The Etiquette of a Digital Wedding RSVP

Your wedding invitations have been sent out (for many couples, it’s the second round due to COVID), and now it’s time to wait for your guests’ response. You may have included a response card in the invitation but a second option, more immediate and postage friendly, is an online RSVP. A common question is, “Is an electronic RSVP as formal?” The answer is no, it’s not formal but it certainly is modern and efficient. Here are a few questions about the digital RSVP and some etiquette tips to help in the process. It’s a personal choice to use a digital response and you must decide if it’s an option you’d like to entertain.

Is the Tradition of an RSVP Still Important?

Absolutely. The bride and groom rely on the RSVP to determine an accurate headcount for vendors, food, beverages, cake, chairs, tables and other rentals, and guests should respond expediently. A digital RSVP is of equal importance as the traditional insert card and requires the same quick response. Two months to six weeks before the wedding date is the average RSVP timeframe. The beauty of an online response is it’s easy to keep track and create a spreadsheet.

Can I Reach Out to Less Tech-Savvy Guests?

Most people are aware of how to respond online but there is always the exception. If you have someone you have not heard from, or know your great aunt is not computer friendly, don’t hesitate to make a phone call and invite them personally. You can get a verbal RSVP to add to your tracking sheet and spread a little joy by reaching out to someone personally as well.

Is a Digital RSVP a More Responsible Choice for the Environment?

A digital RSVP is certainly a step in the right direction for an eco-friendly wedding. If that is your goal you will want to carry the theme over into other earth-friendly gestures throughout the celebration. For example, minimizing waste by using natural foliage, selecting a venue that is both beautiful and functional, using ecologically-safe products and serving sustainable foods that are locally sourced. One couple opted for forgoing the purchase of expensive jewelry and wearing their grandparent’s wedding bands instead. It was both a nostalgic and fiscally responsible option.

What Should I Include on a Digital RSVP?

The digital response is the same as the traditional RSVP. State the respond by date, give the wedding online website, and say something friendly such as “We are looking forward to seeing you. We have reserved ___ seats under your name.” If it is an adults-only celebration, this should be included. You could say “We love children but have decided our wedding and reception will be an adults-only celebration. We sincerely hope you can make it.”

Finally, you may consider including a telephone number for those who want to call instead of responding digitally. Even in the best-case scenarios, technology and USPS sometimes let us down. If there is a doubt, a phone number is a good way to ease a guest’s mind if they are having difficulty responding or want to make sure you received their RSVP.

You may also like How Weddings Have Changed During the Pandemic. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.