When to Send Wedding RSVP Reminders (Timeline, Examples, and Polite Scripts)

So, you've mailed out your stunning wedding invitations, and as the calendar counts down to the big day, you might start to wonder, "Shouldn't I have heard from Aunt Linda by now?"

If you're wondering when to send wedding RSVP reminders (and what to actually say!) you're not alone. In this guide, we'll walk you through the exact timeline for RSVP reminders, share copy-and-paste message examples, and explain why texting often works better than email in 2026.

Wedding RSVP Reminder Timeline (Exactly When to Send What)

Here's the timeline we recommend to every couple we work with. It builds in enough buffer for stragglers without driving you crazy.

How long should you give guests to RSVP?

Your RSVP deadline should be three to four weeks before your wedding date. If you send invitations six to eight weeks out, that gives guests roughly a month to respond.

This timing matters because your vendors, especially caterers, typically need final headcounts one to two weeks before the event. Building in that buffer means you have time to chase down the holdouts without panicking.

When should you send the first RSVP reminder?

Send your first reminder one week before your RSVP deadline. (Think of it as a friendly poke). At this point, people who forgot will appreciate the nudge, and people who are still deciding will know it's time to commit.

When to send a second RSVP reminder

If you still haven't heard from some guests after the first reminder, send a second one one to two days before the deadline. This one can be slightly more direct; you're giving them a final heads-up before you finalize numbers.

When to follow up after the RSVP deadline

There will always be stragglers. If you haven't heard from key guests by the deadline, reach out personally within 24 to 48 hours. A quick phone call or direct text usually does the trick.

For last-minute responses, approach them with flexibility and grace. Communicate with your vendors to see if they can accommodate extra heads. Flexibility is your new best friend during this time.

RSVP Reminder Message Examples (Text, Email, and More)

Not sure what to say? Here are some copy-and-paste templates you can use right now.

Polite RSVP reminder text example

Texts get opened. Emails get buried. Here's a simple text that works:

"Hey [Name]! Just a quick reminder that we need your RSVP for the wedding by [date]. No pressure either way. We just need to lock in numbers for catering. You can reply here or RSVP at [link]. Thanks! 💚"

This is short, friendly, and gives them an easy way to respond.

RSVP reminder email example

For more formal guests or family members who prefer email:

Subject: Quick RSVP Reminder for [Your Names]'s Wedding

Hi [Name],

We hope this finds you well! We wanted to send a friendly reminder that we're still waiting on your RSVP for our wedding on [date].

We completely understand how busy life gets! If you could let us know by [deadline] whether you'll be able to join us, it would help us finalize arrangements with our venue.

You can RSVP here: [link]

Thanks so much, and we hope to see you there!

Funny RSVP reminder (for your laid-back crowd)

If your friends respond better to humor than formality:

"Hey! Our caterer is starting to give us the side-eye because we still don't have your RSVP. Are you coming to watch us get married or what? Let us know by [date]!"

Do Wedding Platforms Send RSVP Reminders Automatically?

If you're using a wedding planning platform, you might be wondering if it handles reminders for you. Here's what to know:

• The Knot RSVP reminders: The Knot does allow you to send email reminders to guests who haven't responded, but you have to manually trigger them. They're not automatic, and they go to email, which many guests miss.

• Evite RSVP reminders: Evite sends automatic reminders, but you have limited control over timing. For weddings specifically, this can feel impersonal. And again, email open rates aren't great.

• Zola RSVP reminders: Zola lets you send reminder emails through their platform, but like The Knot, you're relying on guests to actually check their inbox.

The common limitation? All of these platforms rely on email, which has notoriously low open rates (especially for anything that looks like a mass message). That's why many couples are switching to text-based reminders instead.

Why Texting RSVP Reminders Works Better in 2026

Here's the reality: your guests are more likely to see and respond to a text than an email. Text messages have a 98% open rate (compared to ~20% for email). And most people respond within minutes, not days. When you're trying to nail down your headcount before a deadline, that speed matters.

The challenge is that texting 50+ people individually is tedious. That's where tools like Daisy Chat come in—you can send text reminders to all your non-responders at once, without it feeling like spam. Guests can reply directly, and you can even set up automated responses to handle common questions while you're at it.

4 Tips for Sending RSVP Reminders

1. Be polite and understanding: Everyone has a lot on their plate. A friendly tone goes a long way. Think of it as nudging a friend, not scolding a child.

2. Personalize when possible: A personal touch makes your reminder feel less like a mass message. Aunt Linda might prefer a phone call, while your college buddies respond better to a group text (or a funny meme).

3. Offer help if they're unsure: Some guests might be on the fence about travel or logistics. Offer to answer questions or provide additional info; sometimes that's all they need to commit.

4. Use the right tools: Manually texting 80 guests is a headache. Daisy Chat lets you send text reminders to everyone who hasn't RSVP'd with one click, as well as handles guest questions automatically so you're not fielding "What's the dress code?" texts while you're trying to finalize your seating chart.

   
   

Frequently Asked Questions

When should you remind guests to RSVP?

Send your first reminder one week before your RSVP deadline. If needed, send a second reminder one to two days before the deadline. For guests who still haven't responded after the deadline, reach out personally within 24 to 48 hours.

How long should guests have to RSVP to a wedding?

Give guests about four to six weeks to respond. If you send invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding with a deadline three to four weeks out, that gives them roughly a month, plus buffer time for you to follow up with stragglers before giving final numbers to vendors.

Is it rude to send RSVP reminders?

Not at all! Most guests actually appreciate the reminder. Life is busy, and things slip through the cracks. As long as your tone is friendly (not scolding), a reminder is a helpful nudge, not an imposition.

Should RSVP reminders be sent by text?

In most cases, yes. Text messages have dramatically higher open rates than email (98% vs. ~20%), and people tend to respond faster. For older relatives or more formal relationships, email or a phone call might feel more appropriate, but for most guests, text is the way to go.

Do wedding apps send RSVP reminders automatically?

Most wedding platforms (like The Knot, Zola, and Evite) allow you to send reminders, but they're typically email-based and often require manual triggering. If you want text-based reminders that guests will actually see, you'll need a dedicated tool like Daisy Chat.

Stop Chasing RSVPs Manually

Navigating the RSVP maze is a quirky part of wedding planning, but it doesn't have to eat up all your time. With the right timeline, the right message, and the right tools, you'll have your guest list finalized without losing your mind.

If you're tired of manually texting guests one by one (or watching your email reminders disappear into the void), try Daisy Chat today. Send text reminders to all your non-responders at once, and let the chatbot handle the "What time does the ceremony start?" questions so you can focus on the fun stuff.

Sent out reminders, but still wondering why no one is RSVPing? We have some potential answers in this blog.