"How to Handle No Response to Invitations: Best Ways to Prompt a Reply"

2022.04.28 published

殿堂記事

No Response to the Invitation…!

Is there a bride who is having trouble because the replies to the invitations sent to guests are not coming back? When the deadline for replies has passed and you haven't received them, it complicates ordering seating charts and name cards, and more than anything, it makes you feel sad as if you've been forgotten.

But they might be struggling due to COVID... It’s understandable that they might be undecided, which makes it even harder.

For brides-to-be who have not yet sent out invitations, it’s also quite possible that some people might not be sending their replies. In fact, it seems that it's rare for brides to have received replies from everyone by the deadline!

@momo.wd.1106

This time, we will introduce ways to gently follow up on invitation replies.

／ Let's Follow Up Without Being Awkward ／ Method 1: Let Them Know You Haven't Received the Reply

If the wedding invitation reply deadline has passed, first gently inform them that the deadline has passed.

At that moment, it's good to include the possibility of “a misunderstanding.” It’s the same with emails for work. Since they may have mailed it on the deadline day, it's advisable to contact them three days after the deadline has passed.

If you're letting a friend know via email, you can say, “If it was a misunderstanding, I'm sorry! About the wedding invitation reply, it seems like we haven't received it yet… Did you send it?” It’s best to introduce a cushion before mentioning it.

It's okay to say, “I was worried that maybe we lost it over here…” or “I started to feel anxious whether it had arrived properly…” Use phrasing that doesn't put a burden on the other person.

At this time, it’s safer not to mention, “The deadline was on [date]” as it might make them feel like they are being blamed. If you do include it, make sure to be cautious in how you phrase it.

／ Let's Follow Up Without Being Awkward ／ Method 2: Ask if They Will Attend or Not

After conveying the fact that you haven’t received the invitation, let’s check whether they will attend or not. Even if you have previously heard they would attend, it’s entirely possible that their plans have changed, so it’s vital to ask.

(If they said they would attend) “Just to confirm, you’re still able to come to the wedding, right? I’m really sorry for asking again after already checking!”

(If you’re not sure about their attendance) “Do you think you’ll be able to make it to the wedding? The planner has asked me to confirm numbers as soon as possible…”

Confirming attendance or absence is very important! Since there are arrangements for food and gifts, make sure to ask as early as possible. It’s also okay to say, “The wedding venue mentioned…” or “The planner said…” so long as you keep the tone as friendly as possible.

／ Let's Follow Up Without Being Awkward ／ Method 3: If They Are Attending, Ask Them to Send Back the Invitation

Once you’ve asked about their attendance, if they cannot attend, you don’t need to have them send back the reply postcard. If they are attending, make sure to have them send back the reply postcard! The reply postcard is helpful for checking the guest's “name” and “address.” Even if you know it, you might find out that their name is in an old kanji, so it’s reassuring when they can send it back handwritten.

If you find out they are attending, prompt them by saying, “Thank you for coming! I’m sorry for the trouble, but could you send back the reply postcard? I need the accurate name and address just to make sure…”

Gently Prompt for Wedding Reply Postcards ♡

Many people who haven't received the reply postcard often just “forgot,” but some might be thinking, “I actually moved, so I sent it to my parents' house,” or “I thought I didn’t need to send it since I already told them in person or via email.”

Recently, there are also people who are struggling with their attendance due to COVID until the very last minute. It’s understandable that work or family situations can have an impact.

Even in those cases, it’s kind to say something like, “Feel free to discuss with me!” Be sure to try and gauge their feelings without being too direct.

Ideally, it would be great to get replies stating that everyone will attend by the deadline… but realistically, such situations seem quite rare. Don’t worry about having many absentees or not receiving many replies; continue with your wedding preparations happily! ♡

➡ Check out more articles on invitations here＊