When Nishma Mistry, an Atlanta-based woman of South Asian descent, organized her wedding, she faced the challenge of managing a guest list that spanned hundreds and events that extended over several days. Handling the logistics, she found herself reaching out to numerous guests to confirm their attendance at various functions.
Drawing from her own wedding experience and empathizing with the frustration of countless couples grappling with unanswered RSVPs, Mistry, a seasoned wedding planner and the founder of Asian Bride Sorority, devised a solution—the 'Missed RSVP' card. This card, sent out after the RSVP deadline, tactfully conveys regrets for the absence of the recipient and explains that final arrangements have been made based on the responses received.
Although Mistry's initiative has stirred a mixed reaction online, with some labeling it as 'harsh,' it prompts an important question: What constitutes proper RSVP etiquette?
As graduation ceremonies loom on the horizon and spring weddings commence, the upcoming months promise a flurry of celebrations, with hosts anxiously awaiting RSVP confirmations.
There are myriad reasons for guests failing to respond to RSVP requests on time, although it remains a common and discourteous oversight. However, as Mistry and numerous others can attest, this oversight can significantly disrupt the planning process for large-scale events. Hosts typically anticipate a turnout ranging from 60% to 85% of their invited guests, inevitably leading them to chase down a few tardy RSVPs. While opinions may vary regarding Mistry's approach, there's a unanimous consensus that hosts must address the issue of unresponsive guests.
According to the late Emily Post, a renowned authority on etiquette, hosts are left with no alternative but to follow up when RSVPs are unaccounted for. Post recommended a gentle reminder call to confirm attendance, stating, 'It is perfectly polite, however, for hosts to call friends to ask if they plan to attend.'
Guests who miss the RSVP deadline yet still wish to participate should promptly contact the host to express their intent to attend. Showing up without an RSVP or prior communication is akin to arriving unannounced and can place the host in an awkward predicament.
While reaching out to guests may seem like an added burden amidst a plethora of tasks, leveraging online RSVP platforms can streamline the process. Many couples opt for digital invitations or include a link to their wedding website in traditional invites. These platforms serve as a centralized hub for disseminating event details, providing updates, sharing registries, and facilitating RSVP submissions. From Squarespace to Joy, an array of wedding website services offer tailored features to suit individual preferences.
Ultimately, if the presence of guests holds significance, diligent communication is paramount to ensure their attendance.
