How to Get RSVPs From Delinquent Wedding Guests

You've sent out your wedding invitations and asked for a response by a specific day. Unfortunately, that day has come and you have a list of guests who have not RSVPed. Why? They're probably just busy and forgot and a few might not realize how important it is for you to get a fairly accurate head count to your caterer. It's up to you to figure out who's planning to come and who is not. Here's how to track down delinquent wedding guests and get them to RSVP.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Set an RSVP "deadline" date on your invitation. This should be about a month before your wedding. Make sure there's a couple of weeks between the RSVP date and the date the caterer wants the final head count so you can track down people who didn't RSVP.
2. Keep careful track of the people you invited. Using a spreadsheet, a Word document or a plain old notebook, keep track of who said yes, who said no, and who hasn't responded.
3. Make a list of who hasn't responded.
4. Locate phone numbers or email addresses of your delinquent guests. This might take detective work. Use the phone book, Google, parents' address books and so forth.
5. Divide up the list between the bride and the groom. Each should probably be responsible for calling their own family and friends.
6. Ask others to help if the list is long or if you don't know everyone on the list. For example, if your mother invited business associates who did not respond, ask her to follow up.
7. Call people and ask them if they are coming. Leave messages if necessary. Most people are polite and will return your call with a response. If they don't return your call, call back in a few days.
8. Politely tell a couple who doesn't know if they're coming or not that your caterer needs an accurate head count and that you need a response soon.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't worry--you're not being rude by requesting a response.
• Accept that your head count will not be perfect. Some people won't RSVP and will show up anyway, and some may bring a surprise guest. Other people will say they're coming and then not show up. It's unfortunate that some people are inconsiderate, but that's reality. Caterers know the head count will be off and plan accordingly.
• It's possible that someone did not receive an invitation. By checking RSVPs, you can make sure everyone gets invited.
• Resist the urge to say, "Dude! It's $150 a head! I need a response now!" Show that you have more class than this lug who won't respond and keep this info to yourself.

Who Can Help:

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