Save time for tracking R.S.V.P.

One of my brides was asking me what she has to pay attention before sending the invitation out in order to make her tracking easy after the R.S.V.P. return few weeks ago. So I guess I would share my thoughts here with you, and hope it can save you time as well before and after your receive yours back. :)

As you may already read it from the bridal magazine, heard from newly wed friends experience, or even the card lady who is going to do your invitation -- First thing to do is to create your guests list to identify who you will be inviting to your wedding. With today technology, you can either create an excel spreadsheet or if you decided to create your own wedding website or even register on one of the wedding site like, theknot.com or brides.com, etc so you can easily create your own guests list. After you've created your list with all the guests' name, address, and phone number, you can easily contact them in the future.

With all the information and the invitation ready, what you really have to pay attention is having the R.S.V.P. collect the information you need in order to provide the final count to the ceremony, reception, and florist; or caterer if you will have one.

Few common problems I've seen and want to share with you and hope it can save time and make it easy for you before you send out your invitation:

1) No name on the R.S.V.P. card
2) No return address on the return envelope
3) No number of attendant on the R.S.V.P. card
4) Return of an empty R.S.V.P. card

In order to solve the above problems, it may for you, to take the extra effort to make it easier for when it return. Simply print out an extra set of address labels for the R.S.V.P return envelope would help even some guests forgot to include their name on the R.S.V.P. card. You may also add a line at the bottom of the R.S.V.P. card saying that "Please include your name and number of guests will be joining our wedding." This way, it can avoid some guests who may return an empty card and save you time of calling them two weeks before your wedding to confirm if they are coming or not.

In general, the invitation is sent three months prior your wedding and have the R.S.V.P. return at least a month prior your wedding. This way, you won't be running last minute details and be able to relax.

Feel free to email me if you have any questions or if you would like to have a sample of the tracking list. :)