Wedding invitation rsvp etiquette

It's interesting:
"Now, I think you'll agree, after seeing the amount of free booze available at this wedding, that it's a good job it's a Bank Holiday this weekend. And if you do ..."

Like many other aspects of a wedding, RSVPs come with their own guidelines for etiquette. If you are the host, it is vital to be as specific as possible when asking for an RSVP. If you are the guest, it is especially important to follow RSVP etiquette in order to help things run smoothly for the host, bride, and groom.

1. The Host

   • Wedding invitations typically include a self-addressed, stamped insert or postcard that guests mail back to the host to indicate whether they will attend the wedding. Some response cards include a spot to add guests' names, and this is why it's important that the host of the wedding makes it as clear as possible who is invited.

     If you are the host, consider writing the name of each invited guest directly on the response card. This should discourage guests from bringing along someone who isn't listed. This option is especially useful if you don't want a guest's children or new boyfriend or girlfriend attending the wedding.

     The RSVP deadline should be about two weeks before the wedding day so that there is enough time to finalize counts with caterers, bartenders, and other vendors. If you are waiting on a few RSVPs after the due date, it is okay to call the guests and ask if they are planning to attend. This also gives you the opportunity to find out the names of additional guests (when you have added "and guest" to the invitation) or to clear up any issues with the RSVP.

     It is considered acceptable to set up RSVPs via a wedding website, as long as all guests receive a link to the website, or to ask for RSVPs via telephone. However, if you are planning on one of these options, think it through carefully. Be sure that all guests are familiar with using the Internet, for example.

   The Guest

   • It is acceptable to respond to a wedding invitation as soon as you know if you can attend the wedding. If the RSVP request is for "Regrets only," you only have to respond if you are not attending.

     It is important to clearly indicate who is attending so that the host knows how many people to accommodate for table seating, food ordering, etc. It is not proper to bring along someone who is not included on the invitation.

     If you miss the RSVP deadline, expect to get a call from the bride, groom, or host to find out if you plan to attend.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: along someone, attend wedding, bride groom, invitation rsvp, invitation rsvp etiquette