No, setting up an invite list is completely optional. We recommend one when you want to limit attendance to a specific set of guests.
❗ If you plan to send digital invitations through RSVPify, you'll need to set up an invite list.
Open events (no invite list)
If you don't set up an invite list, your event is open, meaning anyone with the link can register. You can still customize how many guests someone can register in one submission.
Setting up an invite list
An invite list gives you several advantages. It lets you:
Prevent crashers, so only guests on your list can RSVP.
Track your guests as they RSVP, including invitation opens and bouncebacks if you send email invitations.
Choose which guests are allowed a +1, and who is invited to your secondary events.
An invite list doesn't have to limit your event to only those listed. You can set your invite list security to public, which is a hybrid of an open event and an invite-only event.
Whether your invite list is private or public, adding at least one invitee adds a new block to your form. This block connects the person RSVPing to the right entry on your list. More on that block here.
Security option: invite-only or public
Here's what happens when an unlisted guest tries to RSVP to an invite-only private event:
You can customize this message under Setup > Event Settings > Languages & Translations.
If you choose the public option, your event opens to both people on your list and anyone else who RSVPs. Instead of the message above, they continue straight to the RSVP block.
Guests who aren't on your invite list (or who enter details the system can't match to an invitee) go through a flow similar to an event with no guest list. They can still RSVP, but their response shows only in the dashboard, not the invite tab. If you use an invite list, we recommend adding all of your guests to it for the best experience.
Security option: allow guests to edit preset names
The invite list also lets you decide whether guests can edit the names you've preset for them.
If this option is disabled, guests can't change the names as listed. This adds security and avoids confusion, but it also means guests can't fix errors in their own details themselves. To correct a mistake, the guest contacts the event host, who updates it manually.
Try it out
If you're unsure about using an invite list, test it out. You can add an invitee manually and delete it later.
If you decide to set one up, follow our import guide and start from our template:
Need more help? Get support from our Community Forum.
Find answers and get help from the RSVPify Support team and our community.