What's the best RSVP deadline to set?

Set the reply-by date about 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding. That window gives you room to chase down stragglers and still deliver a final headcount to your caterer on time.

• Standard weddings: 3 to 4 weeks before the event date.
• Catering buffer: most caterers need final numbers 1 to 2 weeks out, so build that into your math.
• Follow-up time: expect to personally reach out to a handful of guests who forget to reply.
• Destination or plated dinners: push the deadline slightly earlier to account for travel and seating charts.

Print the deadline clearly on the card and, if you can, include a stamped return envelope. The easier you make it to respond, the fewer follow-ups you will have to send.