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How to get replies from every guest

There are always guests who forget to reply. It's almost never ill will. Here's how to get as many replies as possible from the start, then how to remind the rest without awkwardness.

Why guests don't reply

• They read the invitation on their phone between two things and thought “I'll reply later”.
• They're waiting to know if they'll be free, or whether they're coming as a couple or with the kids.
• Replying takes effort: calling, writing a message, mailing back a card.
• There's no clear deadline.

Getting replies from the start

• A deadline written out in full: “by Saturday, May 1, 2027”.
• One tap to reply: a button in the invitation that asks for attendance, number of people and dietary needs.
• A personal invitation: one link per guest, with their name. People reply more readily to a message addressed to them.
• The right moment: a message sent in the evening or at the weekend is read more calmly than in the middle of a workday.

When to follow up

One reminder, right after the deadline, is usually enough. A second, more personal one (a phone call) for the last few. Avoid reminding before the deadline: you gave a date, so respect it.

Text message reminder templates

Keep a text message short: 160 characters maximum, and no emojis or special characters, so it isn't split in two.

Hi Mark, a quick reminder: Lea and Thomas are waiting for your reply for their wedding on June 12. Reply in one click here: [link]

Hi Sophie! We're working on the seating plan: will you be there on June 12? Reply in one click: [link] Lea and Thomas

Hi, unless we're mistaken, we haven't received your reply for Claire's 50th on June 12. One click is all it takes: [link] Thank you!

What if you don't have time to follow up?

Your private InviteTo platform shows you in real time who hasn't replied yet: just resend them the invitation link in one click, by WhatsApp or text message. And with the Design + SMS Sending plan, we send the invitation to each guest ourselves, at the time you choose. See SMS delivery.

Updated October 30, 2026 · SMS delivery: see our invitations