To collect menu choices for a work Christmas dinner, get the set menu and pre-order deadline from the venue, then send colleagues one RSVP link that asks whether they are coming, their starter, main and dessert choices and any dietary needs. Set your reply date a week before the venue's deadline and export the list.
What do you need from the venue first?
- The set menu, with the exact names of each dish
- The pre-order deadline and final numbers deadline
- Any deposit and what happens if numbers drop
- How they want the order: per person or a count per dish
What should you ask colleagues?
- Are you coming?
- Your meal choice
- Any dietary requirements or allergies
- Are you bringing a partner, if partners are invited
RSVP Events asks one meal question per person, so the venue gets a count per dish. If the venue needs starter, main and dessert separately, list each combination as an option or ask for the main course and add a note about the rest. Set the reply-by date a week before the venue's deadline and choose to close replies after it, so nobody changes their order too late.
How do you word a work Christmas dinner invitation?
Our team Christmas dinner is on Thursday 11 December at 7pm at [venue]. Please reply and choose your meal by 20 November, as the restaurant needs pre-orders by the 27th. Dietary needs welcome.
Last call for Christmas dinner menu choices: please reply by Friday so I can send the order to the restaurant: [link].
How do you send the order to the venue?
- Close replies on your deadline and check the meal counts.
- Follow up anyone with a vague dietary answer.
- Export the list as a CSV with names, meal choices and dietary needs.
- Send it to the venue and keep a copy for the night, so you know who ordered what.
Is a spreadsheet or a form simpler?
| Shared spreadsheet | Email replies | RSVP Events | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colleagues see each other's dietary needs | Yes | No | No |
| Count per dish | You add it up | You add it up | Shown automatically |
| Changes after replying | Anyone can edit any row | Another email | Each guest updates their own reply |
| Export for the venue | Already a sheet | You type it up | One-tap CSV |
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should you book a work Christmas dinner?
December dates fill early, so many teams book in the autumn. Ask the venue for its pre-order deadline when you book and plan your RSVP date around it.
Can colleagues change their menu choice after replying?
Yes. Guests who give an email address get a private link to update their reply, and the organiser can edit replies in the dashboard.
Is RSVP Events a ticketing or payment tool?
No. It collects replies, meal choices and dietary needs. It does not take deposits or payments, so collect any contributions separately.