Tuesday, July 22, 2014

RSVP's

Morning Wed-heads!

I know, I know...I didn't blog last week. Again it seems like I was overwhemingly busy last week. But as always, I am committed to helping you succeed at your DIY wedding, so let's get to work!
So last time, we discussed ways to decrease stress. Check out the July 11th post when you have a chance and review it at any time. Stress will be a constant in your life from now until you head for your honeymoon. So learn ways to stop it in its tracks, or atleast minimalize it. I want you to make mole hills out of mountains! LOL Meaning, having ways to deal with stress will make every issue seem smaller than it actually is.

Studies in the industry show that in general, 50% of all brides stress over money. And about 50% of brides stress over time, because they probably started planning too late or didn't stay organized and the time bandit is knocking at their door to get all of their projects finished. But during the actually planning process, I've come to see that all of my clients come to the table with one extremely large stressor on their shoulders: The RSVPs.




Let me tell you upfront, handling the RSVPs sucks for a DIY Bride! You already had to deal with the craziness of how many people can you afford to invite, how many people you're actually going to invite, and then sending out invitations. If you follow most online checklists like TheKnot.com provides, you will have a 6 week window to deal with the straight foolery of RSVP management. If you do not send out your invitations 6 weeks in advance, then you will have even more stress on your plate! And I wish you luck! LOL

RSVPing is THE most annoying part of planning any event, wedding or otherwise. It is relying on a large number of people to actually do what they're told to do (reply); when they're told to do it (reply date). That almost never happens! People are so busy with their own lives, they will continue pushing your wedding invitation around on their kitchen counter until the absolute last minute. It never dawns on them that they are being totally inconsiderate by not responding in a timely manner.

RSVPs is the single most budget-buster there is when it comes to a wedding. Until you can approximate how many people are going to attend, you will be on pins and needles until they do. You are unable to move forward with the next phases of planning, like table arrangements, favors, and most importantly...advising the reception location how many people they need to seat and order food for. Thus people kill me by not RSVPing on time! If they would just realize that by not replying, they could very well end up without a chair to sit in and no food to eat, it would make everyone's lives a little easier. But people will never get it, unless they've been down their own horrible wedding planning road. So to keep your sanity, here's some good advice:

Create two lists- Addresses and Phone Numbers: When you're sitting down with your parents and in-laws-to-be to create the guest list, make sure you obtain both addresses and phone numbers of everyone on the list. If they do not have the phone numbers handy, ask for it as soon as possible. Or ask for another means of contacting them, such as email or facebook. Obtaining phone numbers in advance will help on the back end when people are late replying. You will be able to call them and either remind them to send back the reply card, or you can get their reply right over the phone.

Assign an early RSVP date: When creating your invitations, whether via professional vendor, online services such as Shutterfly, or with a boxed set from the local crafts store; assign an early RSVP date. The earlier the better when it comes to RSVPing. Give your family and friends enough time to reply, but give them a date that works for you..not them. Keep in mind, all reception locations have a drop dead deadline for your guest count. It could be 7 days before the wedding, it could be 3 days before. Don't shoot yourself in the foot and make that day your RSVP date! Count backwards from your wedding date to the date that the reception hall needs the numbers by, then count backwards again atleast another 7 days. What this gives you is TIME!!!! You will have an extra 7 days before the reception hall needs their numbers, to receive in late replies and you will have time to contact anyone you have not heard from, as that date dangerously approaches.

Follow the six week rule: Mail out your invitations atleast six weeks before your wedding. Preferrably, six weeks before that early RSVP date if possible. Keep in mind, that most people travel in the summer, so for a summer wedding, you can broaden that six weeks to maybe eight weeks; giving people more time to plan their vacation around it, or return home from vacay and get their mail. And always give more time for a destination wedding.

By doing the above items, you will not totally alleviate stress from the RSVPing process, but it will definitely minimize it drastically. And if this is not something you want to deal with, remember, you can always contact a professional. I have handled just the invites and RSVPs for several clients, just because they didn't have the patience for it.

Visit my website at www.mysimpleelegance.com, or email me at info@mysimpleelegance.com if you need help!

Bye for now Wed-heads!

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