Yes, I Do
Find your wedding RSVP deadline
Work backwards from your caterer's deadline, with time to chase missing replies.
The calculator needs JavaScript. The way it works is explained below, so you can also do it by hand.
How the RSVP date is worked out
Start from the date your caterer needs final numbers. Take away the days you want for following up. That is your RSVP date. If you want to know when to send the invitations, take away the weeks you want to give guests to reply.
Example. Wedding on Sunday 20 June 2027. The caterer needs numbers by 10 June. With 10 days to follow up, the RSVP date is 31 May 2027. Giving guests six weeks to reply, the invitations go out on 19 April 2027.
Why the caterer's deadline matters
The headcount date is usually the one fixed point: after it, the caterer orders food and staff for a number, and changes can cost money. The RSVP date only works if it leaves time before then to chase the replies that have not come in. A few days is tight. Ten days gives a quiet margin for messages and phone calls.
What if the date has already passed?
The calculator still shows the date the numbers give, and says it has passed, so you can see how far behind the plan is. Ask your caterer what they can still accept, then set a new RSVP date that leaves some time before it. A short, friendly reminder to guests who have not replied usually does more than a new printed card.
Destination weddings
There is no automatic rule for a wedding abroad. Guests need to book travel, so ask for replies earlier, and check your venue's deadlines for rooms and transport as well as the caterer's. Give guests more weeks to reply here, and more days to follow up.
Questions
Is this free?
Yes. The dates, the wording, the calendar file and printing are free, with no account and no email.
Where do my dates go?
Nowhere. The calculation runs in your browser and your dates are saved on this browser only, so you can come back to them. Clear them any time with Clear saved data.
Does the calendar file stay in sync?
No. It is a snapshot of the dates when you download it. If you change a date later, download again and remove the old events from your calendar.
Can guests reply on this page?
No. This page works out the date. Keep track of the replies in the Yes, I Do app, or in the free guest list template.