Mail or Digital? Breaking Down the 3 Wedding RSVP Options
- berriesandbloomsst
- Jan 21
- 3 min read
RSVPs are an essential part of wedding planning, as they let you know exactly who will be attending your big day. This information helps you finalize guest counts, seating arrangements and catering details, ensuring everything runs smoothly. It’s recommended to set your RSVP deadline around 5–7 weeks before your wedding date. This timeframe allows you plenty of time to finalize your signage, place cards, and other Day-Of Signage items without feeling rushed.
But how should your guests RSVP? Let’s dive into the three main options for collecting responses so you can decide which is the best fit for your wedding.
1. The Traditional Approach: Mail-In
The classic method of mailing back an RSVP card is still a popular choice for many couples. With this option, you’ll need to include an RSVP card and a pre-stamped RSVP envelope with your invitation suite. Guests simply fill out their response card and mail it back to you. This traditional approach adds a touch of formality and sentimentality, making it ideal for couples hosting a more traditional wedding, or simply for couples who just love paper goods and snail-mail.
Example:
2. Giving the Option: Mail-In or Online
If you’d like to offer guests flexibility, you can allow them to RSVP either by mailing back the RSVP card OR responding online through your wedding website. For this option, you’ll still need to include the RSVP card and pre-stamped RSVP envelope for those who prefer the traditional method. This approach caters to a wider range of preferences while maintaining a classic touch.
Example:
3. The Modern Approach: Online Only
With this option, guests RSVP exclusively through your wedding website. This means you won’t need to include pre-stamped RSVP envelopes in your invitation suite (which will also result in a Stationery investment savings). On the RSVP card, you’ll direct guests to your wedding website to submit their responses digitally. You can also provide a QR code that guests can scan easily to access your website instead of manually typing out the URL address (which often can be very long). We recommend informing guests of other matters they'll be responding to when they're RSVPing (if any) so they feel prepared with the information needed when doing so. Online-only RSVPs are particularly popular for casual, overall younger guest-lists, tech-savvy couples or destination weddings where mailing cards may not be practical.
Why Online-Only RSVPs Are Gaining Popularity
In recent years, online-only RSVPs have become increasingly popular for a variety of reasons:
Cost Savings: By skipping RSVP envelopes and postage, you can reduce your stationery costs significantly.
Avoiding Lost RSVPs: There’s no risk of RSVP cards getting lost in the mail, ensuring you receive every response that is completed by your guests.
Convenience for Guests: Many people find digital RSVPs easier and more approachable, especially in today’s tech-savvy world.
Simplified Tracking: Wedding websites automatically track and organize responses, making it easier to stay on top of guest counts.
Detailed Response Options: Online forms allow you to gather specific information, such as each guests’ meal preferences, dietary restrictions and their attendance for other wedding events (Sunday Brunch, a Welcome Party, etc.)
Choosing the right RSVP option depends on your wedding style, budget and management preferences. Whether you stick with the traditional mail-in approach, offer a mix of mail and online options, or fully embrace the convenience of online-only RSVPs, each method has its own benefits. Just remember to set your RSVP deadline about 5–7 weeks before the big day to ensure everything is ready in time. No matter which option you choose, gathering your guests’ responses will be one of the most exciting steps in planning your wedding celebration!
Comments