We live in an age where we are between sending everything by snail mail or going fully digital. There essentially is no “one size fits all” method for reaching each and every person, which can complicate many things, such as sending out invitations for a family reunion and receiving RSVPs.
Some people will send back the family reunion RSVP without batting an eye, while others will seemingly run from giving you a firm answer; Therefore, it is necessary to reach out to your family by many different means until you get your “yes” or “no” answers. It may seem like you are bombarding them, and you probably will be, but you need to know a headcount to plan the family reunion properly.
Asking for RSVPs
It may seem like you’ve assumed the role of “bill collector” at this point in the game while you are hounding everyone for their replies. It is an important part of the planning process, so do not feel guilty.
Receiving a family reunion RSVP doesn’t have to be a daunting task; in fact, there are a few ways to make it more fun for you and your family! No arm twisting is necessary!
Creative Ways to Get RSVPs Back!
Here are a few ways to get your responses more expeditiously:
Multiple avenues
Send out invites in many different ways: snail mail, e-mail, Facebook invites, text messages, etc., to give everyone other ways to respond that may be more convenient.
Leave out info
Leaving out information on the invitation will likely result in the recipients needing to contact you, to where you can try to get a verbal response!
Offer incentive
Offering incentives, such as a family reunion keychain, to respondents will give people a reason to respond quickly! Be sure to mention that supplies are limited, even if they are not.
Threaten punishment
Okay, not cruel punishment. Assign tasks to the last people that RSVP, such as stating the last person to send back their family reunion RSVP has to man the dunk tank!
Make it a game
People love to win. So how about making RSVPing a game? Every fifth person to RSVP gets entered into a drawing, the first person to RSVP gets a mystery surprise, etc.
Sending reminders
Send out reminder letters, save-the-dates, text messages, voicemails, whatever you have to do to be heard! Send them weekly or daily if you have to if that is what will get a reply.
Reach out to other family members
Have other family members reach out to those not responding to add to the bombardment.
Whichever way you decide to do it, it is crucial that you include many different methods to reach you so that there is a method that suits each person’s schedule. If you happen to have a no-reply situation, assume that person is not coming, but still make sure there is enough of everything to go around in case this person shows up; the worst that can happen is that you’ll have leftovers!
Just keep at it. They’ll eventually get back to you!
