To chase RSVPs politely, wait until a few days after your reply-by date, then message only the people who have not answered. Keep it short and friendly, give a real reason and a new deadline, include the invitation link again and make it easy to say no. One personal reminder is usually enough.
When should you chase an RSVP?
Give guests until the date on the invitation, then follow up within a few days. If your event has no RSVP date, wait about a week after sending, then follow up once, early enough that you can still change the order.
Who should you send a reminder to?
Only the people who owe you an answer. A reminder to the whole list annoys everyone who already replied and teaches them to ignore the next one. Chase by name, in a personal message.
What should an RSVP reminder say?
- A friendly opening, not a telling-off
- The event, the date and a new reply-by date
- A reason: "I need to give the caterer numbers on Friday"
- The invitation link again
- A line that makes no an easy answer
Why make "no" an easy answer?
Many non-replies are people putting off a no. "Totally fine either way, I just need to give the caterer a number by Friday" removes the guilt and gives a reason, so you get an answer.
When should you stop chasing?
After one reminder and a clear deadline, treat silence as a no and plan for it. Let the person know kindly, so there is no confusion on the day.
How does RSVP Events help with chasing?
Paste in your guest list, with email addresses where you have them, and the Not replied filter shows who still owes you an answer. Email a friendly nudge to those people only, or press Copy names to paste the list into WhatsApp and message them yourself.
Set a reply-by date and RSVP Events can also email a nudge three days before it, once, to invited guests who have not replied and guests who said maybe.
Frequently asked questions
Is it rude to chase an RSVP?
No. A polite reminder after the reply-by date is normal, and most people are grateful for the nudge. Keep it to one message and make it personal.
How many times should you chase a guest who has not replied?
Once, with a clear deadline. If there is still no answer, plan without them and let them know politely.
Should I chase by text, WhatsApp or email?
Use whatever the guest usually answers. A personal WhatsApp or text often gets a faster reply than an email.