RSVP vs. Scheduling Poll: Which Should You Use?

Two modes, one tool

The Herder supports both patterns: “Set Date” for a fixed date, and “Find a Date” for a scheduling poll. Picking the right one up front saves everyone a round of messages.

When to use Set Date (RSVP)

Use RSVP when the date is already locked — a dinner reservation, a booked venue, a team standup. Guests simply confirm attendance: yes, no, or maybe.

RSVP is also right when a “maybe” still matters for planning numbers (catering, seating, headcount).

When to use Find a Date (voting)

Use a voting poll when the date is genuinely open — which is most social events. Propose a handful of options and let availability decide.

Voting handles the messy reality of groups: some people only fit evenings, others only weekends, and “maybe” is a real answer.

What happens when a date is locked?

Once the host finalizes, the winning date is marked and the event transitions to confirmed — everyone who voted sees the decision.