Create Your Own Wedding RSVP Line Using Google Voice

In the digital age, managing wedding RSVPs can be streamlined, simplified, (and made more savvy!) with the right tools. Instead of relying on traditional mail-in cards or costly wedding websites, you can create a free, virtual RSVP line using Google Voice. This approach not only saves money but also simplifies the process of collecting responses from your guests. By following this tutorial, you’ll learn how to set up and use Google Voice to efficiently manage your wedding RSVPs, ensuring a smooth and stress-free planning experience!

Avoiding Paper Wedding RSVP Cards to Save Money

To keep the cost of your paper suite down, a great solution is to opt not to have RSVP cards that are required to be returned by mail. We live in an age where a lot of people handle their business online or by phone, and from there everything is recorded electronically.

Not only can opting out of paper RSVPs reduce your costs, it can also reduce your hassle. There are a few ways to handle wedding RSVPs without paper response cards, from collecting RSVPs on your wedding website or directing them to another type of online form.

The benefit of using a form is the ability to ask very specific questions, make required fields, and generate a spreadsheet of all RSVPs received. Why consider anything else? A wedding website couldn’t be more perfect.

A Solution for the Technologically Challenged

BUT—and there always seems to be a “but” when it comes to wedding planning—by nixing mail returned RSVPs you might find yourself left with one conundrum: How do you ensure that everyone is able to RSVP? Even your not-so tech savvy guests?

The phone, of course! Now, you don’t need to hire some sort of expensive RSVP service that features a live agent to record all of the information from your guests. You can easily accomplish this yourself in the form of Google Voice.

In a few short steps, you can set up a personalized RSVP hotline that doesn’t cost you a dime!

Why to Use Google Voice for Your Wedding RSVP Line

What makes Google Voice so great? Of course, the top reason on our list is the cost—absolutely nothing. Other features include one number to ring all of the phones of your choosing, an online voicemail with transcriptions sent to you by email or text, call blocking and custom greetings. You and your fiancé can have a lot of fun with the custom greeting for your guests and leave a special message on your RSVP hotline.

It should go without saying that in order to use Google Voice you must have a Google/Gmail account and an active phone line to receive calls on. The phone line can be a mobile or landline phone. On behalf of Google, we apologize to all of the international budget savvy brides who may be interested in Google Voice. Unfortunately, this service is limited to the US and you must have an existing US number to get a Google Voice number.

Understanding instructions for Google Voice can be a little confusing, particularly at the point after you’ve gotten the phone number and need to figure out how to set-up your greeting. With that said, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of how to set up your own Google Voice RSVP line:

Step 1 – Set up your phone number

Go to www.google.com/voice. Read and accept Google Voice’s terms and privacy policies.
When prompted to choose a new number or use your existing number, select “I want a new number.”
Before selecting a Google Voice number, you must decide which of your existing phone numbers you’d like to have calls routed to. Enter that number and continue.
Google will need to verify the number you entered is your own so have your phone handy. You will be prompted to click “call me now” and enter the 2-digit verification code on your screen. Go ahead and do that.
Now, you’re ready to pick a number. The next screen will ask if there is an area, zip code, city and/or a word, phrase, or number that you’d like to use in the available numbers you’ll pick from. Go with what works best for you. Pick your number; write it down; and select “Finish.” Step 1 is complete.

Congratulations! You now have your very own Google Voice number. Easy-peasy!

Step 2 – Choose your settings

We mentioned that the next steps after setting up a Google Voice number can be a little confusing. At least it was for me. And if you find yourself feeling that way I’ll walk you through it quickly in the video tutorial that you can watch here.

Step 3 – Record your personalized greeting

It’s show time! Before you press record, make sure to have your script ready. Script?—yes, script. How else will you be prepared to let your guests know what information to leave? It doesn’t have to be difficult. It can go something like this:

Partner 1: Thanks for calling, you’ve reached the RSVP line for the future Mr. and Mrs. XYZ.

Partner 2: We hope to see you at our wedding on Month, Day, Year!

Partner 1: After the tone, please say the first and last names of the guests you are RSVPing for and their meal choice – the options are Seared Salmon or Grilled Chicken.

Partner 2: And, if you can’t make it or are only able to attend a certain portion of our wedding festivities, we understand… just let us know after the tone. We’re very much looking forward to celebrating with you… hope to see you soon!

Cute, right? If you have the chance to record the voicemail greeting together, go for it! It will be fun and your guests will love it.

Once your script is ready, click “Record New Greeting” and follow the prompts. You will receive a call from Google Voice, upon which you will record your message. It may take a few tries to get it just right; just make sure you have fun with it. And guess what…? You’re done!

Once Your Google Voice Wedding RSVP Line is set up, it’s time to share your custom number with your guest list! Feel free to include the number on your wedding invitations on the response line to give guests the option to RSVP by phone. You could also include the number on your wedding website! Your guests can call or text this number, and you’ll receive any messages the number receives inside your Google Voice account.

What to Expect from Google Voice

Even if you’re learning as you go, with these instructions, the whole process shouldn’t take more than an hour to set everything up. From here on, there’s nothing more to do but get the number out there and watch the RSVPs come in.

You’ll see the history of every call that comes in and whether a message was left or not. However, only the recorded voicemail messages will show up in your Google Voice inbox (unless you change this in your settings).

We would be remiss if we didn’t tell you that Google Voice transcriptions aren’t the most accurate, so you will likely have to listen to the messages. Nonetheless, the transcriptions will be worth a few good laughs!

Tracking Your Wedding RSVPs with Google Voice

In terms of keeping track of your RSVPs, choose a system that works best for you. Whether you use a Google Spreadsheet or a wedding planning app, or tried and true pen and paper, you’ll want to keep an accurate record of who’s in and who’s out.

While we’re not the be-all end-all experts on Google Voice or RSVP services, we hope you’ve found this helpful. Whether your concern is budgetary or environmental, using Google Voice as an RSVP service is a REALLY easy way to satisfy both.

How are you tracking your wedding RSVPs? Join us in the community to talk wedding planning organization!