Proper RSVP etiquette

[Mary.Poppins]

Hello Everyone,
As usual, when I'm not sure, I ask the Community board!!!

So, I am planning a family reunion/90th b-day celebration for
my husband's uncle and relatives. The party will be here at our
home in June. Since it will be a BBQ and we will be providing
all of the food, I need to have a "RSVP by date". The party is
June 17th.
So, question #1...When should I mail out the invites?
#2 What should the RSVP by date be?
Thanks to everyone!!

 

[disneyeveryyear]

I would mail them to arrive 3-4 weeks before the event.

Are you doing your own food or do you need to give the caterer a count? If it is for the caterer, have your RSVP date about 4 days before your count is due to the caterer.

If it is for your own planning, I would say probably 5-7 days before so you can start your early prep work.

And still be prepared for the people who will call the day before, or just show up.

 

[Hannathy]

Being in the summer and especially if you really want it to be a reunion I'd send the invites out early before things get locked in for vacations. If people have to travel they will need time to book flights etc. The rsvp date could be closer like the others suggested but being a family member who lives farthest away from family sometimes they forget I have to have time to plan travel.

 

[mt2]

Do people still RSVP?

I had a parent ask me this question the other day. Many people don't call to tell you either way. Just show up or not. The host/hostess just plan for 75% invited to show up.

This happened at DSIL wedding. They ran out of food. 30 extra showed up. I heard one say that their original plans fell thru so they decided to some anyway.

Have fun with the party!

 

[MAKmom]

You should mail your invitations a month before the party. BUT email & call now who you can because JUNE is so busy! I like to email & say hey keep this date open. Invites are going out in May.

 

[Mary.Poppins]

Thanks for all of the great replys.
I did send out an e-mail about a week ago.
Unfortunetly not everyone has e-mail..
I can't imagine!!! E-mail has simplified my life!!
It's nice to be able to communicate to large groups
of people with one quick e-mail!!!

I am doing my own food. So, I would like to be able to plan ahead of time.
So, I think, since I already e-mailed a "save the date", I will mail invites
out by April 17th (two months ahead of time) so people can plan their summer, and ask for a RSVP of June 1st.

We do have a lot, most, of the people coming in from out of town.
So giving a lot of warning would be better!!

We will have a lot of fun. I'm putting my DDs in charge of games for the kids. We're going to make it real simple...Burgers & brats, a couple of salads, lemonade, fruit, chips and a big cake for DH Uncle!! 90th B-day!!
And he still plays golf everyday...during the summer. Kind of hard to play in the winter here in Minnesota!!!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I would send it out NOW.
Honestly for June, you are kind of late. People already have plans by this time if they are vacationing in June. I know I do.
If people are coming from out of town and need accomodations, you need to jump on that asap!

As far as people RSVPing well we all know how that goes. I personally would follow up with a phone call, use emails, get replys, whatever it takes these days to get your answers.