How far ahead should you set a "respond by" date?

"Please Respond By" is almost always added to RSVP cards, largely because your Caterer will require a nose-count at some point prior to your reception, and you will probably have to pay for that number of guests - even if they fail to show!

Generally we recommend that you learn what your Caterer's deadline day is, and then track back 7 - 10 days. This gives you (or your coordinator) a chance to call errant guests that haven't mailed their RSVP by the requested date.