tables right before the reception. Nor can my mind deal with that, since I'm a naturally stressed person.
Please Help!!