Appointment reminder guide

When should you send appointment reminders?

A useful starting point is an immediate booking confirmation, followed by a reminder around 24 hours before the appointment. Businesses with short-notice appointments may also use a same-day reminder closer to the start time.

1. Confirm the booking immediately

The confirmation should include the service, date, time and a clear way to manage or change the booking. Email works well for detailed confirmations.

2. Use a day-before reminder

A 24-hour reminder gives customers time to notice the appointment and contact the business if plans have changed.

3. Add a short same-day SMS when needed

For time-sensitive services, a concise SMS 1–2 hours before the appointment can act as a final prompt without repeating the full confirmation.

Keep reminder messages transactional

Appointment reminders should focus on the existing booking. Keep unrelated promotional content separate and follow applicable UK privacy and electronic communications rules.