How Early Should You Request RSVPs on Wedding Invitations? (Timeline + Deadline Rules)

As you start designing your wedding invitations and finalizing all the details, one question keeps coming up: when should you actually request RSVPs from your guests?

Choosing the right RSVP deadline for your wedding invites is trickier than it sounds. You want to give guests enough time to respond, but you also need their answers in time for your headcount and vendor deadlines. Get it wrong, and you're either chasing people down at the last minute or leaving money on the table with your caterer.

Here's how to pick the perfect RSVP deadline, plus a timeline that actually works.

The Short Answer: 6 to 8 Weeks Before Your Wedding

The general rule of thumb is to set your RSVP deadline 6 to 8 weeks before your wedding date. This gives you enough buffer to follow up with stragglers and finalize details with your vendors.

But that's just the starting point. Your actual deadline depends on your vendor requirements, your wedding type, and how much follow-up time you'll realistically need.

How to Pick Your RSVP Deadline (3-Step Formula)

Instead of guessing, work backwards from your vendor deadlines. Here's the formula I recommend:

Step 1: Find your final headcount deadline

Ask your caterer and venue when they need final guest numbers. This is usually 1 to 2 weeks before the wedding, but it varies. Some venues want it 10 days out; others need 3 weeks. Get the exact date.

Step 2: Set your RSVP deadline 7 to 10 days before that

Your RSVP deadline should land about a week before your vendor's final headcount deadline. This gives you breathing room to chase down the people who inevitably miss the date.

Example: Caterer needs final numbers by October 20th → Set RSVP deadline for October 10th → That gives you 10 days to follow up

Step 3: Build in your follow-up buffer

Plan to send your first reminder about a week before the RSVP deadline, and a second reminder 1 to 2 days before. Budget time for personal calls to VIPs or close family who still haven't responded.

Wedding RSVP Timeline at a Glance

Here's a quick reference for how your RSVP timeline should look:

Milestone	When
Send invitations	8 to 10 weeks before wedding
RSVP deadline	3 to 4 weeks before wedding
First RSVP reminder	1 week before RSVP deadline
Second RSVP reminder	1 to 2 days before RSVP deadline
Final vendor numbers due	1 to 2 weeks before wedding

Tip: If follow-ups are the stressful part, texting guests tends to get faster responses than email. Tools like Daisy Chat let you send reminders to everyone who hasn't RSVP'd with one click.

Best RSVP Deadlines by Wedding Type

Not all weddings are created equal. Here's how to adjust your timeline based on your situation.

Local wedding (most guests nearby)

Stick with the standard timeline: invitations 8 weeks out, RSVP deadline 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding. Most guests don't need much lead time for travel, so you can keep things tighter.

Destination wedding

Give guests more time. Send invitations 10 to 12 weeks out, and set the RSVP deadline 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. Guests need time to book flights, hotels, and request time off work. The earlier you know who's coming, the better you can coordinate group travel or room blocks.

Holiday or peak season wedding

If you're getting married during a busy travel season (summer, holiday weekends, etc.), treat it like a destination wedding. Set your RSVP deadline 5 to 6 weeks out to give guests time to navigate competing plans and travel logistics.

Weekday or micro wedding

With a smaller guest list and simpler logistics, you can tighten the timeline. An RSVP deadline 2 to 3 weeks before often works fine, especially if you're in close contact with most of your guests anyway.

What to Write on the Invitation RSVP Line

Once you've picked your date, here's how to phrase it on the invitation. Keep it simple and clear:

• "Please RSVP by [date]"

• "Kindly respond by [date]"

• "RSVP online by [date] at [wedding website URL]"

If you're using a wedding website for RSVPs (which I'd recommend—it's easier to track), include the URL directly on the invitation or response card.

6 Tips for Managing Wedding RSVPs

1. Set a clear, visible deadline: Make sure the RSVP date is easy to spot on your invitation, not buried in fine print. The clearer it is, the more likely guests will actually meet it.

2. Offer multiple ways to respond: Some guests prefer mailing a card; others want to click a link. Include your wedding website, an email address, or both. The easier you make it, the faster you'll get answers.

3. Coordinate with your vendors first: Before you finalize the RSVP date on your invitations, confirm headcount deadlines with your caterer and venue. Work backwards from there.

4. Plan your reminder strategy: Don't wait until the deadline passes to realize half your list hasn't responded. Schedule reminders for 1 week before and 1 to 2 days before the deadline.

5. Build in flexibility for late responders: Some guests will miss the deadline no matter what. Have a plan for handling late RSVPs without stress; usually a quick phone call or text does the trick.

6. Use the right tools: Manually tracking RSVPs in a spreadsheet gets messy fast. A guest management tool like Daisy Chat can help you send text reminders to everyone who hasn't responded, plus handle common guest questions automatically.

   
   

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good RSVP deadline for a wedding?

A good RSVP deadline is typically 3 to 4 weeks before your wedding date. This gives you enough time to follow up with guests who haven't responded while still meeting your vendor's final headcount deadline (usually 1 to 2 weeks before the event).

When are RSVPs due for a wedding?

RSVPs are typically due 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding for local events, or 6 to 8 weeks before for destination weddings. The exact date depends on when your vendors need final numbers. Work backwards from that deadline.

How long should guests have to RSVP?

Give guests about 4 to 6 weeks to respond. If you send invitations 8 to 10 weeks before the wedding with a deadline 3 to 4 weeks out, that's a comfortable window for most people to check their calendars and make travel arrangements if needed.

How far in advance should wedding guests RSVP?

Ideally, guests should RSVP as soon as they know they can attend, but realistically, many wait until close to the deadline. That's why it's important to set a deadline that gives you buffer time for follow-ups before your vendor needs final numbers.

Wedding RSVPs Don't Have to Be Stressful

Requesting RSVPs for your wedding shouldn't induce a headache. With the right deadline, a clear timeline, and a plan for follow-ups, you can manage your guest list effectively and focus on the more exciting parts of wedding planning.

Daisy Chat is designed to make guest communication easier, whether that's sending RSVP reminders via text, handling common questions like "What's the dress code?" automatically, or just keeping track of who's responded and who hasn't. With the right tools, your focus stays on the joy of your special day.

Try Daisy Chat today.