We have several options to decide upon, which may need venue decisions made before we can proceed with these. Once we establish which design will be used, that will be established on the website too.
RSVP Website Questions
- Will you be attending our vow renewal?
- Do you have any dietary restrictions or allergies?
- Do you have any accessibility requirements we can accommodate?
- What is the name of your guest?
- May we have your email address to relay any potential last-minute updates?
- Do you have any song requests?
- Would you like to leave a note for us?
How to handle mail-in RSVPs
When instructing guests to RSVP to online, don’t just assume our guests will find their way to the correct page on our website. It’s best to print the exact URL to the RSVP form or a QR code that goes straight to the page at the top or bottom of the physical enclosure card in our invitation suite. Simply use some RSVP card wording like: “Kindly RSVP here” or “Join the party here” above the printed link or code to let guests know where to go.
When are RSVPs due?
Assuming that you send your invitations between six and 10 weeks before the event, this gives your guests enough time to officially make up their minds and arrange travel accommodations if necessary. Due at least 4 weeks before the event, no later than 2 weeks before the day. Add the date to your own planning checklist, along with your website and invitations so guests are fully aware.
When to Follow-Up Before RSVP Deadline?
If your RSVP deadline has passed, wait about one week before sending follow-ups to guests who haven’t responded yet. Some people simply forget and accidentally miss the RSVP deadline so a friendly phone call or text will politely nudge them. To get ahead of the game, you can send guests a quick RSVP reminder the week before they’re actually due or add a note to your website. Plan to follow up with all guests who haven’t RSVPed at least two weeks before the event. If anyone’s RSVP is incomplete or missing information, like their meal selection, now’s the time to follow up about those details, too.
Timeline of Events for Invitations
Six to Eight Weeks Before the Vow Renewal
Your followed save-the-date etiquette and your guests have already received them, but now is the time to send the official vow renewal invitations.
Five Weeks Before the Vow Renewal
Hopefully, most of your RSVPs have started rolling in by now. But if it seems like a lot of guest responses are still outstanding, you can send a friendly reminder to RSVP about one week ahead of the deadline RSVP date by communicating with your guests.
Four Weeks Before the Vow Renewal
Set your vow renewal RSVP deadline about four weeks before the vow renewal day. Be sure to clearly include the RSVP date for the vow renewal on your invitations and vow renewal website so the date isn’t overlooked by guests. Since not everyone uses snail mail anymore, maximize your chances of getting RSVPs on time by giving people a few different ways to respond. Along with a paper RSVP card tucked into the vow renewal invitation suite, you can use The Knot Guest List Manager to collect online RSVPs through your vow renewal website. Plus, it helps you keep track of other important details, like vow renewal gifts, reception meal choices and song requests.
Three Weeks Before the Vow Renewal
If you still haven’t heard from several people past the RSVP date (and yes, give them until that date), the best option is to pick up the phone and give them a call. Start following up with guests who haven’t RSVPed about a week after the deadline has passed. While it might feel awkward at first, it’s important to get an idea of your final headcount as soon as possible—and the closer you get to the vow renewal, the busier you’ll be with other last-minute to-dos. Remember to express enthusiasm for their attendance throughout the process. That way, they’ll know their presence means a lot to you, making them more likely to check “yes.” Once you have verbal confirmation, you can ask them to RSVP for the vow renewal online too so your records are organized.
Two Weeks Before the Vow Renewal
Around the two-week mark, connect with your vow renewal caterer, planner, venue coordinator and any other vendors who are waiting for your final guest count. This is when you’ll finalize the number of table settings, entrees, vow renewal favors, escort cards and any other items that are being given to guests. Separately, once the RSVPs are all in, it’s time to start working on the seating chart and decide who’s sitting where.
One Week Before the Vow Renewal
Hopefully you don’t have to follow up with too many guests at this point so you can focus on your week of vow renewal to-dos, but if you do, kindly make it clear that you’ll need their response in order to have them at the vow renewal. While it’s not okay to uninvite a guest, letting them know that you’re finalizing seating arrangements and entree selections should give them the hint that their RSVP is down to the wire.
How to Calculate Your Vow Renewal RSVP Date
In essense, when it comes to the RSVP date for the vow renewal, you want to find the sweet spot around two to four weeks before the vow renewal. The simplest way to calculate your vow renewal RSVP date is to subtrack four weeks from your vow renewal date. While it’s fine to simply use that date, you can also adjust around it some as needed. If there is something major going on (like a holiday or family reunion) around your tentative RSVP date it might be wise to move the date so guests don’t forget to RSVP amid the commotion.
Why It’s Important to Set the Right RSVP Date
Setting the right RSVP date for the vow renewal is important because it helps your to-do list move along in the final weeks of planning. In the months leading up to the vow renewal, you can check off the boxes for major details, like music, decor and attire. But there are a few details you can’t finalize until you know your exact guest specifics, including the number of rentals (like tables and chairs), how much alcohol you’ll need and the final names for your seating chart.
Stationery Ideas
Ceremony Program Wording
We should consider a thank you for the back of the program. Especially with the cancer diagnosis, prayers and help along the way.
Thank you to our family and friends for being part of this special day. As we celebrate our union, we would like to thank you for your love, support and kindness. You have helped make our special day one to remember.
With Gratitude
Thank you for sharing our special day with us! We would like to thank all of our family and friends for their love and support. Without you, our day would not be as special. Following the ceremony, we hope you can join us for dinner and dancing at [name of reception site].
These will need to be expanded upon for our sincere gratitude for all the prayers we’ve received during Tracy’s cancer treatment. That everyone was so caring during that rough time.
Website Details
Website Creative Ideas
A way to make the domain easy to type is to adjust the homepage of the site to have the homepage set to the renewal page.
Our Story Writing Tips
- Write as the inspiration strikes.
- Pick a point of view.
- Keep it authentic.
- Create a timeline of your relationship.
- Incorporate your family.
- Include your favorite hobbies, pop culture moments or sports team.
- Match your story to your website’s theme.
- Consider creating sections.
Website FAQ
RSVP FAQ
- Can I RSVP online or do I have to mail in an RSVP card?
- What date should I RSVP by?
Directions, Transportation and Accommodations FAQ
- What are the addresses of the wedding ceremony and reception venues? Are they wheelchair accessible?
- What’s the easiest way to get to and from your wedding venue(s)?
- Is there parking available near your wedding venue(s)?
- Will your wedding be indoors or outdoors?
- Have you reserved blocks of rooms at one or more hotels?
- Will there be a shuttle to and/or from the hotel(s) for the wedding and/or prewedding events?
- What should I do if I don’t make it into the room block?
- What’s the best airport to use?
Dress Code FAQ
- What’s the dress code for your wedding?
- Are there any colors or styles you’d prefer me to wear?
- What is the weather and climate like in the area?
Plus-Ones and Children FAQ
- Am I allowed to bring a plus-one?
- Am I allowed to bring my children?
Menu and Dietary Restrictions FAQ
- What type of food will be served at your wedding?
- Will there be meal options for guests with dietary restrictions or allergies?
- Will there be an open bar?
Registry and Gifts FAQ
- Where should we bring/send our wedding gift?
Weekend Itinerary FAQ
- What’s the wedding itinerary?
- What time should I arrive at your wedding ceremony?
- What time will your wedding reception end? Is there an after-party?
- Will there be a time gap between your wedding ceremony and reception?
- Could you suggest places to eat, drink and see while I’m in town for your wedding?
- Will there be other events to attend on the wedding weekend?
Other FAQ
- Am I allowed to take photos at your wedding?
- Can I post wedding photos on social media?
- Do you have a wedding hashtag?
- Will you be live streaming your wedding?
- Where will wedding updates be posted?
- Is there anything I should bring as a guest?
- I have more questions about your wedding, who can I contact?
Detail Card in the Stationery Suite
- Reception Details: Venue name, address, directions
- Accommodations: Hotel name, address, room block information, discount code, booking deadline, room block code
- Website URL
- Dress Code
- Weekend itinerary