How many weeks before the wedding should the RSVP deadline be?

Your RSVP deadline should fall about 4 to 6 weeks before the wedding. This gives you a comfortable buffer to chase anyone who has not replied, confirm final numbers with your venue and caterer, and finalise the seating plan. Most venues and caterers ask for final guest numbers around 2 weeks before the day, so a 4 to 6 week deadline means you are not chasing people at the last minute.

If you have a very large wedding or a complicated seating plan, lean towards 6 weeks. If your guest list is small and everyone is reliable, 4 weeks may be enough. Remember that guests may need to arrange accommodation or travel, so give them at least 4 weeks from receiving the invitation to the deadline. That means if you send invitations 10 weeks before, a deadline 6 weeks before works well.

When you set the date, write it clearly on the invitation, for example "Please reply by 14 June". Include a phone number, email or a link to your wedding website for RSVPs. If you do not hear from someone by the deadline, contact them directly a few days later. It is normal to chase a handful of guests, so do not feel awkward. Once you have final numbers, you can confirm with your venue and caterer, and print your seating plan and place cards.