Article: If you’ve instructed your invitees to respond using an included card or to call, it may be easiest to create a manual RSVP list. This can be as simple as a printed guest list with check marks to indicate attendance or ‘X’s to indicate those who are unable to attend. Conversely, you can create a more advanced manual tracking system using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet or online spreadsheet tool to tally the total number of RSVPs, plus ones, the number of adults or children, type of meal, and other predetermined factors. If you determined digital invitations are the best solution for your event, you will more than likely be given access to a digital RSVP tracking program. This is one of many reasons people choose digital invites. However, if you choose traditional paper invites, you can still plug your invitation list and RSVP information into digital tracking systems to streamline the RSVP process. Eventbrite, Evite, and other similar RSVP resources are available at minimal or no cost to use. Once you have a good idea how many of your guests can attend the event, make sure your venue, food vendor, and other accommodations will meet the needs of your guests. Double check the number of meals you’ve ordered, any maximum occupancies in buildings, and other possible concerns to make sure you’re providing for your guests’ needs to the best of your abilities. Whether or not you receive gifts from those in attendance, it’s important to let them know you appreciated them taking time out of their schedules for your event. Use a guest sign in sheet or have someone at the door keeping track of who was in attendance. Then, send thank you notes.  Thank you notes can be as simple as, “Thank you for attending my birthday party!” If you do receive a gift, make sure to include a specific reference within your note by saying something like, “Thank you so much for attending my graduation reception. I look forward to putting the pen set you gifted me to good use in my future career!” Like the invitations themselves, these can be digital or traditionally printed depending on your unique situation.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Keep track of RSVPs manually. Use an online RSVP system. Prepare for the appropriate number of guests. Send thank you notes.