How To

How to Respond to a Written Invitation

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(14 Ratings)

Responding to an invitation properly demonstrates your good manners, and it is also a mark of respect and consideration for your host.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1

    Read the invitation carefully. Often it gives a hint as to a preferred mode of response.

  2. Step 2

    If a response card with envelope is provided, fill it out and send it off in a timely manner. If the invitation gives a phone number, call as soon as you know whether you will attend.

  3. Step 3

    Use your personal stationery or a blank card to respond to a formal invitation that doesn't come with a response card. Write some variation of the following: 'Joseph Mackenzie and guest, Rachel Helfond, accept with pleasure the invitation to dine with the Stellmans on 15 June 2001.' Or if you cannot attend, send your regrets: 'I regret that I will not be attending the dinner party, as I must be out of town.'

  4. Step 4

    Mail the response in time to assure at least one week's notice.

  5. Step 5

    Keep in mind that 'Regrets only' means you should respond only if you do not plan on attending the event.

Tips & Warnings
  • RSVP is an abbreviation for the French phrase répondez s'il vous plaît, which means 'please reply.'
  • If you don't respond'unless specifically instructed not to'your host's horrified face shouldn't surprise you when you make an appearance anyway.

Comments  

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 Baby showers are usually not hosted by the Mom-to-be, so be sure to respond to the actual host.

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