RSVP timeframe - help needed!!!

[vav11238]

I'm currently doing research on the appropriate time frame of when to send out invites when it's a destination wedding and how long to give people to RSVP?

 

I sent out my STD cards where we asked for a rough number count - about ten or so couples responded to that. And on our website we've been posting info about booking - the same people who responded to the rough count have already booked. My folks friends have said they're waiting for the actual invitations.

 

So my thought process now is our wedding is in Feb 2012, that invitations should go out late September with an RSVP by Dec 1st. What do we think about that? Is that too long of a timeframe? I'd love to hear some other timeframes too? 

 

 

[brendee2005]

Its actually a good time frame. I also since gst will be booking with  travel agent you will know whose going.

[emilyjane]

Your timeframe sounds pretty good to me.  I am going to let people RSVP up until 45 days before the wedding, which is the cutoff time for people to make their payments to attend our wedding with our group booking.  I'm having everyone RSVP online, or by email... we're not too fussy!

[vav11238]

I spoke to my sister (MOH) and she decided to send out another email to family to say (nicely) get off your hump and put money down. My TA broke down payment plans but I have amounts to hit to keep the rate at what it is so...I'm waiting to see how many people listen to her in the next coming weeks. 

 

If they haven't then, I've changed it a bit and may send out my invites the beginning of Sept rather than the end. We, too, are going to do RSVP online or snail mail. Question though, did you still put the stamps on the envelopes or figure those who'll put into the postbox will add the stamp themselves. Have been playing around with the idea that anyone who is in my families circle will get stamps because ole fashion people will expect it. The younger set would just be told to do it online. 

 

Wish there were more references or sources on here talking about this. 

[IslandBride201x]

I don't know what the right answer is to the timing of everything, but here is what I am doing...  I sent save the dates out 14 months in advance (May 2011) giving people plenty of time to save and plan.  I gave our travel agent's information and any other information someone would need to book.  I didn't ask for any kind of rsvp at that point.  We have had 17 people book their trip so far.  My plan is to send out the invitations in January (6 months prior).  I am putting my rsvp date as May 1 as that is the final payment date with the travel agent.  I figure the booking is the official rsvp, so the post card is just a formality.  I might still have some stragglers after May 1st looking for a last minute deal, but I would like to start buying items that are dependent on who goes in May.  I am hoping this might help to alleviate the last minute stress and allow us to enjoy the weeks leading up to the wedding... I could be dreaming about that... LOL

[Sllefebvr]

I'm in line with this!! I am giving myself time I might even consider giving myself much more time than this!! lol, I want a head count now and I have two years haha!! This is tough!! When do you want your RSVP's back by? Go by that date!! Make sure to give yourself enough time to do everything you need to do!

 

Originally Posted by IslandBride201x 

I don't know what the right answer is to the timing of everything, but here is what I am doing...  I sent save the dates out 14 months in advance (May 2011) giving people plenty of time to save and plan.  I gave our travel agent's information and any other information someone would need to book.  I didn't ask for any kind of rsvp at that point.  We have had 17 people book their trip so far.  My plan is to send out the invitations in January (6 months prior).  I am putting my rsvp date as May 1 as that is the final payment date with the travel agent.  I figure the booking is the official rsvp, so the post card is just a formality.  I might still have some stragglers after May 1st looking for a last minute deal, but I would like to start buying items that are dependent on who goes in May.  I am hoping this might help to alleviate the last minute stress and allow us to enjoy the weeks leading up to the wedding... I could be dreaming about that... LOL

 

[JPenny]

I sent out my invites last month for my wedding in March. However, we are trying to get people to book by November if they want an early booking bonus. But I definitely think you're good on your timeline.

[Maritza919]

I sent my STD year in advance then invitations were sent out in June 2011 for our April 2012 wedding. Giving everyone 3 months to RSVP. I wouldn't even mind if people rsvp'd no but we still need more responses. Still one more month of waiting.

[vav11238]

Yea, I've decided to change it a bit. I'm sending out the invites early September with an RSVP of November 1st, giving guests two months. Afraid that if I leave it until December people will just keep putting off making the hard decision. Especially since people aren't looking at it logically. I have a cousin who emailed me to tell me that 8 people in her family were coming - 4 kids. REALLY?!? Airplane tickets are crazy and two of her daughters are old enough to be considered adults - not kids. I see that as highly unlikely (esp since she just came back from a wedding in jamaica). 

 

I'm hoping with RSVPs people will sit down and look at the prices, then make a rational decision. Then I can plan on what I'm going to do during the wedding weekend. My guests will have loads more fun if there's just 30 over 60 because we'll be able to pay for loads more. Ah, decisions...decisions!

[JayKay]

I think your timing is reasonable, especially with sending out STDs.