You’re the Las Vegas bride who’s immersed in technology, from social networking to work-related Internet research. Naturally, you’ve chosen to skip traditional return-by-snail-mail RSVPs in favor of the new online RSVPs. You’ve reviewed your guest list, and you’ve decided to order a small number of printed RSVP cards to send to relatives who’d rather not break convention for wedding etiquette. But, for the majority of your guests, you’ve decided to give them an option that fits their lifestyle—and yours—with an online RSVP. While you could have guests RSVP through e-mails, you’re on-the-go too often to have another e-mail account to check every hour. So, you’re willing to branch out even more. You’ve chosen the second online option (see “The Future Is Here (Part 1)” for option one: e-mail RSVPs). You’re going to let your guests RSVP through a wedding Web site.
Option Two: Have guests RSVP via a wedding Web site.
Similarly to the e-mail option, it’s best to include a phrase regarding the RSVP with your printed invitation. If you prefer more formal invites to signify the black-tie affair your wedding will be, have a separate RSVP card printed with the Web site link that you can include in an envelope with your ceremony invitation, directions card, and reception information. While you can certainly customize the phrase to suit your personality and your wedding, you need to be sure to include the fact that your RSVP is available online as well as provide a link to the Web site. Experiment with phrases, like: “Please send your acceptance or regrets via our wedding Web site http://www.enterlinkhere.com.”
Many wedding planning Web sites, such as TheKnot.com and WeddingWire.com, offer services for online RSVPs. While you may need to explore several sites to find the best fit for you and your groom, the key ingredient is simple: Allow guests to find themselves on the online guest list and to mark whether or not they’ll be attending. This is basic, similar to a mailed RSVP card, but it keeps planning simple for you. Some Web sites offer enhanced features, such as allowing guests to add people (such as significant others) not included on your list, choose menu options, and request songs to be played during the reception. Once again, it’s all up to you and your groom whether you’d like to stick to the basics or get guest involvement in the planning process through your online RSVPs.
Wedding Web sites specialize in taking the pressure off you. Prior to your wedding, your guests interact with a RSVP Web page you’ve already customized. Then, the Web site keeps track of who’s attending, who’s not, and your total head count. If you’re a bride who needs as much time as she can to spend on other planning details, then the Web site RSVP is an excellent fit for you. You don’t have to worry about managing a list, making a mistake with the head count, or spending too much time pouring through your inbox. The online RSVP couldn’t be any easier.
What are you waiting for? Streamline your wedding planning process. Visit Web sites, like TheKnot.com and WeddingWire.com, to further explore your options. Want to find out more about these than the Internet has to offer? Buy tickets in advance (on sale today) to Bridal Spectacular, Las Vegas’ bridal show with the most options to find the best invitations to host your spectacular online RSVPs. While you’re there, you’ll probably find your photographer, DJ, and caterers as well. Wedding planning couldn’t be any easier.
Author: Allyson Siwajian © 2010
Photograph provided by Debra Hansen.