One of the most overlooked – and sneakily stressful – parts of wedding planning is collecting RSVPs. You’ve sent out your gorgeous wedding invitations, the excitement is building, and now it’s time to gather responses from your guests. Sounds simple, right?

But between chasing up replies, tracking dietary requirements, and figuring out your final numbers, things can get overwhelming fast. The good news? With the right RSVP strategy, it doesn’t have to be that way.

Whether you’re going traditional with printed RSVP cards or leaning into the ease of digital, here’s how to collect wedding RSVPs effortlessly (and on time).

✉️ RSVP Cards: Classic, Elegant, and Tangible

Printed RSVP cards are a traditional favourite—and for good reason. They feel personal, they look beautiful, and they often become keepsakes for guests and couples alike.

Pros of RSVP Cards:

Aesthetically pleasing: Matches your invitation suite for a cohesive look.
Tangible: Guests can pin them to their fridge and serves as a physical reminder to reply.
Perfect for formal weddings: Particularly suited to black-tie or traditional celebrations.

Things to Consider:

You’ll need to include a return envelope - you could pre-address this to remove any room for addressing errors or if your guests don’t know your address.
Some guests might still forget to return them.
Manual tracking: You’ll need a spreadsheet or system to log replies as they arrive.

Pro Tip

Include a date by which you need replies, printed clearly on the RSVP card. Aim for approx. 8 weeks before the wedding date, especially if you’re going to be ordering wedding day stationery and/or giving a final headcount to your caterer/venue.

💻 Digital RSVPs: Quick, Easy, and Trackable

More and more couples are choosing digital RSVPs – and it's easy to see why. They’re fast, flexible, and perfect for tech-savvy guests.

Pros of Digital RSVPs:

Instant responses: Guests can reply with one click.
Easy tracking: Automatically log who’s coming (and who’s not).
Customisable: Add meal choices, song requests, or notes.

Popular Platforms:

Your wedding website (e.g., Joy, With Joy, Hitched)
Email or Text (put your phone number or create a dedicated wedding email address)
Google Forms (simple and free)
QR codes - link to your website and print the code on the invitation or RSVP card

Things to Consider:

Not all guests are tech-savvy – older relatives might prefer paper.
Feels less formal – which is fine for casual or modern weddings.

Pro Tip

If you're using printed invites but still want digital RSVPs, include a QR code or short URL on the RSVP card directing guests to your online form. Best of both worlds!

How to Make RSVP Collection Stress-Free

Here’s how to stay on top of it all, no matter which method you choose:

Set a clear RSVP deadline – and give yourself buffer time. I advise no later than 8 weeks before the wedding date.
Include all key details – names, attendance, dietary needs.
Track responses regularly – whether it’s a spreadsheet, app, or online platform.
Follow up politely – Give guests a gentle nudge a week after the deadline if needed.
Double-check spelling for place cards and seating plans – based on their replies.