Meaning of RSVP on Invitation Card

An RSVP requests that you respond to an invitation, either with a yes or a no.

Most invitations you receive have an RSVP on them. A host today has several ways to ask for an RSVP from his guests. RSVP is a French phrase, "Réspondez s'il vous plait." Translated word for word it means "respond if you please," or simply, please respond.

History

Most of the etiquette we know and use today started in the French royal court of King Louis XIV in the late 1600s. This includes the RSVP.

Function

An RSVP on an invitation allows your hostess to prepare for the number of guests who respond yes. The hostess can use guest responses to know how much food, beverages and seating she needs, which keeps her from having too much or too little.

Types

Some invitations now only ask for a response if you cannot come. Some are also placing an email address on the invitation to make it more convenient for you to respond.

Considerations

An RSVP seems to be more commonly ignored today. A host often cannot use the RSVP count because so many guests do not respond.

Significance

Make every effort to respond to an invitation you have been sent, even if you cannot go. Not only is it considered good etiquette, but your hostess will appreciate your effort.