RSVP is really NOT a norm here in the Philippines.
First, guests, especially those who are close to the family or the hosts ASSUME that they do not need to answer any RSVP. They are invited in the first place.
Second, nobody decides until the last minute unless the group (of friends, officemates, neighbors or relatives) confirm each their attendance. So there should be a mini-"pulong-pulong" before everyone decides. We are so Three Musketeers - ONE FOR ALL, ALL FOR ONE.
Third, despite the unacceptability of it, FILIPINO TIME is still in our culture. We confirm our attendance a day before, giving the couple another sleepless night since they have to revise their table.
Fourth, we are really respectful people. Working in the marketing research industry, I have been witness to several instances that we do not say "no" just because we are shy to decline. Ayaw nating mapahiya ang nagtatanong.
We, as soon-to-be weds, with the help of our wedding coordinators, wanted to give our guests something that they can remember. We planned very much ahead - look for a reception venue that can house our "favorite" friends and families, scout for a good coordinator that can deliver what we need, plan for games and activities so that the guests would have fun as we wait for us, find a good souvenir and aside from the fun of food tastings, our search of a good caterer so we can see you have a second run to the buffet table. These are just some of the things that we have to deal with, so please, as our guests, you can bet that one of the best gifts that you can give us is to RSVP.
But since this is not normal, how do you RSVP?
1. As soon as you receive your Save-The-Date invites, kindly plan your schedule. We are giving them 6 months ahead (expect them next month - as of writing) so we hope you can write us to our planner, calendar or post us on your cellphone calendars.
2. We will be giving our invites 2-3 months before the wedding. We would hope you can send us an email, FB message, a text message, a twitter shout-out or a direct screenshot of you in IG to confirm your attendance. So wala kayong lusot. We have accounts to all social networks. :)
3. Deadline of our RSVP will be three weeks before the wedding so we can carefully plan your seating arrangement. You don't want to sit beside somebody you don't know and far from the rest of your group, right?
4. Do not worry, if you said NO to us, we will not take it against you. You may have an emergency or plans way before we sent the invites, we perfectly understand. But please, we will appreciate if you can still send us your answers. A "no" is still an answer, right?
5. If you change your mind a day before (sana hindi!), please inform us or our coordinators ASAP. So we can include you to the rest of our groupies.
6. I may not be able to answer your questions a week before the wedding (ahem, I need the beauty rest. Nakaka-stress kayang magpakasal sa korni na lalaki. Peace, babe!), so please if you have questions, our coordinator or our sisters will be glad to assist you.
Do not worry, we will make this RSVP as fun as possible. :)
You may refer to this blog for more tips and suggestions:
Darlene Tan-Salazar's Perfect 10 Weddings Blog:
http://www.perfect10weddings.com/2013/06/do-you-know-what-causes-couples-most_21.html
Stressing it out now,
Louie and Dheng
