How long should guests have to RSVP?

j4211

My FI and I would like ample time (more than 1 month) to know how many guests are coming to our wedding because we are doing a lot of DIY projects and need to know how much material etc. we need to buy. For example we are making VIP passes for our escort cards. We have already sent out our Save the Dates a while ago and our friends and family all know when and where the wedding is going to be. We are getting married November 2 and were hoping to get our invites out by the last week of this month (August). Do you think it is appropriate to give our guests an RSVP date of September 21, which gives them only 3 weeks to respond? Thanks

HisGirlFriday13

Honestly, no, I don't. I know you're making lot of DIY stuff, but that's no excuse to inconvenience your guests. If you have them RSVP in September for a November wedding, that's asking for trouble. Plans can change, work schedules can change, stuff happens.

I would figure on 100% attendance and make stuff accordingly.

rustytammy

I agree with the PP.  3 weeks is not enough time for people to respond.  Not sure how detailed your DIY projects are but you will either need to figure on 100% acceptance or wait for your final number and then finish off those projects.

SewInLoveWithDMB

I think that 3 weeks to respond is not enough. We sent our invites exactly 1 month ago, which is about 3 weeks to respond, and have heard from 65% of our guests.  It's a decent % of replies, but it isn't everyone.

However, I disagree in the "plan 100%" for all DIY projects. I know the common thought here on the knot is plan for 100% to attend - and that is good advice in terms of budget and # of people that can actually fit in the venue. However, for DIY projects, I think it is a bit different.

I would either buy supplies where the number is set (my escort cards were a box of 400. We will under no circumstance have 400 people), or buy things that are not seasonal or "specials" so that if you need to add more later, the store will not run out. 

Take a look at your guest list and make a good "guestimate" of who will and won't attend. Only you and FI have an idea of this - no internet strangers will know. (For example, my mom has cousins she hasn't seen in years. They were an obvious no. If they came, awesome...but we sorta knew...and they all said no. TK boards say 'plan for 100%.' TK is giving helpful advice, but does not know each situation/family member.)

From that guestimate, add maybe 5-10%. You will get some surprise yeses, and you don't want to be short.  (And, you will also get some surprise nos from people you thought would 100% be there. Life happens.)

The only other thing I can suggest is see if anything you need (favors, for example) are made by etsy vendors. There are sellers out there that only make a specific product, and their costs are minimal. Some DIY projects become more expensive (if you are DIY-ing for budget reasons.) Our favors are pre-ordered. I gave the seller an estimate, but I have to give her a final number in September, after all rsvp's are in. Then you don't have to think about the exact number until later and the project is handled.

Good luck!

Clpapke83

Your guests need at least 1 month to reply. Make all your DIY stuff for 100% attendance.

I sent my invites out July 1st, respond by September 1st, and wedding October 12th. I probably sent my invites out too early, but I was so excited I couldn't wait any longer.

Stina51286

We sent out invites out on July 22 with an RSVP date of Sept. 9. People have just under 3 weeks left to respond and we're only at a 37% response rate.

FI's sister only sent hers out a month in advance. All of the people FI's mom said wouldn't show up to ours because they didn't go to his sisters, RSVP'd as yes to ours.