How to collect wedding RSVPs in Google Sheets

The quick way: Google Forms

1. Create a form at forms.google.com and add your questions.
2. In the Responses tab, choose Link to Sheets.
3. Press Send, copy the link and share it with your guests.

This takes minutes and works well. The only downside is that guests leave your website and land on a page that looks like Google.

The neater way: a form on your own website

Create a sheet with a tab called RSVP. In the first row, add the columns Date, Name, Attending, Guests, Diet and Message. Then open Extensions, Apps Script, and paste this:

function doPost(e) {
  const sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet().getSheetByName('RSVP');
  const p = e.parameter;
  sheet.appendRow([new Date(), p.name, p.attending, p.guests, p.diet, p.message]);
  return ContentService.createTextOutput('ok');
}

Choose Deploy, New deployment, Web app. Run it as yourself, and allow access to anyone so guests don't need a Google account. Google will ask you to authorise the script, then give you a web address. Use that address as the action of your website's form, with fields named name, attending, guests, diet and message.

Always send a test reply from your phone before sharing the link. If you change the script later, deploy a new version, or the old one keeps running.

What to ask guests

• Full name, plus who else is on the invitation
• Whether they are coming, to each event if you have more than one
• Dietary needs and allergies
• Anything your plan depends on, such as a seat on the shuttle

Keep it short, and only ask for what you will really use. Allergies are personal information, so don't share the sheet more widely than you need to, and delete it after the wedding.

Keeping replies under control

Set the deadline about four to six weeks before the wedding, or earlier if your caterer needs numbers sooner. Add a column for people you are still waiting on, and send them a friendly reminder a week before the deadline.

Common questions

Is it free to collect RSVPs in Google Sheets?

Yes. Google Forms, Sheets and Apps Script are free with a normal Google account, within Google's usage limits, which are far above what a wedding needs.

Do guests need a Google account?

Not if the form is set up correctly. In Google Forms, turn off any sign-in requirement. With a script, deploy it with access for anyone.

Can two people manage the replies?

Yes. Share the sheet with your partner and you will both see replies as they arrive.