Invitations: RSVP Questions?

Question

I have 2 questions about our invitations:
(1) We have people on the list that we KNOW, without a doubt, will not come. The invitations are simply serving as an announcement. Can we skip the reception and rsvp cards in these?
(2) We set up a wedding website that offers an RSVP page. Is it completely tacky to have people RSVP this way instead of mailing back response cards?

I am not trying to be cheap or tacky. I personally am on the computer all the time and would consider this easier than mailing back an rsvp (yes we would pay postage for our rsvps). Also, we are looking at around 300 invitations and are trying to save a little money if at all possible.

Another option, can we skip the reception cards for the know-they-won't-come people but include the rsvp cards. Then it won't look like we're looking for gifts (which we're not, these are simply friends of my parents or family from across the country that we want to inform). I'm talking at least 75-100 invites will go to these people.

Sorry to keep adding to this:
Most of my extended family considers announcements (in leau of invitations) rude as they think it's the couple asking for gifts but not inviting.

Answer 1

As our planner said, it's better to spend the extra money and send out the RSVP cards and have your suspicions confirmed then to have the no-doubter show up and you've not made arrangements for their appearance. We're also doing the website but we were advised to send out the RSVP cards regardless as they're still considered traditional and many people feel the wedding is too commercial when they have to log on to confirm.

Answer 2

Oh do I feel your pain...I am going through this now with my wedding plans.

1. We too have a lot of people that we know will not make it, but you do not want them to feel already counted out when you send the invite...in the long run you will actually be better off doing your invites in larger bulk numbers (300 of everything) instead of random numbers like 225 reception cards and 250 RSVP cards.

2. The website is a great idea and I would encourage anyone with the know how to RSVP that way as it will save you a little more time with your mail sorting. BUT, you should leave the option for everyone to send the card back as well...worst case is some people are overly cautious and reply both ways to ensure that you get the RSVP...Best case is a close friend will make a very nice wedding collage piece for you with all the mailings, wedding ceremony cards, pictures, etc...

Hope this helps...I know I got pretty much the same advise and it was a major help.

Answer 3

When I sent out my invitations for my wedding I thought that spending the extra on postage was ludicrous. Instead I included a card that had my email address and phone # for people to RSVP to. This was great, it saved time in the long run by not having to stuff all the RSVP cards and affix stamps as well as the cost of postage. $0.41 x 300 = $123 that is a substantial amount. I made my own invitations, I didn't like any of the affordable ones and the ones I did like were too expensive and I could duplicate them with a lot more style and flair myself. So I just included the instructions to RSVP on a simple piece of corresponding velum paper. Had them printed and cut at staples for a minimal fee.

Most people these days can access the Internet and your older guests will likely be family that you already know is coming.

As for sending and announcement or different invitations for your family members, I would just make all the invitations the same. I sent out the exact same invites to everyone, I even sent them to my bridal party so they wouldn't be left out. Some people like to keep things like your invitation. Also some guests that didn't even come to the wedding sent us a clock they made out of our invite. It is something that I will have forever.

Answer 4

I think that the RSVP parts should be included....I mean, you paid for them in sets, did you not? What difference would one or two invitations make...and maybe they might surprise you!

As for the online RSVP, I think that's pretty novel and you might not have to track so many people down for a yes or no if they can do it over the internet! However, you should still do the whole RSVP thing (send them with stamps and all...its a matter of convenience....but people are still negligent), but offering the internet option is good (it might save you some effort).

Answer 5

I like the idea of online RSVPs. If you don't want to do RSVP cards, you can list your phone number as well as the website and ask people to reply by phone or online. Not tacky at all.

We're just using the RSVP cards because they come with the invitation kit.

Answer 6

Include the cards. I am on the computer all of the time too- but lots of people aren't, especially some of your older relatives.

For those people who I invited but didn't expect to come, I just sent the invitation with a handwritten note that said: I know you'll probably be unable to attend, but we wanted to know that you would be most weclome at our wedding. I still send a reception card, but not an RSVP response. If you don't send the reception card, I think it makes it look as though you don't really want them to come.

Answer 7

1) I would still include the cards, just in case. If you do just the invitations without the other necessary info., it will kind of look like you're saying "Hey I know you're not coming, but remember we're getting married and you can send gifts!!"

2) No that's not tacky at all, BUT I would still include the mailing RSVPs for those who aren't very computer savvy. You can do both, but I wouldn't just do the online RSVP.

Answer 8

I wouldn't send those folks an invitation. Save yourself money not purchasing an extra 75 invitations for people who aren't going to show up. It's a hard decision but sending out that amount of anything (announcements but especially invites will cost $). Also... having guests email their RSVP is tacky. Just go with the old fashioned route for RSVPs!

Answer 9

I did not send out RSVP cards. We also set up a website and asked guests to RSVP via the website. I've had pretty good success with it so far. We've probably had over 50% RSVP online. I do wish I had put a RSVP deadline date on the insert I included on the invitation.

Answer 10

If you send an invitation, you mustinclude reception and rsvp cards. You never know who will decide last-minute to go.
It is tacky to have an RSVP on a wedding site in place of an actual card-rsvp.

I suggest you make your own invitations. Get one of those invitation kits from a craft store.