Getting ready to send out your wedding invitations? Whether you’re going traditional with paper invitations or taking the modern route with online invites, you’ll need to think about how you want your guests to RSVP for the day.
Here at WedSites, we’re big advocates of using an online RSVP system to make the process easier for you and your loved ones. Keep reading as we share 9 reasons why online RSVPs are the best options for weddings below (and how to make the most out of them!).
1. They Automatically Sync With Your Guest List
Worried about dealing with unwanted plus ones? At WedSites, you can control exactly who can RSVP (and for how many people) by syncing your online RSVPs with your guest list. If a plus one hasn’t been offered to your guest, the option simply won’t appear on their RSVP form. This should clear up any confusion around exactly who is invited, saving you from some awkward conversations at a later date.
Read our guide on who needs a plus one (and who doesn’t!) here.
2. You Can Use Them For Multiple Events
If you’re hosting a rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, or recovery brunch, you can also include them on your RSVP form – allowing guests to RSVP to each event they are invited to. Not only will this save you a bunch of time, but it also allows you to keep track of all your wedding-related events in one place.
3. You Can Add Your Own Questions
Along with confirming your guest numbers, your online RSVP form can be customized to gather more information from your loved ones. For example meal choice options, dietary requirements, or whether they need a seat on your shuttle bus.
You can even add fun questions like dance floor requests to help you create the perfect reception playlist or marriage advice for the future! If the RSVP process is enjoyable and easy, your guests are more likely to respond faster. Check out the best RSVP questions to ask your guests here.
4. You Can Easily Track Responses (And Follow Up With Late Guests)
One of the biggest benefits of using online RSVPs is the ability to track responses. Here at WedSites, your RSVPs are automatically synced with your guest list database, so you can quickly see at a glance who’s received, who’s opened, and who is yet to respond. With traditional RSVPs, you need to do this manually, which can be incredibly time-consuming.
And as for those last-minute stragglers? You can simply set automatic reminders to follow up with them on your behalf!
5. You Can Direct Guests To Your Wedding Website
Creating a wedding website is one of the easiest ways to communicate with your guests before the big event. Instead of cramming extra information on your wedding invitations, you can outline everything they need to know on your wedding website – from venue directions, dress codes, and gift registry details right through to bridal party introductions and FAQs.
Read our guide on exactly what to include on your wedding website here.
Using online RSVPs means that every single guest will need to visit your wedding website, so you can rest assured they’ll have all of the essential details they need for the day. Sit back, relax and enjoy the lead-up to your wedding instead of fielding phone calls and messages from your loved ones!
6. They Won’t Get Lost
Going digital with your RSVPs also means you don’t need to worry about responses getting lost in the mail. If a guest hasn’t received or opened their wedding invitation, you’ll be able to see this via your digital guest list database and can follow up accordingly.
7. They’re Convenient and Hassle-Free
Online RSVPs are undoubtedly more convenient for both you and your loved ones. Taking the digital route means no post office trips are required, and you can reach international guests in the click of a button. If you’re looking for a smarter way to manage your guest list, online RSVPs are definitely a hassle-free option.
8. You Can Send Group Updates
Need to implement a wet weather plan, update the shuttle bus timetable or make other last-minute changes before the day? Instead of contacting guests individually, you can send instant group updates through your digital guest list database.
9. They’re Eco Friendly
Finally, if you’re trying to minimize the carbon footprint of your wedding, online RSVPs are a fantastic eco-friendly alternative. Instead of including an extra RSVP card and return envelope, your guests can respond online without contributing to unnecessary paper waste.
Where to Create Online RSVPs For Your Wedding
So, now you know the “why” of sending online RSVPs – but what about the “how”?
We’ve made it super simple to create and send online RSVPs here at WedSites. From digital invitations to wedding websites and RSVP tracking, we have everything you need to plan your wedding in one beautiful place.
Here’s how to create and manage your online RSVPs with WedSites:
1. Sign up for your WedSites account
First, you’ll need to create a WedSites account (view our different pricing plans here) and invite your partner. With multiple user accounts, you can both access your wedding planning dashboard anywhere, anytime!
2. Organize your guest list
Next, it’s time to create your digital guest list database. Once you’ve decided who will be joining you on the day, you can send a special form out to your loved ones to quickly collect their address, email, and phone numbers.
Need some help trimming your guest list? You can find our ultimate guide to creating your wedding guest list (including a helpful worksheet) here.
You can also spend some time organizing your guest list into relevant households (so couples and families can RSVP together) and assign plus ones for certain guests. Remember, your online RSVPs will be synced with your guest list, so only those who have been allocated a plus one will be able to RSVP for an additional guest.
3. Create a wedding website.
Before sending out your invitations, you’ll want to create your wedding website and fill it with useful information for your guests. You can use our handy drag-and-drop wedding website builder to create a completely custom website, and personalize it with fun details like photos, videos, and digital artwork. Don’t forget to include all of the essential wedding info, and answer any FAQs your guests may have about the day.
Learn how to create a beautiful wedding website in 6 simple steps here.
4. Use personalized views to hide and show events on your wedding website
If you’re planning any additional wedding events (such as a rehearsal dinner or recovery lunch), you can also add these details to your wedding website and hide or show them based on who’s looking. The details will only appear to specific guests who are invited, so nobody will be confused about which events they are invited to.
5. Create and customize your RSVP form
Now, it’s time to set up your custom RSVP form. You can include as many questions as you like, and also include separate RSVP questions for your pre or post-wedding events. To prevent any awkwardness, only guests who have been invited to these additional events will be able to view and RSVP to them.
6. Send digital save the dates and invitations
The fun begins! Create matching digital save the dates and wedding invitations using our paperless stationery suites, or upload your own design if you prefer. Once complete, you can send them out to your entire guest list at the click of a button.
Read our guide on sending digital invitations for your wedding here.
7. Track responses and send RSVP reminders
Your digital guest list database will be automatically updated as your RSVPs roll in, so you can quickly see at a glance who has responded. If you’re still waiting on RSVPs as your due date approaches, you can schedule automatic RSVP reminders to follow up with late guests on your behalf.
8. Create your seating chart
Once your RSVPs have been confirmed, you can move forward with finalizing your seating chart. Use our handy drag-and-drop seating chart builder to create the perfect floor plan for your reception. We know this can be tricky, so check out our tips for creating your wedding seating chart here.
9. Print your guest list
Finally, print your confirmed guest list (including dietary requirements and meal selections) directly from the platform and hand it over to your caterer, venue, and wedding coordinator. It’s that easy!
Manage Online RSVPs Effortlessly with WedSites
Using an online RSVP system is one of the best ways to save time (and stress) during your wedding planning journey.
Ready to get started? Learn more about using online RSVPs with WedSites, or sign up for your account right here!
