Response options

CowgirlK39

I gotta get going on ordering invites, but one thing that's really bothering me is the response cards. The thought of having to pay for not only the cards, but then MORE postage on the return envelopes..... I could pass out just thinking of it. I asked my mom if we could just tell people to RSVP by calling, since everyone invited is close family/friends. She refused because she didn't want to be bothered with answering the phone, but I don't want to be bothered with spending craploads on something thats going to get thrown out. Also, our reception is in a different place than the ceremony, so my mom said I would have to order something with info about that.

Honestly, I think its pointless. If you are gonna be at the wedding, call me and I will tell you what's going on. I don't have the money to bother with all these extra little fillers. I'm really against all the excessive fluff that comes with weddings. I once got into an arguement with a teammate in college because she sent all of us wedding invites and response cards. Um, I see you everyday, can't I just tell you that I won't be there? Why waste the money?

volleygurl0306

We are doing online RSVPs and saving a ton of money because of this.  Maybe do that instead with a phone number for only those who don't have internet/don't use computers?  Also, I've heard of some invite companies using a "corner" print where you just put extra info in a bottom corner for a few extra bucks (total not per invite).  Could you do something like this for the reception info?  Or just put "Dinner and Dancing to follow at such and such" below the ceremony info.  Then put the address and more info on your website.  I'd also print up just on cardstock real cheap (or use vistaprint)direction cards to hand out at the ceremony to the reception site. 

mspurr

You may want to look into having postcard size response cards so you only have to pay the postage associated with a postcard rather than a letter.  That will save a little bit of money.  Who would the response cards be mailed to?  If they are going to you, you could just have people call you rather than mail back a response card.  However, if responses are going to your mom, calling doesn't seem like an option.  You could possibly put your/your mom's email as a way to respond as well if your mom would be ok with that.  It is definitely not the norm, but you would know how it woud be perceived in your circle of family and friends.  I have heard of some people leaving off the stamp and forcing their guests to put their own on.  Probably not the best thing etiquette wise, but it could be an option for you.  Unfortunately, if your reception is at a different location than the ceremony, the information does need to be provided to the guests.  If your wedding is fairly informal and you have room on your invite, you could consider adding the reception information at the bottom of the invite.  Again, this isn't the norm but is a way to save money.  One last thought, you could consider making your own invites and enclosures to try to save some money.  Lots of ladies on here have made their own and could probably provide some helpful suggestions.  I hope these suggestions help! 

QueerFemme

I just got an invite that said "regrets only" and a phone number at the bottom. It was informal, but still very nice. I would figure out a way to include directions to both venues though. Just print it at home on cardstock.

HollyRae28

We went to wedding last year with the ceremony and reception being in different locations... and after the ceremony they had their ushers hand out reception info. Honestly I think it was just google map or something! and it was fine!

As far as the accept/decline... You could do a postcard. Postcards are cheaper... or I have heard a lot of people doing online rsvps. The place I'm ordering my invitations through doesn't do postcards :-( I was bummed. So I have to do extra envelopes and stamps... Urgh!

sheikscorpio88

My RSVP options will be through my wedding website and google voice. Just sign up for a free google voice number, create a voicemail message and have your guest RSVP online or by phone. It will save you money on postage and if they aren't internet savvy they can just pick up the phone. HTH

CowgirlK39

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_september-2012-weddings_response-options?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding Club BoardsForum:a464c18c-2e4d-469b-8eae-3865079cb9cfDiscussion:e16c2146-8a88-4858-ae81-6e16b79adecbPost:4888f61c-ac75-4381-a086-17aba558d354">Re: Response options</a>:
[QUOTE]My RSVP options will be through my wedding website and google voice. Just sign up for a free google voice number, create a voicemail message and have your guest RSVP online or by phone. It will save you money on postage and if they aren't internet savvy they can just pick up the phone. HTH
Posted by sheikscorpio88[/QUOTE]

Sadly websites and internet related responses probably will not work well. My family's side is rather old and probably do not know much about computers. Heck, I don't even have the internet in my apartment (Im usually at work when I post on here!).

I took Volleygurl's suggestion and looked at vistaprint. I loved what I saw but when I told my mom she said she has never heard of anyone calling-in responses for a wedding and encouraged me to put more thought into it. Ok I will think... hmmm... nope, still can't justify response cards.

QueerFemme

I think it just depends on the formality of your event. And how big the guest list is. If you have 100 guests, that's a lot of people calling in a matter of a few days and can get chaotic. Postcards are simple and cheaper and still very informal. And you can often get them free or VERY discounted thru VP.

CowgirlK39

Our wedding is rather informal and the guest list is 107, but most of those are pairs, so figure I will probably be getting around 55-60 phone calls or emails.

QueerFemme

I guess, just make sure you have a very organized spreadsheet so, when people call, you have a line item with their name on it and can mark yes/no.  Most people will get their invites on or around the same day.  So you could end up with a lot of calls on the same day.

that would make me nuts, and I would much rather spend the 20 dollars on simple rsvp postcards. But, if you are good with it...  and can keep that stuff organized, knock yourself out! 

CowgirlK39

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_september-2012-weddings_response-options?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding Club BoardsForum:a464c18c-2e4d-469b-8eae-3865079cb9cfDiscussion:e16c2146-8a88-4858-ae81-6e16b79adecbPost:4b4f215e-923b-4db2-b7e4-59e22f127f65">Re: Response options</a>:
[QUOTE]I guess, just make sure you have a very organized spreadsheet so, when people call, you have a line item with their name on it and can mark yes/no.  Most people will get their invites on or around the same day.  So you could end up with a lot of calls on the same day. that would make me nuts, and I would much rather spend the 20 dollars on simple rsvp postcards. But, if you are good with it...  and can keep that stuff organized, knock yourself out!  :)
Posted by cmgilpin[/QUOTE]

I will look into the postcards.. suggestions as to where I can find them?

volleygurl0306

Vistprint!  You typically get 100 for free so that should cover your guest list.  Then make sure you get postcard postage not regular postage as it is cheaper!  I just got an email from them and I'm sure postcards were in there.  Send me your email if you need it forwarded.

QueerFemme

http://www.vistaprint.com/postcards.aspx

that's not the "Free" ones (I couldn't find those on the VP ... I think they are only doing free business cards right now).  But, for 100, its only 24.99 with the backside blank.  You could use a simple mailing label with your name/address on it for the backside for return purposes.

CowgirlK39

Beautiful. Thanks girls. Although I found a business card I realllllly like.... I'll look thru the site and see what I should do.

QueerFemme

But, you can't mail just the business cards... so, you'll have to get envelopes and pay full, first class postage then. 

Just a thought...