How Much Time Do You Give Guests to RSVP to a Wedding?

We often get asked questions about etiquette when it comes to wedding invitations. While many come from guests wanting to get it right, one of the most common questions we receive from engaged couples is: How long should you give guests to RSVP to a wedding invitation?

If you’re currently planning your big day and unsure how early to send your invites—or when to ask for replies—this guide will help you strike the perfect balance.

The general rule of thumb is to give your guests around 6 to 8 weeks to respond to your wedding invitation. This window gives you enough time to send out invitations, receive responses, and finalise your guest list without feeling rushed.

This timeframe also builds in a small contingency for potential delays—because let’s face it, life happens! It’s especially important if your guests are scattered across the country or even abroad, where postal times may vary.

If you’re planning a destination wedding, you should allow even more time. Guests will likely need to arrange travel, accommodation, and potentially time off work. In this case, it’s wise to send out your invitations earlier and allow up to 10–12 weeks for responses. This ensures your friends and family have time to confirm plans and you can secure accurate numbers for your venue and caterers.

If you’ve already sent out save the date cards, you’ve given your guests a valuable heads-up about your wedding day. That means they’re less likely to double-book themselves. Even so, leaving 6–8 weeks for RSVPs after the formal invitations go out ensures guests can review details, check travel options, and make arrangements before committing.

The save the date acts as a polite prompt, but the RSVP is the confirmation you’ll need to finalise seating plans, catering numbers, and wedding stationery like place cards and menus.

It happens to almost every couple—someone doesn’t reply, leaving you uncertain about numbers. Even with a generous RSVP window, there will always be a few who forget or delay their response.

Here are a few tips to help:

• Include clear RSVP instructions. Whether it’s a reply card, email address, or wedding website link, make responding as simple as possible.

• Set an RSVP deadline. Clearly state this on your invitation—something like “Please RSVP by [date]” removes any ambiguity.

• Send a polite reminder. Once the deadline passes, it’s perfectly acceptable to follow up with a friendly message or phone call.

• Offer a digital option. Many modern couples use websites or QR codes to let guests RSVP online, which speeds up responses and reduces the risk of lost mail.

Knowing your final guest count is crucial for many parts of your wedding planning. Your caterers, venue, and stationery suppliers all rely on accurate numbers, and your budget will too. Finalising RSVPs in good time allows you to plan your seating chart, order your place cards and menus, and make sure your day runs smoothly.

By setting a clear timeframe and making it easy for guests to respond, you’ll avoid unnecessary stress and keep your wedding planning on track.