3 Tips for Dealing with Tricky RSVPs

Among all the wonderful responses, however, there are a few that can be challenging. Discover the best ways to handle the top troublesome response situations that brides and grooms face.

1. The Added-On Guest
You can do everything right and still have guests indicate that more people will be attending than those that were listed on the invitation. If the individual in question is married, engaged, or cohabitating with someone, their significant other should have been included. But if a guest just wants to bring a date or mistakenly assumed that their kids were invited, you're under no obligation to comply. If you want to avoid any possible pushback, blame the venue for limiting your guest count. “We received your response and are thrilled that you'll be able to attend our wedding! We wish we could accommodate the guest/children you added, but our event site is strict about the number of people we can have. We know you will see lots of familiar faces, as we are inviting our closest circle of family and friends. We look forward to seeing you on our special day!”

2. Late Responses
If a week or two after your deadline date has passed, start calling the loved ones who have not responded. Explain your concern that the reply, or even the invitation, was lost in the mail or delayed. If you have a long list, recruit your mom and bridesmaids to help make the calls, and keep at it until it is completed. What do you do if a guest who never responded shows up at your event? Smile and hand them off to your coordinator, catering director, or mom, and cease to worry about it – it's out of your hands.

3. Declined Responses
With the range in guests’ age, health, and finances, along with family and friends spread out all over the world, you are bound to receive the occasional regret. Hopefully, the guest responded in writing or with a phone call explaining why they will not be able to attend the wedding. Although you may feel sad or resentful, do not press the issue. The reason may be something the individual is not willing to discuss, such as a declining health issue or a recent financial loss.

Just remember: No matter the response, keep your replies simple, honest, and courteous, so that you can enjoy the planning of your special day, without regret.

Opening photograph by Vue Photography