Question, Queries and Conundrums? Dayton Ohio Wedding Planner

I receive loads of questions all the time from my clients, brides I meet, and emails that I thought it might be fun to answer them right here on the Planny Pants blog!

Here’s our very first question?

“So everyone as of yesterday started getting their invites from us in the mail- and everyone is already telling me VIA text that they are coming. After all the time I spent licking and stamping I sure hope they plan to send their cards back. Should I accept the texted responses as a yes? Should I text back?”

In this technological day and age sometimes the importance of the paper RSVP gets lost on your guests. While a quick text to indicate that they are excited about your wedding and are looking forward to it is fine and welcome it should never replace an actual RSVP card.

Here’s the reasons why.

1. Texts are nearly impossible to track. Having a paper card arrive in the mail is a much easier way to track not only your positive and negative responses but also a way to help you track who you’re still missing responses from and who you might need to follow up with in the weeks before the wedding.

2. Often times an RSVP card will indicate what menu selection the guest would like to choose from. I highly doubt you’re going to receive a text that says… Hey Bride, so excited for your wedding. We’re coming! Oh and BEEF! Those selections are uber important for your catering company and for your bottom line budget.

3. Texts make no real commitment. It’s a common known fact that when you don’t really want to talk to someone or don’t really want to make a commitment that text is the way to go. Never count on texted RSVP’s as they aren’t always accurate. When someone takes time to respond to your stamped envelope it typically (not always however) means they’ve checked their calendar, written it down, and actually plan to be there.

So then How Do You Respond? 

Send back a quick and sweet response… something like this…

Hey Guest, So glad that you are excited about the wedding. I can’t wait to see you there. Please be sure to send back the RSVP card. Trying to be super organized! See you soon!

On that note. Remember that if you’re planning to not accept texted RSVP’s, when trying to collect confirmations from guests closer to the wedding, you’ll have to pick up the phone and call guests. While it isn’t Kosher for them to send a texted RSVP it also isn’t Kosher for you to send a “hey are you coming text”.

Many of the traditional etiquette rules are changing but in the case of invitations… I say erring on the side of caution is always the better way to go.

Are you accepting texted RSVP’s? Share your thoughts!

Au Revoir for now!